Den Haag's Zero-Emission Zone: Fresh Air for Residents and Opportunities for Vastgoed Service

Published on: 27 September, 2023

On the Way to a Green and Quiet City Center: Den Haag's Zero-Emission Zone

From Albert Heijn to the local plumber, and also Vastgoed Service, all are being affected by the changing mobility rules in the center of Den Haag. In the near future, only clean, emission-free delivery and freight vehicles will be allowed in this area. Starting January 1, 2025, this will even apply to new cars. But what does this mean for businesses, and how can they prepare?

The Zero-Emission Zone of Den Haag: What You Need to Know

Den Haag is one of 28 cities that will implement a zero-emission zone for commercial delivery and freight vehicles starting on January 1, 2025. This zone covers the area within the city center ring and Professor Teldersweg. There is a transition period for existing vehicles, depending on their age and emissions. By January 1, 2030, all commercial vehicles must be emission-free.

The Path to Sustainable Transportation

For many companies, this means transitioning to sustainable transport, such as electric vehicles. Maintenance company Vastgoed Service, which handles the maintenance of DUWO student housing in cities like Den Haag and Delft, has already taken steps towards sustainability. Vastgoed Service has developed a plan to reduce the CO2 footprint of the entire company, including office operations and their vehicle fleet.

Michel Oldenburg, a logistics consultant, emphasizes the importance of smart mobility strategies. For example, Vastgoed Service has introduced a Green Driving competition to encourage efficient driving behavior. They have also invested in charging stations and solar panels and even introduced an electric three-wheeler, the Carver Cargo, for inner-city jobs. This move to electric vehicles was new for them, but expert advice from Michel helped them make the right decisions.

The Benefits of Sustainable Transport

While the initial costs of electric vehicles are often higher than those of traditional gasoline or diesel vehicles, these are offset by subsidies and lower operational costs per kilometer. Additionally, sustainable transport contributes to cleaner air, less noise pollution, and reduced CO2 emissions, which is not only good for the environment but also benefits a company's image.

The transition to a zero-emission zone may bring challenges, but it also presents opportunities for businesses that prepare well and invest in sustainable transport. The path to a green and quiet city center in Den Haag has begun, and companies like Vastgoed Service demonstrate that smart mobility transformations are possible, with benefits for both the environment and the business bottom line.

Link to the article in the Stadskrant: https://stadskrant.denhaag.nl/wp-content//uploads/2023/09/2023-09-27.pdf