Lower Emissions: Shuttle Buses Run on Biodiesel

During GaLaBau 2026, NürnbergMesse used shuttle buses powered by biodiesel (HVO100) on its exhibition grounds for the first time. With this alternative fuel, NürnbergMesse is reducing emissions from visitor transportation and, together with its partner Omnibusverkehr Franken (OVF), is relying on a practical technology for more sustainable trade fair operations.

Written by Johanna Köhler

Pink and black shuttle bus outside GaLaBau hall, people in the background.

Whether arriving from the parking areas or the subway station, shuttle buses are the first point of contact with the exhibition grounds for many visitors. At GaLaBau 2026, there was a difference for the first time: four of the shuttle buses in operation were powered by biodiesel (HVO100). Together with our partner OVF, we are thus taking another step toward reducing emissions at trade shows.

HVO, short for Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil, is considered a sustainable alternative to fossil diesel. The fuel is produced from residues and waste materials, such as used cooking oils, and can significantly reduce CO₂ emissions compared with conventional diesel.

HVO Buses Used in Visitor Transportation for the First Time

The shuttle buses are operated by Omnibusverkehr Franken GmbH (OVF), a wholly owned subsidiary of DB Regio. OVF transports visitors between the parking areas, the subway station, and the exhibition halls. “For OVF, the HVO shuttle buses represent a major step toward sustainability and climate protection in cooperation with our partner NürnbergMesse,” says Axel Nettersheim, Operations Manager at OVF Mittelfranken. “For us, this is a pilot project. These are the first HVO buses we have put into operation.”

Bus interior with “Refuel ONLY HVO100” sign beside driver's seat and wheel. — With HVO100, NürnbergMesse is using a practical alternative to fossil diesel.

From OVF’s perspective, the NürnbergMesse exhibition grounds are particularly well suited to using the vehicles. The shuttle buses operate over short distances, run at a high frequency, and stop regularly. “For short routes and the frequent starting and stopping of engines, the emissions savings achieved with HVO100 are ideal,” explains Nettersheim. Manuela Röschlau, Senior Manager Procurement at NürnbergMesse, adds: “Our visitor shuttles are an important part of trade fair operations. By using HVO100, together with our partner OVF we can reduce the associated emissions while relying on an existing and practical technology.”

A Step Toward Lower-Emission Trade Fair Operations

By using HVO shuttle buses, we are reducing fossil fuel consumption in visitor transportation while also gaining further experience with this alternative fuel in trade show operations. For visitors, the more sustainable approach becomes visible as soon as they arrive at the exhibition grounds: their first contact with the venue already includes a lower-emission mobility solution. Together with OVF, we are demonstrating how existing transportation services can already be made more resource-efficient today.

Seven people standing in front of two pink and black DB HVO shuttle buses. — NürnbergMesse and OVF are gaining initial experience with HVO100 for lower-emission visitor transport.

Author

Johanna Köhler

Online Editing // PR Trainee