The IUP Journal of Operations Management
Urban Freight Operations: Exploring the Role of Regulatory Measures in an Energy Transition Context†

Article Details
Pub. Date :May, 2021
Product Name : The IUP Journal of Operations Management
Product Type : Article
Product Code : IJOM30521
Author Name : Gilles Pache* and Christian Morel*
Availability : YES
Subject/Domain : Management
Download Format : PDF Format
No. of Pages : 15

Price

Download
Abstract

Energy transition can be defined as all the transformations of the system of production, distribution and consumption of energy carried out in a territory in order to make it more ecological. Inseparable from sustainable development, energy transition contributes to the fight against global warming, through the implementation of changes based on innovative technologies, but also and above all on new political orientations. These changes are mainly aimed at replacing fossil or nuclear energy sources with other sources of energy that are considered clean, reducing overall energy consumption through changes in practices and uses, and improving the environment in which people live. Among the stated objectives, all are of interest to the general public, but some will have a significant impact on companies in terms of logistics. The paper focuses in particular on city logistics in Europe, showing that local authorities now rely on coercive power to develop powerful sustainable strategies, including the implementation of Low Emission Zones (LEZs). The interventionism of the public sphere is an essential element of the energy transition that must be analyzed and taken into consideration to help decision-makers improve their operations management.


Description

Energy transition is a theme that attracts the growing attention of European decision-makers. It is not simply about building wind turbines and solar panels; it is linked to economic and managerial issues as diverse as access to energy, the adequacy between production and consumption, or the fair price and cost of energy production. The issues are now widely known. Among the activities identified as contributing to the achievement of the objectives set, particularly in terms of reducing greenhouse gas emissions, the weight of road freight transport remains significant, despite the many efforts and reductions observed over the past 20 years through successful sustainable operations management. Indeed, it is not so simple and mechanical to reduce this contribution, as logistics remains an essential support function for economic activities, and more particularly for exchange and trading activities in marketing channels. The integration of logistical activities as a strategic skill of the company requires adequate investment choices, both in terms of equipment and human resources.


Keywords