Top 10: Green Transport Solutions
As businesses and nations strive towards achieving net zero and decarbonising their operations, green transport solutions play a pivotal role.
These encompass a variety of environmentally friendly alternatives designed to mitigate the impact of transportation on the planet.
Their goals include reducing greenhouse gas emissions, enhancing air quality and fostering sustainable urban mobility.
We’ve explored some of the key innovations shaping the future of sustainable transport.
10. Cycling Infrastructure
City: Copenhagen
Prime Minister of Denmark: Mette Frederiksen
Interim Lord Mayor of Copenhagen: Lars Weiss
Product: Copenhagen Bicycle Superhighways
Cycling supports sustainable mobility, eases traffic congestion and reduces greenhouse gas emissions.
By offering dedicated bike lanes, secure parking and safe crossings, cities can encourage more people to opt for cycling over motorised transport.
This transition not only cuts reliance on fossil fuels but also enhances air quality and public health by reducing pollution and promoting physical activity.
Cycling infrastructure can also be more cost-effective to implement than road expansions for cars, making it an efficient way to improve urban mobility and create a more sustainable future for communities.
Copenhagen has led the way with its bicycle superhighways, establishing a network of wide, protected bike lanes that link the city centre to surrounding suburbs.
These superhighways include smooth surfaces, synchronised traffic lights and safe crossings to promote cycling as a primary mode of transport.
Since 2005, the city has invested more than US$150m in cycling infrastructure, resulting in 49% of all trips to work or education in Copenhagen now being made by bicycle.
This has contributed to a 30% reduction in transport-related carbon emissions in the city since 1995.
9. Synthetic Fuels
Company: Porsche
CEO: Oliver Blume
Head of Politics, External Relations and Sustainability: Daniela Rathe
Product: Porsche eFuels
Synthetic fuels are combustible substances produced through chemical processes, typically by combining hydrogen and carbon molecules.
Unlike fossil fuels, they can be made from renewable sources, offering a more environmentally friendly alternative.
Synthetic fuels include e-diesel, e-kerosene and e-methanol — all of which can be used in existing combustion engines with minimal modifications — significantly cutting greenhouse gas emissions compared to traditional fuels.
They provide a pathway to decarbonise hard-to-electrify sectors such as aviation and shipping, while making use of existing fuel distribution infrastructure.
However, high production costs remain a barrier to widespread adoption.
Porsche is investing in the development of synthetic fuels, or eFuels, as a carbon-neutral solution for internal combustion engines.
These fuels are created using renewable energy, water and CO₂ captured from the atmosphere.
The company states that eFuels can reduce CO₂ emissions by up to 85% compared to conventional fuels.
8. Public Transport
Company: Transport for London
Commissioner: Andy Lord
Head of Sustainability and Corporate Environment: Sam Longman
Product: London's Zero-Emission Bus Fleet
Public transport is a vital green transport solution as it significantly reduces the number of individual vehicles on the road, thereby cutting greenhouse gas emissions and easing traffic congestion.
Buses, trains and trams can carry large numbers of passengers at once, making them far more efficient than private cars.
A full bus, for example, can replace dozens of cars, greatly reducing carbon footprints per passenger.
Many public transport networks are shifting to electric or hybrid vehicles, including Transport for London (TfL).
The organisation is working to transition its entire bus fleet to zero-emission vehicles by 2034.
London has already deployed more than 800 zero-emission buses, including electric and hydrogen-powered models.
This initiative is projected to reduce London’s transport emissions by 45% by 2030.
TfL estimates that each electric double-decker bus saves approximately 23 tonnes of CO₂ annually compared to a diesel bus.
7. Biofuels
Company: Shell
CEO: Wael Sawan
President of Shell Aviation: Raman Ojha
Product: Shell Aviation Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)
Biofuels provide a renewable alternative to fossil fuels, significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions — advanced biofuels, derived from waste materials and non-food crops, can cut CO₂ emissions by up to 90% compared to conventional fuels.
They can be used in existing engines without major modifications, making them a practical option for immediate implementation.
Biofuels also contribute to energy security by reducing dependence on oil imports and can stimulate rural economies through feedstock production.
They offer a sustainable solution for hard-to-decarbonise sectors like aviation and heavy-duty transport.
Shell Aviation is pioneering the use of SAF to reduce emissions in the aviation industry.
