With sustainability a key priority for the logistics industry globally, the Climate Pledge has launched the Laneshift Initiative for Zero Emission Freight Vehicles in Mexico City.
The initiative, which was launched in collaboration with C40 Cities, aims to decarbonize freight transportation and improve air quality in the city, where 58% of greenhouse gas emissions come from transportation according to the CDMX SEDEMA emissions inventory.
The Laneshift Initiative will collaborate with the Environment Ministry (SEDEMA) to encourage lower tailpipe emissions in freight transportation. The partnership will accelerate the development of electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure and the deployment of EV heavy-duty trucks to reduce emissions, help improve air quality and create green jobs.
Freight decarbonization
Sergio Zirath Hernández, general director of air quality at the secretary of the environment of Mexico City, said, “Mexico City was invited to participate in the Laneshift initiative as part of its efforts to reduce emissions from freight transportation, as this administration has implemented two major programs to improve the technological conditions of the vehicles now used for goods delivery.
“We are expecting an impactful milestone in this partnership not only on freight decarbonization, we expect environmental, social and health impacts on improving air quality, and this leads into a more sustainable and livable urban environment for all.”
The Laneshift Initiative will build on previous city programs, including the Electromobility Self-Regulation Programme, which began in 2022 and promotes electromobility for light-duty vehicles in Mexico City. It has since added three firms and almost 500 electric vehicles. Switching to EVs provides both fiscal and operating benefits, which drive down freight operations costs.
Gabriel Tenenbaum, head of zero emission vehicles in Latin America, C40 Cities, added, “C40 estimates that in 2021, 4,400 deaths were attributed to air pollution in Mexico City. The Laneshift Initiative promotes successful zero-emission freight business cases to shift this paradigm in the city.
“Through Laneshift, we want to celebrate and incentivize participation in the Electromobility Self-Regulation Program and demonstrate this transition can provide significant economic and operational benefits to businesses while additionally contributing to improving air quality, reducing noise pollution and supporting the local economy, all of which are highly significant for residents in Mexico City.”
What is Climate Pledge?
Climate Pledge was co-founded by Amazon and Global Optimism in 2019. It is a purpose-driven enterprise focused on social and environmental change, bringing together companies and organizations around the world to take urgent action in addressing climate change.
The pledge calls on signatories to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2040, a decade ahead of the Paris Agreement’s goal of 2050. By signing the pledge, companies commit to measuring and reporting greenhouse gas emissions on a regular basis, implementing decarbonization strategies, and striving to achieve carbon neutrality within their operations.
The Climate Pledge encourages collaboration and innovation among its signatories to accelerate the transition to a low-carbon economy and mitigate the impacts of climate change. There are now 474 signatories, all of which play a critical role in stimulating investments in the development of low-carbon products and services.
Read more sustainability news here.