The transport sector is responsible for nearly one-fifth of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, with road transport accounting for a significant proportion. For organisations operating fleets - whether in logistics, retail, public services, or industrial sectors - this presents both a challenge and an opportunity. Decarbonising fleet operations is no longer merely a sustainability ambition; it is now a strategic priority that aligns environmental responsibility with regulatory compliance and long-term business value.

As countries strengthen emissions legislation and introduce low-emission zones, businesses must transition towards cleaner alternatives. This article explores how clean transport solutions - particularly biomethane, biotickets, and electrification - are enabling organisations to reduce fleet emissions, meet compliance obligations, and enhance operational efficiency.

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Why Decarbonising Transport is Essential

Transport contributes approximately 20% of global GHG emissions, with diesel-powered lorries, vans, and company vehicles making up a considerable share. These emissions typically fall under Scope 1 of an organisation’s emissions inventory and are increasingly subject to mandatory reporting and reduction requirements as part of various sustainability frameworks. For businesses with transport at the core of their operations, addressing these emissions is vital to both compliance and climate strategy.

Regulatory pressure is mounting worldwide. The EU Green Deal aims to reduce transport emissions by 90% by 2050, while national governments enforce measures such as biofuel blending mandates, fleet electrification targets, and emissions caps. At a municipal level, Low Emission Zones and Clean Vehicles Directives are being rolled out across Europe, penalising non-compliant operators.

Simultaneously, stakeholders - including investors, customers, and employees - are raising expectations for visible climate action. Adopting a sustainable fleet strategy offers a tangible and impactful way to demonstrate environmental leadership and reduce operational risk.

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Clean Transport Solutions: Biomethane and Biotickets

Fleet decarbonisation is not a one-size-fits-all approach. Clean transport encompasses a range of technologies and strategies to suit various operational models and carbon reduction goals. Whether managing long-distance freight, regional deliveries, or municipal services, renewable fuel options can be tailored to specific fleet needs.

Biomethane: A Scalable and Renewable Fuel

One of the most promising clean transport alternatives is biomethane. Produced via the anaerobic digestion of organic waste, biomethane is a renewable and scalable fuel that serves as a direct substitute for fossil-based compressed natural gas (CNG) and liquefied natural gas (LNG). It provides an immediate pathway to cutting transport emissions without the need for significant investment in new infrastructure or vehicles.

Benefits for Fleet Operators:

• Up to 90% lower GHG emissions compared to diesel
• Fully compatible with existing CNG and LNG vehicles and infrastructure
• Enables swift transition without replacing existing fleet
• Supports circular economy models by turning waste into energy

In the Netherlands, OG Clean Fuels is developing a nationwide Bio-CNG fuelling network, supporting the logistics and freight sectors in transitioning to biomethane. Early adopters are already seeing measurable emissions reductions, demonstrating the real-world impact of this solution.

Biotickets: Monetising Emissions Reductions

Another critical component of a clean fleet strategy is the use of biotickets - tradable certificates that confirm the use of renewable fuels in transport.

Key Advantages:

• Regulatory Recognition: Biotickets provide documented evidence that a company is meeting national or EU blending mandates
• Additional Revenue Streams: Biotickets can be sold to fossil fuel suppliers needing to fulfil renewable blending quotas, turning clean fuel use into a financial asset

For example, in the Netherlands, operators using biomethane or biodiesel receive biotickets which can be monetised - rewarding environmental action with both compliance benefits and economic returns.

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Electrification: Zero-Emission Fleets for Urban Mobility

While biomethane is ideal for long-distance and heavy-duty vehicles, electrification offers clear advantages for light-duty vehicles, urban logistics, and last-mile deliveries.

Electric vehicles (EVs) emit zero tailpipe emissions, making them well-suited to urban areas with Low Emission Zones. In addition, EVs offer:

• Lower running costs due to cheaper energy and reduced maintenance
• Smooth, quiet performance improving air quality and the urban environment
• Access to grants, tax incentives, and public charging networks

Although upfront costs and charging infrastructure availability remain barriers, the market is shifting. Many organisations now deploy blended fleet strategies—combining EVs for city use and biomethane-fuelled vehicles for longer routes.

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Integration with Carbon Accounting and Reporting

Adopting clean transport solutions is only part of the equation. Businesses must also accurately document and report the resulting environmental benefits.

With tools such as the AFS Energy Client Portal, organisations can:

• Track fleet-related Scope 1 emissions
• Integrate biotickets and fuel certification into carbon reporting
• Align transport data with compliance frameworks like the EU ETS and CSRD

Transparent, auditable reporting enhances the credibility of clean transport strategies. It strengthens relationships with stakeholders, improves ESG ratings, and unlocks access to green finance and carbon credit schemes.

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The Role of AFS Energy in Fleet Decarbonisation

Transitioning to clean transport need not be complex. AFS Energy provides strategic guidance, access to certified fuel markets, and digital tools to help businesses decarbonise fleets with confidence.

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AFS Energy’s Core Services:

• Fuel Sourcing & Procurement: Connecting clients with vetted biomethane providers and bioticket platforms
• Regulatory Navigation: Support for complying with EU transport directives, national incentives, and emissions frameworks
• Client Portal Access: A digital platform to manage fuel certificates, track emissions, and access market data
• Tailored Decarbonisation Plans: Custom strategies based on each fleet’s profile, geography, and sustainability goals

By streamlining the decarbonisation process, AFS empowers clients to make data-led, timely decisions aligned with both operational requirements and climate commitments.

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Driving Change with Clean Transport

Clean transport offers a compelling opportunity to align fleet operations with environmental, regulatory, and business objectives. Whether adopting biomethane, biotickets, or electric vehicles, these tools are more than emissions-reduction solutions - they are strategic enablers of growth, resilience, and reputation.

With AFS Energy’s expertise and integrated support, businesses can transform their sustainability journey into a competitive advantage, ensuring long-term success in an increasingly low-carbon world.