SAF is produced from sustainable feedstocks and can reduce lifecycle CO₂ emissions by up to 80% compared to conventional jet fuel.
Shell has supplied SAF to airlines at several major airports, including Amsterdam Schiphol and San Francisco International.
The company aims to produce two million tonnes of SAF per year by 2025, which could potentially reduce aviation emissions by 1.6 million tonnes of CO₂ annually.
Raman Ojha, President of Shell Aviation, says: “SAF is the only scalable in-sector solution for decarbonising aviation.”
6. Hydrogen Fuel
Company: Iberdrola
CEO: Armando Martínez Martínez
Chief Sustainability Officer: Augustin Delgado Martín
Product: Iberdrola Green Hydrogen
Hydrogen fuel is a clean energy carrier that can be produced from various sources, including renewable electricity via water electrolysis.
When used in fuel cell vehicles, hydrogen reacts with oxygen to generate electricity, with water vapour as the sole emission.
This makes hydrogen fuel a green transport solution, delivering zero tailpipe emissions and a potentially low lifecycle carbon footprint when derived from renewable sources.
Hydrogen fuel cells are more efficient than traditional internal combustion engines and offer longer ranges and faster refuelling times compared to battery EVs.
They are particularly well-suited for heavy-duty transport, long-haul trucking and applications where battery weight or charging time poses challenges.
As infrastructure expands, hydrogen fuel has the potential to significantly cut transport-related greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution.
Iberdrola is making substantial investments in green hydrogen production for transport applications.
The company is building Europe’s largest green hydrogen plant for industrial use in Puertollano, Spain, featuring a 100MW solar photovoltaic plant, a 20MWh battery system and a 20MW electrolyser.
This facility is projected to produce 3,000 tonnes of green hydrogen annually, potentially reducing CO₂ emissions by up to 48,000 tonnes per year.
Iberdrola plans to produce 350,000 tonnes of green hydrogen per year by 2030, which could significantly lower emissions in heavy transport and industrial sectors.
5. Efficient Logistics
Company: UPS
CEO: Carol B. Tomé
Product: UPS ORION (On-Road Integrated Optimization and Navigation)
Efficient logistics refers to the optimised management of resources, transportation and distribution processes to minimise waste, reduce costs and enhance overall supply chain performance.
It involves strategic planning, route optimisation, inventory management and the use of advanced technologies to streamline operations.
Efficient logistics is a green transport solution because it significantly reduces the environmental impact of moving goods.
By optimising routes and consolidating shipments, it minimises fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.
Improved inventory management reduces waste and the need for excessive storage.
Additionally, efficient logistics often incorporates multimodal transportation, utilising more environmentally friendly options like rail or water transport where possible.
These practices not only cut costs but also substantially lower the carbon footprint of supply chains, contributing to more sustainable business operations and a cleaner environment.
UPS has developed ORION, an advanced route optimisation system that uses algorithms to determine the most efficient delivery routes.
This system considers factors such as traffic patterns, package loads and delivery commitments to create the most fuel-efficient routes.
Since its full deployment in 2016, ORION has helped UPS reduce the distance driven by its delivery vehicles by 100 million miles annually, saving 10 million gallons of fuel and reducing CO₂ emissions by about 100,000 metric tonnes per year.
“At UPS, we don’t just deliver packages — we deliver opportunities,” says Carol. “We’re driving innovation, advancing sustainability and investing in our workforce because we know that our organisation can be a catalyst for positive change.
“I’m proud of the progress we’ve made toward our goals — together, there’s no limit to what we can accomplish.”
4. Sustainable Fuel for Cargo Transport
Company: Maersk
CEO: Vincent Clerc
Head of Corporate Sustainability & ESG: Lene Serpa
Product: Maersk ECO Delivery
Sustainable fuel is transforming cargo transport, making it more eco-friendly across various modes.
In maritime shipping, wind-assisted propulsion systems like rotor sails and wing sails are being introduced on cargo vessels, cutting fuel consumption by up to 20%.
For short-haul flights, electric aircraft are emerging as a viable option for cargo transport, offering zero-emission operations and reduced noise pollution.
Electric and hybrid ferries are also being deployed on short sea routes, significantly reducing emissions in coastal areas.
These innovations not only lower the carbon footprint of cargo transport but also deliver potential cost savings through reduced fuel consumption, supporting a more sustainable global supply chain.
Maersk, the world’s largest container shipping company, has launched its ECO Delivery service, which uses sustainable biofuel to power vessels.
