Communicating the Value of Sustainable Last-Mile Logistics Initiatives: Navigating the ROI Ambiguity

While the impact of climate change has been slow and insidious, it has also been tremendous. Human activities, mainly through the emissions of greenhouse gasses, have unequivocally caused global warming, with global surface temperature reaching 1.1°C above 1850–1900 in 2011–2020. The melting of glacial ice-caps, rise in sea-levels, and extreme weather conditions, are only some of the serious consequences for the world at large and, by extension, global supply chains. The more frequent and severe these disruptions are, the more they will interrupt production and hurt corporate revenues.

Mere lip service won’t do; the need of the hour is bold, urgent, and consistent action towards reducing the impact of climate change. This involves not only mitigating the damage already done but also implementing adaptation measures swiftly and effectively. It is crucial that we act with a sense of urgency in the coming decade to make a tangible difference.

The road to sustainability at the last-mile

The window of opportunity to enable climate-resilient development may be small, but it is very much there. As the global market for green technology and sustainability grows—417.35 billion U.S. dollars by 2030—it becomes crucial to focus on achieving last-mile sustainability in our urban areas. By 2030, the demand for urban last-mile delivery is projected to rise by 78%, leading to a 36% increase in delivery vehicles in the world’s top 100 cities. Unfortunately, this increase will also result in a rise in related emissions and an additional 11 minutes to each passenger’s commute.

To address this issue, adopting sustainable distribution channels that not only enable economic efficiency but also minimize costs and reduce ecological impact while meeting consumer expectations becomes vital. By creating an ‘ecosystem scenario’ where public and private players work together effectively, delivery emissions and congestion can be reduced by 30% until 2030. This will require collective effort towards developing and implementing sustainable solutions that prioritize both economic and environmental factors.

The ROI dilemma: Short-term gains against long-term sustainability

With consistent action come consistent results. But how do you measure these results? Measuring sustainability’s return on investment (ROI) in last mile delivery can be as difficult as nailing jelly to a tree. Some of the common challenges faced by businesses include:

• No set guidelines or standardized set of metrics: At the moment, there are no set guidelines or standardized metrics for measuring the ROI of sustainability in last-mile delivery. This makes comparing performance with others and identifying best practices quite a challenge.

• Challenges in quantifying benefits: Sustainable practices have clear financial benefits, such as reduced fuel and maintenance costs, but it can be difficult to quantify social and environmental benefits of sustainability such as improved worker health and safety, increased community engagement, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, and biodiversity conservation.

• Prioritizing immediate gains: Sustainable practices are often geared towards long-term benefits that extend beyond immediate financial returns, which can be difficult to justify to investors and other stakeholders. They may require upfront investments but offer significant benefits in the long run, including reduced operating costs, improved environmental performance and social responsibility.

• Complexity of the last-mile delivery network: Last-mile delivery networks can be complex, with many different stakeholders involved, including carriers, drivers, customers, and regulators. This can make it challenging to track and measure the impact of sustainability initiatives on the entire network.

Championing sustainable last-mile logistics

Interestingly, customers are increasingly favoring companies with sustainable practices. Companies that put sustainability first are more likely to win customer loyalty, with a staggering 88% of consumers remaining loyal to socially and environmentally responsible businesses. Sustainable last-mile delivery models can boost a company’s efficiency, bottom line, and brand image. This presents a strong incentive for business and supply chain executives to promote sustainable strategies and raise awareness about their benefits.

Download the Ebook to learn how green logistics can turn your business into profitability?

It becomes clear then that businesses need to work collaboratively with stakeholders to develop a set of standardized metrics and guidelines for measuring the ROI of sustainability in last-mile delivery to overcome these challenges. They may also need to invest in new technologies, such as telematics systems or environmental monitoring tools, to collect the necessary data to measure the impact of sustainability initiatives on their business and the environment. Some of the ways in which the ROI challenge in sustainability can be addressed include:

• Using multiple metrics: To address the challenges of measuring ROI in sustainability initiatives, it is essential to use numerous metrics that capture both short-term and long-term impact. For example, metrics such as carbon emissions, fuel consumption, delivery times, and customer satisfaction can be used to measure the success of sustainability initiatives. By using multiple metrics, businesses can get a more comprehensive view of the ROI of their sustainability initiatives.

• Using clear and concise messaging: Clear and concise messaging is critical for effectively communicating the value of sustainable last-mile logistics initiatives to stakeholders. Messaging should be focused on the benefits of sustainability initiatives, such as reduced costs, improved efficiency, and enhanced brand reputation, while also addressing any potential concerns or challenges. The messaging should be tailored to the specific audience, whether it be employees, customers, or investors.

• Strategies such as Data Visualization: A powerful tool for communicating the impact of sustainability initiatives in a clear and compelling way is data visualization. Charts, graphs, and infographics, can help businesses effectively convey the impact of their sustainability initiatives to stakeholders. Using data visualization can reveal insights that would otherwise be difficult to identify.

• Employing digital tools to disseminate information: Digital channels, such as social media, email, and websites, can be used to share information about sustainability initiatives to a wide audience. Digital channels can also be used to engage with stakeholders, gather feedback, and showcase the impact of sustainability initiatives. By using digital media, businesses can reach a broader audience and demonstrate their commitment to sustainability in a transparent and accessible way.

Efficiency, profitability, and sustainability are the three pillars that uphold the modern business landscape. In today’s world, a green supply chain is a must-have for any business looking to secure long-term success. Fortunately, last-mile technologies offer a compelling solution to help businesses meet this challenge head-on.

By streamlining delivery operations and encouraging sustainable practices, last-mile technologies can help companies reduce their carbon footprint, save on greenhouse gas emissions, and unlock permanent business value. By adopting logistics solutions, such as the Locus Dispatch Management Platform, businesses can optimize their delivery routes, minimize the number of miles driven, and significantly reduce their ecological impact.