Volvo CE, Siemens & Metzner: How to Decarbonise Construction

The world’s first fully electric deconstruction site in Erlangen, Germany is being powered by a three-way partnership.

The collaboration between Volvo Construction Equipment, Siemens and Metzner Recycling has successfully delivered an essential project in sustainable urban development.

The initiative is part of Siemens’ €500m (US$586.8m) technology campus development to advance urban spaces and circular construction practices.

A construction collaboration

In partnership with demolition specialists Metzner Recycling, Volvo CE deployed a fully electric fleet of compact, mid-size and grid-connected construction machines to deliver high-performance demolition across a 25,000 cubic metre site. 

Supported by Volvo Trucks’ electric vehicles for material transport, the project achieved fully emission-free operations from selective gutting to concrete crushing, processing and transport. 

This marks the first full-scale electric deconstruction of its kind, proving that with the right technology, partners and ambition, deconstruction can be carried out more sustainably today. 

“Our transformation is no longer a vision, but a reality,” says Therese Schmitz-Hillebrecht, Head of Market Area Central Europe at Volvo CE. 

“We don’t just develop electric construction machines, we accompany our partners on the path to an emission-free future. 

“The fact that companies like Metzner and Siemens are joining us on this path is a strong sign.” 

The initiative eliminated fossil fuel reliance, cut CO₂ emissions, reduced harmful tailpipe pollutants and lowered noise in urban areas.

Working with EV fleets

The electric fleet featured a Volvo ECR18 Electric compact excavator with hydraulic breaker, used indoors for precise demolition of concrete and masonry and a Volvo L20 Electric wheel loader transporting materials from inside the buildings for processing. 

For exterior deconstruction and material handling, a grid-connected Volvo EW240 MH Electric material handler was deployed alongside the Volvo EC230 Electric crawler excavator, which carried out deconstruction, concrete cutting and crusher feeding. 

A Volvo L120 Electric wheel loader moved materials to and from the electric crusher.

Working with demolition specialists Metzner Recycling, the fleet dismantled three buildings totalling nearly 25,000 cubic metres. 

“The fact that we have now taken the first major step towards an all-electric, low emission dismantling site as a technical standard is a huge success for us, the Metzner team, and our clients,” says Michael Metzner, Owner of Metzner Recycling.

“I get goosebumps when I think about what these machines make possible. 

“Electric equipment could unlock urban projects currently held back by noise and pollution concerns.

"In fact, we’ve already introduced electric wheel loaders at some of our other sites.”

Inside, the compact excavator and wheel loader operated safely and quietly, supported by a Husqvarna DXR145/DXR305 demolition robot. 

This eliminated emissions, removed the need for air filtration and accelerated demolition tasks. 

Outside, high-capacity electric machines dismantled, crushed and loaded materials directly into a Kleemann electric crusher and screening plant, while transport off-site was handled by a Volvo FM Electric hook lift and a Volvo FH Electric semi tractor from Volvo Trucks.

Circularity on site

Alongside the demolition work, the electric machines sorted and processed around 12,800 tonnes of construction waste, with 96% recycled into raw materials for future use, advancing circular materials management. 

“At Siemens Real Estate, we are committed to pushing the boundaries of sustainable construction and demolition,” says 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. 

“Through strong collaboration and innovative thinking, the team has achieved exceptional results that directly support our company’s ambitious sustainability targets. 

“This project illustrates how partnerships and determination can create a lasting impact and help shape a more sustainable real estate industry.” 

Beyond its technical execution, the project reflected a new model of collaboration between OEMs, contractors, real estate stakeholders and energy providers. 

This cross-sector approach underscores the importance of partnership in accelerating the shift towards sustainable construction and offers a scalable blueprint for cleaner, quieter cities.