In a landmark achievement for sustainable urban development, the world’s first full-scale electric deconstruction site has successfully completed operations in Erlangen, Germany. The pioneering project, a collaboration between Volvo Construction Equipment (Volvo CE), Siemens Real Estate, and Metzner Recycling, marks a significant step towards emission-free and circular construction practices.
The initiative, part of Siemens’ €500 million Technology Campus redevelopment, utilized a comprehensive fleet of fully electric construction machines and trucks. This approach eliminated reliance on fossil fuels, drastically cut CO₂ emissions, reduced harmful pollutants, and significantly lowered noise levels in the urban setting.
Pioneering a New Era of Sustainable Demolition
The Erlangen project represents a critical paradigm shift from traditional demolition, which often generates substantial waste and environmental impact. Deconstruction, by contrast, focuses on the careful dismantling of structures to maximize material recovery for reuse and recycling. This electric endeavor has set a new standard, demonstrating that high-performance deconstruction can be executed with minimal environmental footprint today.
“Our transformation is no longer a vision but a reality,” stated Therese Schmitz-Hillebrecht, Head of Market Area Central Europe at Volvo CE, highlighting the collaborative effort to pave the way for an emission-free future in construction.
An All-Electric Fleet in Action
The deconstruction of three buildings, totaling nearly 25,000 cubic meters, showcased a diverse range of electric machinery. The fleet included:
- A Volvo ECR18 Electric compact excavator with a hydraulic breaker for precise indoor concrete and masonry demolition.
- Volvo L20 and L120 Electric wheel loaders for transporting materials within the site and to the electric crusher.
- A grid-connected Volvo EW240 MH Electric material handler and a Volvo EC230 Electric crawler excavator for exterior deconstruction, concrete cutting, and crusher feeding.
- A Husqvarna demolition robot for quiet and emission-free indoor work, eliminating the need for complex air-filtration systems and accelerating tasks.
- A Kleemann electric crusher and screening plant to process materials on-site.
- Volvo FM Electric hook lift and Volvo FH Electric semi tractors from Volvo Trucks for emission-free material transport off-site.
This complete electric ecosystem enabled emission-free operations across all stages, from selective gutting to concrete crushing, processing, and external transport.
Exceptional Recycling Rates and Circularity
Beyond emission reduction, the project delivered impressive circular economy results. The electric machines sorted and processed approximately 12,800 tonnes of construction waste, achieving an outstanding 96% recycling rate. This substantial material recovery transforms waste into valuable raw materials for future use, significantly reducing the demand for new resources and supporting circular materials management within the construction sector.
Christian Franz, Head of Sustainability at Siemens Real Estate, emphasized their commitment to pushing the boundaries of sustainable construction and demolition, noting that the project’s high recycling rate is a testament to achieving excellence in sustainability.
Benefits Extending Beyond Emissions
The adoption of electric deconstruction brings a multitude of operational benefits beyond environmental impact. Reduced noise pollution was a critical advantage, especially for the urban project site with nearby active offices, minimizing disruption and enhancing working conditions. The zero-emission nature of the electric machines also allowed for safer indoor demolition without the need for extensive ventilation systems.
Michael Metzner, Owner of Metzner Recycling, highlighted the potential for electric equipment to unlock urban projects previously hindered by noise and pollution concerns, calling it a “huge success” for his team and clients. Operators also reported positive feedback, citing the impressive power, responsive handling, and quiet performance of the electric fleet.
The success of the Erlangen project serves as a scalable blueprint for clean, quiet, and circular deconstruction. It underscores the vital role of cross-sector partnerships among equipment manufacturers, contractors, real estate firms, and energy providers in accelerating the shift towards a more sustainable built environment.
