Article | REF: AG8230 V3

Transport and Sustainable Development

Author: Marc COTTIGNIES

Publication date: October 10, 2019, Review date: May 7, 2021

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ABSTRACT

The concept of Sustainable Development has emerged more than thirty years ago. This article shows how the environmental aspects of the concept apply to the transport of goods. It first presents an overview of the environmental impacts of this activity. Then are reviewed energy and environmental performance of the transport supply. The article also shows the challenge of logistics practices and design of supply chains. Finally, the possibilities for action to reduce environmental impacts by stakeholders, carriers or shippers, are described through voluntary commitments devices being deployed in France particularly.

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AUTHOR

  • Marc COTTIGNIES: Expert engineer, transport and mobility department - French Environment and Energy Management Agency (ADEME), Valbonne, France

 INTRODUCTION

The concept of sustainable development, which emerged some thirty years ago, is now widely known and accepted. It aims to reconcile economic development with the satisfaction of people's essential needs and the preservation of the environment.

This article shows how the environmental aspect of this concept can be applied to freight transport.

The first step is to gain a better understanding of the link between transport activities and environmental degradation, by taking stock of the various environmental impacts, such as the greenhouse effect, air pollution and noise: what are these impacts in the case of freight transport? To qualify the energy and environmental performance of transport, we need to distinguish between different transport solutions (mode, vehicle) and operational parameters (speed, loading rate). In addition, we need to look at the challenges posed by the design of logistics chains and logistics practices: logistics schemes and organizations determine the flow of goods, and therefore have a major influence on the environmental performance of transporting a product and its raw materials. A wide range of studies (national statistics, studies, research results, calculation tools and methodologies) now provide the key players (carriers, freight forwarders and shippers) with essential information, which should encourage them to take action. Voluntary commitment schemes are available for this purpose.

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