Volvo CE’s World First Climate Efficient Site—Setting New Industry Standard Construction
Volvo Construction Equipment (Volvo CE) is setting a new global benchmark for sustainability with its groundbreaking Climate Efficient Site certification. As the first facility to receive this designation, Volvo CE’s Braås site in Sweden is not just meeting environmental standards—it is redefining them. This achievement is a direct result of the company’s long-standing commitment to carbon neutrality, circular economy practices, and energy efficiency.
The construction industry is one of the largest contributors to global carbon emissions, accounting for nearly 39% of all energy-related CO₂ emissions worldwide, according to the Global Alliance for Buildings and Construction. Volvo CE’s proactive approach proves that large-scale manufacturers can significantly reduce their environmental footprint while maintaining operational efficiency and innovation.
By implementing cutting-edge sustainability measures and fostering a culture of continuous improvement, Volvo CE is proving that decarbonization in construction is not only possible but also economically viable. This article examines how the Braås facility is leading the charge toward a greener future and why its success serves as a model for the entire industry.
A Legacy of Environmental Leadership
The Braås site, renowned for producing the industry’s first articulated haulers in 1966, has a longstanding history of environmental initiatives. In 2014, it became the first in the construction industry to achieve carbon-neutral operations by utilizing renewable energy sources such as biofuel-powered district heating and hydropower. By 2018, the facility had attained landfill-free status, further solidifying its role as a pioneer in sustainable manufacturing.
Comprehensive Emission Reduction Strategies
The Climate Efficient Site certification encompasses a broad spectrum of emission reduction efforts, addressing direct (Scope 1), indirect (Scope 2), and certain Scope 3 emissions within the site’s influence. This includes emissions from the production of goods, services, fuels, as well as energy and waste management practices.
Melker Jernberg, President of Volvo CE, emphasized the company’s dedication:
“Our commitment to drive the decarbonization of construction remains firm, which is why we constantly push ourselves to set new benchmarks for sustainability beyond the industry status quo.”
Employee-Driven Environmental Initiatives
The Braås facility’s achievements are largely attributed to its workforce of nearly 1,000 employees, who have actively engaged in identifying and implementing environmental improvements across the 60,000-square-meter site. In 2023, the team surpassed their goal by implementing over 120 environmental and energy improvements, well above the initial target of 40. The following year, they continued this momentum with over 140 additional initiatives.
Lisa Krondahl, Environmental Engineer at Braås, highlighted the team’s dedication:
“Change is possible when people are dedicated to continuously seek improvements and act on them, and here people really want to make a difference.”
Innovative Sustainability Measures
Beyond leveraging renewable energy, the Braås facility has implemented several innovative measures to enhance sustainability:
– Biofuel Utilization: Transitioned to using 100% hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO 100) for machines produced and operated on-site.
– Supply Chain Collaboration: Worked closely with suppliers and contractors to refine work practices and improve inbound logistics.
– Waste Management: Enhanced waste sorting and recycling efforts, resulting in the sorting of over four tons of plastic band waste by assembly operators in a single year.
– Water Treatment: Improved wastewater quality, enabling treated sludge to be repurposed as fertilizer.
– Energy Efficiency: Optimized energy systems to maximize the use of renewable energy sources.
– Sustainable Commuting: Installed electric vehicle charging stations and promoted ride-sharing programs to encourage eco-friendly employee transportation. citeturn0search0
Energy Expert Mattias Hermander underscored the importance of these efforts:
“An energy-efficient industry is an investment in a better society, taking responsibility for our resources now and in the future.”
Aligning with Global Climate Goals
Volvo CE’s Climate Efficient Site certification aligns with the company’s broader objective to reduce emissions by 50% across its operations by 2030, as a step toward achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions in its value chain by 2040. The Braås facility’s accomplishments serve as a tangible example of how targeted actions and a culture of continuous improvement can drive significant progress toward these ambitious goals. citeturn0search0
Final Thoughts
Volvo CE’s Climate Efficient Site certification at the Braås facility is more than a milestone—it is a call to action for the entire construction industry. With a clear strategy to reduce Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions, the company is demonstrating that sustainability and industrial success are not mutually exclusive.
Furthermore, the Braås site exemplifies how collective action at the corporate level can drive tangible environmental impact. The results speak for themselves: over 140 new sustainability initiatives in a single year, 100% biofuel utilization for onsite equipment, and industry-leading waste management practices. These achievements underscore the power of an engaged workforce and strong leadership in shaping a sustainable future.
As Volvo CE continues to push the boundaries of environmental responsibility, the rest of the industry must take notice. Sustainable construction is no longer an option—it is a necessity. Companies that fail to adapt will be left behind as regulatory pressures, consumer demand, and environmental realities drive the sector toward a cleaner future. Volvo CE has set the standard. Now, the question remains: who will follow?