Since 1991, the Cities Fundation has developed different delivery services for professionals in the city of Amsterdam. Having completely stopped using diesel, the company has developed electric lorries, boats and bicycles using green or ecologically-produced electricity.
Firstly, it started with the deployment of delivery tricycles; these bicycles with a significant storage space can transport several dozen kilos at the front. Whilst the aim was firstly to reduce the number of cars in the city centre, the company has since highlighted the ecological impact of different modes of transport used by companies to deliver large quantities of products.
Whether by lorry, bus or with its electric scooters, the company works exclusively with vehicles running on green electricity. This enables them to reduce the carbon footprint linked to professional deliveries by eliminating CO2 emissions.
In parallel to its activities, the Cities Foundation is currently creating a network dedicated to the delivery of local products for restaurant professionals in Amsterdam. The mechanism aims to link local producers and the 4890 restaurants, bars, cafés and snack bars in the city. Foodstuffs destined for these professionals are delivered using electric scooters running on green electricity and able to carry a total load (including the driver) of 300 kilos. Thus meat, fish, fruit and vegetables can be delivered 6 days out of 7, whilst non perishable goods are delivered 2 to 3 times per week.
Taking the role of supplier and working jointly with local Dutch producers, Foodlogica only offers in-season products. For hygiene and food safety, the company refrigerates cold goods during deliveries. Some vehicles are refrigerated, using a cryogenic instead of a diesel system, thus reducing ozone-destroying gas emissions. Similarly, the scooter recharging station works with solar power and can be easily transported.
One of the projects aims also consists of collecting the organic waste from the receiving companies, to use as raw materials for making clean electricity through methanisation. A waste recycling and energy production system that is used by farmers and also tested by the UK supermarket chain, Sainsbury's.
* Photo from the Foodlogica site : http://foodlogica.com/
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