CO2 reduction initiatives

Initiatives to reduce our CO2 emissions

In 2030, we want to reduce our CO₂ per tonne-kilometre by at least 40%. To realise this ambitious objective, we have implemented various initiatives over the past few years and continue to take new steps. We are focused on using alternative fuels, increasing sustainability in our processes together with our clients, coaching our drivers in terms of driving style and minimising empty kilometres. We also invest in a sustainable fleet and apply innovative tools such as the GreenFlow app to reduce our environmental impact.

Alternative fuels

Our energy transition strategy focuses on the switch from diesel to renewable fuels, including Bio-LNG, HVO, electric and the potential future use of hydrogen. Due to our flexible transport for long distances, it is currently difficult to fully commit to electric transport. We believe that biofuel is a good transition fuel for the immediate future. But we will continue to experiment with new technology, techniques and developments.

As a first step back in 2016, AB Texel decided to purchase a series of five LNG-powered trucks, to be gradually expanded. We currently have dozens of LNG trucks. Making the switch to (non-fossil) bio-LNG has enabled us to reduce CO₂ emissions by as much as 100%. The exact level of CO₂ reduction depends on the composition of raw materials. The availability of bio-LNG continues to increase, meaning we can be more flexible in our use of this biofuel.

Press release on new LNG trucks

Increasing sustainability with the client

The biggest impact can be achieved together. As an organisation, we take the initiative to reduce CO₂ emissions in many ways. Our strength also lies in our partnerships with clients and suppliers in the chain.

We regularly engage our clients in a dialogue on sustainable business operations and reducing CO₂ emissions. Part of this discussion includes establishing how we can reduce empty kilometres together. There is much to be gained when, for example, the order input from the client and the modes of transport are properly coordinated!

Sustainable interventions often go hand in hand with efficiency, so it’s a win-win situation! In the coming years, our aim is to increasingly translate these discussions with our clients on the topic of sustainability into concrete actions and results. Insight into CO₂ emissions from our transport for specific chains is therefore crucial. We are working hard to generate this data.

Are you interested in the possibilities of reducing your transport CO2 emissions?

Please contact our sustainability team via sustainability@abtexel.com

Driver Coaching

Our drivers play a key role in our sustainability ambitions: by driving economically, they can save a lot of fuel. This is why, in 2017, we began the implementation of a strategy to improve the driving standards and style of our drivers. A data analyst works full time to analyse the driving style scores of our drivers in the various countries, and provide them with feedback. AB drivers now have digital access to individual driving style and consumption data, via the on-board computer and our internal communication platform. Drivers see not only their own score, but also how they score relative to their colleagues.

Since 2020, we have taken a significant step forwards with practical coaching, performed by our own driving style coaches. These highly trained instructors know everything there is to know about driving economically. They coach our drivers on the job, so that they develop a more sustainable driving style. And with good results too. Our employee driving style scores increased by almost 1.5 points between 2017 and 2024. Average fuel consumption fell by around 8% over the same period. That's equivalent to around a 700,000 litres of diesel per year and total savings of more than 4 million litres of diesel over the period 2017 - 2024!

Relaxing drivers and saving fuel, how? Read the interview with driver Harm and AB driving style coach Harnt here.

Limiting empty kilometres

Avoiding empty kilometres has the biggest impact on reducing CO₂ emissions. The dense and close-knit network within our transport group and our growing fleet allow us to deploy our equipment increasingly efficiently, in turn reducing empty kilometres more and more. Our data analysts identify the journeys, routes and load factors and advise on potential areas for optimisation.

Sustainable fleet

A young fleet
AB Texel has a very young and modern fleet. DAF Trucks states that the fuel efficiency of its vehicles has increased by an average of 1% (per year of manufacture) over the past 20 years, thanks to technical innovations. From our own practical research, it is evident that the new model truck, the New Generation DAF, offers a substantial consumption reduction; about 5% compared with the older model. This means that modernising the vehicle fleet is a major step towards reducing fuel consumption.
LHV (Long Heavy Vehicle)
LHV transport combinations permit you to transport more freight than you can with a regular combination, and an LHV consumes only slightly more diesel than a standard combination does. Roughly speaking, an LHV consumes up to 30% less fuel (offset against the cargo being transported).

AB Texel's fleet now includes several LHVs. Unfortunately we’re not able to use many LHVs, because this combination isn’t always appropriate for our work due to the dimensions and manoeuvrability. We are scaling up in LHVs where possible.
Electric equipment

Belt bulker trailer
For bulk agricultural transport we use belt bulker trailers with unloading belts that are 100% electric-powered. Tthe combustion engine is not used, meaning that we don’t need to use a vehicle when unloading. This allows us to work more efficiently and sustainably.
Truck-mounted forklifts
We started using electric-powered truck-mounted forklifts in the transport of general cargo with curtainsiders.
Refrigerated trailers
Braking energy is converted into charging current, which then drives the axle. A large number of our trailers are equipped with solar panels on the roof. This produces sufficient electricity for both the starter battery and telematics.

Reuse of tyres
Some of our used tyres are suitable for reuse. We provide these tyres with a new profile, which means the tyre doesn’t need to be completely renewed. A great example of saving raw materials.

GreenFlow app 

With the GreenFlow app we use at AB Texel, the truck driver is given priority in many instances at traffic lights. Where this isn’t possible, the driver receives a timely notification that the traffic light is red and will remain so. The GreenFlow app gives drivers more comfort and peace of mind while driving. It also reduces fuel consumption and wear and tear on the truck by reducing the amount of braking and acceleration at traffic lights. A stop costs 0.5 to 1 litre of diesel. So every stop we avoid yields immediate gains.