Sustainable mobility

The current Dutch cabinet wants to see CO2 emissions in the Netherlands in the year 2030 reduced by 49%, compared with 1990 levels. This is a larger reduction than has been agreed at the EU level. To achieve this while remaining accessible, the Netherlands needs to change its mobility system. Rijkswaterstaat is therefore working on sustainable mobility and what we refer to as smart mobility.

Vision for sustainable mobility

More sustainable mobility is one of the objectives to which Rijkswaterstaat is committed. To achieve this we are focusing our efforts on various mobility streams:

Cycling

The Dutch government wants to see the bicycle become part and parcel more integral part of our public spaces – even more than it already is. For Rijkswaterstaat this means improving our own cycle network, ramping up cooperation with regional partners on constructing cycle routes and strengthening our role as a knowledge and information partner. Developing knowledge, models and information on cycling enables more considered decision making on investing in the cycle network.

Passenger and freight transport

In the Netherlands, many different parties are involved in improving the sustainability of passenger and freight transport. For example, by Rijkswaterstaat issuing permits it makes it easier for third parties to provide rapid charging points and hydrogen filling stations. We also collaborate on a campaign to raise awareness among car and lorry drivers, fleet managers and leasing companies of the importance of good tyres and the correct tyre pressure.

Rijkswaterstaat is issuing permits that makes it easier for third parties to provide rapid charging points and hydrogen filling stations

Public transport

Public transport in the Netherlands has to become an even better alternative to taking the car. Smart technologies, good passenger information and public transport hubs can help achieve this. The trains and buses themselves also need to become more sustainable. We don't limit our efforts to our own networks; we also work together with local authorities and other public transport organisations.

Filling and charging infrastructure for road traffic

Rijkswaterstaat has four priorities for making the filling and charging road vehicles more sustainable: hydrogen filling stations, electric charging points, dynamic charging and biofuels. To encourage the use of electric and hydrogen vehicles, we help third parties provide sufficient numbers of charging and filling stations.

Shipping

New information and communication technologies can help the Netherlands make better use of its waterways and shipping fuel. Rijkswaterstaat brings parties together to learn from one another about smart shipping. On the water we also participate in the Blauwe Golf Verbindend (Blue Wave Connecting) project.

Fuel Vision

The Brandstofvisie (Fuel Vision) is a document produced by more than 100 representatives of businesses, civil society organisations, knowledge institutes and national and local authorities, including Rijkswaterstaat. Among other things, the vision sets out which sustainable fuels can be used and when, in order to help achieve our climate goals such as reducing CO2.

The aim of the Fuel Vision is to reduce CO2 emissions by 80 - 95% by 2050. We will prioritise the use of electricity and hydrogen wherever possible, with renewable gas and more sustainable bio-fuels used when we can't switch to fully renewable energy sources yet.

Rijkswaterstaat is sharing knowledge and expertise on the use of new fuels on various platforms that bring together all the parties involved per type of fuel.

Green Deals

Rijkswaterstaat also has a major role to play in various Green Deals. These are arrangements between central government and businesses, civil society organisations and other authorities designed to tackle specific sustainability problems. Thanks to the Zero Emissions City Logistics Green Deal, we are going further than is proposed in EU legislation, under which only zero-emission vehicles will be allowed on our streets by 2050.

Developing and expanding sustainable initiatives

On its own, central government cannot overcome challenges such as rising CO2 emissions, more expensive and ever scarcer fossil fuels and loss of balance in nature. We are keen to work with citizens, businesses, sister authorities and other organisations. It was for this purpose that we set up the Green Deal approach in 2011. It gives innovative, sustainable community initiatives the opportunity to develop and expand.

As part of this deal, the government is eliminating legal and regulatory barriers, stimulating new markets, sharing knowledge and facilitating effective collaborative partnerships.