College - Author 1
College of Architecture and Environmental Design
Department - Author 1
Construction Management Department
Degree Name - Author 1
BS in Construction Management
Date
9-2024
Primary Advisor/Subject Matter Expert (SME)
Enrique Ivers, College of Architecture and Environmental Design, Construction Management Department
Abstract/Summary
Every day the construction industry is releasing an unhealthy amount of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. The consequences may seem trivial at first because the planet is slowly deteriorating, and it is not easily discernable on a day-to-day basis; however, similar to constantly taking care of one’s home, one must take care of the planet. On the other hand, the difference between degradation of a home and planet is that the pollution released into the world is irreversible; therefore, we need to be even more conscientious of the environment. As the construction industry continues to grow, the need for heavy civil machinery will increase. While Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) are ahead in implementing electrical heavy civil machinery, the United States is falling behind due to the equipment’s barriers of entry. Nonetheless, manufacturers such as Volvo CE have been leading the industry in producing electric heavy civil machinery; moreover, collaborating with Skanska in 2023 to trial the Volvo EC230 Electric excavator in Los Angeles, California. Nevertheless, if more American companies can incorporate electric heavy civil machinery, possible benefits would include being more environmentally friendly, lower operating/maintenance costs, and better responsiveness compared to diesel machines.
URL: https://digitalcommons.calpoly.edu/cmsp/908