Aecon pilots zero-emission excavator on Toronto site
Aecon has become the first construction company in Canada to use a zero-emission excavator on one of its worksites.
The company announced on October 14 that it recently completed a pilot project in Toronto where its crews used an electric compact excavator from Volvo Construction Equipment. In so doing, the contractor became the first in the country to use zero-emission construction equipment on an active project site.
"As we work toward our commitment to achieve a 30-percent reduction in direct CO2 emissions by 2030, we are actively engaging with the most innovative and technologically advanced manufacturers in the market," said Aecon President and CEO Jean-Louis Servranckx. "Piloting the ECR25 Electric compact excavator with Volvo CE is a great example of how we continue to consistently set industry benchmarks in sustainable construction and harness innovation to support the transition to a net-zero economy."
During the pilot, Aecon Utilities used the electric excavator to trench and install new telecommunications conduit, bringing fibre optic connectivity to a residential building in Toronto's Regent Park community.
"Construction equipment is one of the most substantial contributors to greenhouse gas emissions associated with construction projects, and over time we plan to convert a significant proportion of our fleet to zero-emission equipment like the ECR25," said Aecon’s Chief Sustainability Officer Yonni Fushman. "Aecon is pleased to take this important first step, in collaboration with Volvo CE, toward realizing that goal."
Site teams reported being impressed with the unit’s power, as well as its noise reduction.
"It's exciting to see the momentum growing for electric construction equipment in North America," said Stephen Roy, President of Region North America, Volvo CE. "We are seeing an increasing demand for sustainable solutions as the industry recognizes the importance of acting to reduce climate change. Working together with our customers and dealers we can reduce harmful emissions that are entering the atmosphere."
Featured image: Aecon site crews trial the Volvo Mini Electric Excavator. (Aecon)