Siemens and Volvo Group have delivered the world’s first full-scale fully electric deconstruction site, marking what the companies call a landmark in sustainable urban development. The project, part of Siemens’ €500 million technology campus redevelopment in Erlangen, Germany, was carried out without fossil fuels and relied entirely on battery-electric trucks and heavy equipment.
In partnership with Metzner Recycling, Volvo Construction Equipment (Volvo CE) deployed a fleet of electric machinery to manage precision demolition across a 25,000-cubic-meter site. The equipment was also used to sort and process around 12,800 tons of construction waste. “As well as deconstruction tasks, the electric machines helped sort and process approximately 12,800 tons of construction waste, with 96% recycled into raw materials for future use – supporting the shift towards circular materials management,” Volvo CE said.
Siemens described the project as a milestone in its broader push toward sustainable building practices. “At Siemens Real Estate, we are committed to pushing the boundaries of sustainable construction and demolition,” said Christian Franz, Head of Sustainability at Siemens Real Estate. “This groundbreaking electric deconstruction project boasts an impressive 96% recycling rate and is a testament to our commitment to achieving excellence in sustainability … this project illustrates how partnerships and determination can create a lasting impact and help shape a more sustainable real estate industry.”
The project also included Volvo Trucks’ battery-electric semis, which hauled construction equipment to and from the site, ensuring zero-emission operations from demolition through crushing, processing, and transport. Siemens said the effort underscores its vision for circular construction and offers a template for future emission-free urban redevelopment.
