Route optimisation scores highest for making logistics more sustainable
By Maarten Alta · 27 October 2026
Translated from a LinkedIn post in Dutch.
For the Global Sustainable Logistics Survey 2026, Kühne Logistics University and the Kuehne Climate Center asked 1,085 professionals from 64 countries which measures contribute most to sustainability.
Route optimisation comes out as the most effective measure, with a score of 4.10 on a scale of 5. Supply chain optimisation and operational efficiency follow closely.
Electrification is considered almost as effective, but is applied much less. The researchers point to feasibility: the investments are high and charging infrastructure is lagging behind.
Route optimisation relates directly to the planner's work. In the green paper "Planner of the future", TVM, a Dutch transport insurer, writes that charging has become a fixed part of planning, and that the planner's role is shifting from executing to directing, analysing and coaching.
Both sources mention similar skills that planners need:
- planning with charging moments and energy availability;
- being able to interpret data and use it in decisions;
- working with AI and optimisation tools;
- working out scenarios in advance.
According to KLU, it is precisely knowledge of sustainable transport technology and working with digital tools that are scarce. TVM calls structural retraining a precondition. So if you want to become more sustainable, you also have to invest in the people who plan.
Sources: Kühne Logistics University & Kuehne Climate Center, Global Sustainable Logistics Survey (2026); TVM verzekeringen, green paper "Planner van de toekomst" (April 2026). Analysis and wording with Claude AI.
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