From January 1 2025, a zero-emission zone will be introduced in the centre of Amsterdam, with the aim of improving air quality and making the city healthier and more liveable. This policy helps achieve climate goals and supports the ambition of becoming climate neutral by 2050. It encourages zero-emission urban logistics, which contributes to reduced pollution, noise, and traffic congestion. And cleaner air also has positive effects on the health and well-being of residents. With this initiative, Amsterdam - and other Dutch cities implementing such zones this year - aim to set an example for other cities and stimulate innovation in sustainable mobility. The so-called "zero-emission zone" is therefore an essential measure in the transition to a cleaner and more sustainable city.
This transition will only succeed through collaboration. Therefore, considerable attention is being paid to the experiences and needs of small business owners in the city. Think of; market vendors, house painters, and local greengrocers. What kind of support do they need to transition to zero-emission vehicles, and how do entrepreneurs creatively adapt to the transition and new rules? Other cities and municipalities are closely observing and there is a strong need for knowledge sharing. It is important that the experiences and lessons learned from Amsterdam, as one of the pioneers, are well-documented and shared on a national and international scale.
Project phase
Implementation: Following an exploration phase and several in-depth sessions, an enthusiastic working group has been established and preparations are underway for a graduation project involving HvA students. Several international contacts on this topic have also been linked. As the zones become operational, the focus will shift to researching and sharing experiences.
What is the goal of the project?
The goal of this project is to collectively explore what successful implementation of zero-emission zones involves and what their effects on urban logistics are, as well as the transition entrepreneurs undergo. By bringing together different disciplines and perspectives, we aim to gain a clear understanding of what does and does not work, and how this transition can be successfully achieved together with entrepreneurs in the urban region.
What is the result of the project?
After this issue was raised by the Municipality of Haarlemmermeer, we organised three meetings with network partners: one ‘challenge exploration’ session and two deep dives. Additionally, we organised an international session on this topic in November in Barcelona during the Smart City Expo. A project assignment has also been issued for an Interdisciplinary Graduation Circle, which we aim to execute with HvA students in the first half of 2025.
2024
October 2: First ‘challenge exploration’ session with a number of interested network partners and specialists in zero-emission zones and Urban Logistics. Together, we examined ongoing projects they are involved in and other initiatives they are aware of in the region. We also discussed the challenges they face in this field based on their experiences. Topics we covered in this session:
1. A perceived lack of a shared vision for the alternative logistics system that cities are transitioning to. zero-emission zones currently feel like an additional rule and burden, rather than a collaborative effort towards an innovative and alternative system.
2. The involvement of entrepreneurs. It appears that discussions in recent years have primarily been held with "major players," making it challenging for many small entrepreneurs to adapt due to a lack of alternative options. It is important to address this.
3. What alternatives actually exist? From cargo bikes to canal transport and the use of public transport networks—what works and what doesn't?
October 30: During the first deep dive, we used a stakeholder mapping method to discuss different types of entrepreneurs, industries, hubs, and collective solutions. Key conclusions of this session:
1. Entrepreneurs need to collaborate with each other, trade associations, and the government. The latter should facilitate the transition with clear guidelines, information sharing, and financial support, while avoiding overly complex regulations and bureaucracy.
2. There are already examples of innovative and bundled delivery initiatives.
3. Entrepreneurs need a knowledge-sharing network/platform where they can exchange experiences, tips, and questions. This can help them navigate the challenges of new regulations and foster a sense of involvement. It can also support collaborative initiatives. Logistiek020 is a good example of this.
4. Collaboration with a group of entrepreneurs may also be desirable for this working group. For example, to create networking events such as ZERA, where stories from entrepreneurs can be shared alongside rules, knowledge, and solutions from government and initiatives.
November 5: During our international trip to the Smart City World Expo 2024 in Barcelona, we organised a meeting with international guests on this topic. Specialists from Stockholm, Munich, Oslo, Helsinki, Haarlemmermeer, and Amsterdam were present. We compared local challenges and innovations in this area. We hope to reconvene this group online soon to further strengthen international knowledge exchange on this topic, which is relevant for urban regions worldwide.
December 18: During the second deep dive in our Lab, we reflected on the ZERA event held in November. Some colleagues from the working group were involved in the organisation and shared their feedback on the event: On November 25, the Municipality of Amsterdam, Municipality of Haarlem, Municipality of Zaanstad, Amsterdam Transport Region, and Schiphol organised the Zero-Emission Event Amsterdam Region (ZERA). At this event, entrepreneurs were informed about everything related to zero-emission zones, electric vehicles, charging, transition arrangements, exemptions, financing, and subsidies.
We also discussed what we want to concretely initiate in the new year (2025). One of the outcomes is the organisation of an Interdisciplinary Graduation Circle with Amsterdam’s University of Applied Sciences on this topic. Through a graduation project involving students from various specialisations, several sub-questions on this topic can be explored in the coming months. This will be a collaboration between Amsterdam InChange, the Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences, and the working group, with the Amsterdam Transport Region as the official challenge owner.
Who initiated the project and which organizations are involved?
This topic arose from a ‘challenge exploration’ with the Municipality of Haarlemmermeer. Given their interest in the upcoming zero-emission zone at Schiphol Airport, they wanted to focus on this subject. After a network consultation with specialists and stakeholders, the working group was formed, consisting of the Municipality of Haarlemmermeer, Municipality of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Transport Region, Province of North Holland, AMS Institute, and a specialist from Conversion.
What is the next step?
The next step is to bring together the group of students for the interdisciplinary graduation research, refine the sub-questions together, and conduct the study under the guidance of the working group from February to June 2025.
