In order to improve air quality, governments in many countries are making increasingly stringent demands for the reduction of emissions, primarily nitrogen oxides and particulates. New, stricter emission laws were introduced in the EU on October 1, 2006 and in the USA on January 1, 2007 for trucks and buses. Even stricter requirements will be introduced in a few years’ time. To meet these requirements, the Volvo Group is continuously developing new engine technology to minimise fuel consumption and emissions. The primary focus of this development work is on diesel engines. One of the most 138 M and is the second stage in a total invest-
origins. In 2006, cleaning-up activities were
important environmen-
ment of SEK 650 M in the paintshop. The
conducted on six properties.
tal issues is climate
investment will improve quality, cost and environmental performance. The Volvo Group’s activities generate transportation to and from production facilities. The Group’s logistics managers regularly review
During 2006 there were no significant envir-
change, which affects
onmental incidents and there were no environ-
all aspects of society.
mental disputes.
The way in which cli-
For detailed environmental information about
mate issues are handled will impact strongly
the Volvo Group’s facilities, see page 161.
on global development.
these flows and continuously make improvements to considerably cut the amount of trans-
During use
Rising carbon dioxide
portation and facilitate a significant reduction
The greatest environmental impact caused by
levels in the atmosphere are primarily caused
in total environmental impact. To assess the
the Volvo Group’s products occurs during use.
by the combustion of fossil fuels from oil, coal
environmental impact, Volvo Logistics has
The Volvo Group primarily uses diesel
and natural gas. The transport sector is
developed a system for calculating environ-
engines in its products due to their high energy
responsible for roughly 25% of fossil fuel con-
efficiency and low emissions.
sumption, and for 25% of carbon dioxide emis-
Improved fuel efficiency is a
sions. Road traffic is responsible for approxi-
owned by the Volvo Group is cataloged every
highly effective way of reducing
mately 15%.
year. This pollution generally has historic
carbon-dioxide emissions and cutting costs
mental load. The existence of polluted land on properties
Climate change and access to energy sources may strongly affect the Volvo Group. It
for customers.
is therefore vital to prepare for the use of fuels
Sharply reduced emissions
Solvent emission
120 Emissions, k ton Emission/net sales kg/ SEK M Solvent emissions/ net sales has been reduced by 2% in 2006.
02 03 04 05 06 1.9 2.0 2.1 1.9 2.0 10.7 11.2 10.3 8.5 8.3
CO2 NOx CO PM-diesel VOC Bensen SO2
100 80 60 40 20
Source: ACEA
0 1995
2000
2006
Emissions from highway transports in the EU.
Sustainable development 2006
37