Siemens, Volvo, and Metzner are joining forces to usher in a new era of green construction.
In the city of Erlangen, Siemens has launched a construction project that represents a milestone not only in Germany but worldwide: the first industrial-scale, fully electric demolition was carried out with zero emissions. During the construction of Siemens’ new Technology Campus, the demolition phase already followed the principles of sustainability, using electric construction machinery, recycled materials, and digital planning.
High-tech investment with zero emissions
Siemens is investing 500 million euros to develop a research and manufacturing center in Erlangen, where a 200,000 m² zero-emission campus is being built. The aim of the site is to become the global center of the technology company’s work related to the industrial metaverse. The development is being implemented with a digital twin, climate-neutral energy supply, and sustainable building automation.
Volvo’s electric commercial vehicle during demolition. Source: Volvo CE/A. Großbointner
Electric demolition: technology in the service of environmental protection
The demolition work was carried out jointly by Siemens Real Estate, Metzner Recycling, and Volvo Construction Equipment. During the process, two buildings were demolished, covering a total floor area of 3,300 m² and a volume of nearly 25,000 m³. The resulting 12,800 tonnes of material were almost entirely recycled and are being used on site as raw materials for the new construction.
The recycling rate reached 96 percent: the debris, for example, is given a new life as road base material, mixed into concrete, or as recycled raised flooring.
“By 2030, we want to become climate-neutral. This project gave us the opportunity to reduce CO₂ emissions during demolition as well,” said Daniel Bechmann, Siemens’ construction manager.
Volvo’s electric commercial vehicle during demolition. Source: Volvo CE/A. Großbointner
The new standard for demolition
The entire workflow—from the interior demolition of the buildings to final removal—was carried out using electric machinery. Volvo commercial vehicles were used in the project to support demolition, material handling, loading, and crushing tasks. The demolished building materials were processed on site, almost completely eliminating external transportation and thereby further reducing the ecological footprint.
The implementation of the project was also supported by Husqvarna Construction with robotic demolition solutions and dust control, while Erlangen’s municipal utilities and other service providers contributed by providing the background infrastructure.