The E-Laas project proposes a new and operational energy-based approach to designing multimodal urban logistics systems. In E-Laas, urban delivery systems are compared with their energy use including modal shift (micro platforms) and new ways of combining charging, automation, and freight parking. This energy-based and quantitative approach enables us to relate logistics as a service to sustainability.

E-Laas overall goal is to create a new energy minimization methodology, from consolidation centers to customers’ doors, stimulating energy savings at every level. In addition, the method allows us to contrast different modular solutions via the concept of interlaced energy foot printing.

Finally, two additional angles are considered: social responsibility and electric power infrastructure. In this regard, we first examine how to increase social responsibility at different levels (customer, service provider, city). Secondly, we analyze how the power grid and associated infrastructure can affect the energy balance of logistics missions.