With an ambition to explore decarbonisation opportunities across transport, operations and materials, Volvo Group and CRH signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on November 13. As part of this strategic agreement, Volvo CE will take on responsibility for next-generation technology deployment, the scaling up of cutting-edge technology and operational efficiency for the off-road segment to reduce carbon emissions while maintaining high productivity levels.
While it is not yet determined which solutions will be included in the scope, it is likely to involve vehicle electrification and charging infrastructure to reduce transport emissions, productivity and sustainability services and the deployment of low-carbon fuels for both on-road and off-road equipment.
Volvo CE already has a productive collaboration with CRH spanning many years, resulting in the handover of North America’s first machine made using fossil-free steel, a Volvo A30G articulated hauler. It is now operating at Pennsy Supply, a CRH company in North America.
Another pioneering partnership recently saw the two companies collaborate in a Low Carbon Roads event, where CRH company Tarmac put to work three zero-emission Volvo CE machines on the maintenance of a highway in Durham, UK. The L120H Electric Conversion wheel loader, L25 Electric compact wheel loader and EC230 Electric excavator were tested over three days last month.
Melker Jernberg, President of Volvo CE, who will be leading the off-road aspect of the partnership, said: “Partnerships are key to accelerating decarbonisation, and our collaboration with building materials solutions leader CRH will help both companies to achieve their net-zero ambitions. We move faster and create more impactful change when we work together.”
“At CRH, we’re innovating for a low-carbon future with deep expertise in sustainable transport and infrastructure solutions. Volvo Group is a natural strategic partner for CRH, and this collaboration is an important step in our shared commitment to decarbonising our businesses,” said Eunice Heath, CRH's Chief Sustainability Officer.
The two leaders share strong sustainability ambitions. Volvo CE targets 35% fully electric sales by 2030 and aims to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions across its entire value chain by 2040. CRH, meanwhile, is targeting a 30% reduction in group-wide emissions by 2030 and to become a net-zero business by 2050.
Other Volvo Group businesses participating in the partnership include Renault Trucks, which has developed the first fully electric concrete mixer in the UK together with Tarmac, Volvo Trucks, which introduced the first Volvo FM electric truck in France on behalf of CRH company Eqiom, and Mack Trucks.
