1. Proceedings
  2. I3M
  3. 2020
  4. SESDE
  5. 10.46354/i3m.2020.sesde.005

Analysing the environmental impact of transport activities on the last mile for in-store and online shopping from a system dynamics perspective

  • a Susanne Feichtinger , 
  • b Sonja M. Russo , 
  • c Manfred Gronalt 
  • a,b,c University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna, Feistmantelstraße 4, Vienna, 1180, Austria
Cite as
Feichtinger S., Russo S.M., Gronalt M. (2020). Analysing the environmental impact of transport activities on the last mile for in-store and online shopping from a system dynamics perspective. Proceedings of the 8th International Workshop on Simulation for Energy, Sustainable Development & Environment (SESDE 2020), pp. 36-43. DOI: https://doi.org/10.46354/i3m.2020.sesde.005

Abstract

The growing popularity of online shopping affects current transport processes. Particularly in urban areas, the increasing demand for transport is high due to population density. In in-store shopping, consumers drive to the store themselves; in online shopping, the goods are transported to the consumer. Depending on the modal split, many of these activities cause greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. An increase in GHG emissions leads to climatic changes, which in turn can affect various sectors. This paper aims to provide an overview of the factors that can influence the level of emissions. In order to cope with the complexity of the interrelations between the factors, system dynamics (SD) was chosen as the methodological approach. Causal loop diagrams (CLD) as well as stock and flow diagrams (SFD) help to visualize the coherences. This work demonstrates the complex interactions between online and offline channel. Furthermore, the effects of emissions on demand are shown. The development of demand determines the level of expenditure in the two channels, which is related to the scope of transport activities. The results allow insights into the interrelationships from different perspectives, create a better understanding of overriding influences and form a structural basis for carrying out simulations.

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