Construction Machinery Industry Striving for Climate Neutrality

In December 2019, the EU Commission presented the ambitious goal of making the European Union climate-neutral by 2050. It is estimated that the construction value chain currently accounts for around 36 percent of carbon emissions within the EU. The vast majority of greenhouse gases are emitted during the production of building materials and decades of operating the completed buildings. Nevertheless, to reach the goal, everything must be done during the construction phase to achieve maximum decarbonization.

High expectations for process optimization
One approach to more climate protection at the construction site is to improve machine efficiency. “As the international construction machinery industry has already been vigorously driving forward this development for decades, for example, through increasingly economical components, much has already been achieved in this regard,” says Joachim Schmid, Managing Director in the Construction Machinery and Building Material Plants division at the German Mechanical Engineering Industry Association (VDMA). He believes that process optimization when using construction machinery currently promises a particularly strong impact on the path toward climate neutrality.

Opportunities through digitalization and automation
At bauma, possibilities offered specifically through digitalization and automation will become particularly clear. Digital solutions allow better planning of machines, which helps avoid idle times. Developing sophisticated machine-to-machine communication can ensure more efficient production chains, while smart sensors can monitor the machine status and thus detect increased energy consumption for technical reasons at an early stage.

“There is also significant potential for reducing CO2 in machine operation,” as Schmid knows, explaining that, in addition to appropriate training for machine operators, the industry was increasingly relying on digital assistance systems and (partial) automation of processes.

Alternative drive concepts as a separate key topic
Another important lever for decarbonization is the development of alternative drive concepts. In addition to the already widespread use of electric motors, many companies and research institutes are also focusing on developing and testing hydrogen-powered construction machinery. The use of hydrogenated vegetable oil (HVO) also promises great potential for reducing greenhouse gases. “Because alternative drive concepts are currently so relevant for manufacturers and users, we are dedicating a separate key topic to this technology segment at bauma 2025,” explains Nicole Schmitt, bauma Exhibition Director.

Getting manufacturers, users and politicians talking
For the transformation to a climate-neutral construction site to succeed, in addition to new technological developments by machine manufacturers, and construction companies willing to innovate, politicians also need to set the right course, for instance, by creating a suitable legal framework, cutting red tape, providing research funding, and establishing guidelines for developing a nationwide supply infrastructure with alternative energy sources. For Nicole Schmitt, “bauma is the ideal platform in that regard for everyone involved to exchange ideas.”