The last mile of delivery, which is the final leg of the journey from a distribution center to the customer's location, is often the most expensive and resource-intensive part of the delivery process. It can also have a significant environmental impact due to the large number of vehicles on the road and the emissions they produce.
Therefore, it is important to consider ways to minimize the environmental impact of last-mile logistics, such as using electric or hybrid vehicles, consolidating deliveries to reduce the number of routes, and adopting more efficient routing methods. In addition, the use of sustainable packaging and the reduction of unnecessary packaging also contribute to lowering the environmental footprint.
The ECOmile project will implement a variety of complementary activities. The partners will develop three educational outputs, which will be designed through field research, a best practices report, and the design of two digital interactive tools. To reach target groups and test the quality of their work, the partners will carry out pilot activities and dissemination events. To increase user engagement, the partners will also develop a dissemination strategy and communication tools.
The project targets workers involved in the last-mile delivery sector and aims to empower them with specific skills to ensure sustainable deliveries and cities.
To this end, the project will develop open and innovative e-learning materials, which will be accessible through an online platform. The ultimate goal of the project is to create a MOOC that will provide access to e-learning modules, evolving content, and a serious game.
VET providers will use these high-quality learning resources to train target groups (private and public logistics companies, policymakers in education and logistics, the research community, and the general public) in practical and innovative concepts related to sustainable last-mile logistics.
The main objectives of this educational program are:
- Raising awareness of the environmental impact of last-mile logistics: VET trainers will educate their learners on the importance of reducing the carbon footprint of last-mile deliveries and how this can be achieved through more efficient routing and the use of alternative-fuel vehicles.
- Promoting sustainable practices in logistics companies: VET trainers will promote sustainable practices to reduce environmental impacts, such as consolidating deliveries, reducing unnecessary packaging, and using sustainable packaging materials.
- Improving efficiency in last-mile logistics: VET trainers will raise awareness of the latest technologies and techniques that can be used to enhance the efficiency of last-mile logistics operations. This can help reduce costs while increasing delivery speed and reliability, ultimately leading to a more sustainable supply chain.
- Enhancing the skills and knowledge of logistics professionals: Training VET trainers on last-mile logistics sustainability can help strengthen the skills and knowledge of logistics professionals, making them more valuable to their organizations and more capable of driving sustainable change in the industry.
