How Lime Hits 90% Decarbonisation in Shipping Efforts

Lime, the largest global operator of shared electric bikes and scooters, is making significant strides in logistics decarbonisation as part of its journey to achieve net-zero emissions by 2030.

With operations spanning 200 cities in almost 30 countries, the mobility leader is redefining sustainable urban transport.

In June 2024, Lime introduced HVO100, a renewable fuel made entirely from waste and residue oils, into its drayage trucking operations. By August, this fuel was powering 100% of the company’s logistics in Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA).

The results are impressive – nearly 7,100 kg of CO₂ emissions saved, equivalent to a 90% reduction in logistics-related carbon output.

A roadmap to logistics decarbonisation

Lime’s success in logistics decarbonisation stems from partnerships and innovation across regions.

In the US, the company collaborates with Hight Logistics, deploying electric trucks to move its vehicles and parts to logistics hubs in California. This makes up 100% of Lime’s North American shipments.

In Europe, Lime partners with distribution agents Albas and NeeleVat to use HVO100, achieving an 89% reduction in CO₂ emissions compared to traditional diesel-powered operations. These efforts ensure that Lime’s port trucking between North America and Rotterdam is entirely low carbon.

Reducing emissions from upstream transportation is a key priority for Lime, which accounted for 11% of its emissions in 2023. The company is determined to bring this figure down to zero as it moves closer to its sustainability goals.

“Decarbonising our logistics is a critical part of our mission and aggressive roadmap to net zero," comments Andrew Savage, Lime’s Vice President for Sustainability. 

"With this new initiative in Rotterdam, between Europe and North America, Lime’s freight moves from port to hub using an average of 95% less carbon.

“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.”

Broader sustainability commitments

Lime’s focus on sustainability stretches beyond logistics. Transportation is the second-largest contributor to greenhouse gas emissions worldwide and Lime is tackling this issue with its micro-mobility solutions.

The company’s electric bikes and scooters – all powered by renewable energy – use 75% less carbon per trip than comparable car journeys.

The firm’s ambitions are supported by science-backed goals. Lime aims to reduce its Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 90% from a 2019 baseline by 2030, while also cutting Scope 3 emissions by 97% per rider kilometre.

Lime has already achieved a 59.5% reduction in carbon intensity since 2019, a clear signal of its progress. These targets are validated by the Science Based Targets initiative, reinforcing Lime’s credibility in its net-zero mission.

Wayne Ting, CEO at Lime, emphasises the broader vision: “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.”

Lime is also committed to workplace diversity and equality, extending these values to its suppliers to ensure ethical and sustainable practices throughout its operations.

Scaling up with Mission Possible Partnership

In addition to its own initiatives, Lime is following the goals of the Mission Possible Partnership.

The Mission Possible Partnership, launched in 2020, unites businesses, think tanks and policymakers to accelerate industrial decarbonisation. Supported by high-profile organisations such as the Bezos Earth Fund and Bill Gates’ Breakthrough Energy, the partnership is driving large-scale change.

Lime has pledged to ship 10% of its goods internationally on vessels powered by zero-emission fuels by 2030, with a goal of reaching 100% by 2040.

Ultimately, Lime’s efforts show what’s possible when innovation, collaboration and ambition converge. 

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