Construction

Volvo CE's latest electric wheel loader. (Image source: Volvo CE)

Volvo Construction Equipment has recently completed successful trials of the L120 Electric wheel loader in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), partnering with dealer FAMCO and key customer ALAS Emirates Ready Mix.

This event marks Volvo CE's first foray into electric construction equipment testing in the UAE, indicating a significant move towards sustainable construction practices.

The L120 Electric wheel loader, a 20-tonne machine, is built on the same platform as its conventional counterpart, delivering equivalent performance but with the added benefits of zero emissions, near-silent operation, and enhanced operator comfort. The loader is equipped with 282 kWh batteries, allowing eight hours of operation in light to medium duty applications, including work in indoor and noise-sensitive environments. This electric model embodies a shift towards reducing the carbon footprint and noise pollution typically associated with diesel-powered construction equipment.

During the trials, conducted at an ALAS Emirates Ready Mix facility in Abu Dhabi, the L120 Electric demonstrated high performance and reliability, loading materials efficiently with minimal noise and vibration. This contributed to a more comfortable and productive work environment for operators, as noted by ALAS production manager Elie Touma. Touma emphasised the loader’s quick response times and the role of reduced emissions in aligning with corporate and environmental responsibilities.

^{The wheel loader is optimised for the region's climate.} 

Volvo CE evaluated the electric loader's performance under the UAE's unique climatic and operational conditions, confirming its suitability and meeting high customer expectations in the region.

Volvo CE's transition to electric equipment aligns with the broader goals of the Volvo Group, which aims to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions across its value chain by 2040—a decade ahead of targets set by the Science Based Targets initiative. This commitment reflects Volvo’s dedication to environmental care and its leadership in driving industry transformation towards sustainable practices.

Ilkay Fidan, Volvo CE's commercial manager for the Middle East, remarked on the strategic importance of testing in the UAE, a mature market with significant potential for electromobility. The positive outcomes from the trials strengthen Volvo’s confidence in rolling out electric models more broadly in the Middle East.

https://www.volvoce.com/middle-east/en-sa/ 

Schneider Electric honors Al Mulla Engineering with the Sustainability Impact Award for outstanding efforts in enhancing HVAC efficiency and achieving decarbonisation. (Image source: Al Mulla Engineering)

Schneider Electric, a global leader in energy management and automation, has announced that Bader Al Mulla & Bros. Co. (Al Mulla Engineering), a member of Al Mulla Group and the largest contractor in Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP) construction services, has won the Schneider Electric Sustainability Impact Award 

Al Mulla Engineering was honored with this award for its outstanding efforts in helping customers achieve their decarbonisation goals. The company implemented energy-efficient designs to enhance HVAC system efficiency while maintaining optimal building operations. During this award cycle, Al Mulla Engineering's team aligned with customer sustainability goals and delivered customised solutions to optimise building operations. These solutions led to a 7% reduction in cooling water consumption and a 9% reduction in energy consumption in 2022 compared to the 2019 baseline.

This recognition is part of Schneider Electric’s initiative to support partners, customers, and suppliers dedicated to achieving sustainability goals. It also highlights Al Mulla Engineering’s strong commitment to ensuring that its strategic growth initiatives adhere to the highest global standards, maintaining sustainability practices across its diverse engineering operations.

Amel Chadli, Gulf countries president, commented, “I congratulate Al Mulla Engineering for its outstanding efforts to empower its customers to reach their sustainability goals. Businesses need to look beyond their own operations and consider who they are indirectly responsible for across their value chain and, crucially, who they can assist along the way. Reaching net zero is a collective goal, and we need to work together to share the best sustainable practices and support customers to decarbonise.”

Anfal N. Al Mulla, managing director of Al Mulla Engineering, added, “We are delighted to have been recognised for the work we have done to minimise the environmental impact on the planet and supporting to improve the performance of the building by providing the technologies to address the environmental social goals of our customers. We are acutely aware that expectations on businesses like ours to demonstrate how we are decarbonising our own operations and those of our customers, are only going to intensify as we draw closer to 2050. We wanted to get ahead and play our part in the journey to net zero and are proud to be recognized for this by receiving this award.”

Schneider Electric facilitates sustainable practices with solutions that are simplified, open and utilise digital transformation as a key driver for positive change. One way the company achieves this is by enabling partners to assess their own carbon footprint and build a trackable and traceable plan of action, as well as certifying partners’ ability to assess the sustainability of their supplier and customer ecosystems.

Schneider Electric Sustainability Impact Awards were launched in 2022 to celebrate and recognize the pivotal role that Schneider’s extensive network of partners play in delivering a more resilient and sustainable electric world. Participants continue to be carefully assessed on how they are leveraging energy and digital and automation solutions in operations, reducing energy usage, increasing operational efficiency, and embracing circularity across the value chain.

The Link, set to be finalised in 2025, includes five buildings designated for both commercial and residential use, covering a total floor area of 30,000 sq m. (Image source: Masdar City)

Masdar City, Abu Dhabi’s premier hub for sustainability and innovation, has attained the prestigious WiredScore Platinum and SmartScore Gold certifications for its upcoming Masdar City Square and The Link projects, respectively

The WiredScore certification serves as the international standard for evaluating digital integration in urban projects. Analogous to the LEED certification for eco-friendly buildings, WiredScore’s goal is to establish the international benchmark for technological advancements in the built environment, thereby fostering buildings that are smarter and more interconnected, promoting a future that is more cooperative, innovative, and dynamic.

