3. The first of these relates to land: distribution centers must be strategically located, i.e., close enough to high-density areas to minimize the number and distance of trips and optimize the number of stops at customers’ premises. The second challenge is to reduce the environmental impact of urban logistics. To this end, particularly in the context of its innovation efforts, the Group is experimenting with and rolling out alternative vehicles, whether electric or running on compressed natural gas. GEODIS has set itself the goal of making deliveries in more than 40 French cities using low-emission vehicles by the end of 2024. To ensure that the needs of cities, their residents and retailers are met, the Group offers a range of tailored solutions: ● a fleet of low-emission vehicles, including biogas and electric trucks and cargo bikes; ● urban logistics bases: dedicated areas for urban deliveries and local storage; ● the use of waterways when they are close to city centers. Meeting the environmental challenges of city centers with cycle logistics Pursuing its proactive policy in favor of low-carbon last-mile delivery, GEODIS is introducing a new system for delivering goods to city centers. In partnership with Urban Logistic Solutions (ULS), the Group has so far rolled out cycle-logistics solutions in nine French cities: Amiens, Le Touquet, Montpellier, Strasbourg, Le Havre, Alençon, Marseille, Lille and Tours. In Lille, the Group has set up a new 5,000 sqm logistics base dedicated to urban delivery at the river port, just three kilometers away from the city center. At this logistics base, goods are sorted and then transported by GEODIS teams to the city’s residents and retailers. Two daily delivery rounds are organized using low-carbon vehicles (trucks and light vehicles powered by biogas) and cargo bikes. In Lyon, GEODIS supplies retailers and private customers in the city’s Presqu’île district using a barge equipped with a pusher, combined with a cycle-logistics system. Advanced applications track vehicle movements in real time, optimizing routes and last-mile deliveries. 2023 ACTIVITY AND SUSTAINABILITY REPORT - 51 EDITORIAL > 1. PROFILE AND AMBITION > 2. CSR POLICY > 3. ENVIRONMENT > 4. SOCIAL > 5. ETHICS > 6. TABLE OF INDICATORS
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