Towards zero-emission urban logistics
How public-private collaboration is key to sustainable cities with a strong economy
The pressure on cities is increasing. More residents, more traffic, and more packages that need to be delivered as quickly as possible. At the same time, municipalities want to improve livability and achieve climate goals. Therefore, more and more cities are opting for zero-emission zones (ZE zones) for urban logistics. However, without effective collaboration between public and private parties, these plans cannot take off.
Cleaner, livable cities require a transition to zero-emission urban logistics. But how do you make that transition feasible, affordable, and efficient? The answer is collaboration.
Towards zero-emission urban logistics
Download the vision document here (Dutch)
Complex puzzle
The challenges in urban logistics are significant and persistent. Municipalities face the task of maintaining the economic vitality of their cities while also improving livability. Achieving this balance is no easy feat, especially with the growing pressure on infrastructure from increasing populations and changing consumption patterns. Municipalities must not only enforce regulations but also actively innovate and facilitate to achieve the desired results. Implementing zero-emission zones requires a keen focus on the challenges faced by different types of businesses. How can we ensure optimal logistical flows for deliveries and services while residents benefit from a healthy and livable environment?
Conflicting interests in the transition
Zero-emission zones are a powerful step towards clean mobility. However, their implementation also generates tensions, particularly for entrepreneurs. What benefits the livability of the city may conflict with the flexibility that companies need to operate efficiently. For many SMEs, the transition to zero-emission vehicles represents a substantial investment, while they do not always enjoy the same economies of scale as larger players. This creates an uneven playing field for smaller businesses during the transition. Additionally, differences in regulations between municipalities—such as specific vehicle exemptions or variations in transition schemes for small businesses—complicate matters further. Entrepreneurs must continually adapt to changing requirements, putting pressure on cost efficiency and operations.
Innovations and subsidies as drivers
To accelerate the transition to zero-emission urban logistics, various subsidies and schemes are available. Since 2023, companies can receive up to 30% reimbursement for additional costs related to sustainable construction logistics. There are also subsidies for purchasing electric vans and trucks. These financial incentives are essential to make investments in clean vehicles attractive. However, the maze of regulations and uncertainties regarding application processes and timelines can be overwhelming, leading companies to miss opportunities. Clear communication about available options and practical support during the application process are crucial to increase the use of subsidies. This requires close collaboration between government and business to seize opportunities and ensure the transition to zero-emission urban logistics gains real momentum.
Learning from practice
Fortunately, there are already promising examples, both domestically and internationally, demonstrating that collaboration works. Think of municipalities that consolidate deliveries in urban consolidation centres or competitors in the food sector that jointly organise transport and storage to reduce costs and emissions. Additionally, pilots with living labs and route simulations offer valuable insights, such as mapping the feasibility of routes without any operational adjustments and smartly adjusting routes and schedules. Such initiatives not only lead to more efficient logistics but also contribute to a cleaner and more liveable city. By providing space for experiments where governments, businesses, and other stakeholders work together, solutions can emerge that can be rolled out on a larger scale.
The way forward
The transition to zero-emission urban logistics will only succeed if all involved parties join forces. Municipalities and the government play a key role in creating the right conditions, such as clear regulations, sufficient charging points, and support for SMEs. Entrepreneurs must invest in sustainable vehicles and innovative logistics solutions. Open communication and a constructive dialogue are essential so that everyone can navigate the same course. By collaborating and understanding each other's interests and challenges, we can resolve the bottlenecks in urban logistics and create a sustainable future together.
The transition to zero-emission urban logistics will only succeed if all involved parties join forces to create a sustainable future.
Get in touch!
Curious about how your organisation can contribute to zero-emission urban logistics? Contact us and discover how Deloitte can support the development of effective strategies and partnerships. Let’s work together towards a clean, accessible, and livable cities!
Lennert Middelkoop
