Construction

Steel is a major contributor to the carbon footprint of construction equipment. (Image source: Volvo CE)

Volvo CE has started integrating low-carbon emission steel into the serial production of all articulated haulers manufactured at its Braås facility in Sweden

The company stated that this initiative aligns with its commitment to reducing carbon emissions across its value chain—both in machine operation and material sourcing—as part of its goal to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040.

Steel is a significant contributor to the carbon footprint of construction equipment, accounting for about 60% of an articulated hauler’s total mass and over half of its emissions in the cradle-to-gate life cycle.

Cradle-to-gate refers to a model that evaluates a product's environmental impact from raw material extraction to the point it leaves the factory.

Expanding sustainability efforts

Volvo CE first introduced fossil-free steel in 2021 through a partnership with Swedish steel producer SSAB, unveiling a concept hauler built with the material. In 2022, it became the first company to deliver a construction machine incorporating fossil-free steel to a customer.

Now, Volvo CE is scaling up by incorporating low-carbon emission steel—produced using recycled steel and powered by fossil-free electricity and biogas—into mass production.

Currently, 13% of the total steel mass in articulated haulers built at Braås has been replaced with this material, with plans to increase this percentage as supply chain availability improves.

This transition is expected to cut Volvo CE’s CO₂ emissions by around 13,000 tons annually, reducing more than 5% within the cradle-to-gate scope.

Rickard Alm, head of Volvo CE’s Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) programme, stated, “We are proud to lead the way in the industry and move forward towards minimising our climate footprint across the entire lifecycle of our products. While emissions from product use represent the vast majority of carbon output in our industry, it is important to also act to cut emissions in the production phase, including materials like steel, in close collaboration with our global supply partners.”

Discover Carmix's advanced Concrete Mate system and IPOTWeb tools for precise, efficient, and reliable construction solutions globally. (Image source: Carmix)

Carmix is a key player in the construction industry, thanks to its cutting-edge technologies tailored to meet diverse site needs. At the heart of Carmix’ innovation is Concrete Mate, a revolutionary mix-design system that ensures precision, efficiency, and quality

Concrete Mate enables the selection of up to 15 formulas and 99 material types, providing limitless combinations to suit every project. The system guides operators step-by-step, reducing errors and optimising productivity. Its advanced features include automatic water-cement ratio adjustments based on material moisture and the issuance of "RMC PLANT Standard" certificates with detailed mix-design data.

Thanks to its 4 Load Cells at the bottom of the drum allows to weight all the material loaded into the drum, water as well, same as a batching plant granting high precision in the mix design.

For seamless control, Carmix introduces IPOTWeb and IPOTAPP, remote management tools that enable real-time production and quality monitoring, operator tracking, and cost optimisation—all accessible via smartphone or computer.

Concrete Mate offers several key benefits, including precise mix-design control and error reduction, remote monitoring and constant updates, and a clear ROI through quality and cost optimisation.

Carmix technologies guarantee efficiency, quality, and reliability on every construction site.

Caterpillar is now focusing on its next 100 years. (Image source: Caterpillar)

Caterpillar, a leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, off-highway diesel and natural gas engines, industrial gas turbines and diesel-electric locomotives, is marking its 100^th anniversary

Celebrations throughout the US will commemorate the momentous occasion when the company officially turns 100 on 15 April. This journey began when the Holt Manufacturing Company and the C.L. Best Tractor Co. merged to form what was then known as the Caterpillar Tractor Co. in 1925. From the company’s first track-type tractor designed to pull combine harvesters in Northern California to autonomous construction and mining equipment and engines that power the world today, Caterpillar products and services have helped its customers complete infrastructure projects that have shaped the modern world.

Caterpillar chairman and CEO Jim Umpleby, commented, “Our success over the last 100 years is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our employees, the continued trust of our customers and the support of our dealers and business partners. I am proud to lead such a strong team, and I’m confident Caterpillar will continue to help our customers build a better, more sustainable world over the next 100 years.”

The Centennial World Tour has now embarked on its journey to visit Caterpillar facilities around the world and provide an interactive and immersive experience for employees and visitors. The company is also commemorating the milestone with limited-edition ‘Centennial Grey’ painted machines available for purchase in 2025.

One of the most significant advantages of electric construction vehicles is the reduction of noise pollution. (Image source: Canva)

Construction vehicles powered by diesel engines contribute to significant costs and environmental pollution, impacting both nearby communities and ecosystems

IDTechEx’s report, Electric Vehicles in Construction 2024-2044: Technologies, Players, Forecasts, explores the accelerating shift toward electric construction vehicles, focusing on advancements in battery technologies, key industry players, and the societal benefits of electrification.

Cost reduction and efficiency

Electric construction vehicles are designed to maximise productivity, reliability, and efficiency while significantly reducing operational costs. Choosing the right battery chemistry is critical to achieving cost-effective electrification, ensuring the total cost of ownership is lower than that of diesel-powered alternatives.

Construction machines, unlike passenger vehicles, require sustained power over extended periods, which means lower power densities are sufficient. Additionally, electrification could replace traditional hydraulic systems with electric linear actuators, reducing maintenance needs, improving vehicle durability, and further lowering operational expenses.

Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) batteries are the leading choice for electric construction vehicles due to their durability and cost-effectiveness. In comparison, Nickel Manganese Cobalt (NMC) batteries, with higher energy and power density, are more suitable for compact machines but are more expensive. While NMC batteries are prevalent in Europe, LFP batteries dominate the Chinese market. Over 75% of pack manufacturers in Europe and North America currently use NMC batteries.

Innovations such as fast charging, battery swapping, and tethering address concerns about electric machines running out of power during a workday. Many new machines now feature larger batteries, enabling them to complete a typical day’s tasks without interruptions.

Electric construction vehicles bring transformative advantages, particularly in noise and air quality. Noise pollution is drastically reduced, allowing operators to communicate more effectively and minimizing disruptions to nearby communities. Improved air quality, thanks to the elimination of harmful diesel emissions, benefits workers' health and surrounding populations.

IDTechEx forecasts that by 2044, annual sales of electric construction vehicles will surpass 650,000 units, with the market valued at over US$126bn.