This biofuel is made from waste cooking oils and can reduce CO₂ emissions by 85% compared to standard marine fuel.
Maersk has also ordered 19 carbon-neutral container vessels powered by green methanol, set for delivery between 2024 and 2025.
These initiatives are part of Maersk’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2040, potentially cutting the company’s annual CO₂ emissions by millions of tonnes.
3. Urban Planning
City: London
Prime Minister of the UK: Kier Starmer
Mayor of London: Sadiq Khan
Scheme : London's Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ)
Urban planning shapes how cities are designed and developed — and can foster sustainable mobility.
By creating compact, mixed-use neighbourhoods, urban planners can reduce the need for long-distance travel and encourage walking, cycling and public transit use.
Implementing pedestrian-friendly streets, dedicated bike lanes and efficient public transportation networks makes sustainable transport options more accessible and appealing.
Urban planning also involves strategically locating amenities and services to minimise travel distances.
Additionally, policies like transit-oriented development and car-free zones can significantly reduce reliance on private vehicles.
Effective urban planning can play a crucial role in decreasing transport-related emissions, improving air quality and creating more liveable, sustainable cities.
London has implemented an Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) to improve air quality and reduce carbon emissions in the city centre. Vehicles that don't meet strict emission standards must pay a daily charge to enter the zone.
On an average day, 96% of vehicles driving in London now meet the ULEZ emission standards, up from just 39% in 2017.
2. Smart Mobility Solutions
Company: Mercedes-Benz
CEO: Ola Källenius
Member of the Board of Management, responsible for Integrity, Governance and Sustainability: Renata Jungo Brüngger
Product: Mercedes-Benz Intelligent World Drive
Smart mobility solutions are innovative approaches that integrate advanced technologies, data analytics and intelligent systems to create more efficient, sustainable and user-friendly transportation networks.
These solutions encompass a wide range of applications, including:
- Real-time traffic management systems
- Multimodal transportation platforms
- Electric and autonomous vehicles
- Shared mobility services
- Smart parking solutions
- Integrated payment systems.
By leveraging technologies like IoT, AI and big data, smart mobility solutions optimise traffic flow, reduce congestion and lower emissions.
These solutions support sustainable transport by improving energy efficiency, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and encouraging more environmentally friendly travel choices.
Mercedes-Benz has developed the Intelligent World Drive, an advanced driver assistance system that uses artificial intelligence and connected vehicle technology to optimise traffic flow and reduce emissions.
This system includes features such as predictive speed adjustment, which anticipates traffic conditions and adjusts vehicle speed accordingly, and eco-routing, which calculates the most fuel-efficient route based on real-time traffic and topographical data.
The company estimates that if adopted widely, smart mobility solutions like the Intelligent World Drive could reduce urban traffic emissions by up to 20% through improved traffic flow and reduced congestion.
1. Electric Vehicles and Electric Vehicle Infrastructure
Company: Tesla
CEO: Elon Musk
Chief Sustainability Officer: Rohan Patel
Product: Tesla Supercharger Network
Tesla has been a pioneer in the electric vehicle revolution, producing popular electric cars and developing a comprehensive charging infrastructure.
The Tesla Supercharger network is a global system of fast-charging stations designed to make long-distance electric vehicle travel practical and convenient.
These chargers can deliver up to 200 miles of range in just 15 minutes, addressing a primary concern about electric vehicles – extended charging times.
As of September 2024, Tesla operates a network of 6,706 Supercharger stations across three primary regions: Asia Pacific (over 2,800 stations), North America (over 2,800), and Europe (over 1,300).
The environmental impact is significant. After 17 years of driving, a Tesla vehicle will avoid approximately 51 metric tons of CO₂e.
Tesla vehicles are among the most efficient EVs built to date, requiring less frequent charging and generating fewer emissions per mile driven.
Tesla aims to transition its operational electricity load to 100% renewables and continue matching its Supercharger electricity load annually with renewable electricity.
Until May 2022, the Supercharger network was exclusively for Tesla vehicles. Now, 42 sites are available to all EVs across the UK, with all new V4 Superchargers open to vehicles with a CCS-compatible socket.
“The point of all this was, and remains, accelerating the advent of sustainable energy, so that we can imagine far into the future and life is still good,” says Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla.
“That's what 'sustainable' means. It's not some silly, hippy thing — it matters for everyone.”
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