Since the Volvo Buses production plant in Borås now solely relies on renewable energy for its operation, it has been certified by Volvo as a “Renewable Energy Facility”. The certification was issued following a number of steps designed to minimise the factory’s climate footprint.
For the Australian market, this is exciting news. “Knowing that the Volvo Group worldwide really do have a commitment to ensuring sustainability starts long before our products even hit the road is very reassuring. As we continue to deliver Euro 6 and hybrid vehicles today, and move towards bringing our first full electric vehicles to the Australian market, we are reassured that our organisation continues to be a leader in sustainable transport solutions”, says Lauren Downs, General Manager, Volvo Bus Australia.
Similarly, says a proud Joakim Wretman, Production Manager at the Volvo Buses Borås plant, “We are of course very proud that we have reduced our climate impact by only using renewable sources and all the energy we purchase is fossil-free. Most of the electricity comes from hydropower, and the fork-lift trucks in the factory run on electricity or HVO, which is a renewable fuel”.
In recent years, the factory has also implemented a number of measures that together cut energy consumption by 15 per cent. “For instance, we have replaced conventional fluorescent bulbs with LED light fittings and the manufacturing plant’s lighting is regulated automatically so it is only active during actual production. We also ensure that no electricity-consuming equipment remains switched on when it is not needed,” adds Joakim Wretman. “We have noted immense enthusiasm on the part of all our employees, and our local partner has contributed both know-how and practical solutions.”
In order to reduce the plant’s climate footprint, cooperation is needed. Yet another example is the Borås factory’s participation in Autofreight, a project designed to reduce transportation between the Viared Logistics Park and the Port of Gothenburg. It’s a solution that already from day 1 helped cut CO2 emissions by about 30 per cent.
Reducing the climate impact of production is one of several aspects of Volvo Buses’ environment-enhancing work.
“We regard our products in a lifecycle perspective and work tirelessly to reduce our environmental impact at every stage, from production, to daily operation, reuse and recycling. Up-to-date examples are our ongoing projects for repurposing our electric bus batteries, which can now enjoy a second life as energy storage units in homes,” explains Andreas Carlén, Energy Efficiency & Environment Director at Volvo Buses.
