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What Is the Real Problem? Challenges and Solutions in Construction Logistics
There is much debate about CO2 emissions and zero-emission zones, which often evoke strong emotions among all stakeholders. But what exactly is the problem, and more importantly, what is the solution?
There are three (3) key issues, which are sometimes paradoxically interconnected:
CO2 EmissionsA global issue. If we assume that it is reversible, we must all contribute to reducing CO2 emissions.
Congested InfrastructureThe Netherlands frequently breaks new traffic jam records, especially in urban areas where traffic often grinds to a halt.
A specific subset of the traffic issue is construction-related traffic.Around 17% of all logistics traffic in the Netherlands is linked to the construction sector, and in urban areas, this figure can rise to 30%. In cities, one in three trucks or vans is involved in construction activities. While traffic in general accounts for only a portion of total CO2 emissions, construction traffic represents a significant share of the problem.
The Housing ChallengeThe construction of 900,000 additional homes in the Netherlands will require 166 million additional transport movements by 2030.
The Solutions
Reducing CO2 Emissions
The solution for the CO2 problem seems relatively simple:
Electrifying construction vehicles can eliminate 100% of direct CO2 emissions (as well as fine particulate pollution).
Using biofuels can reduce emissions by up to 90%.
However, implementation is complex. Zero-emission zones address only a small part of the problem. Even with electric vehicles, cities will still be congested with traffic—not to mention the logistics leading up to urban areas.
Reducing Traffic Volume
The real solution to traffic congestion lies in reducing the number of vehicles on the road. This requires smarter and more efficient transportation.
In the Netherlands, the average load factor of construction vehicles is just 60%, and they often return empty. This means many vehicles drive partially empty, contributing unnecessarily to traffic.
Connecting transport operations is key, but this requires compatibility between vehicle types and permits. For example, a moving truck is not interchangeable with a cement mixer.
By connecting the 3,700 construction material transporters in the Netherlands, traffic from construction vehicles could be reduced by up to 50%.
Result:50% fewer trucks and vans would immediately lead to a roughly 50% reduction in emissions.
Full Truck Loads (FTL)
Maximizing load efficiency means limiting the number of delivery addresses. Even if a truck departs fully loaded, multiple delivery stops increase mileage and quickly reduce load capacity. Departing full and delivering 100% to a single address provides significant efficiency gains.
The Role of Construction Hubs
Construction hubs can play a pivotal role:
One Delivery AddressFor all construction materials used in cities (where over 70% of construction activities occur), a hub serves as a single delivery destination.
Optimized DeliveryHubs can reorganize and regroup materials by site, enabling efficient and emission-free deliveries.
Practical Results:Construction hubs have been shown to reduce the number of construction vehicles entering a city by up to 73%. This translates to 140,000 fewer vans and 14,000 fewer trucks daily, all emission-free.
The Urgency of Action
Given the anticipated growth in construction transport movements, taking action now is essential. The use of construction hubs can address these challenges while creating more sustainable and efficient logistics.
About the Author
A.A. Hulsebos, Managing Partner of Qonnected-Logistics.com
Qonnected Logistics offers a platform to optimize construction logistics, integrating physical construction hubs as part of the solution. While others discuss the issues, Qonnected Logistics provides actionable solutions to organize logistics more efficiently and sustainably, reducing both CO2 emissions and traffic congestion.
Visit: Qonnected-Logistics.com.
Data sourced from TNO, Topsector Logistiek, CBS, and various construction companies.
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