As Net Zero Week begins, LRQA is urging the transport and mobility sector to reframe its approach to decarbonisation, embedding energy efficiency and sustainable practices at the heart of its organisational culture.
However, decarbonisation in the transport and mobility sector is particularly challenging due to the industry’s dependence on fossil fuels, the unsuitability of existing infrastructure for renewables at the required scale, and the need for high-density fuels in shipping and aviation.
Challenges include high upfront costs for electric vehicles, significantly fewer charging points and hydrogen refuelling stations than fossil fuel stations, and synthetic replacements for shipping and aviation fuels being prohibitively expensive and not yet scalable.
Net zero in transport and mobility begins with strong leadership
According to LRQA, the journey to net zero in the transport and mobility sector must begin with strong leadership.
Executive teams play a critical role in setting the tone, visibly championing sustainability initiatives and identifying immediate opportunities to eliminate energy and resource waste. When leaders take the initiative, it sends a clear message that achieving net zero is a shared responsibility across the entire organisation.
Equally important is the engagement of employees at all levels. All staff must understand the importance of net zero and be equipped with practical steps they can take to contribute. Regularly sharing clear metrics, celebrating milestones, and highlighting areas for improvement helps maintain momentum and ensures that sustainability remains a central focus.
The impact of these efforts extends well beyond a company’s direct operations. Collaboration with suppliers to measure, report, and reduce Scope 3 emissions is a significant part of decarbonisation.
These partnerships amplify climate benefits and help embed sustainability throughout the entire value chain, reinforcing a company’s reputation as a leader in the transport and mobility sector.
Setting realistic targets
Last year, global emissions from the transport and mobility sector reached the highest levels ever recorded, despite the growth of hydrogen and electric vehicles. While the scale of the challenge may be daunting, progress is both possible and imperative.
To ensure lasting progress, a culture of continuous improvement is vital.
This includes setting realistic, phased targets and seeking third-party verification from specialists. Independent assessments not only enhance credibility but also provide a clear roadmap for ongoing emissions reductions and long-term resilience.
Daniel Xavier, Head of Transport and Mobility Sector at LRQA, said: “Net zero cannot simply be a line in an annual report. It must infuse every discussion, from strategic board meetings to those with boots on the ground.
“Only by making net zero a lived culture can the transport and mobility sector achieve the rapid, substantial emissions cuts that both industry and planet urgently demand.”
He concluded: “Transforming culture takes time, but it is the only way to secure lasting change. When employees at every level feel empowered to propose improvements, challenge outdated practices and trial new solutions, the transport and mobility sector can move beyond incremental gains to deliver truly systemic impact.”
