Lime: Driving 90% Logistics Decarbonisation Success
Lime, the global micro-mobility leader, has achieved a landmark 90% reduction in its logistics emissions.
Lime operates shared electric bikes and scooters in over 200 cities across nearly 30 countries, all with a focus on sustainable urban transport.
Through renewable fuels and electric vehicles, the company is steering closer to its ambitious goal of reaching net zero by 2030.
Building a cleaner logistics system
In June 2024, Lime began piloting HVO100, a renewable diesel alternative made entirely from waste and residue oils, for its drayage trucking operations.
By August, it had fully integrated HVO100 across its logistics in Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA). The transition has cut 7,100kg of CO₂ from its operations.
Andrew Savage, Lime’s VP for Sustainability, highlights the significance of this shift: “Decarbonising our logistics is a critical part of our mission and aggressive roadmap to net zero.”
Lime’s decarbonisation success stems from a mix of strategic partnerships and innovative fuel solutions.
In North America, the company collaborates with Hight Logistics to use electric trucks for all shipments to its California logistics hub.
Across Europe, Lime works with distribution partners Albas and NeeleVat, relying on HVO100 to save around 89% of CO₂ emissions compared to traditional diesel-powered vehicles.
This approach has transformed Lime’s port-to-hub operations between Rotterdam and North America, slashing average carbon emissions by 95%.
Andrew explains: “While our goal is to utilise zero emissions vehicles for our logistics globally, we know we’ll need to work with providers and the industry to mature to meet this growing demand.”
The focus on upstream transportation emissions, those generated during the production and delivery of goods, has been critical.
In 2023, upstream logistics accounted for 11% of Lime’s total emissions. The company now aims to reduce this figure to zero through innovative technologies and partnerships.
Lime’s wider sustainability goals
Transportation accounts for the second-largest share of greenhouse gas emissions worldwide and Lime is addressing this challenge head-on.
The company’s micro-mobility services offer a low-carbon alternative to cars, with each trip using Lime’s vehicles producing 75% less CO₂ than a comparable car journey. Moreover, all Lime vehicles are powered by renewable energy.
Lime’s broader emissions goals include a 90% reduction in Scopes 1 and 2 emissions (those from Lime’s direct operations and purchased energy) by 2030, measured against its 2019 baseline.
The company also aims to cut Scope 3 emissions, indirect emissions across its value chain, by 97% per kilometre ridden by 2030. These targets have been verified by the Science Based Targets initiative, reflecting Lime’s robust climate strategy.
As of 2024, Lime has already achieved a 59.5% reduction in carbon intensity from its 2019 baseline.
Reflecting on the journey ahead, CEO Wayne Ting says: “We still have a lot of work ahead but it’s a great start. We won’t stop until we accomplish our mission of building a carbon-free transportation future.”
Commitment to global partnerships
Beyond its internal achievements, Lime is advancing its decarbonisation efforts through the Mission Possible Partnership. The initiative brings businesses together to promote zero-emission international shipping.
Lime has committed to ensuring that at least 10% of its goods are shipped internationally on vessels powered by zero-emission fuels by 2030, with the aim of reaching 100% by 2040.
The Mission Possible Partnership, an independent organisation launched in 2020, unites key players such as the Energy Transitions Commission, the Rocky Mountain Institute and the We Mean Business Coalition, with advice from the International Energy Agency.
Lime’s multifaceted approach to sustainability is setting a precedent for others in the transportation sector.
From local micro-mobility solutions to global shipping commitments, the company is proving that achieving meaningful emissions reductions is not just possible but essential.
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