Rapid reduction in CO2 from Volvo Trucks’ transport operations

Over the past two years, Volvo Trucks has reduced its CO2 emissions from transport to and from the company’s European factories. This green project was initiated by Staffan Jufors, CEO Volvo Trucks, and has been conducted in collaboration with Volvo Logistics.

“The aim is to reduce CO2 emissions by 20 per cent by 2010 and so far the results are promising. We are now intensifying efforts to reach our goal,” says Åke Niklasson, CEO Volvo Logistics.

The company’s involvement in the Climate-neutral Freight Transportation (KNEG) joint project provided a source of inspiration for Staffan Jufors, President and CEO for Volvo Trucks, when he challenged Volvo Trucks’ transport partners in the end of 2006.

“The challenge was willingly accepted by both Volvo Logistics and our partners. Together with our hauliers, we have embraced this project with great enthusiasm,” says Åke Niklasson, adding. “Working with clear environmental goals is very rewarding,”

During the first year of the project, CO2 emissions from factory transports were reduced by four per cent.

Improvements in many areas
Efforts to reduce carbon dioxide emissions have focused on a number of areas:

Driver education for more fuel-efficient driving.
Increased low blending of bio diesel into fossil diesel.
Combined loading and new packaging for better transport efficiency.
Increased co-ordination of land and sea transport, including new ships.
More fuel-efficient vehicles and renewal of the vehicle fleet.
Increased use of the modular system EMS with 25.25m long vehicle combinations.
Improved environment and more efficient transport

“Together with our transport partners, we have gone over our operations with a fine-toothed comb to find new areas showing potential for improvement. What's more, in several cases our green initiatives have increased transport efficiency and reduced costs. Naturally, these are very welcome side effects,” says Åke Niklasson.