bauma 2022, taking place in Munich from 24-30 October, 2022, will provide an overview of the latest technologies and major developments in the global construction machinery industry and focus on ways to reduce its impact on the environment
Sourcing and processing building materials, the construction process itself, maintenance and the demolition of buildings and other items of infrastructure result in significant carbon dioxide emissions. Cement production for example is responsible for 8% of global CO2 emissions.
“If we want to make significant improvements here, some fundamental technological changes need to take place,” commented Christoph Danner, an expert for construction machines and construction material systems at Verband Deutscher Maschinen- und Anlagenbau e. V. (VDMA).
In his opinion, one option offering great potential is to capture CO2 and then use it (CCU) or to store it safely and on a permanent basis in deep-lying geological layers of rock (CCS). “This way, 95% of the carbon dioxide released during cement production could be captured,” said Danner.
In addition to measures to protect the climate, the construction industry also faces calls to save raw materials in the future. In recent years, sand has become the focus of public attention. After all, it is the most widely used material yet it is becoming increasingly scarce.
As a further challenge, the global construction boom requires an increase in productivity. “Given the lack of specialist staff, this problem can no longer be solved simply by using ‘more people’,” says Tim-Oliver Müller, director of Hauptverband der Deutschen Bauindustrie e.V.
Instead, the focus should be on digital working methods, innovative products and machines and the opportunities offered by industrial and, increasingly, AI-assisted processes. In Müller’s opinion, modern construction machinery too plays an important role.
At the same time, the construction machinery industry is aiming to produce just as much or even more than before with fewer specialists.
‘The construction methods and materials of tomorrow’ is one of the key topics at bauma. At the world’s leading trade fair for construction machinery, building material machines, mining machines, construction vehicles and construction equipment, key market players will present their latest solutions. The bauma Forum also provides an opportunity to discuss current trends.
