Volvo 2001 Annual Report Download - page 33

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29
Projects for the future
A shift to non-fossil fuels is a necessity for
the future. It is important to take account of
the complete fuel cycle and all possible uses
for the fuels when deciding the best applica-
tion. For example, biogas from sewage treat-
ment plants can be used as fuel for local bus
fleets, with Volvo as a major supplier, or for
heat and electricity generation, a new area
for gas turbines from Volvo Aero.
The most promising biofuel for diesel
engines is dimethylether (DME). Volvo
Powertrain is currently developing the sec-
ond generation heavy-duty DME prototype
vehicles for both trucks and buses. The
development of alternative powertrains con-
tinues, with laboratory evaluations of fuel
cell systems as well as building prototype
buses.
Unique product information
The high focus on transport and environ-
ment in the society creates a need for open
and reliable information on the performance
of our products. In September 2001,
Volvo Trucks introduced a web-based
Environmental Product Declaration, where
customers and transport buyers can find
information on the complete life-cycle
impact of the heavy-duty trucks. A calcula-
tion of the actual environmental impact of a
truck transport can be made interactively.
The other business areas will also release
product declarations with similar information.
Environmental
management
Environmental policy
One of the most important elements for the
management of environmental issues in the
Volvo Group is the decision to have a single
environmental policy, common to all parts of
the Group. This policy is the basis for our
environmental management systems, strate-
gies and objectives, audits and activities. The
new product introductions and contribute to
the safe handling of the machines.
Noise from traffic and construction
machines is an issue that is of growing public
interest and regulations in densely populated
areas. Our new products undergo certi-
fication for external noise, with a clear Volvo
ambition to be ahead of legislation.
Efficient transport systems – low
environmental impact
Decreasing emissions from transports is also
an issue of optimizing transport flows, by
minimizing empty runs and avoiding traffic
jams. Volvo contributions in this field are the
Dynafleet information system and an
increasing program for driver training in
many different market areas. Volvo Trucks as
well as Volvo Buses are involved in coopera-
tion projects with different cities, since large
improvements in transport efficiency and
thereby CO2and other emissions can only
be achieved if all stakeholders in society
work together on infrastructure, fuel distri-
bution, and vehicle fleet composition.
We see a growing interest from cities for
city buses that meet stricter emission stan-
dards than is set out in current legislation.
The VEC (Volvo Emission Control) system
provided by Volvo Buses meets the EURO4
level (law from 2005), and has gained a
strong market interest.
Emission Standards
for trucks and buses
NOx g/KWh
Particles g/KWh
Euro 2
Euro 3US ‘02
Euro 4Euro 5
US 07-11
Current
0,00
0,02
0,04
0,06
0,08
0,10
0,12
0,14
0,16
012345678
More information on the
Internet
As of 2001, Volvo does not publish a
separate environmental report. More
detailed information, including envi-
ronmental product and production
data, can be found on the Internet at
www.volvo.com.