About the City
Heraklion, Crete’s largest urban center and a vibrant economic hub, is renowned for its Mediterranean climate, rich cultural heritage, and dynamic local economy. The city is an essential connection point between Europe, Asia, and Africa, combining ancient history with modern innovation.
Main Objectives
The pilot in Heraklion aims to:
- Reduce transportation emissions and fuel costs for food product and residue logistics.
- Promote the adoption of electromobility in food logistics.
- Foster a sustainable and efficient supply chain for Heraklion’s Central Food Market.
Innovative Technical Solution
Heraklion is introducing an electric vehicle and a charging station for shared use by businesses at the Central Food Market. This lightweight van or truck will transport food products, biowaste, and recyclable materials, ensuring eco-friendly logistics.
Key features of the solution include:
- A participatory design process involving market stakeholders.
- A multicriteria assessment to determine the most suitable vehicle and charging station characteristics.
- A shared-use model for market businesses to optimize efficiency and reduce costs.
Key Stakeholders
The initiative benefits:
- Wholesalers: Lower logistics costs and improved environmental conditions.
- Local Authorities: Reduced emissions and noise within Heraklion.
- Citizens: Greater awareness of sustainable practices and electric mobility.
Implementation Strategy
- Stakeholder Collaboration: Engage market businesses and local authorities in designing the logistics model.
- Electric Vehicle Integration: Deploy a shared-use electric vehicle for transporting food products and residues.
- Environmental Monitoring: Track the pilot’s energy and environmental impacts to inform future initiatives.
Expected Impact
- Environmental: Reduced emissions from food logistics and residue transport.
- Economic: Lower costs for businesses through shared logistics infrastructure.
- Social: Increased familiarity with electric mobility and sustainable practices among businesses and residents.
Heraklion’s pilot represents a forward-thinking approach to integrating sustainability into urban food logistics, contributing to a greener and more efficient future.
