HS 4 Sustainable last-mile logistics: Integrating low-emission freight solutions into cities

28 April 2026

Host Session, Smart and sustainable logistics in the digital era

Host Session • HS 4 • 11:45 > 12:45 • HS 4 Sustainable last-mile logistics: Integrating low-emission freight solutions into cities • ÜSKÜDAR 3 Host Session
This session will focus on sustainable last-mile logistics approaches that aim to address the environmental, economic, and spatial pressures created by rapidly increasing urban freight movements. With the rapid growth of e-commerce, delivery traffic has expanded significantly in cities, contributing to rising congestion, noise levels, and carbon emissions. As a result, integrating low- and zero-emission logistics solutions into urban transport systems has become a strategic priority for cities seeking to improve both mobility efficiency and environmental sustainability.

The session will explore innovative approaches such as urban consolidation centres, neighbourhood-scale micro-distribution hubs, cargo bikes, and electric delivery vehicles. It will also examine how these solutions can be implemented through effective planning, governance, and regulatory frameworks, as well as how they can be scaled and adapted to different urban contexts. Particular attention will also be given to the role of public–private collaboration, emerging business models, and policy instruments that can support the transition toward more sustainable urban logistics systems.

Urban logistics initiatives and emerging approaches currently being developed in Istanbul will also be considered as part of this broader transformation. Within this context, the session will discuss how cities can strengthen sustainable logistics strategies, expand practical solutions, and enable long-term transformation in urban freight systems.

The session aims to encourage knowledge exchange among experts and practitioners from different fields and to contribute to the development of concrete policy recommendations for the future of sustainable urban logistics.

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