As part of the Sustainable Delivery Certification, a workshop dedicated to noise reduction was held in January, aiming to encourage companies committed to sustainable last-mile delivery to take concrete actions to meet the environmental requirements of this certification.
This workshop raised awareness among participants about noise pollution and its effects on human health and the environment, which are often underestimated. The goal of the workshop was to foster a constructive dialogue to minimize the noise disturbances generated by delivery and handling activities.
Noise pollution has significant public health repercussions, with global annual costs estimated in the billions of dollars. The health effects of noise pollution are numerous: cardiovascular disorders, high blood pressure, insomnia, stress, and anxiety. Moreover, this pollution directly impacts productivity, as the lack of sleep and stress induced by noise disturbances lead to reduced efficiency at work, thus increasing indirect costs for businesses.
According to an assessment conducted by the World Health Organization (WHO), the health costs related to noise in Canada are estimated to be in the hundreds of millions of dollars each year. In Montreal, a local study indicates that over 60% of residents are exposed to road noise exceeding 55 dB, the threshold beyond which harmful health effects can occur.
Noise pollution is also a factor that exacerbates social inequalities. Low-income populations are often the most exposed to noise disturbances due to their proximity to transit areas and heavily trafficked roads. For more vulnerable individuals, such as children and the elderly, noise pollution can lead to learning disorders and the worsening of chronic illnesses.
The workshop brought together pioneering companies within the Sustainable Delivery Certification in a collaborative and committed atmosphere.
Workshop steps:
Among the solutions discussed during the workshop, Piek-certified equipment stood out as a preferred option. Vehicles that meet a maximum noise threshold, such as electric engines or carts equipped with rubber wheels, were highlighted. The use of low-noise semi-trailers and pallet trucks, as well as the installation of partitions and shock-absorbing coatings, were also recommended actions to reduce noise disturbances.
Additionally, the Certibruit Label served as inspiration during the workshop. This label recognizes companies’ efforts in noise reduction by awarding five levels of certification.
The participating companies proposed several actions to reduce noise disturbances in their operations.
Here are a few of them:
The collaborative workshop on noise reduction initiated constructive discussions, expanded the reflection at the local level, and laid the foundation for future concrete actions. The companies’ commitment to the Sustainable Delivery Certification and their involvement in environmental criteria mark an important step towards a more responsible and sustainable last-mile logistics sector.
Thank you to Purolator, Nationex, Radish and La roue libre for your participation!
To learn more about the Sustainable Delivery Certification: Sustainable Delivery Certification
