Heidelberg Materials join hands with Volvo to reduce carbon emissions

Heidelberg Materials has signed a collaboration agreement with Volvo Group with the potential to significantly reduce carbon emissions in the construction industry.

The aim is to jointly investigate and develop how the loading and hauling needs of Heidelberg Materials can be solved with the help of electrified vehicles and related services. As part of the agreement, Volvo Group’s emission-free solutions, a mix of its electric trucks and construction equipment machines, will be put to work in several Heidelberg Materials’ Northern European sites and quarries.

In the Northern Europe region, land-based transport accounts for a total of 6% of the value chain carbon footprint. Electrification of the Northern European fleet has the potential to reduce annual CO₂ emissions by up to 200.000 tonnes. In addition, electrified vehicles provide a quieter and better work environment.

A six-month joint feasibility study will evaluate which emission-free vehicle technology and charging infrastructure will best suit the requirements of Heidelberg Materials’ operations regarding operating efficiency, maintenance and charging at the sites. The holistic study will provide a unique opportunity to map, tailor and implement a complete CO₂ reduction program throughout the operations considering transport and loading activities. The project will mainly focus on the larger sites in the region, with the first vehicle in operation at the cement plant in Slite, Sweden, already this summer.