Decarbonising Construction with Volvo CE and Heidelberg Materials
In a world increasingly focused on sustainability, two industry giants, Volvo Construction Equipment (Volvo CE) and Heidelberg Materials Northern Europe are making headlines with a pioneering partnership aimed at decarbonising the construction sector.
With a shared commitment to reducing carbon emissions without sacrificing productivity, this collaboration offers a blueprint for the future of sustainable building practices.
Through innovative digital tools, zero-emission solutions, and a meticulous roadmap, Volvo CE and Heidelberg Materials are demonstrating that sustainability and efficiency can go hand in hand.
Hitting Milestones on the Road to Zero Emissions
This transformative partnership began in 2023 with a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), marking the intent of Volvo CE and Heidelberg Materials to explore electric solutions for construction sites. Fast forward to today, and their efforts are bearing fruit.
Following an extensive site study of Heidelberg’s Northern European operations, the collaboration has entered a critical new phase. The development of a joint roadmap lays out actionable steps to achieve zero emissions while adapting to technological advancements and evolving productivity goals.
The Study that Changed Everything
A team of cross-functional experts from both companies delved deep into operations at key Heidelberg sites in Norway and Sweden, including Brevik, Slite, Skövde, and Bro. Using advanced digital tools, they analysed:
- Fuel consumption
- Material movement
- Cycle routes
- Machine types
- Operator behaviour
These insights led to practical recommendations to reduce emissions while maintaining or even improving productivity. The study not only underscores the power of collaboration but also sets a new standard for site optimisation.
Giv Brantenberg, General Manager, Heidelberg Materials Northern Europe, said: “The collaboration with Volvo CE has provided us with important knowledge and input for the design of our zero-emission roadmap, identifying measures to be implemented over time and how to scale these up across our businesses and product lines. Strong partnerships like this are key to driving widespread transformation.”
Building the Future of Decarbonisation
At its heart, this partnership is about more than just reducing emissions. It’s a comprehensive strategy for transforming the industry. The roadmap identifies immediate actions while paving the way for future advancements.
Carl Slotte, Head of Region Europe, Volvo CE, said: “This partnership represents a pioneering approach to decarbonisation that puts the customer at the centre. No customer is ever the same as another, so we must be flexible and innovative in our approach if we are to accelerate our industry’s transformation.”
Beyond Electric Machines
While electric machines like the L120H Electric Conversion wheel loaders are a cornerstone of the strategy, they are far from the whole story. The collaboration also leverages:
- Digital tools such as Site Optimisation, Connected Map, and Performance Indicator to collect and analyse data.
- Advisory services to identify operational inefficiencies.
- Financial solutions to facilitate early adoption of innovative technologies.
This multi-faceted approach ensures that every aspect of Heidelberg’s operations is aligned with its sustainability goals.
The Role of Local Dealers and Training
Support from local dealers like Volvo Maskin in Norway and Swecon in Sweden—has been crucial. These partners equipped and delivered machines to Heidelberg sites, ensuring smooth integration into existing workflows.
In Norway, additional operator training further optimised machine use, showcasing the value of education in driving technological adoption.
Cementing a Sustainable Future
The stakes couldn’t be higher for the cement and concrete industries, which are responsible for approximately 8% of global carbon emissions. Heidelberg Materials is at the forefront of the fight against climate change, with ground-breaking initiatives like:
- Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS): A facility in Brevik, Norway, is set to launch in 2025, with an even larger one planned for Slite by 2030.
- Electrified Transport Solutions: Developed in collaboration with Volvo CE.
- Industry Partnerships: Strong alliances to accelerate innovation and adoption of green technologies.
By integrating CCS, electrified solutions, and collaborative strategies, the company is leading by example in a sector that has long struggled with its environmental impact.
A Model for Industry-Wide Change
The Volvo CE-Heidelberg Materials partnership isn’t just about individual gains—it’s a call to action for the entire construction industry. By proving that sustainability and profitability can coexist, they are encouraging other companies to take similar steps.
The collaboration’s emphasis on transparency, trust, and innovation serves as a benchmark for future partnerships. Whether through electrified machinery, data-driven insights, or carbon capture technologies, the possibilities for decarbonising construction are becoming increasingly tangible.
An Inspiring Vision for Tomorrow
As the construction industry grapples with the challenge of climate change, partnerships like this one offer a glimmer of hope. Volvo CE and Heidelberg Materials are not only advancing their own goals but also setting the stage for a global transformation in how we build our cities and infrastructure.
The road to zero emissions is long and winding, but with initiatives like this, the destination feels well within reach. Together, they’ve shown that when innovation meets collaboration, the results can be nothing short of revolutionary.
