In 2010, supported by a $1 million Opportunity Grant from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s Department of Community and Economic Development, Volvo Construction Equipment (Volvo CE) completed a 200,000 sq.-ft. expansion of its Shippensburg, PA manufacturing facility. The plant is a global technology hub and the headquarters for Sales Region Americas and Operations Americas and currently employs about 800 people.
Volvo’s vision was to build one of North America’s most innovative and environmentally friendly buildings. The focus was on sustainability in its design, construction, operation, and culture to meet the extremely high standards of the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification. LEED certification ensures that there is a focus on energy reduction and environmental care during construction and in ongoing operations. Energy efficiency is promoted, for example, with a customized building automation system, high-efficiency lighting, skylights, and substantial insulation.
“This facility has been built to create a work environment that promotes eco-friendly practices and is sustainable,” explained Chris Stone, director of industrial support and projects in Shippensburg. “One of Volvo’s core values is care for the environment, and every aspect of our facility now emphasizes the importance of that worldwide standard. We are working hard to achieve LEED certification.”
The Volvo Group focuses on four of the United Nations’ 17 sustainable development goals, including: Good health and wellbeing (No. 3); Industry innovation and infrastructure (No. 9); Sustainable cities and communities (No. 11); and Climate action (No. 13). The Volvo Group is involved in several key initiatives, including: The Construction Climate Challenge (CCC), providing a neutral platform for all construction industry stakeholders to collaborate, build competence, and share knowledge about climate change; WWF Climate Savers, promoting environmental awareness, developing efficient technologies, and encouraging sustainable development; and World Green Building Council (WorldGBC), helping to influence future strategies and support environmentally friendly building methods, specifically around infrastructure.