Volvo CE: Inside Climate Certified Construction

Volvo Construction Equipment (Volvo CE) has taken a significant step forward in its sustainability efforts. Its Braås facility in Sweden has become the first to receive the company’s new Climate Efficient Site certification, meeting rigorous CO2 reduction targets.

The milestone highlights Volvo CE’s commitment to transforming its global operations in line with Science Based Targets, advancing the construction industry's shift towards decarbonisation.

Since becoming carbon-neutral in 2014 through renewable energy sources, such as biofuel-powered district heating and hydropower, the site has continued to set new benchmarks. In 2018, it achieved landfill-free status.

Now, as the birthplace of the articulated hauler, Braås remains at the forefront of manufacturing innovation with its enhanced focus on reducing emissions across operations.

A collaborative culture

Volvo CE’s Climate Efficient Site certification pushes all production sites to adopt meaningful sustainability practices.

Covering Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions, the certification encompasses direct emissions from operations, indirect emissions from purchased energy, and emissions from activities like production, transport and waste management.

Melker Jernberg, President of Volvo CE, highlights the importance of setting ambitious goals: “Our commitment to drive the decarbonisation of construction remains firm which is why we constantly push ourselves to set new benchmarks for sustainability beyond the industry status quo.

"We believe in leading by example with concrete action, starting with ourselves. The employees at Braås keep demonstrating what can be achieved with clear targets and a culture of learning and involvement, where everyone is enabled and encouraged to make meaningful contributions.”

This culture of collaboration is central to Braås’s achievements. With nearly 1,000 employees working across its 60,000 square metres of facilities, the site conducts thorough carbon inventories to identify areas for improvement. These efforts span manufacturing processes, energy systems, materials handling, waste management and transport logistics.

“Change is possible when people are dedicated to continuously seek improvements and act on them and here people really want to make a difference," adds Lisa Krondahl, Environment Engineer at Braås. 

"In 2023, we aimed for 40 environmental and energy improvements – our teams topped 120. This year, we set the target to find 100 more ways to improve - and to date more than 140 have been implemented. Sustainability is embedded in our teams, our processes and the way we operate and it guides our decision making.”

Innovations and investments for a cleaner future

Beyond its renewable energy use, Braås continues to uncover innovative ways to optimise energy management. These efforts maximise the efficiency of renewable energy, ensuring resources are used effectively.

Mattias Hermander, Energy Expert at Braås, highlights the broader impact: “It’s important to continue working to reduce and optimise the energy systems, to enable the renewable energy to be used in the best way.

"An energy-efficient industry is an investment in a better society, taking responsibility for our resources now and in the future.”

Key initiatives at Braås include:

• Transitioning to biofuels (HVO 100) for machines produced and operated onsite
• Collaborating with suppliers and contractors to enhance logistics and work practices
• Improving waste management through reduction, sorting and recycling
• Refining wastewater treatment processes to allow treated sludge to be used as fertiliser
• Implementing abatement technology in the paint process
• Promoting sustainable commuting through electric charging points and ride-sharing programmes

The facility’s commitment to sustainability aligns with Volvo CE’s broader investment in electromobility.

Braås is expanding to support the phased shift towards electrified articulated haulers, showcasing the company’s dedication to shaping a low-emission future for the construction industry.

Volvo CE’s Braås site exemplifies how targeted sustainability measures can drive meaningful change as the site’s ongoing progress demonstrates the power of combining innovation, collaboration and commitment to achieve ambitious climate goals.

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