As part of the "Zero Emission Transport" (ZET) project by the Vienna Chamber of Commerce, several companies have been delivering emissions-free goods to the first and second districts of Vienna since the summer of 2024. According to the Vienna Chamber of Commerce, the pilot project aims to test the operational feasibility of CO2-free deliveries in urban areas while simultaneously making the benefits visible to residents and the population.
One of the over 40 participating companies so far is Brau Union Österreich. According to their own information, it supplies catering establishments in the city center with a 16.7-ton electric truck. According to a press release, the vehicle has a range of up to 200 kilometers, depending on the load and weather, and is charged with renewable electricity produced in Austria at the company's Schwechat site.
Decarbonization as a strategic goal
The use of the electric truck is part of the group-wide sustainability strategy "Brew a Better World" of the parent company Heineken, according to the statement. Brau Union plans to make its supply chain completely
climate neutral by 2030.
"Electromobility is a key component on our way to Net Zero in the Supply Chain by 2030," explains Harald Raidl, Supply Chain Director of Brau Union.
In addition to the existing vehicle fleet, seven more electric trucks are to be put into operation in Schwechat this year.
An example of use in the catering sector is the delivery to the restaurant Luftburg – Kolarik in the Vienna Prater. The company, which describes itself as the world’s largest organic restaurant, sources, among other things, the organic beer "Gösser Biostoff". Paul Kolarik, operator of the Luftburg, emphasizes:
"Since this year, Luftburg has been free of fossil fuels: a milestone for our practiced sustainability."
Project goals and duration
"Zero Emission Transport" pursues several strategic and operational objectives. In addition to the complete decarbonization of trips in the first and second districts — referring to trips by participating companies — it also aims to increase the concentration of emissions-free transport in a limited geographic area. This should allow for a more precise analysis of
the effects and optimization potential for urban commercial traffic.
The project started in the summer of 2024 and is planned to last for three years. A scientific evaluation is being conducted by the FH des BFI Wien. Even before it began, the participating companies were surveyed about their motivations as well as the scope and type of planned actions.
Structure and motivation of the participating companies
The group of project partners includes companies from almost all sectors, from large parcel services to food retailers to craft and service businesses. According to its own information, the Vienna Chamber of Commerce has noted a significant increase in participants since the project began. Companies like GLS Austria, Dachser Austria, Lidl Österreich, Österreichische Post, REWE, Spar, dm Drop-Store Market, Transgourmet, and Gebrüder Weiss are also committed to emissions-free supply chains in the city center.
The main motivations for switching to emissions-free vehicles cited by companies in the preliminary survey were primarily climate and environmental protection as well as sustainable business practices. According to the project carriers, about 38
percent of the vehicles from participating companies operating in Vienna are currently emissions-free. By 2030, this proportion is expected to rise to 80 percent.
Charging infrastructure as a key factor
A central concern of the project organization is the development of suitable charging infrastructure in public spaces. Participating companies have the opportunity to have a charging station installed in loading zones particularly relevant to their logistics. Implementation is carried out by Wienenergie. At the time of the second press release, there are three combined loading zones with charging stations — more sites are being planned specifically for the project.
In addition to direct vehicle subsidies, companies cite the expansion of charging infrastructure as a crucial driver for the transition to electric transport.
Scientific and political relevance
Beyond its practical use, the "Zero Emission Transport" project serves as a political-strategic tool for the further development of urban mobility and climate policy. According to the Vienna Chamber of Commerce, the data and experiences obtained should help identify and prepare necessary regulatory or legislative adjustments in a
