Photo: Strabag
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Today, the construction industry is at the crossroads between tradition and transformation. Accounting for approximately 40% of the global energy consumption and for more than 35% of the overall CO₂ emissions, this sector has a huge potential, as well as a responsibility to become one of the key leaders of change in environmental protection. It is this change where STRABAG in Serbia recognises its task and opportunity: through recycling and reuse of materials, solar energy consumption, electric vehicles and digital innovation, the company demonstrates that sustainability can be an integral part of every construction phase.
Acting responsibly, objectively and ethically, STRABAG operates in accordance with the highest integrity standards. Aiming to expand business operations to new areas, they develop innovative and creative approaches within defined frameworks, utilising resources regionally, purposefully and efficiently. Their goal is to become the market leader via automation and adoption of new technologies, while pledging to achieve climate neutrality and CO₂ emission reduction.
Circular economy in practice: second life of materials
Construction waste is no longer and must not be the end of a process, but the start of a new cycle. For instance, concrete that used to end up at a landfill is now treated as a valuable resource: after separating reinforced elements and crushing, the material is reused in construction, as an aggregate for bases, foundations or access roads. This reduces the need for exploiting natural resources, the volume of waste at landfills and CO₂ emissions resulting from transport and production of new materials. The approach confirms that the construction industry can be a generator of a circular economy, rather than just its observer.
By recycling materials, STRABAG enhances processes and rationalises costs, while setting a new benchmark in responsible resource management, thus following its strategic goal of transforming every construction site into a part of a closed, sustainable construction cycle by 2040.
“Our objective is to turn every tonne of waste into a resource in the next project – that is the essence of the circular approach,” STRABAG’s representatives say.
Solar energy and electric mobility: construction sites of the future
In line with STRABAG’s Work On Progress strategy and aiming to become climate neutral by 2040, the company is introducing photovoltaic (PV) panels at its facilities, construction sites and logistics and asphalt bases in Serbia. Solar systems enable a reduction of power consumption from the grid, as well as of CO₂ emissions, thus directly contributing to the company’s global objective.
Green transition also includes the transport segment. STRABAG is modernising its vehicle fleet and introducing e-vehicles and new-generation construction machinery, decreasing its fossil fuel consumption and overall carbon footprint. By combining solar energy sources and electric mobility, construction sites become self-sustainable, with more environmentally responsible and technologically advanced daily operations.
Digital tools – less paper, more efficiency
Not only does digital transformation in STRABAG represent the implementation of new technologies, but it also changes the method of managing each segment of a construction site. By introducing the SSO (Smart Site One) application, the process of planning, monitoring and optimising operations is fully digitalised, from asphalt transport to final installation phases. The app connects people, machinery and processes in real time, thus eliminating downtime, increasing efficiency and reducing fuel consumption and waste.
Furthermore, the company has developed the 5S application (based on the 5S principles – sort, set in order, shine, standardise, sustain), aimed at monitoring order, safety and implementation of the LEAN methods at construction sites. This digital tool enables daily on-site status monitoring, design of automatic reports in order to reduce the risk of injuries, for orderly construction sites with optimal resource use, while additional values: 6S (safety), 7S (team spirit) and 8S (sustainability), facilitate further the culture of safety, team spirit and environmental awareness.
With these applications, STRABAG connects digitalisation and sustainability, showcasing that modern construction can simultaneously be precise, efficient and environmentally responsible.
Journey to climate neutrality
STRABAG in Serbia is implementing an ambitious plan, harmonised with its global ESG strategy and climate neutrality goals. The focus is both on technological innovation and systemic change in the method of construction, use of resources and day-to-day operations.
Key objectives set by the company include the following:
- 50% of recycled materials in construction processes by 2030
- CO₂ emission reduction of 42% per project by 2030
- Fully electric or hybrid vehicle fleet by 2035
Besides technical and infrastructure measures, STRABAG continuously invests in employee education via LEAN and sustainability training courses (training in environmental protection), promoting the principles of sustainable construction, energy efficiency and responsible resource management. As a result, sustainability within the company goes beyond restrictions of individual initiatives, becoming a part of the corporate culture and mindset in every segment of operations.
STRABAG’s sustainability story is more than a series of projects – it is a long-term strategy that changes the future perspective of the construction sector.
“Sustainability is not a trend, but a new foundation of quality. What we are building today must last for the generations to come,” STRABAG’s representatives concluded.
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