According to BVL, logistics is more sustainable than widely assumed

The logistics sector provided insights into sustainable developments at the German Logistics Congress 2020 of the Federal Association of Logistics e.V. (BVL). It was noted that logistics is on a good path in many areas. The efforts are at a high level, whether in alternative drives or route optimization and much more. Digitalization is a positive driver in this regard.

(Bremen) “Sustainability must be desired,” was a statement at the German Logistics Congress 2020 in October. Under the motto “Designing Sustainably,” speakers and participants exchanged ideas digitally about sustainability in the logistics sector. And one thing became clear there: Logistics wants to!

A historic era for sustainability – This is how Dr. Sigrid Nikutta, Board Member for Freight Transport at Deutsche Bahn AG, described the current situation in logistics. The actors in the logistics sector are utilizing this potential. There are many efforts and concrete measures for a responsible approach to economic efficiency, the environment, and people in this sector. This was emphasized by the experts at the German

Digital Transformation Drives Sustainability Forward

“As long as we cannot beam goods, we have to move them. And that consumes resources,” emphasized Prof. Dr.-Ing. Thomas Wimmer, Chairman of the Board of BVL. Measures such as retrofitting fleets and pilot projects for alternative drives, as well as particularly the use of new technologies, make it possible to reduce resource consumption, optimize supply chains in their efficiency, ease the work for people, and make logistics even more sustainable.

One example: By exchanging real-time data, empty kilometers can be reduced. How this works was described by Serge Schamschula from the European Freight & Logistics Leaders Forum. Real-time data creates the necessary transparency for shippers to choose dynamically. Companies gain insights into which shipper currently has transport capacities available near them. By choosing this shipper instead of sending another one from miles away, not only CO2 emissions are reduced, but transport costs are also saved. Dynamic planning is also enabled by DHL’s route optimization software “GreenPlan.” For example, it considers traffic flow and adjusts the routes accordingly – resulting in a CO2 reduction of ten percent, according to the company.

New Technologies Improve Processes

And new technologies are improving processes not only on the road. There are also potentials to be tapped in intralogistics. One example is the prototype of the autonomous high-speed vehicle “LoadRunner,” developed by the Fraunhofer Institute for Material Flow and Logistics IML, which can move freely in the warehouse at speeds of up to 110 kilometers per hour. This creates flexibility, reduces process duration, increases savings potential, and relieves employees in the movement of goods, according to Christian Prasse from the Fraunhofer Institute.

Don’t Forget the People

“People make logistics,” Wimmer reminded. Involving employees and the public in the transformation of logistics is a crucial factor for its success. Especially regarding digital transformation, it is important to engage and take employees along. Because digitalization and people do not stand in each other’s way. On the contrary – this was explained by Christoph Bornschein from the digital agency TLGG: “Such technologies have the potential to make people more human by having machines take over inhumane tasks.” For example, by making warehouse work more ergonomic through automation technologies or enabling stress-free rest periods for drivers through digital rest area mediation.

“Sustainability is a Team Sport”

For the entire value chain to become sustainable, all parties must pull together – across company, industry, and national borders. “Sustainability is a team sport,” described Christoph Bornschein the necessity of collaboration. How this can work is shown not only by collaborative systems for data exchange to share capacities and resources or networks like the European Freight & Logistics Leaders Forum aimed at connecting stakeholders along the entire supply chain. The selection of suppliers based on sustainability criteria also helps. Because only with partners who pursue the same goals can these be realized. That something is happening here was described by Jakub Piotrowski. According to him, more and more customers are paying attention to sustainability aspects when selecting their logistics partners – a clear sign that the efforts of logistics are resonating!

To achieve more sustainability in the company, especially the management must truly want it, emphasized Michael Hetzer, Managing Director of Elobau GmbH & Co. KG, at the congress in his lecture “Sustainable Corporate Management – A Matter of the Heart.” He answered some questions for BVL in a subsequent video interview:

Interview with Michael Hetzer, Elobau

Photo: © BVL / Image Caption: Prof. Dr.-Ing. Thomas Wimmer, Chairman of the Board of BVL
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