Environmental Sustainability of Freight Transportation Terminals

Abstract

This chapter introduces the concept of sustainable development and the environmental sustainability of the freight transportation sector. The focus then turns to freight transportation terminals. Freight transportation terminals are crucial links in the supply chain. Given the growing awareness of environmental impacts and the compelling necessity to reduce costs in a highly competitive market, terminal operators are increasingly forced to pay attention to sustainable terminal design and operations. Terminals' environmental emissions are described, and the chapter presents a top-down model that facilitates tailor-made recommendations to reduce terminals' energy consumption. Various strategies on how to reduce terminals' emissions are discussed in terms of energy supply, consumption, and management. Regarding energy supply, the chapter addresses renewable energies, equipment standards, and the use of lower-carbon fuels. The energy consumption perspective includes topics such as energy-efficient buildings, recuperation, and behavioral aspects. The energy management perspective includes yard design, the establishment of terminal microgrids, and strategic decisions.