Electrifying Stockholm’s Construction Industry with VolvoCE
Stockholm is breaking ground—both literally and figuratively—on what might just be the future of sustainable construction.
The redevelopment of Slakthusområdet, Stockholm’s historic meat-packing district, is leading the charge with a bold ambition: to power 50% of its construction activities using electric machines. At the heart of this transformation lies Volvo Construction Equipment, whose innovative technologies are reshaping how cities approach fossil-free construction.
But this isn’t just a story about cutting-edge machines; it’s about a holistic approach to sustainability, innovation, and collaboration. Let’s dive into the details and discover how Stockholm’s fossil-free worksite is setting a global standard.
A Transformative Vision for Slakthusområdet
In a city renowned for its sustainability goals, the Slakthusområdet redevelopment is a shining example of climate-conscious innovation. The site is a testbed for sustainable construction practices, integrating electric machinery, climate-reduced materials, and cutting-edge carbon tracking systems. This approach not only slashes emissions but also sets a new precedent for procurement contracts prioritising sustainability.
The project’s first phase has already saved 2,759 tonnes of CO₂ as of June 2024. Recognised with the prestigious ‘Sustainable Construction Project of the Year’ award at the Swedish Green Building Awards, the project is proving that environmental goals and operational efficiency can go hand in hand.
Looking ahead to Phase Two, the ambitions grow bolder. Stockholm aims to cut CO₂ emissions to an unprecedented 3.5 tonnes per SEK 1 million turnover—far below the industry norm of 11 to 29 tonnes.
The Role of Carbon Calculations
A key innovation driving this initiative is the integration of carbon calculations during the tendering process. This move ensures that sustainability isn’t just an afterthought but a core metric from the outset. Skanska secured the contract for Phase Two by demonstrating its ability to align with Stockholm’s ambitious targets.
“In the City of Stockholm, we recognise the vital role we must play in accelerating the transition to fossil-free construction sites,” says Anders Österberg, Deputy Mayor of Stockholm. “To reach our goal of becoming climate positive by 2030, we need to continue to require the use of electrically powered construction vehicles and fossil-free construction sites in our procurement.”
This strategy is a game changer, encouraging the entire supply chain to innovate and adapt. Contractors, suppliers, and equipment manufacturers are all pushed to explore new possibilities in sustainable construction.
Electric Equipment at Work
Central to the site’s operations are three electric machines from Volvo CE:
- Two Volvo EC230 Electric crawler excavators
- One L120H Electric Conversion wheel loader
Affectionately nicknamed Electra, Ellen, and Elton, these machines perform tasks ranging from soil excavation to tunnel preparation with impressive efficiency. Their quiet operation and zero emissions are particularly beneficial for urban environments, where reducing noise and air pollution is paramount.
Fredrik Tjernström, Head of Electromobility Solutions Sales at Volvo CE, highlights the significance of these innovations: “The first phase showed the effectiveness of electric machines in performing tasks while significantly reducing CO₂ emissions. This is invaluable for city centre projects to help municipalities meet their emission reduction targets and enhance air quality, as well as reducing noise levels for everyone’s benefit.”
Adding to the fleet are two electric trucks, an electric sorting tool, and hand-operated electric machinery, creating a comprehensive ecosystem of fossil-free operations. Charging infrastructure provided by Eviny ensures seamless operations with fast chargers and portable battery packs.
Driving Industry-Wide Change
The ripple effects of Stockholm’s fossil-free initiatives extend far beyond city limits. By prioritising carbon reduction in contracts, Stockholm is setting a precedent for municipalities worldwide.
“When municipalities like Stockholm City prioritise carbon reduction in contract awards, 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. “This proactive approach creates a ripple effect throughout the entire value chain, pushing all stakeholders to explore new possibilities and expand the boundaries of what can be achieved in sustainable construction.”
Such initiatives demonstrate the power of collaboration between government bodies, contractors, and equipment manufacturers. Together, they’re proving that the road to sustainability is paved with innovation and shared commitment.
Lessons Learned and What Lies Ahead
The Slakthusområdet project serves as a blueprint for cities aiming to transition towards fossil-free operations. Its success underscores the importance of:
- Comprehensive planning: Incorporating carbon metrics at the tender stage ensures that sustainability goals are clear and measurable.
- Technological integration: Electric machines and charging infrastructure form the backbone of fossil-free construction.
- Collaboration: A unified approach between public authorities and private companies accelerates progress.
As the project moves towards its 2025 completion date, it’s poised to inspire similar initiatives worldwide. By proving that sustainable construction is not just feasible but highly effective, Stockholm is rewriting the playbook for urban development.
A Beacon of Hope for Sustainable Construction
Stockholm’s efforts at Slakthusområdet highlight an encouraging truth: the tools and technologies to combat climate change are already within our reach. By leveraging innovative solutions like Volvo CE’s electric equipment, cities can meet ambitious climate targets while improving urban living conditions.
This project doesn’t just benefit Stockholm; it’s a shining example of what’s possible when ambition, technology, and collaboration converge. As the city continues its journey towards becoming climate-positive, it’s clear that the future of construction is not only bright but also green.
