Source: The Mayor

The Belgian city aims to have its centre emissions free by 2030.

Companies making deliveries to Ghent’s central area can join one of two pilot projects: receiving a free electric vehicle, or a financial subsidy for a local emission-free last-mile delivery service. Both incentives are provided by the municipality.

Ghent’s climate goals are notably practical. The city aims to make its central area as emission-free as possible by 2030. While this target may seem less ambitious compared to other cities that promise ’emission-free zones’ or ‘banning fossil fuel cars,’ it appears achievable.

Not just empty words

“By 2030, we want city logistics to be as emission-free as possible, but we’re not leaving entrepreneurs to tackle this alone. We give them time to prepare and offer support to encourage them toward sustainable logistics,” explains Sofie Bracke, Alderman for Economy.

Approximately 7,000 tonnes of goods are delivered to Ghent’s central area (inside the R40 ring road) every week via 40,000 trips by vans and trucks, excluding construction logistics. Daily, 10,000 to 20,000 parcels are delivered to the city center.

This significantly impacts traffic and emissions, prompting the city to start implementing changes now. The phased approach allows entrepreneurs time to adapt.

Two options for entrepreneurs

For the first pilot project, companies, sole proprietorships, or non-profit organizations can test an emission-free vehicle for deliveries in Ghent free of charge for one week. They will also receive advice and customized logistics services.

Options include an electric truck, box truck, refrigerated truck or van, a light electric freight vehicle, or a cargo e-bike. Testing is available from September 23 to December 13, 2024.

The second option involves outsourcing the ‘last-mile delivery’. Logistics companies will bundle deliveries and transport goods from the city’s edge to the center. Participants collaborating with these providers will receive a 6,000-euro subsidy.