As part of the “Zero Emission Transport” (ZET) project by the Vienna Chamber of Commerce, several companies have been supplying the first and second districts of Vienna emission-free 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 and simultaneously demonstrate the benefits for residents and the population.
One of the over 40 participating companies is Brau Union Österreich. According to their own statements, they supply catering businesses 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 load and weather conditions, and is charged with renewable electricity produced in Austria at the company's site in Schwechat.
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 consequently plans to make its supply chain completely
climate-neutral by 2030.
“Electromobility is a central building block 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 later this year.
An example of its application in the catering sector is the supply of the restaurant Luftburg – Kolarik in the Vienna Prater. The company, which calls itself the world's largest organic restaurant, sources, among other things, the organic beer “Gösser Biostoff.” Paul Kolarik, operator of Luftburg, emphasizes:
“As of this year, the Luftburg is free from fossil energy sources: a milestone for our lived sustainability.”
Project objectives 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—in reference to the trips of the participating companies—it also aims at the densification of emission-free transport in a limited geographic area. This will allow for a closer
analysis of the effects and optimization potential for urban commercial traffic.
The project started in the summer of 2024 and is scheduled to last three years. A scientific evaluation will be conducted by the University of Applied Sciences BFI Vienna. Prior to the start, participating companies were surveyed about their motivations and the scope and type of planned measures.
Structure and motivation of participating companies
The group of project partners includes companies from almost all sectors, from large parcel services to food retailers and crafts and service businesses. According to its own data, the Vienna Chamber of Commerce has recorded a significant increase in participants since the project began. Companies like GLS Austria, Dachser Austria, Lidl Austria, the Austrian Post, REWE, Spar, dm Drogerie Markt, Transgourmet, and Gebrüder Weiss are also committed to emission-free supply chains in the city center.
The main reasons cited by the companies for switching to emission-free vehicles in the preliminary survey were primarily climate and environmental protection as well as sustainable business practices. Currently, about 38
percent of the vehicles operated in Vienna by participating companies are emission-free, according to the project sponsor. This share is expected to rise to 80 percent by 2030.
Charging infrastructure as a key factor
A central concern of the project organization is the establishment of suitable charging infrastructure in public spaces. Participating companies are given the opportunity to have a charging station built in loading zones particularly relevant to their logistics. Implementation is done by Wienenergie. At the time of the second press release, there are three combined loading zones with charging stations—further locations are planned project-specifically.
In addition to direct vehicle subsidies, the companies cite the expansion of charging infrastructure as a crucial driver for the transition to electric transportation.
Scientific and political relevance
Beyond practical benefits, the “Zero Emission Transport” project serves as a politically-strategic instrument for the further development of urban mobility and climate policy. According to the Vienna Chamber of Commerce, the data and experiences gathered will help identify and thoroughly prepare necessary administrative or legislative adjustments.
