SYNERCIZE: SYnchromodal Transport NEtworks for a Construction Industry towards Zero Emissions

The Schoon en Emissieloos Bouwen (SEB) roadmap targets a 60% reduction in NOx, 0.4 million tons reduction in CO2, and a 75% improvement in health outcomes by 2030, compared to 2017. Logistics activities are major contributing factors to the construction sector's emissions. While synchromodal networks (combining road transport with alternative modes of transport) have shown significant benefits for cost and emission reduction in long-haul transport, this mode of transport has not seen sufficient uptake in the construction industry where the national borders usually confine the flows. The high weight and volume that characterize construction and demolition cargo make water transportation an ideal candidate for reducing emissions in line with the SEB targets.

The SYNERCIZE project targets to foster long-term sustainable modal shift toward zero-emission inland waterways using the example of four use cases in the Blue Lane living lab. We realize this goal by focusing on four main aspects. Firstly, we focus on designing a flexible backbone transport network for middle and short-haul transport of construction and demolition materials, primarily focusing on the flows in the Netherlands. The flexibility of a network arises in several dimensions, such as being able to easily accommodate varying trade-offs in objectives (time, cost, emissions). Secondly, operating the backbone network requires intelligent routing algorithms. Hence, we propose developing algorithms to flexibly schedule barges between synchromodal construction and demolition hubs as well as route trucks on the first and last mile. Thirdly, these algorithms need to be supported by high-quality data to react to ever-changing demand patterns, delays, and trade-offs in objectives, as well as to support the coordination efforts necessary for the proposed operations. Hence, we develop digital tools to gather, visualize, and analyze data to enable seamless integration of synchromodal transportation. Lastly, given the highly segmented nature of the construction and logistics sectors, the intelligent algorithms are extended towards decentralized decision-making to manage routes and services via scenario analyses effectively. The fundamental change in the modus operandi will influence the different roles and functions within the supply chain. Hence, we propose innovative business models for stakeholders, in conjunction with the new coordination mechanisms to coordinate decentralized decision-making in this new environment.
As a result, we propose a holistic view of making synchromodal transport in construction logistics a success. In addition to the network design, intelligent routing algorithms and coordination mechanisms for decentralized operations on this network, and digital tools for gathering data, SYNERCIZE will (i) deliver an understanding of the as-is situation of synchromodal construction and demolition logistics, identifying barriers and opportunities, (ii) design a holistic approach to reduce emissions in construction and demolition logistics via synchromodal transport systems, and (iii) develop best practices on transitioning toward synchromodal construction and logistics services. Our consortium consists of three knowledge institutions and nine non-academic partners comprising companies, provinces, municipalities, and foundations. While the academic partners are experts in subject matter for research activities, the non-academic partners provide the ideal setting for a living lab environment in which we test and implement our research activities via four use cases: large-scale infrastructure development, area development, circular demolition projects, and construction hubs and networks. Through the matrix-like integration of use cases and work packages, the real-life implications always steer the particularization of research questions, and all research is immediately validated in the living lab. We expect a 50% reduction in CO2 and a 46% reduction in NOx related to the total construction and demolition logistics resulting from this approach in our use cases. Shifting road traffic to water will also have broader impacts by improving the livability of the cities via lowering traffic, pollution, and air quality. Valorization, dissemination, and implementation are an integral part of the SYNERCIZE project: One project partner, ESCF, exclusively focuses on valorization and dissemination activities, and a dedicated living lab coordinator, SYNERCIZE partner MHS, aligns the research and practical sides on implementation questions. Among others, we hold several workshops for construction and logistics professionals inside and outside the project, integrate students through courses and final projects, and reach a broader audience through videos, newsletters, and the project website.