埃森哲-可持续的最后一公里（英文）-2021.4-24页_5mb

The Sustainable Last Mile: A Path to FASTER, CHEAPER, GREENER

Core Content

The last-mile delivery segment has undergone significant transformation due to the pandemic, leading to unexpected sustainability improvements. As e-commerce surged, the supply chain adapted by leveraging local and market-based fulfillment, which not only improved delivery speed and convenience but also reduced the carbon footprint. This shift presents a unique opportunity for the last-mile ecosystem to become more sustainable through coordinated action and smart investment.

Main Points

• Pandemic Impact: The rise in e-commerce led to a shift in delivery models, with stores becoming fulfillment centers and curbside pickup gaining traction.
• Sustainability Gains: These changes unintentionally reduced carbon emissions and traffic congestion, offering a blueprint for future sustainable practices.
• Opportunity for Change: The last-mile ecosystem—comprising retailers, delivery companies, governments, and consumers—is at a tipping point. Collaborative efforts are essential to make the last mile faster, cheaper, and greener.
• Local Fulfillment: Micro-fulfillment centers, such as those used by Amazon, have proven to be effective in reducing emissions and traffic. A 17–26% reduction in last-mile emissions is projected by 2025 if half of e-commerce orders are fulfilled locally.
• Cities and Models: Cities like London, Chicago, and Sydney show significant potential for emission reductions through local fulfillment, with specific examples such as the City of London’s new logistics hub.

Key Information

The Carbon Footprint of Last-Mile Delivery

• Last-mile delivery accounts for 53% of total shipping costs and 41% of total supply chain costs.
• Without intervention, urban delivery traffic could see a 32% increase in carbon emissions by 2030.
• Consumers demand convenience, speed, and sustainability at an affordable price.

Local Fulfillment: The Green Solution

• Chicago: 13% decrease in delivery traffic, saving 68,000 tonnes of carbon emissions.
• London: 13% decrease in delivery traffic, saving 144,000 tonnes of carbon emissions.
• Sydney: 2% decrease in delivery traffic, saving 52,000 tonnes of carbon emissions.

Incentivizing Greener Choices

• Consumers are 43% more likely to choose retailers offering sustainable delivery options.
• Green initiatives such as green shipping buttons, GHG calculators, and consolidating deliveries can improve sustainability without sacrificing convenience.
• Governments can support this by offering green vehicle incentives, dedicated lanes, and carbon credits.

Rethinking Asset Use

• Stores can be repurposed into local fulfillment centers, supporting omnichannel delivery and reducing the need for new infrastructure.
• Asset sharing among delivery companies and post and parcel organizations can reduce redundancies and emissions.
• Shared use models can revitalize underused urban spaces, providing economic and environmental benefits.

Harnessing Data and Analytics

• Real-time data allows for optimized delivery routes and inventory management, significantly reducing emissions.
• Anticipatory shipping and route planning algorithms (e.g., Greenplan) enable delivery companies to reduce failed deliveries and emissions.
• Customer insights help in tailoring delivery options and improving service efficiency.

Ecosystem Collaboration

• Retailers should focus on in-store fulfillment, transforming supply chains, and educating consumers on delivery consolidation.
• Delivery Companies must prioritize data use, invest in shared assets, and electrify fleets.
• Governments should align sustainable strategies with economic policies, support green transport, and encourage urban space repurposing.
• Consumers can contribute by choosing greener delivery options, taking advantage of incentives, and consolidating pickups at local fulfillment centers.

Conclusion

The pandemic has created a tipping point for the last-mile delivery ecosystem. While the initial changes were driven by necessity, they have laid the groundwork for a more sustainable, efficient, and cost-effective delivery model. The future of last-mile delivery depends on intentional collaboration and innovative strategies. With the right investments and actions, the last mile can become faster, cheaper, and greener.

References

• Accenture and Frontier Economics developed a model showing the potential of micro-fulfillment centers.
• Shopify's Carbon Checkout App allows consumers to offset carbon emissions at checkout.
• Cainiao Smart Logistics Network is expanding its postal stations and using autonomous vehicles.
• Target and Amazon Logistics are examples of how retailers and delivery companies are adapting to a more sustainable model.

About the Research

• The study modeled the impact of fulfilling 50% of e-commerce orders via micro-fulfillment centers in London, Chicago, and Sydney.
• It considered vehicle mix, average delivery distances, and emission rates to estimate environmental benefits.
• The model also accounted for demand and substitution effects from fast delivery options.

About Accenture

• Accenture is a global professional services firm with expertise in digital, cloud, and security.
• It provides Strategy and Consulting, Interactive, Technology, and Operations services across 40+ industries.
• The report was developed with contributions from various experts and partners.