Stockholm's Innovative Actions Cut Emissions and Saved Finance

Stockholm's Innovative Actions Cut Emissions and Saved Finance

Streamlining Construction Logistics in Stockholm's SRS Bygglogistikcenter

The Stockholm Royal Seaport (SRS) in Northern Europe is one of the largest urban development areas, with a focus on sustainable and climate-smart city development. At the heart of this initiative are the Bygglogistikcenter (Construction Logistics Center) and Masslogistikcenter, two facilities designed to optimize and coordinate logistics operations for construction and bulk materials.

The Bygglogistikcenter serves more than 400 construction sites at the SRS, offering up to 18 core services, including transport, warehouse, waste management, gates booking system, construction work, fencing, security services, staff training, and electric work. The Masslogistikcenter, on the other hand, focuses on recycling, saving the City millions by reducing landfill fees, transport costs, and the purchase of 'new' materials.

In 2018, Fredrik, the city's logistics consultant, made a bold decision to terminate contracts with two operating firms and establish a new organizational model for the Bygglogistikcenter. This move aimed to address the issues that hindered development and innovation, as envisioned by the City of Stockholm.

The new setup has proven effective, with coordinated waste management reducing transportation by more than 50% at the Bygglogistikcenter and Masslogistikcenter. The City, developers, entrepreneurs, and service providers now share the risks associated with the centres' operations.

The Masslogistikcenter also plays a significant role in reducing emissions in heavy goods vehicle (HGV) traffic. By facilitating consolidated deliveries, efficient material handling, and streamlined transport flows, it reduces the number of individual HGV trips, lowers traffic congestion, and minimizes idling and delays. As a result, Stockholm reduced construction traffic by 50% and pollutant emissions by an equivalent amount.

The success of these logistics centers is evident in the collected environmental data as of 2020. The centres enable fewer but fuller vehicle trips, improved route planning and scheduling, enhanced use of low-emission or electric vehicles for last-mile deliveries, and integration with sustainable urban development policies.

These logistics centers are key elements in the SRS's broader emission reduction targets. By minimizing the environmental impact of heavy goods vehicle traffic in one of the city's fastest-growing and most climate-focused areas, they directly support Stockholm's ambitious climate goals, such as carbon neutrality and drastic emission reductions from the transportation sector.

Six rules on how to operate on the SRS Bygglogistikcenter were defined, and training courses were provided in eleven languages to ensure smooth and efficient operations. Lorries with less than 50% load are obliged to go through the warehouse at the SRS Bygglogistikcenter, where they can store materials free of charge for 5 days.

Coordinated transports to the sites from the warehouse help disincentivize uncoordinated entry and allow developers and contractors to mutually balance costs and benefits. The Masslogistikcenter, in particular, recycles 35-40% of soil and 100% of stones and rock from the construction works, further contributing to the sustainability of the SRS.

Fredrik's innovative decision in setting up the Masslogistikcenter three years earlier has made it much easier to manage and control the system at the SRS Bygglogistikcenter. The City, developers, entrepreneurs, and service providers now work together to create a more sustainable and efficient construction logistics system in the heart of Stockholm's urban development.

[1] For more information on Stockholm's sustainable urban logistics strategy, please refer to City of Stockholm's Sustainable Urban Logistics Strategy.

1. Coordinated transports and optimized logistics operations in the SRS Bygglogistikcenter, such as for waste management, transport, and warehousing, are essential components in addressing climate-change issues and furthering the goals of environmental-science.
2. The Masslogistikcenter's focus on recycling and efficient handling of materials significantly contributes to the renewable-energy sector by reducing the demand for 'new' materials and, in turn, lowering the associated carbon footprint.
3. The successful implementation of the coordinated logistics system in the SRS Bygglogistikcenter has opened opportunities for cost savings and financial benefits for developers, entrepreneurs, and service providers within the industry, while simultaneously promoting sustainability.
4. The collaboration between businesses, the city government, and environmental-science experts has led to a more innovative and efficient construction logistics system, which is crucial in achieving the industry's energy and climate-change objectives.

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