Sustainable water use: A comprehensive assessment and reduction strategy for Volvo CarsFacilities in Gothenburg

Abstract

The automotive industry faces increasing demands to reduce its environmental footprint, with water management emerging as a critical component of corporate sustainability. Although Volvo Cars has made substantial progress in energy efficiency and carbon reduction, water use remains a significant challenge, especially given the scale and complexity of operations at the Torslanda facility in Gothenburg. The importance of sustainable water management is underscored by global frameworks such as the Sustainable Development Goals, as well as local ambitions to achieve climate neutrality and resource efficiency. This thesis investigates how Volvo Cars Torslanda can optimize its water use and implement more sustainable solutions in line with these ambitions. The research combines a literature review with empirical data analysis and insights from interviews with both internal and external experts. The first phase of the study maps water consumption across the Torslanda facility, with a special focus on the eastern part of the site where offices, laboratories, and smaller workshops are located. This mapping reveals areas of high water use and also some inefficiencies linked to outdated metering, leaks, and limitations in data quality. The findings highlight the presence of non-revenue water, as well as the need for improved measurement and monitoring systems. The thesis explores a range of innovative solutions that could contribute to more sustainable water use. These include sensor-based fixtures, IoT-enabled monitoring systems, and automated meter reading technologies that allow for real-time tracking of water flows and rapid detection of leaks. The potential for rainwater harvesting, considering both technical feasibility and economic viability within the Swedish industrial context. Challenges related to initial vi investment, organizational priorities, and relatively low water prices are discussed, along with strategies to overcome these barriers. Through interviews and data analysis, the study identifies key opportunities for improvement, as well as practical challenges that must be addressed to achieve meaningful results. The importance of organizational engagement, reliable data, and effective collaboration is emphasized throughout the research. Ultimately, the findings suggest that a combination of technical innovation, behavioral change, and strategic investment is required to drive water efficiency at Volvo Cars Torslanda. The conclusions drawn from this thesis are intended to guide both decision-makers at Volvo Cars and other industrial actors seeking to improve their water management practices. By addressing both the technical and organizational aspects of water use, this thesis provides a comprehensive framework for sustainable water management in a modern industrial facility. The strategies and recommendations presented here are relevant not only for Volvo Cars but also for other companies aiming to balance operational efficiency with environmental responsibility.