Florence

Welcome to Florence, where we embark on an innovative journey to revolutionize urban logistics in this culturally rich and historically significant city. Florence has long recognized the importance of sustainability in its development strategy, actively participating in various international initiatives like the Aalborg Charter, Covenant of Mayors, and Green City Accord. With a commitment to resiliency and social economy, we strive to offer innovative services that make Florence a liveable, sustainable, and attractive city.

About Florence

As a UNESCO World Heritage site, the historic centre of Florence faces the challenge of managing a high density of commercial activities and daily freight operations while preserving its urban liveability. Our recently approved Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan (SUMP) emphasizes the need to reduce last-mile freight delivery vehicles and optimize the usage of urban time and space to avoid congestion and misuse of public areas.

The UNCHAIN use cases in Florence are centred around the historic centre, aiming to enhance traffic congestion, air quality, waiting time, and urban maintenance. By better managing freight delivery vehicle access, particularly during peak hours, and creating a test Urban Consolidation Center (UCC) connected with IT services, we endeavour to create a more sustainable and efficient urban logistics environment.

What is Florence doing in UNCHAIN?

Florence’s strength lies in its integrated planning framework, guided by sustainable “master plans” like the Sustainable Energy Action Plan (SEAP), the Sustainable Energy and Climate Action Plan (SECAP), and the Smart City Plan. With a systemic approach and co-design processes, we are aligning our targets with ambitious EU initiatives to achieve climate neutrality. In collaboration with stakeholders and the metropolitan area, our comprehensive action plans are shaping Florence’s transition towards a greener future.

Within this use case, we will test the “UCC location and integrated planning KIT” to select the optimal location for the first smart distribution area and plan its extension into other city areas. We will leverage tools like the “On-street loading zones planning tool” to address logistic challenges in the city centre and enhance on-street logistic areas through the “Dynamic management tool of pick-up/drop-off points.” New project instruments, such as the “Dynamic curbside management tool” and the “Advanced Management IT Cockpit of Shared Facilities,” will be evaluated for implementation based on local acceptability and potential for replication.

To improve freight urban distribution efficiency and safety, we will test the “Congestion forecasting and safe routing tool.” By optimizing delivery and pick-up routes, and avoiding vulnerable areas, we aim to minimize accidents for drivers and vulnerable road users (VRUs). This service will be tailored to support logistic operators’ needs and requirements, enhancing sustainability from a traffic perspective.

One of the main actions in sustainable mobility planning is the green shield regulation and the eco-road pricing policies. The “Active UVARs and city regulations” tool can support the management of dynamic accesses by providing permissions and related communication. To promote sustainable behaviours, we are also exploring the implementation of a “Logistics operator monitoring system and incentives tool,” equipped with onboard units to monitor itinerary, load, driving style, and safeness, and rewarding environmentally friendly practices.

At UNCHAIN Florence, we are driving urban logistics toward a greener and more sustainable future, fostering a Renaissance of innovation and sustainability in our beloved city. Join us as UNCHAIN Florence creates a model for eco-friendly urban logistics that inspires cities worldwide.