Just two years ago, 10% electrical equipment operation seemed like an ambitious goal for Sweden’s pioneering fossil fuel-free construction site. Last week, the site reached the 50% all-electric threshold with the addition of the new Volvo L120H Electric Conversion wheeled loader.
The recently launched bulldozer joins a 30-ton Volvo EC230 electric excavator at the site, which is itself a redevelopment of the Slakthusområdet (meat packing district) area in central Stockholm. The low-emission worksite has captured international attention for its commitment to sustainability and innovation.
This commitment means that the project has produced a CO2 “saving” (in Volvo’s words) of 2,759 tonnes as of June 2024 (the equivalent of around 600 ICE cars driving for a full year). This feat – the first phase of the multi-year plan – earned the project the “Sustainable Building Project of the Year” award at the annual Swedish Green Building Awards.
“At the City of Stockholm, we recognize the vital role we have to play in accelerating the transition to fossil fuel-free construction sites,” says Anders Österberg, Deputy Mayor of Stockholm and Chairman of the City Development Committee. “The city of Stockholm aims to become climate positive by 2030. To reach this goal, we need to continue to require the use of electric-powered construction vehicles and fossil-free construction sites in our procurement.”
In the second phase of the project, which is scheduled to start in mid-2025, the aim is to reduce harmful carbon emissions further by reaching a target of 3.5 tons of CO2 per million Swedish krona (or about one ton of CO2 per $250). -265,000 in revenue). Although this may seem like a lot, it represents a significant reduction in the 11 to 29 tons of carbon and diesel emissions typically spent on similar projects.
“When municipalities like Stockholm prioritize carbon reduction in awarding contracts, it not only sets an inspiring precedent for other regions, but also drives innovation across the construction industry,” explains Anna Göransdotter, project manager at Skanska, the company that manages the heavy equipment. site. “This proactive approach creates a ripple effect across the entire value chain, pushing all stakeholders to explore new possibilities and push the boundaries of what is possible in sustainable construction.”
The battery-powered machines are joined by two electric semi-trucks with trailers, including a Volvo electric truck from the Bellman Group, which is scheduled to arrive in early 2025. An electric-powered sorter, electric compactors, mobile charging infrastructure and hand tools . Electrically operated machines complement the job site electronic portfolio.
Take Electric
We love learning about large electric machines and the huge amounts of emissions they emit in the places where we live, work and play. Last October, we interviewed Sylvie Bender of the New York City Mayor’s Office about similar efforts in New York City, supported by the newly launched North American Electric Construction Coalition (NAECC), committed to decarbonizing the construction industry.
You can check out that interview above, then let us know what you think about Volvo’s role in decarbonizing the world’s worksites in the comments.
Source | Photos: Volvo CE.
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