Decarbonizing Logistics: Analyzing CO2 Emissions in Freight Transport and Warehousing

Sammanfattning

The logistics sector plays a vital role in modern economies, yet it significantly contributes to environmental pollution, primarily through CO2 emissions from freight transport and warehousing. This master thesis aims to quantify and analyze the ecological footprint of logistics operations, focusing on transport modes—including road, rail, river, maritime, and air—and the energy performance of French warehouses. To address the environmental impact of these activities, two tools were developed: a route planning simulator and an energy performance barometer. The route planning tool uses graph theory and path optimization to identify cost-effective, time-efficient, and ecological routes across Europe, considering multiple modes of transportation. It incorporates emissions data, providing a unique approach for logistics stakeholders to align with the ISO 14083 norm on greenhouse gas reporting. The energy performance barometer benchmarks the energy efficiency of French logistics warehouses, enabling property owners, investors, and policymakers to gauge compliance with regulations like the French "Décret Tertiaire". The results highlight the potential of alternative transportation modes and energy efficiency measures in reducing CO2 emissions within the logistics sector. Despite challenges in transitioning away from road and maritime dominance, the findings underscore the importance of multimodal transport solutions and improved warehouse energy management. This research provides actionable insights to guide the logistics industry's shift towards sustainable operations, balancing environmental, economic, and operational considerations.