Duurzame Logistieke Terreinen

The logistics sector is a growing industry in our region, conveniently located near the European hinterland. The increasing volumes of logistics activity result in a higher demand for infrastructure, land, and buildings. This creates tension with other social policy ambitions such as the Flemish ‘Bouwshift’ and the ‘Blue Deal,’ as well as European climate and environmental objectives.

This tension has a growing economic impact on the companies involved. Rising land and raw material prices, along with stricter building regulations and environmental requirements, are prompting the logistics sector to reconsider its vision. By utilizing space more consciously, building and furnishing sustainably, and sharing certain site functions, the social impact can be minimized.

COMPLETE SUSTAINABILITY VISION

The project aims to develop a long-term comprehensive sustainability vision, offering practical advice, a step-by-step plan, and cooperative and business models that companies, either individually or collectively, can use to realize the vision in their economic and social interests. The project focuses on the daily use and small investments by companies, as well as the (re)development and renovation of real estate and sites by developers and site managers.

OPPORTUNITIES

• The interdisciplinary approach of the project provides participants with a broad view of the various sustainability issues that converge in the logistics field and provides them with knowledge and insights to make informed short- and long-term decisions
• The project will propose solutions to various sustainability challenges on a technological level, as well as through collaboration between companies, demonstrating best practices of such collaboration in the field.

Specific activities

• Mapping best practices and sharing technical and academic knowledge within the fields of design and spatial planning, space utilization, water management, circular development and biodiversity
• Consolidation of gained insights and the translation into effective application to logistics sites and buildings
• Elaboration of suitable business models and management structures to encourage cooperation on sustainability in logistics sites
• Development of pilot projects in cooperation with the participating parties
• Preparation of a vision with transition paths to achieve long-term sustainable logistics sites in Flanders and a roadmap with advice for the companies involved