The transport sector faces the dual challenge of reducing its environmental impact and complying with increasingly demanding regulation. There are three key strategies: renewing the fleet towards low-emission vehicles, deploying technology to optimise operations, and building a culture of sustainability. All within a regulatory framework that in 2026 includes Spain's Sustainable Mobility Act, the CountEmissions EU regulation and the CSRD.
Transport is the largest emitting sector in the European Union, according to the European Environment Agency. As a major emitter of greenhouse gases (GHGs), it has an unavoidable responsibility in the fight against climate change.
Barriers to transport decarbonisation
The decarbonisation of transport faces several obstacles:
High upfront investment
The transition to a green vehicle fleet and the charging or refuelling infrastructure require significant investment, which can hold back companies with limited resources.
Insufficient infrastructure
The lack of a robust charging and refuelling network for electric or hydrogen vehicles remains a brake on their mass adoption.
Skills gap
The shift towards sustainability demands new skills in energy efficiency and technology. A lack of training can slow the process.
Sustainability strategies for transport companies
Fleet renewal with green vehicles
Bringing in electric, hybrid, hydrogen or biogas vehicles is a fundamental step. Alternative propulsion technologies are increasingly efficient and cost-competitive.
Implementing green technologies
Fleet management software, smart logistics systems, telematics sensors and data analytics platforms make it possible to optimise routes, reduce fuel consumption and minimise idle time.
Awareness and corporate culture
Sustainability is not achieved through technology alone. Environmental training and awareness programmes for employees, clients and suppliers are essential to creating a sustainable corporate culture.
Regulatory compliance in transport in 2026
Compliance has shifted from a risk to manage into a competitive factor. These are the rules that most affect the sector:
- Sustainable Mobility Act: Spain's Law 9/2025, in force since December 2025, requires companies with worksites of more than 200 employees to draw up sustainable commuting plans. We analyse its impact in how the Sustainable Mobility Act is changing the sector.
- CountEmissions EU: a European regulation agreed at the end of 2025 that sets ISO 14083 as the reference method for calculating the emissions of transport services. Disclosure remains voluntary, but when it is done it must follow this framework.
- CSRD: requires a growing number of companies to report their emissions, including the transport and distribution Scope 3.
Non-compliance can lead to penalties and reputational damage, as well as closing off access to clients and tenders that already require emissions data.
Benefits of committing to sustainability
Positive environmental impact
- Carbon footprint reduction: fewer GHG emissions, essential to mitigating climate change.
- Better air quality: less NOx and particulate matter, with a direct impact on public health.
- Less dependence on fossil fuels: a finite and polluting resource.
Cost savings
- Less fuel: optimised routes and efficient driving reduce spending.
- Lower maintenance: electric vehicles have fewer moving parts.
- Incentives and subsidies: public support for green fleets and clean technologies.
Frequently asked questions
Which transport companies are required to have a sustainable mobility plan?
Under Spain's Law 9/2025, companies with worksites of more than 200 employees (or more than 100 per shift) must draw up a sustainable commuting plan, negotiated with employee representatives. It is worth checking the deadlines in force, as the timetable has been set out progressively through implementing regulation.
How are transport emissions calculated for reporting?
The reference standard is ISO 14083, the basis of the GLEC Framework and the CountEmissions EU regulation. It is integrated into the broader framework of the GHG Protocol and ISO 14064 used by the CSRD and Spain's MITECO carbon-footprint registry.
At Manglai we help transport companies calculate, reduce and report their carbon footprint with auditable reports, aligned with ISO 14083 and the GLEC Framework.
