Comparing the Energy Consumption of Logistics Chains in Traditional Retailing and E-commerce for Popular Products in the Context of China

Abstract

E-commerce has transformed the way in which people shop; and the introduction of modified logistics chains has profoundly influenced the retail industry. Changes in the logistic chains of e-commerce created uncertainty regarding the energy efficiency of this new business model. This paper compares the energy efficiency of logistics chains in China between traditional retailing and e-commerce models across a range of products that are mostly bought online. The results show that the percentage of airfreight used for transportation and the distribution distance in the e-commerce model has a strong influence on the overall energy efficiency of e-commerce logistics chains. Items Size Weight Value Clothing/shoes Small Light Low Audiovisual products Health & beauty items General merchandise Medium Medium Low Groceries Computer equipment Medium Medium Medium Communication devices and other digital products Small Light Medium White goods Large Heavy High Books Small Medium Low Source: Author's analysis. The determination of the average size and weight ranges of the products is based on packaging advice provided by DHL Size and Price Guide (DHL n.d.). Accordingly, the product can be classified as small if it can fit into a 337 x 322 x 180 millimetre (mm) box, medium if it can fit into a 481 x 404 x 389 mm box and large if it cannot fit into a 481 x 404 x 389 mm box. The product could be classified as light if it weighs less than five kilograms (kg), medium-weight if it weighs between five and 20 kg and heavy if it weighs more than 20 kg.

Conceptual Theoretical Model for Life Cycle Energy Analysis of Photovoltaic Modules

“…Here, logistics is considered as the finalized solar modules flow management between the point of origin and the point of destination in order to meet arranged requirements of customers or corporations. Especially the core logistics task, transportation of the goods, can reduce costs and energy consumption through efficient energy management [20,21]. The relevant factors are the choice of means of transportation, duration and length of transportation and cooperation with logistics service providers.…”