This follows in the footsteps of the Volvo Group’s trucks facility in Ghent which sets the standard for emissions-free industrial manufacturing in 2007. And just as Ghent became the first carbon-neutral facility in the automotive sector, Braås too becomes the first in its respective industry.

Braås’ first step towards carbon neutrality began in 1999, when it commissioned local energy supplier Växjö Energi AB to install a district heating plant, fueled by wood chips, to provide central heating for its employees—and the town’s residents. Braås then joined a Volvo Group initiative in 2007 that saw it switch to green electricity (i.e. generated from renewable sources).

These first two initiatives brought the site’s level of CO₂ neutrality to 87% to 2008, with the final push to reach 100% beginning two years ago. Staff identified the greatest source of energy consumption as the liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) burners, which were used to heat the rust protection treatment ovens to 60 °C. These were systematically replaced from September 2013 with district heating.

The burners in the component paint shop, which reach temperatures of 120 °C, were also altered to electrical heating. In addition, the site’s diesel forklifts were substituted with battery-electric models.

Meanwhile, locals and the site’s 1,000 employees put pressure on Växjö Energi AB to run the district heating plant on biomass only; regular oil had previously also been used during peak times and maintenance.

The next step is to focus more on energy saving activities—in particular, reducing the idling consumption at the site. One initiative will involve recycling waste heat from the treatment ovens and burners and using it to heat the buildings.