The initiative, part of Siemens’ €500 million Technology Campus development, marks a pivotal step in advancing sustainable urban transformation and circular construction practices. In collaboration with demolition specialists, Metzner Recycling, Volvo CE deployed a fully electric fleet – including compact, mid-size and grid-connected construction machines – to deliver high performance demolition across a 25,000 cubic meter site. Electric trucks from Volvo Trucks supported material transport, enabling fully emission-free operations from selective gutting through to concrete crushing, materials processing, and transport.
The project marks the first full-scale electric deconstruction of its kind and serves as an important proof of concept that deconstruction can be carried out more sustainably today with the right technology, partners, and ambition. It eliminates reliance on fossil fuels, significantly cuts CO₂ emissions, removes harmful tailpipe pollutants, and reduces noise impacts in urban environments.
Volvo CE pioneers zero-emission deconstruction
“Our transformation is no longer a vision, but a reality,” said 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.”
As well as deconstruction tasks, the electric machines helped sort and process approximately 12,800 tons of construction waste, with 96% recycled into raw materials for future use – supporting the shift towards circular materials management.
Beyond technical execution, the initiative reflects a new model of cross-sector collaboration – between OEMs, contractors, real estate stakeholders, and local energy providers – underscoring the vital role of partnerships in accelerating the transformation towards sustainable construction practices.
Christian Franz, Head of Sustainability at Siemens Real Estate, said: “At Siemens Real Estate, we are committed to pushing the boundaries of sustainable construction and demolition. 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.”
A powerful demonstration of what’s possible when electrification, circularity, and collaboration converge.
A scalable blueprint for tomorrow’s cities
As cities face mounting regulatory and environmental pressures, this project demonstrates that quiet, clean, and circular deconstruction is achievable today.
Michael Metzner, Managing Director of Metzner Recycling, said: “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. Electric equipment could unlock urban projects currently held back by noise and pollution concerns.”
The project sets a powerful precedent for the deconstruction industry demonstrating what is achievable when electrification, circularity, and collaboration converge.
