CO₂-neutral logistics

The UAE has committed to achieving net zero emissions by 2050, making it the first country in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region to set such a target. Interim goals include reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 23.5% by 2030 compared to business-as-usual levels, as outlined in the updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). At the GCC level, countries such as Saudi Arabia and Bahrain have also pledged net-zero targets by 2060, while Oman targets 2050.

Regionally, climate policy is shaped by initiatives such as the UAE Energy Strategy 2050, which aims for 50% clean energy in the mix by 2050, and the National Hydrogen Strategy, positioning the country as a global hub for green and blue hydrogen. The GCC is also gradually aligning with international frameworks, including sustainability reporting standards and sector-specific regulations (e.g., transport and construction) to reduce CO₂ emissions.

At a broader level, compliance with global mechanisms like the Paris Agreement and increasing adoption of ESG/CSRD-aligned reporting are driving corporate climate action in the region.

Impact on intralogistics and transport

Companies must factor rising CO₂ costs for energy and fuels into their planning. Investments in energy-efficient and electric solutions are becoming more attractive economically. Procurement should focus on manufacturers with clear zero-emission roadmaps. In addition, the quality of CO₂ data is becoming increasingly important for the CSRD.

Short term (0–12 months):

Optimise your route planning with AI, reduce empty runs and use telematics to make consumption transparent. Train drivers in eco-driving, check tyre pressure regularly and reduce rolling resistance. Consider using alternative fuels such as HVO or B100 and involve suppliers with climate strategies.

Medium term (12–36 months):

Launch pilot projects with electric trucks in regional operations and set up charging infrastructure. Increase the use of rail or ship and optimise your hub and network structure. Give preference to transport service providers with proven GHG reductions when awarding contracts.

Long term (36 months or more):

Scale up the use of electric trucks and H₂ drives in long-distance transport, electrify trailer axles and use waste heat and recuperation systems.

Optimisation of warehouse location and buildings

Energy:

Install photovoltaics on roofs or facades, use load management, battery storage and green electricity contracts. Use heat pumps, radiant ceiling heating, insulation and air locks.

Technology and processes:

Modernise your conveyor technology, use LED lighting with sensors and optimise shelf layouts to shorten distances. Automate transport processes with AGV/AMR and integrate your WMS for inventory and route optimisation.

Industrial trucks:

Electrify your forklift fleet with Li-ion technology, create a charging infrastructure and monitor energy consumption.

Circular economy and packaging

Use reusable containers and integrate them into a closed reusable cycle to conserve material resources in the long term. Our containers are foldable or stackable, which means that significantly less space is required for empty runs and transport costs are reduced. Establish repair processes and ensure that materials are sorted by type. Reduce filling and cushioning materials and use a higher proportion of recycled materials.

Organisation and employees

Train employees in energy-efficient driving, energy-saving measures and safety aspects. Introduce incentive systems to reward measurable GHG reductions.

Establish an emissions baseline in line with the Greenhouse Gas Protocol (Scopes 1, 2, and 3) and define a reduction pathway aligned with the UAE’s Net Zero 2050 Strategy (or respective GCC national roadmaps, such as Saudi Arabia’s Net Zero 2060). Implement digital dashboards for continuous monitoring and introduce regular audit and verification routines to ensure compliance with both local authority requirements (e.g., Dubai Municipality, Abu Dhabi OSHAD, Saudi MEWA) and international best practices.

CSRD and ESRS preparation

Although the CSRD/ESRS does not directly apply in the GCC, companies are expected to align with global reporting frameworks such as GHG Protocol, ISSB standards, and ESG disclosure guidelines issued by local financial regulators. Conduct a double materiality assessment to identify environmental and social impacts most relevant to your business, standardise data collection, and strengthen documentation of internal controls. Actively involve regional and international suppliers in recording emission factors, providing certificates, and ensuring transparency across the supply chain

Only use compensation measures for unavoidable residual emissions and select certified projects exclusively.

Transparent communication

Disclose how much of the emission reduction is achieved through your own measures and how much through compensation. Describe projects and their impact.

One of the key sustainability goals in logistics is to operate in a carbon-neutral manner. Transport companies and logistics providers will only remain competitive in the long term if they adopt a sustainable business model. Many logistics companies run the risk of losing their competitiveness without clearly defined sustainability targets or CO₂ reduction targets. The main reason for the economic relevance of sustainability is the continuous rise in energy prices. In addition, customers are increasingly demanding sustainable services. What can logistics companies do now to become CO₂ neutral?

On the one hand, the vehicles used must become more energy-efficient and, in the medium term, the switch to electric drives must take place. Fuel consumption can be reduced by, among other things, avoiding unnecessary transport routes (e.g. through transport route optimisation using artificial intelligence), driver training on how to handle vehicles (reducing carbon dioxide emissions by up to four per cent), using tyres with lower rolling resistance and regular tyre pressure checks (savings of up to six per cent possible).

Furthermore, optimising the number of branches, working with sustainable service providers, using climate-neutral modes of transport and shipping, avoiding empty runs and optimising loss-free loading of transport vehicles are all ways to reduce carbon dioxide and protect the environment.

Entire logistics centres can also be designed to be energy-efficient. Basically, an energy-efficient logistics centre is supported by two pillars:

• CO₂-neutral energy supply (use of renewable energy sources and surplus process energy)
• efficient energy use (energy-efficient building structure and conveyor and building technology)

This requires a holistic view of energy requirements and energy cycles in the logistics centre. Energy consumption and costs must be broken down in detail. New technical solutions in the areas of conveyor technology and building services engineering contribute to energy efficiency. The logistics centre should be planned holistically from the outset when new buildings are constructed. In addition to the pillars mentioned above, it is also advisable to raise employee awareness of climate protection, as they can help to save energy wherever possible.