Encompassing seven commercial structures, Masdar City Square spans a total floor area of 50,000 sq m and offers cutting-edge office spaces equipped with superior digital connectivity and intelligent features. The Link, set to be finalised in 2025, includes five buildings designated for both commercial and residential use, covering a total floor area of 30,000 sq m. This development is poised to forge a vibrant, multi-functional space that fluidly combines residential and professional areas with a sophisticated technological framework.

Benjamin Rumsey, senior manager of sustainable development and investments at Masdar City, added, “These first-of-their-kind certifications in Masdar City demonstrate our commitment to delivering best-in-class real estate solutions to our partners and tenants. We initiated the certification process for both developments during the construction period and were able to achieve Platinum and Gold certification without any design modifications. This further validates that our assets are planned to the highest international standards in terms of digital connectivity and smart functionality, in addition to sustainability and wellness. We will continue to push the boundaries in all our future projects as we believe that Masdar City is the destination for people to live, work and play.”

John Hilliard, head of Middle East at WiredScore, remarked, “I am thrilled that we could help Masdar City position its newest office developments at the forefront of a rapidly growing Grade A pipeline in the UAE. By achieving WiredScore Platinum and SmartScore Gold, Masdar City Square and The Link have demonstrated that they provide exceptional connectivity, resilience, smart functionality, and readiness to incorporate future technologies as tenant requirements evolve. Congratulations to the Masdar City team for this fantastic achievement.”

Standard on the S630/S650 are Versatile Duty Tyres, featuring a bi-directional design suitable for various mixed surfaces, which significantly extends tyre life and reduces costs. (Image source: Bobcat)

Bobcat has unveiled the latest Stage V iterations of its M-Series S630 and S650 Skid-Steer Loaders, tailored for the more stringent European markets

The launch expands the available options for customers in this segment, offering the new M-Series S630/S650 alongside the advanced R-Series S66/S76 models, reinforcing Bobcat’s dominant position in Europe’s skid-steer loader market of this size.

The newly introduced S630 model is adept at navigating confined spaces while providing the necessary reach and visibility for tasks like transferring materials over barriers, backfilling, or loading onto flatbed trucks. It boasts a rated operating capacity of 1012 kg and a tipping load of 2023 kg. The S650, with its vertical lift path design, is ideal for lifting, carrying, and handling materials, with a rated operating capacity of 1227 kg and a tipping load of 2455 kg. Both variants maintain their versatility, being compatible with an extensive array of Bobcat attachments.

Superior performance

Both the S630 and S650 models deliver exceptional performance in compliance with the stringent Stage V emission standards, thanks to the reliable Bobcat D24 engine equipped with a Bosch Fuel Injection System. Positioned transversally, the engine allows these models to retain their compact dimensions, enabling operation and maneuverability in confined spaces.

Innovations in engine technology have led to reduced fuel consumption without compromising on performance. Additionally, the initial engine oil service interval has been extended to 500 hours, and advancements in fuel filtration contribute to less frequent filter changes. Standard on the S630/S650 are Versatile Duty Tyres, featuring a bi-directional design suitable for various mixed surfaces, which significantly extends tyre life and reduces costs.

Operator comfort features

Bobcat has incorporated several sought-after comfort features in the S630/S650 models:

* Heat or Air Conditioning (HVAC) – ensures operator comfort throughout the year, regardless of location.
* Cloth Suspension Seat – enhances comfort for the operator in all seasons.
* Auto Ride Control (optional) – augments operator comfort and machine stability.

The base models of the S630/S650 come with a new Deluxe control panel that supports a wide range of European languages. Each machine is also fitted with Bobcat Telematics solutions.

The Deluxe panel minimizes the potential for misuse with its keyless start feature. Additionally, options like High Flow or 2-Speed can be password-protected and locked if needed.

The new after-treatment technology (DPF) operates autonomously during regular use. Should the need arise, operators can easily manage this technology via the Deluxe panel menu, allowing for monitoring of both the machine and the exhaust after-treatment system. The newly introduced automatic multi-step engine low-idle sequence enhances engine performance in cold conditions.

For machines equipped with Selectable Joystick Controls (SJC), the auto-idle function reduces engine speed to low idle when the joysticks are in a neutral position and unused for approximately five seconds. This feature contributes to quieter operation and lower fuel consumption.

In addition to the Deluxe Panel, Bobcat Telematics, and Versatile Duty Tyres, the standard equipment for the S630/S650 includes Hand and Foot Controls, a Deluxe Cab with Side Windows, and a Suspension Seat. Optional features available are a Cloth Suspension Seat; Selectable Joystick Controls; a Deluxe Cab with Heating or HVAC; Heavy Duty Offset and Severe Duty Tyres; High Flow with Attachment Control; 2-Speed and Power Bob-tach.

The Standard Warranty period has been extended to two years (2000 hours), with Protection Plus offering coverage for up to five years.