Steel is a major contributor to the carbon footprint of construction equipment. (Image source: Volvo CE)

Volvo CE has begun integrating low-carbon emission steel into the serial production of all articulated haulers manufactured at its Braås facility in Sweden.

The company said that this move aligns with the company’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions across its value chain, both in machine operation and material sourcing, as part of its goal to reach net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040.

Steel is a major contributor to the carbon footprint of construction equipment, accounting for around 60% of an articulated hauler’s total mass and more than half of its emissions in the cradle-to-gate life cycle.

Cradle-to-gate is a model that assesses a product's environmental footprint from raw materials extraction until it leaves the factory-“gate”.

Growing sustainability plans

Volvo CE first introduced fossil-free steel in 2021 in partnership with Swedish steel producer SSAB, unveiling a concept hauler made from this material. In 2022, it became the first company to deliver a construction machine built with fossil-free steel to a customer.

Now, Volvo CE is scaling up its efforts by incorporating low-carbon emission steel—produced using recycled steel and powered by fossil-free electricity and biogas—into mass production.

Currently, 13% of the total steel mass in articulated haulers built at Braås has been replaced with this material, with plans to increase this proportion as supply chain availability grows.

This shift is expected to cut Volvo CE’s CO₂ emissions by approximately 13,000 tons per year, a reduction of over 5% within the cradle-to-gate scope.

Rickard Alm, head of Volvo CE’s Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) programme, said, “We are proud to lead the way in the industry and move forward towards minimising our climate footprint across the entire lifecycle of our products. While emissions from product use represent the vast majority of carbon output in our industry, it is important to also act to cut emissions in the production phase, including materials like steel, in close collaboration with our global supply partners.”

57% of participants identified AI as the leading trend in 2025. (Image source: Versatile International)

Natural stone project management consultancy Versatile International has surveyed 168 construction professionals and found that the construction industry in the UAE and Saudi Arabia is "on the verge of a technological and sustainability-driven transformation"

The survey titled The Construction Pulse gathered insights from senior professionals spanning all stages of the construction process, including developers, architects, designers, and project management consultants. The findings revealed that 57% of participants identified artificial intelligence (AI) as the leading trend set to shape the construction industry in 2025.

The survey also highlighted sustainability as a major catalyst for innovation, with 55% of respondents noting the growing integration of renewable energy and green building certifications in development projects.

In the short term, 51% of respondents identified escalating costs and increasing project complexity as the most critical issues impacting the industry.

Around 53% of the stakeholders in the UAE and Saudi Arabia also cited regional market expansion when asked about their primary focus for growth this year. 

Other findings

56% of the respondents said that labour shortages will be a substantial challenge within the next ten years, which could affect the industry's ability to deliver projects on time and maintain quality standards. 46% also highlighted the need for more specialised skilled employees as a secondary challenge. 

"In the UAE, 64% of respondents pointed to regulatory changes as a challenge, reflecting the ongoing evolution of the industry as it redefines sustainability benchmarks in order to reach decarbonisation goals," the report said. 

Despite the optimism surrounding the transformative potential of AI and sustainability in the construction sector, the survey revealed key concerns among respondents. Rising costs emerged as the leading challenge, with 51% of participants from both the UAE and Saudi Arabia identifying it as a critical issue. This underscores the importance of adopting smarter budgeting strategies and reducing resource wastage caused by rework to navigate the financial pressures facing the industry.

“These findings highlight a construction industry at a crossroads,” said Marco Fahd, chairman and CEO of Versatile International. “AI and sustainability are reshaping how projects are planned and delivered and continue to create opportunities in the UAE and Saudi Arabia. On the other hand - challenges like labor shortages and rising costs require practical solutions, such as better workforce development and efficiency. This survey is not just a snapshot — it is part of a long-term effort to establish an industry benchmark, helping to identify key areas of challenge and opportunity. Accessing specialist consultants like Versatile International can play a critical role in avoiding costly delays and supply chain issues that risk project deadlines.”

Caterpillar is now focusing on its next 100 years. (Image source: Caterpillar)

Caterpillar, a leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, off-highway diesel and natural gas engines, industrial gas turbines and diesel-electric locomotives, is marking its 100^th anniversary

Celebrations throughout the US will commemorate the momentous occasion when the company officially turns 100 on 15 April. This journey began when the Holt Manufacturing Company and the C.L. Best Tractor Co. merged to form what was then known as the Caterpillar Tractor Co. in 1925. From the company’s first track-type tractor designed to pull combine harvesters in Northern California to autonomous construction and mining equipment and engines that power the world today, Caterpillar products and services have helped its customers complete infrastructure projects that have shaped the modern world.

Caterpillar chairman and CEO Jim Umpleby, commented, “Our success over the last 100 years is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our employees, the continued trust of our customers and the support of our dealers and business partners. I am proud to lead such a strong team, and I’m confident Caterpillar will continue to help our customers build a better, more sustainable world over the next 100 years.”

The Centennial World Tour has now embarked on its journey to visit Caterpillar facilities around the world and provide an interactive and immersive experience for employees and visitors. The company is also commemorating the milestone with limited-edition ‘Centennial Grey’ painted machines available for purchase in 2025.

HD Hyundai Construction Equipment is a top contender for a nomination in the Climate Protection category at the Bauma 2025 Innovation Awards.

The HW155H hydrogen-powered wheeled excavator concept is set to take centre stage in April, showcasing the next step toward production for this innovative machine.

Praised by judges for its ability to significantly cut engine exhaust emissions, it highlights a promising pathway to achieving carbon reduction on construction sites.

At the heart of HD Hyundai’s stand, the hydrogen-powered concept will feature alongside a variety of advanced machines and operational solutions.

Hyundai has been actively exploring zero-emission technologies for construction and industrial equipment.

The showcase will include a groundbreaking range of energy storage and refuelling solutions, developed in collaboration with Hyundai Motor Company.

These innovations aim to position hydrogen as a practical energy source for global infrastructure, civil engineering, and building projects.