The redevelopment of the 'Slakthusområdet,' or meat-packing district, in central Stockholm has become a beacon for sustainability and innovation. Launched as a testbed for greener construction practices, the project has achieved a remarkable milestone: 50% electric operation. This follows an impressive first phase where just 10% electric machinery was the goal, marking a significant leap in sustainable construction.
The project, led by Skanska and supported by Volvo CE and Swecon, has already delivered significant CO₂ savings. As of June 2024, the site had cut emissions by 2,759 tons, earning the title of Sustainable Construction Project of the Year at the Swedish Green Building Awards. In Phase Two, the ambitions grow even greater as the site aims for 100% fossil-free operations, aided by climate-reduced concrete and rigorous carbon calculations.
Electric Equipment Leading the Charge
Central to this achievement are Volvo CE’s electric machines, including two Volvo EC230 Electric crawler excavators and one L120H Electric Conversion wheel loader, affectionately nicknamed Electra, Ellen, and Elton by the team. These machines are tasked with extensive groundwork, excavating 68,000m³ of soil and rock, filling in a work tunnel, and preparing utility systems. Additionally, two electric trucks with trailers, provided by the Bellman Group, and other electric tools will join the fleet in early 2025.
Fredrik Tjernström, Head of Electromobility Solutions Sales at Volvo CE, highlighted the broader benefits of this innovation:
“The first phase showed the effectiveness of electric machines in performing tasks while significantly reducing CO₂ emissions. This is invaluable for city center projects to help municipalities meet their emission reduction targets and enhance air quality, as well as reducing noise levels for everyone’s benefit.”
Pioneering Fossil-Free Procurement
Stockholm City’s commitment to becoming climate-positive by 2030 and fossil-free by 2040 has made fossil-free procurement contracts a cornerstone of its strategy. The project’s second phase introduced groundbreaking requirements, including carbon calculations at the tender stage. This approach set a precedent for sustainable accountability, challenging contractors to meet ambitious emission targets.
Skanska secured the contract by demonstrating proven sustainability results and aligning with the city's goal to reduce emissions to below 3.5 tons of CO₂ per SEK 1 million turnover—a dramatic drop from the industry norm of 11 to 29 tons.
Anders Österberg, Deputy Mayor of Stockholm and Chair of the City Development Committee, emphasized the importance of these efforts:
“In the City of Stockholm, we recognize the vital role we must play in accelerating the transition to fossil-free construction sites. The City of Stockholm has a goal of becoming climate positive by 2030. To reach this goal, we need to continue to require the use of electrically powered construction vehicles and fossil-free construction sites in our procurement.”
Charging Infrastructure and Operational Success
The fossil-free site is supported by robust charging infrastructure provided by Eviny, including two fast chargers and three battery packs. The combination of advanced technology and thoughtful planning has shown the potential for such initiatives to reshape urban construction.
Anna Göransdotter, Project Manager at Skanska, described the ripple effect of Stockholm’s approach:
“When municipalities like Stockholm City prioritize carbon reduction in contract awards, it not only sets an inspiring precedent for other regions, but also drives innovation across the construction industry. This proactive approach creates a ripple effect throughout the entire value chain, pushing all stakeholders to explore new possibilities and expand the boundaries of what can be achieved in sustainable construction.”
A Model for the Future
Scheduled for completion in 2025, the Slakthusområdet project continues to demonstrate the untapped potential of fossil-free initiatives in reshaping construction. With Volvo CE's pioneering electric equipment at the helm, this venture not only accelerates sustainability but sets a powerful example for urban development worldwide.
