Just two years ago, 10% electrical efficiency was seen as the boast goal of a fossil-free Swedish construction site. Last week, the site reached the 50% all-electric limit with the addition of a new Volvo L120H Electric Conversion wheel loader.
The newly launched wheel loader joins a pair of Volvo EC230 30-tonne electric excavators at the site, which is a redevelopment of the Slakthusområdet (meat packing district) in central Stockholm. The industry has attracted international attention for its commitment to sustainability and innovation.
That commitment means that the project has produced CO₂ “savings” (Volvo's word) of 2,759 tons as of June 2024 (equivalent to about 600 ICE vehicles driving for a full year). That – which is the first phase of a multi-year plan – earned the project the “Sustainable Construction Project of the Year” award at the annual Swedish Green Building Awards.
“In the City of Stockholm, we see an important role to play in accelerating the transition to zero-waste construction sites,” said Anders Österberg, Deputy Mayor of Stockholm and chairman of the City Development Committee. “The City of Stockholm has a goal of having a favorable climate by 2030. To achieve this goal we need to continue to require the use of electric construction vehicles and carbon-free construction sites in our procurement.”
In the second phase of the project, which will start in mid-2025, the aim is to reduce harmful carbon emissions even further by going below the target of 3.5 tons of CO₂ for every SEK 1 million in revenue (or about 1 ton of CO₂ for every $250 – 265,000 in income). Although that may seem like a lot, it shows a vibrations a decrease of 11 to 29 tons of carbon and diesel is usually used in similar projects.
“When municipalities like the City of Stockholm prioritize carbon reduction in contract awards, it not only sets an encouraging example for other regions, but also drives innovation throughout the construction industry,” explains Anna Göransdotter, Project Manager at Skanska, a major equipment company. in the area. “This proactive approach creates an adverse effect on the entire value chain, pushing all stakeholders to explore new opportunities and expand the boundaries of what can be achieved in sustainable construction.”
The battery-powered machines are joined by two electric semi-trailer trucks, including a Volvo electric truck supplied by Bellman Group, which will arrive in early 2025. Electronic filtration equipment, electrical assembly equipment, portable charging infrastructure, and functional electrical equipment round out the work area portfolio.
Electrek's Take
We like to learn more about large electronic devices and the large amount of emissions they spew into the places where we live, work, and play. Back in October, we interviewed Sylvie Binder from the New York City Mayor's office about a similar effort in NYC supported by the newly launched North American Electric Construction Association (NAECC) committed to decarbonizing the construction industry.
You can check out that interview, above, and let us know what you think about Volvo's role in ending the world of job sites in the comments.
SOURCE | PHOTOS: Volvo CE.
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