Can Carbon Zero Deliveries Become a Reality?

The process of shipping goods around the world and across the country creates considerable carbon emissions. These are reducing air quality, particularly in busy urban cities, as well as contributing to climate change. Is it possible to have the convenience of doorstep deliveries without the environmental costs?

Sustainable Fulfilment Solutions

The e-commerce market is surging, with thousands of orders being placed and dispatched every minute of the day. Whilst unrivalled for choice and convenience, the emissions produced from shipping, fulfilment operations and deliveries are significant.

Decarbonising Global Shipping

Shipping alone is reportedly responsible for around 3% of global C02 emissions, so what needs to change?

The Aspen Institute* is working with international companies including Ikea, Unilever, Michelin and Amazon to influence change. Collectively, these and other members can opt for shipping companies that are committed to cleaner fuels. They aim to collaborate on solutions and investments that will achieve zero-carbon shipping by 2040.

This is a step in the right direction, yet other organisations, including Ship It Zero, want to speed up the action. They are pressuring big businesses to meet their goals by 2030, as the devastating impact on the environment needs more immediate action.

Sustainable Street Deliveries

Ships are not the only mode of transport for many of the goods we purchase. Our motorways and city streets are filled with delivery vehicles. In a move to tackle this, Amazon has launched a fleet of electric vans and e-cargo bikes**. Initially, these will operate in central London’s low emission zone. The plan is to replicate this across other city locations.

Amazon has also announced plans to install solar panels at their main national hubs. They plan to renewably power 50% of their operations by 2030.

Buy Local for Sustainability

Buying from local suppliers and retailers is the best way to minimise emissions, however, these actions are a step in the right direction. Coupled with sustainable packaging solutions they offer a means of reducing the impacts of meeting consumer expectations.

* https://www.aspeninstitute.org/blog-posts/5-co-benefits-of-decarbonizing-maritime-shipping/

**https://www.geeky-gadgets.com/amazon-e-cargo-bikes-to-make-deliveries-in-london-04-07-2022/