Volvo CE Earns First Climate Efficient Site Certification

Volvo Construction Equipment (Volvo CE) has taken bold steps towards manufacturing sustainability at its Braås facility in Sweden, marking a significant milestone in its environmental commitments.

The site is now celebrated as the first in Volvo CE's network to secure the Climate Efficient Site certification, highlighted by its strong drive towards challenging CO2 reduction goals.

Braås has been carbon-neutral since 2014, leveraging renewable energy sources, including biofuel-powered heat and hydropower.

In enhancing its dedication to the environment, the site reached a landfill-free status in 2018 and stands today as a beacon of manufacturing innovation, significantly cutting emissions in all operational areas.

The landmark achievement is a crucial part of Volvo CE's overarching strategy to align its global operations with the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), which strives to drive the entire construction sector towards decarbonisation.

The site's role extends beyond its operational boundaries as it paves the way in embracing and demonstrating achievable sustainability within the manufacturing industry.

Spearheading collaborative environmental efforts

The inauguration of the Climate Efficient Site certification by Volvo CE is a substantial forward step in embedding strong sustainability practices across its global manufacturing sites.

Its certification encompasses a holistic view of emissions, capturing Scopes 1, 2 and 3.

At the heart of these successes is a deeply ingrained culture of collaboration and continual improvement. The site operates with about 1,000 employees across a vast 60,000 square metres of space.

Here, precise carbon accounting is critical, as it helps identify further opportunities for reducing emissions.

Sustainability is threaded through every aspect of operations from production processes and energy systems to materials handling, waste management and logistics.

“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," says Melker Jernberg, President of Volvo CE.

"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.”

Innovative strategies for a greener tomorrow

Braås doesn't merely stop at using renewable energy; it consistently explores innovative approaches to boost energy efficiency and optimally utilise renewable resources.

Key initiatives at this trailblazing facility include transitioning to biofuels (HVO 100) for manufacturing and site operations, updating logistical protocols and work practices in partnership with suppliers and contractors - and improving waste management through minimisation, segregation and recycling efforts.

Additionally, advances in wastewater treatment now allow the reuse of treated sludge as a fertiliser, contributing further to the cycle of sustainability.

“Change is possible when people are dedicated to continuously seek improvements and act on them and here people really want to make a difference," says 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.”

“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," adds Mattias Hermander, Energy Expert at Braås,.

Technology improvements in paint processes and the promotion of sustainable commuting options like electric vehicle charging points and carpooling programmes also highlight the site’s comprehensive environmental strategy.

These concerted efforts at the Braås site align with Volvo CE’s broader investments in electromobility solutions.

This progression supports a future shift towards fully electrified vehicles such as articulated haulers, exposing Volvo's commitment to building a low-emission future for manufacturing.

With such pioneering strategies and technologies, the Volvo CE Braås site not only advances its own sustainability objectives but also sets a global benchmark in the construction equipment manufacturing sector.

Through dedication and innovative environmental practices, the facility contributes significantly to Volvo CE's global leadership in industrial sustainability and environmental stewardship.

Explore the latest edition of Manufacturing Digital and be part of the conversation at our global conference series, Manufacturing LIVE.

Discover all our upcoming events and secure your tickets today.

Manufacturing Digital is a BizClik brand.