Title: Energy inefficiency in last mile logistics: a solution proposal in smart cities

Authors: Rubén Sainz-González; Valeriano Martínez-San Román; Ingrid Mateo-Mantecón

Addresses: Department of Economics, University of Cantabria, Santander, Spain ' Department of Economics, University of Cantabria, Santander, Spain ' Department of Economics, University of Cantabria, Santander, Spain

Abstract: The population increase in urban areas poses a great challenge for public authorities and it has intensified the search for innovative ways to handle urbanisation with minimal impact on the environment, citizen lifestyle, and governance. The smart city emerged as a solution to address the challenges posed by urbanisation and population growth and can be very useful to reduce energy inefficiency derived from last mile freight. The integration of information and communication technology (ICT) with city operations provides an opportunity to develop new and innovative solutions to meet urban challenges. In this context, the Spanish city of Santander developed the SmartSantander Project, funded by the European Commission, to improve energy efficiency and traffic regulation through the internet of things (IoT). This paper aims at improving last mile logistics by proposing alternatives that take advantage of smart city infrastructure to reduce the negative side effects of transport activities.

Keywords: urban freight; last mile; logistics; urban consolidation centres; UCCs; superblocks; energy efficiency.

DOI: 10.1504/IJLSM.2023.132986

International Journal of Logistics Systems and Management, 2023 Vol.45 No.4, pp.516 - 544

Received: 20 Jan 2021
Accepted: 08 May 2021
Published online: 23 Aug 2023 *

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