Transport remains the UK’s single largest source of greenhouse gas emissions, and a new report from the British Standards Institution (BSI) warns that without urgent and coordinated action, the nation risks missing its legally binding net zero targets.
The report, Decarbonizing Transport for a Net Zero Future, provides a comprehensive sector-by-sector analysis of the UK’s progress, challenges, and the critical role of standards in accelerating the transition.
While the UK leads the world in several areas – including the first legal end-date for new diesel HGVs and the world’s most ambitious decarbonisation policy for cars and vans – domestic transport emissions have plateaued and remain the country’s largest CO₂ contributor.
Nick Fleming, BSI Director for Transport and Mobility, said: ‘The future health of our planet hinges on a critical transformation of the transport sector. You can’t make a net zero transition without transport coming with you.’
The report highlights both progress and persistent hurdles. Electric vehicle adoption is rising, with record sales in 2024, but charging infrastructure remains unevenly distributed and public confidence is hampered by reliability and interoperability issues. Standards such as BS EN 61851 and PAS 1899 are helping to address these barriers by ensuring safe, accessible, and user-friendly charging.
For heavier modes, the challenges are steeper. Heavy goods vehicles are undergoing trials under the Government’s £200 million Zero Emission HGV and Infrastructure Demonstrator (ZEHID) programme, but high costs, limited infrastructure and operational complexities remain.
Aviation and shipping face even greater difficulties. Sustainable Aviation Fuels are promising but up to four times more expensive than conventional jet fuel, and questions over feedstock sustainability persist. Shipping is exploring ammonia and hydrogen, but safety and scalability concerns abound.
Rail, already the lowest-emission mode, offers a key opportunity for modal shift, yet over 60% of the network remains unelectrified.
Throughout the report, BSI emphasises that standards are not merely compliance tools but essential enablers. From battery safety for e-scooters (PAS 7250) to carbon management in infrastructure (PAS 2080) and global GHG reporting (ISO 14083), standards provide the frameworks for innovation, safety, and market confidence.
Fleming said: ‘Standards can support policy and help underpin regulation to help new technologies reach the market. They frame the ‘how’ – how will these technologies perform in the real world, and how do we manage safety risks, costs, and interoperability challenges to create scale?’
Abbey Dorian, Energy Sector Lead, BSI added: ‘Using standards from the outset can demystify the transition for industry, while also giving relevant stakeholders – whether they’re insurers, governments, or consumers – the practical assurance that there is a consensus‑based approach ensuring safe outcomes. They also provide a technically rigorous expectation around how these new technologies perform.’
The report calls for cross-sector collaboration, data sharing and international alignment, particularly for aviation and shipping. It concludes that with the right standards and partnerships, the UK can accelerate its journey to a cleaner transport future.
Photo: Peter_Lindenau
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