Volvo & Heidelberg: Cutting Construction Emissions
Volvo Group and Heidelberg Materials, a global building materials company, have joined forces in a groundbreaking collaboration aimed at reducing carbon emissions in the construction industry.
Through this partnership, they will explore and develop electrified vehicle solutions and related services to address loading and hauling needs, with the ultimate goal of cutting carbon emissions in the sector.
The collaboration will involve deploying Volvo Group's customised electric product and service solutions across Heidelberg Materials' operations in Northern Europe this year.
This initiative aims to promote the adoption of emission-free transport and loading equipment solutions within the industry. Given that the cement and concrete sectors contribute approximately 8% of global carbon emissions, Heidelberg Materials must find ways to reduce its climate impact and achieve net-zero carbon emissions across its value chain.
Martin Lundstedt, President and CEO of Volvo Group, emphasises the significance of collaborative partnerships in addressing climate change and driving change throughout the value chain. Volvo Group is not only committed to reducing carbon emissions in its own operations but is also dedicated to supporting its customers by leading by example through innovative collaborations.
In Heidelberg Materials' Northern European operations, land-based transport accounts for 6% of the carbon footprint in the value chain. Electrifying the fleet in the region has the potential to decrease annual emissions by up to 200,000 tonnes while also providing a quieter and improved working environment in urban settings.
As part of the agreement, Volvo Group's emission-free solutions, including electric trucks, construction equipment, machinery, and productivity services, will be deployed at multiple Heidelberg Materials sites and quarries.
For instance, Heidelberg Materials will utilise Volvo Construction Equipment's recently introduced 20-tonne wheel loader L120H Electric Conversion, which offers zero exhaust emissions and near-silent performance, benefiting operators during indoor work.
Throughout 2023, a six-month feasibility study will be conducted to determine the most suitable emission-free vehicle technologies and charging infrastructure solutions for Heidelberg Materials' requirements. This comprehensive study presents a unique opportunity to map, tailor, and implement a comprehensive CO2 reduction programme for transport and loading activities within their operations.
Dr. Dominik von Achten, CEO of Heidelberg Materials, considers the partnership with Volvo a pivotal project within the industry capable of driving significant decarbonisation across their entire value chain in Northern Europe. They eagerly anticipate working together to identify and implement cutting-edge solutions that facilitate a rapid climate transition in the construction sector.
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Source: Volvo Group
