Transport is not just a means of moving goods and people; it is one of the most significant contributors to global carbon emissions, accounting for nearly 20% of greenhouse gas emissions worldwide. Fleet operations, in particular, present a major challenge for businesses striving to achieve sustainability goals while maintaining efficiency.

So how does adopting clean transport solutions such as biomethane, biotickets, and electrification help businesses reduce carbon emissions while enhancing operational efficiency and creating long-term cost savings? By addressing the challenges of fleet decarbonisation and showcasing innovative solutions, businesses can position themselves as leaders in sustainability.

‍

Understanding the Need for Clean Transport

The environmental impact of traditional fleet operations cannot be overstated. Heavy-duty vehicles are responsible for a disproportionate share of transport emissions, with diesel-powered lorries among the largest contributors.

• Regulatory Landscape:
  Governments worldwide are introducing stricter emissions standards to accelerate the shift towards cleaner transport. For example, the European Union’s Green Deal mandates a 90% reduction in transport-related emissions by 2050, while regions such as California have introduced similar measures.
• Corporate Responsibility:
  Beyond regulations, there is growing pressure from investors, customers, and other stakeholders for businesses to adopt sustainable practices. Fleet decarbonisation is a visible and impactful way to demonstrate this commitment.

‍

Biomethane and Biotickets: Low-Carbon Solutions for Fleets

Clean transport solutions provide practical pathways for businesses to decarbonise their operations. Two key innovations are biomethane and biotickets.

• Biomethane as a Renewable Fuel Alternative:
  Biomethane, derived from organic waste such as agricultural residues or landfill gas, is a renewable fuel that offers significant environmental benefits:
  • Reduces greenhouse gas emissions by up to 90% compared to diesel.
  • Can be easily used in vehicles designed for natural gas.
  • Supports circular economies by transforming waste into a valuable resource.

Industry Example:
In Sweden, Scania has introduced a range of heavy-duty lorries that run on compressed natural gas (CNG), helping logistics companies transition to low-carbon fleet operations. Companies using these lorries have reported substantial reductions in emissions and fuel costs.

• Biotickets: Decarbonisation Through Certificates:
  Biotickets are tradable certificates that represent the use of biofuels. They are especially valuable in regions where regulatory frameworks, such as the Renewable Energy Directive (RED II) in the EU, require businesses to meet biofuel quotas.
  • Regulatory Compliance: Biotickets help businesses meet national renewable energy obligations without directly using biofuels.

‍

Electrification: The Shift to Zero-Emission Fleets

Electrification is transforming fleet operations, particularly for light-duty and urban logistics vehicles. By replacing internal combustion engines (ICEs) with electric drivetrains, businesses can achieve zero tailpipe emissions while reaping operational benefits.

• Advantages of Electrification:
  • Environmental Impact: Electric vehicles (EVs) produce no tailpipe emissions, improving air quality in cities and reducing overall fleet emissions.
  • Lower Operating Costs: EVs have fewer moving parts than traditional vehicles, resulting in reduced maintenance costs. Electricity is also cheaper than diesel or petrol on a per-kilometre basis.
• Overcoming Challenges:
  While electrification offers significant benefits, challenges such as charging infrastructure and battery range remain key considerations for fleet operators.

‍

Operational Benefits of Clean Transport Solutions

Clean transport solutions go beyond environmental gains; they provide tangible operational advantages that improve efficiency and profitability:

• Route Optimisation and Data Analytics:
  Modern fleet management tools integrated with clean transport technologies help optimise routes, reduce fuel consumption, and monitor vehicle performance.
• Energy Cost Savings:
  • Electric fleets benefit from typically more stable electricity prices, shielding businesses from volatile fossil fuel markets.
• Regulatory Incentives:
  Governments offer grants, tax breaks, and subsidies to businesses adopting clean transport solutions. These incentives lower the financial barriers to decarbonisation.

‍

Case Study: Pioneering Clean Transport Solutions

DHL Express, as part of its GoGreen environmental programme, has been actively transitioning its fleet to clean transport solutions:

• Electric Vehicles (EVs):
  DHL has invested in over 20,000 electric vehicles globally for last-mile deliveries, significantly reducing emissions in urban areas. In Germany alone, its fleet of electric StreetScooters delivers millions of parcels each year with zero tailpipe emissions.
• Alternative Fuels for Long-Haul Logistics:
  DHL is exploring and implementing alternative fuels such as biomethane and biofuels to decarbonise its heavy-duty fleet. For instance, they have been trialling Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) in the UK, which reduces emissions by up to 90%.
• Impact:
  DHL’s clean transport initiatives have already reduced CO₂ emissions from last-mile deliveries in major European cities by significant margins, with further reductions expected as their programme scales globally.

‍

Adopting clean transport solutions is essential for businesses aiming to achieve carbon reduction while maintaining operational efficiency. Innovations such as biomethane, biotickets, and electrification provide scalable and cost-effective pathways to decarbonise fleets, meet regulatory requirements, and align with global sustainability goals.

With AFS Energy’s expert guidance, you can transform your sustainability journey into a strategic advantage, fostering long-term success and resilience in an ever-evolving business environment.