UPS is enlisting students as researchers as it launches a new trial at the University of Dublin’s Trinity College.
The delivery giant is building an “urban eco package hub” on the campus which will operate as a mini distribution centre for parcel deliveries to the staff and students.
UPS will deliver packages to the hub, from which they will be distributed on foot and via UPS cargo bikes. Students and staff will also be able to collect packages from parcel lockers.
The partnership will also see UPS taking on Trinity College Dublin students in internship and graduate programmes at its European locations.
Andy Smith, UPS Ireland country manager, said: “UPS is committed to addressing the environmental challenges facing the logistics sector by partnering with influential organisations.
“This collaboration with Trinity College Dublin will help us deliver a more sustainable future for Dublin, reducing carbon emissions on campus and in the city, while inspiring students to develop ideas that will benefit the local community for years to come.”
Dr Patrick Prendergast, provost of Trinity College Dublin, said: “Trinity’s steadfast commitment to sustainability is driven by both staff and students, from research and education programmes to practical campus initiatives.
“This partnership with UPS will benefit the college community, both with the installation of the new parcel delivery solutions on campus and for students to participate in valuable internship and employment opportunities at UPS.”
UPS recently introduced five ebikes in Denmark and Sweden, calculating that the bikes will replace 350 daily stops which previously would have been powered by fossil fuels. This will mean three fewer 7.50-tonne diesel delivery vehicles in Denmark and one fewer in Sweden.
