Meeting CO₂ Emissions Reduction Targets Through Sustainable Transport

Reducing environmental impact and creating a cleaner, greener future should be front and centre for any business serious about sustainability.

For companies that depend on logistics, the responsibility doesn’t sit with one party alone. Transport buyers and logistics providers both play a critical role. Buyers have significant influence through contract specifications and collaboration, while providers bring forward the solutions that make low-carbon transport possible. When both sides align, progress accelerates.

As part of Volvo Group, we’ve set our own ambitious emissions reduction targets. And as a global manufacturer of commercial vehicles, we’re here to support both transport buyers and logistics providers on this journey.

Reviewing Transport Requirements
 

Diesel remains the most widely used fuel in road transport, but the transition to alternatives is well underway. Battery electric trucks and gas-powered vehicles are already operating successfully in real-world fleets.

For logistics providers, moving fleets towards low-carbon technologies is a practical way to cut emissions while staying ahead of customer expectations. For transport buyers, specifying sustainable transport in tenders and working closely with providers creates the demand that gives operators the confidence to invest.

Electric Trucks: A Solution for Urban and Regional Needs
 

Volvo introduced its first fully electric trucks to the UK in 2021, and today the range spans everything from compact 4x2 rigids for multi-drop distribution through to 6x2 tractor units for regional haulage.

Electric trucks deliver clear benefits. They produce zero tailpipe emissions, and when powered by renewable electricity, their well-to-wheel CO₂ emissions are close to zero. Their quiet operation also makes them particularly well suited to night-time or urban deliveries where noise restrictions apply.

That said, there are important factors to consider. Electric trucks come with higher upfront costs than diesel vehicles and charging infrastructure must be planned and installed in the right places.

For logistics providers, the opportunity lies in identifying routes where electrification already makes sense, exploring depot or customer-based charging options, and building confidence by piloting vehicles in real operations. For transport buyers, including electric options in tenders, offering longer-term contracts, and providing access to charging space on site are all practical ways to enable the shift.

Bio-LNG: A Practical Option for Long-Haul
 

For longer distances, Bio-LNG offers a proven way to reduce CO₂ emissions while maintaining operational range. Because it is made from organic waste, it is renewable and, in some cases, can even deliver negative emissions across the full well-to-wheel cycle.

The fuel’s high energy density makes it ideal for long-haul operations, and infrastructure is growing. Some fleets already benefit from being close to open-access stations, such as Gasrec’s site at DIRFT, while others have chosen to install their own on-site refuelling in partnership with suppliers. Major operators including Asda, DHL, and Gregory Distribution are already showing what’s possible.

For logistics providers, this means exploring where Bio-LNG fits into their network, considering partnerships for on-site refuelling, and sharing CO₂ savings with customers. For transport buyers, asking partners about their Bio-LNG capability, supporting access to refuelling through collaboration, and recognising the effort required to adopt this fuel can make a big difference.

Charting the Path
 

There is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to alternative fuels. Different journeys and operations will require different technologies, and many businesses will need a combination to achieve the biggest impact.

For logistics providers, this is about starting now; testing and adopting the solutions that work today and building valuable operational knowledge for tomorrow.

For transport buyers, the priority is to remain open to multiple solutions across different contracts, and to write specifications with enough flexibility to allow providers to adopt the right technology for each route.

Consultation is Key
 

The transition works best when buyers, providers, and manufacturers work together. Early conversations help identify opportunities and ensure that the right technologies are deployed where they will deliver the most value.

For logistics providers, this means bringing forward new ideas, sharing operational data, and collaborating closely with customers. For transport buyers, it means engaging early with providers and manufacturers, rewarding sustainability in procurement decisions, and encouraging transparency in emissions reporting.

Next Steps
 

Whether you’re a logistics provider looking to invest in low-carbon vehicles, or a transport buyer aiming to align supply chains with emissions reduction targets, we’re here to help.

Our team has supported hundreds of businesses across the UK and Ireland with electrification and alternative fuels. Please register your details below to arrange a free consultation and explore the best-fit solutions for your business.