Paths to climate neutrality in the construction machinery industry
Approaches to achieving climate-neutral construction in the future include greater machine efficiency, more intelligent design of construction processes, optimized machine operation, and the use of alternative energy sources.
Everyone has to make their contribution to decarbonization
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 is currently responsible 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 during decades of operating the completed buildings. Nevertheless, everything must also be done during the construction phase itself to achieve maximum decarbonization.
Alternative drive concepts as a separate key topic at bauma
An important lever here is developing alternative drive concepts for construction machinery. In keeping with its importance, the world-leading trade fair bauma will dedicate a separate key topic to this technological and structural task. There are, however, other technology pillars to improve climate protection at the construction site.
Every liter of fossil fuel saved with the same performance counts
That includes improving machine efficiency. Since the international construction machinery industry has already been driving forward this development for decades, much has already been achieved in this regard—through more economical engines and lightweight construction solutions, for example. Further optimization is taking place at a high technological level.
High expectations for process optimization
Process optimization in the use of construction machinery promises particularly good results with regard to climate neutrality. At bauma, the emission-related possibilities offered by digitization and automation will become particularly clear, such as:
- Better scheduling of machines and the resulting avoidance of idle times
- Machine-to-machine communication for more efficient production chains
- Early detection of increased energy consumption for technical reasons thanks to machine condition monitoring using smart sensors
Machine operation with digital support
There is also significant potential for reducing CO₂ in machine operation. In addition to appropriate training for machine operators, the industry is increasingly relying on digital assistance systems and (partial) automation of processes.
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. bauma is the ideal platform for everyone involved to exchange ideas.
You might also be interested in
Innovation hall bauma LAB0
Exhibitor directory
bauma FORUM
