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Energy Transition: External Communication towards a more sustainable logistics sector in Europe : An examination of logistics groups’ and European policy-makers’ communication

Borau, Lennart (2019) Energy Transition: External Communication towards a more sustainable logistics sector in Europe : An examination of logistics groups’ and European policy-makers’ communication.

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Abstract:Objectives: Given the ongoing energy transition in Europe, this study examines external communication on behalf of two main stakeholders in the energy transition, policy-makers and businesses. As a business stakeholder, internationally operating logistics groups are examined. On the contrary, as the stakeholder of European policy-makers the EU member states are taken into consideration. The study seeks to see which aspects towards the energy transition in the logistics sector are communicated, and which communicated topics indicate the highest difference between the stakeholders. In order to establish the energy transition in the European society, main stakeholders from business like the logistics groups, and policy-makers should dedicate themselves towards the same goals. Method: The study examines two means of external communication on behalf of the stakeholders. The first document type is the corporate social responsibility (CSR) report of major logistics groups. The second one is the draft of the National Energy and Climate Plan (NECP) on behalf of each EU member state. The total number of documents was 42 (N=42), thereof 28 (N=28) National Climate and Energy Plans and 14 (N=14) corporate social responsibility reports of the logistics groups. Both types of documents have been coded and resulted in 50 addressed aspects and 12 topics. Results: The main communicated aspects of the CSR reports were ‘Analysis of Energy consumption in logistics sector’, ‘Promotion of energy efficiency’, and ‘Statements about Energy consumption’. Next to that, the main aspects of the NECPs have been ‘Promotion of rail logistics’, and ‘Introduction of alternative fuels’. Regarding the difference in communicated topics between the two stakeholder communications, ‘Alternative logistics modes’, ‘Efficiency Aspects in logistics’, and ‘Energy Transition’ were the main findings. Conclusion: It became apparent that the stakeholders communicate in rather classical way. Meaning that, on the one hand the logistics groups concentrate on the communication of energy transition aspects, which aim towards the establishment of economic benefits. On the other hand, the policymakers communicate financially demanding plans such as logistics mode shifts from road to rail. Moreover, it undisputed that both stakeholders have to join forces in order to establish the energy transition in Europe. Recommendations: Both stakeholders have to join forces in order to enhance the energy transition in the logistics sector. A common platform for stakeholders communication about plans, energy transition outcomes, and financial assets should be established on a European basis.
Item Type:Essay (Bachelor)
Faculty:BMS: Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences
Subject:05 communication studies
Programme:Communication Studies BSc (56615)
Link to this item:https://purl.utwente.nl/essays/78351
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