CRH, a leader in building materials solutions, and Volvo Group signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to accelerate net-zero innovations in the design and deployment of on-road vehicles and off-road equipment used in construction with a focus on next-generation technology deployment, scaling cutting-edge technology, and operational efficiency.
Leaders from Volvo Group and CRH (No. 14 on the FleetOwner 500: Private list) met Nov. 13 in Eskilstuna, Sweden to sign a MoU to collaborate on opportunities to accelerate the transition to net zero. Both organizations are on ambitious journeys to reduce emissions. Volvo Group aims to have 35% fully electric sales by 2030 and be net-zero in its value chain by 2040. CRH targets a 30% reduction in group-wide emissions by 2030 and will become a net-zero business by 2050.
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"At CRH, we're innovating for a low-carbon future, and with deep expertise in sustainable transport and infrastructure solutions, Volvo Group is a natural strategic partner for CRH," said Eunice Heath, chief sustainability officer at CRH. "This collaboration is an important step in our shared commitment to decarbonizing our businesses."
CRH was named the FleetOwner 500 Private Fleet of the Year in 2023.
From the extraction and processing of raw materials to transport across the supply chain to the point of use in construction, many types of equipment and vehicles are used across CRH, and there are many opportunities to drive down emissions. Through its Innovation Center for Sustainable Construction, CRH will provide its expertise to identify opportunities to maximize the value of sustainable innovation in construction. Volvo Group's brands—Volvo Trucks, Renault Trucks, Mack Trucks, and Volvo Construction Equipment (Volvo CE)—will contribute their expertise in sustainable transport and infrastructure solutions to the partnership.
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"We have already introduced several electric on-road vehicles with CRH operating companies, and we look forward to supporting CRH in decarbonizing its operations and together lead the way towards a more sustainable transport model in the construction industry, "commented Bruno Blin, president of Renault Trucks, who is leading the on-road partnership team.
Both companies have previously successfully collaborated on projects for both on-road and off-road segments of the CRH business. This includes the first fully electric concrete mixer in the UK and the introduction of the first Volvo FM Electric truck in France.
Earlier this year, Volvo CE delivered North America's first machine made of fossil-free steel: an A30G Articulated Hauler. This unit now operates at Pennsy Supply, a CRH company in North America. Additionally, both companies jointly participated in a Net Zero Roads event held in the UK in October 2023, testing the Volvo L120H Electric wheel loader, L25 Electric compact wheel loader, and EC230 Electric crawler excavator at various Tarmac operational sites. Volvo CE also plans to demo an L120H Electric wheel loader at a European CRH site in early 2024.
"Partnerships are key to accelerating decarbonization, and our collaboration with building materials solutions leader CRH will help both companies to achieve their net-zero ambitions," said Melker Jernberg, president of Volvo CE, who will lead Volvo Group's off-road partnership team.
