The city of Wiesbaden is focusing on a holistic approach that combines reduced emissions, improved traffic flow and increased quality of life. The focus is on both ecological and economic aspects. The measures are embedded in overarching concepts such as the Green City Master Plan and the Clean Air Plan for the Rhine-Main region and respond to the increasing challenges of the growing e-commerce sector.

Sustainable urban logistics in Wiesbaden pursues several key objectives:

• Optimizing traffic flow by setting up dedicated delivery zones and optimized route planning
• Increasing traffic safety by taking consistent action against dangerous parking in second rows or on footpaths and cycle paths
• Significant reduction in emissions through intelligent bundling of deliveries
• Promotion of alternative means of transportation such as e-mobility and cargo bikes for the last mile

These goals are in line with city resolutions to improve air quality and increase the quality of urban life.

A key instrument for implementing the city's logistics strategy is the phased concept for sustainable urban logistics. It describes specific measures for environmentally and city-friendly logistics in Wiesbaden and forms an important strategic basis for reducing traffic-related emissions and optimizing urban delivery processes.

According to the Clean Air Plan, over 70 percent of the nitrogen oxides released in Wiesbaden come from road traffic. The Green City Master Plan therefore defines urban logistics as a central field of action. The aim is to significantly reduce NOx emissions compared to the reference period. This goal can only be achieved through a systemic approach that not only includes technological changes, but also sustainably optimizes logistics processes.

A broad-based participation process was launched to develop the concept, involving experts from administration, logistics, trade, commerce, science and politics. Needs for action were identified, local challenges analyzed and concrete recommendations developed in several workshops. Since its completion, a round table with relevant stakeholders has regularly monitored the implementation of the proposed measures. An abridged version of the concept (opens in a new tab) is available to the public.

The implementation of sustainable urban logistics faces several hurdles:

• Shortage of space for logistics infrastructure: competition for limited urban space makes it difficult to set up micro-hubs and other logistics hubs.
• Ambitious emissions targets: The urban logistics sector needs to reduce NOx emissions by 5.5% in the short term and 9.0% in the long term - a target that goes far beyond simply switching to alternative powertrains.
• Acceptance problems: A CEP pilot project at Elsässer Platz, for example, showed that the willingness of delivery staff to switch to cargo bikes is still low.
• Coordination effort: Successful coordination between retailers, tradespeople, companies and logistics service providers requires a profound change in established routines.
• Economic barriers: The higher costs of sustainable transportation technologies are sometimes in conflict with the economic interests of the players involved.

Wiesbaden's phased concept for sustainable logistics (2022-2025) forms the basis for the future development of urban delivery traffic. The expected developments include

• Expansion of the network of micro-hubs in strategically favorable locations
• Increased use of electric vehicles for inner-city deliveries
• Systematic integration of cargo bikes into the last-mile logistics chain
• Implementation of digital coordination tools for route optimization and traffic reduction

The balance between economic interests and improved quality of life remains a key challenge. With the continuous growth of e-commerce, Wiesbaden will have to develop flexible strategies in order to cope with the increasing volume of deliveries in an environmentally friendly manner and at the same time ensure urban quality of life.