Decarbonizing Urban Logistics

Timely introduction of urban climate zones with access only for zero emission vehicles is the policy measure with the most obvious potential for reducing CO2 emissions. The report describes nine specific cases with examples of city logistics solutions and strategies. The report also offers a review of the potential role of key market actors in driving through climate neutrality. It is found that the public sector will need to lead.

A two-branched strategy should be rolled out. In the first branch the public sector should begin incorporating requirements for the use of zero- or low-emission vehicles in public procurement and contracts that include transport. In the second branch major cities would be allowed to establish climate neutral zones where driving is restricted to zero-emission vehicles, with phase-in beginning by 2025. The specific design of zones should be undertaken in collaboration with local green logistics partnerships, consisting of key actors in the last mile supply chains.