Having Problems with Home Deliveries? Results from the BU questionnaire January 2020

Many staff and students completed our questionnaire in January on their home parcel delivery practices and views on alternative work place collection-delivery points (CDPs). The research was undertaken by Bournemouth University in association with University of Southampton as part of a project funded by Southampton City Council (SCC). We are now analysing the data and the headline findings show:

  • Growth in online shopping (We were able to compare our 2020 data with comparable data we collected in 2015. These findings align with national statistics.)
  • Increase in selection of faster and more time dependent delivery options (e.g. next day delivery) which have higher carbon footprints
  • Scope for reductions in home delivery vehicle km and emissions of up to 86%  for BU staff and student use of CPDs (based on number of parcels and those willing to use CDPs)
  • We have yet to extrapolate the amounts at BU, but for University of Southampton this equates to reductions per annum of 304,926 km, 76,300 kg CO2, 305 kg NOX, 4 kg PM10 and 33 kg CO and 59,595 failed deliveries per annum avoided
  • The preferred format for work place CDPs was unattended CDPs (i.e. self-service lockers)
  • While there has been a slight shift towards greater environmental concern (2015-2020) this is not reflected in delivery choices that are becoming less sustainable

We are now working on guidance for UK HEIs and other large organisations where there would be benefits from CDPs.

If you would like more information contact Professor Janet Dickinson (jdickinson@bournemouth.ac.uk)