Decarbonization of manufacturing at Volvo GTO
Typ
Examensarbete för masterexamen
Program
Industrial ecology (MPTSE), MSc
Publicerad
2022
Författare
Serino Olander, Andreas
Albuquerque Wolf, Lucas
Modellbyggare
Tidskriftstitel
ISSN
Volymtitel
Utgivare
Sammanfattning
Volvo Group Trucks Operations is the industrial entity within Volvo Group responsible for
truck manufacturing with 40 facilities under management. The organization’s operations span
across the globe contributing to carbon emissions and therefore, to climate change. Climate
change has and will alter our surroundings by imposing climate patterns such as extreme
weather events that put pressure on the survival of humans and our economic system. In
response to this, there is an increased demand for a better commitment to environmental
practices, including from companies such as Volvo Group. This study aims to contribute to
lowering the environmental impact of Volvo GTO by providing a feasibility assessment for the
implementation of distinct solutions of decarbonization strategies. For this, a literature review
of current methods and practices that aim toward carbon reduction in manufacturing was
performed. In addition, several interviews with Volvo GTO employees, as well as external
experts, were conducted. Based on the data collected, a decarbonization framework was
elaborated containing six strategic areas that are considered key in tackling carbon emissions:
Fuel shift;structural change (electrification); carbon capture; process efficiency; technological
replacement; and circularity. Each strategy includes multiple solutions that are assessed
regarding their feasibility potential using a SWOT analysis. The study concludes that
decarbonization at the facility level is achieved through multiple strategies and solutions that
must be placed in the context of the local community to help the transition toward a more
sustainable society.
Beskrivning
Ämne/nyckelord
Decarbonization, sustainability, automotive industry, manufacturing, renewable energy.