In Bangladesh, SMEs are inclined to use local routing information, frequent ad-hoc delivery rates, and poor usage of fuel, which makes their operations more expensive and produces more carbon emission. The vast majority of SMEs are not aware of such effects or have tools that are readily accessible to quantify or control their footprint as it relates to logistics. The paper creates a web-based simulation model that predicts the output of the CO₂ emissions that are vehicle-specific, as well as the distance covered, the type of vehicle, and the load consolidation, and the type of fuel, and the most sustainable and cost-effective interventions are determined. Sensibility analysis will be used to calculate the most sustainable and cost-effective interventions. The results show that the emission can be minimized with the optimal routing and loading consolidation, and further can be achieved through fuel switching and fuel efficiency. The suggested structure will help in achieving Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 12, which engages in responsible use of resources and efficient operations, and SDG 13, which allows the SMEs to track, control, and reduce their carbon footprint. The proposed model can provide a solution to the digitalization of the logistics of SMEs in Bangladesh that could help to achieve sustainable development based on the planning that is information-driven and environmentally friendly.
Key words:
Carbon footprint, Web-based simulation, SMEs (Small and Medium Enterprises), Sustainable logistics, Fuel optimization, Route optimization, Eco-friendly transportation, CO₂ emissions reduction.