A circular infographic depicting the product lifecycle stages: supply chain, production, distribution, use phase, and services/end of life. It highlights areas such as component production, in-house production, dealership logistics, maintenance, and recycling, with a focus on emissions across the value chain.

As a leading global provider of commercial vehicles, TRATON is committed to the goals of the Paris Agreement and to reducing the environmental footprint of its operations. While the use phase of vehicles accounts for around 97% of total greenhouse gas emissions, the Group and its brands Scania, MAN, International, and Volkswagen Truck & Bus, are also addressing emissions from its own operations: production, sales, and research & development.

These activities account for around 1% of TRATON’s total greenhouse gas emissions. But even a small percentage matters, especially for a company that aims to lead the shift toward sustainable transport – to drive change on every level.

“TRATON is in the midst of transforming into a leading provider of battery-electric commercial vehicles,” says Karol Gobczynski, Head of Climate & Circular at TRATON. “It’s only logical that these vehicles are built in factories where cutting emissions is also a clear priority.”

A Group-wide commitment

But strategy aside, what practical steps is TRATON taking to decarbonize its own operations? “At Group level, we started by gaining a clear picture,” says Philipp Lassernig, who is responsible for environmental topics regarding TRATON’s own operations. “We mapped emissions across all our plants worldwide, calculated the Group’s overall footprint, and identified the main challenges. Now, we’re overlaying the brands’ existing plans, analyzing their roadmaps from a Group perspective, and defining a unified path forward.”

Cross-functional collaboration is key: strategic alignment, operational coordination, and technical working groups ensure that knowledge is shared, and best practices are scaled.

Philipp Lassernig wearing a white dress shirt, standing with hands clasped, in front of a modern, abstract TRATON background.
Quote

We mapped emissions across all our plants worldwide, calculated the Group’s overall footprint, and identified the main challenges. Now, we’re [...] defining a unified path forward.

Philipp Lassernig Expert Group Environment at TRATON Quote

Progress already underway

Today, 41% of TRATON’s energy needs are met by renewable sources – a milestone achieved thanks to efforts across the brands. That said, decarbonization is about much more than switching to renewable electricity. The next priority is decarbonizing heating systems and tackling other operational hotspots, as well as electrifying company cars and on-site transport vehicles.

41% of TRATON’s energy needs today are met by renewable sources.

Notable examples:

  • Scania has opened a new foundry running solely on renewable energy in Södertälje, Sweden, and is converting its paint shop for plastic parts in Meppel, the Netherlands, from gas to renewable energy. In Brazil, the brand has initiated the transition from natural gas to biomethane at its production site; this change aims to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 250 tons per year.
  • At MAN, lignite-fired boilers in Nuremberg have been replaced by district heating, cutting carbon emissions by 14,000 tons annually. Furthermore, MAN’s Munich plant is switching from natural gas to geothermal energy.
  • Volkswagen Truck & Bus has switched its Resende plant in Brazil to renewable electricity, with similar plans under way for the factory in Querétaro, Mexico. International is also making plans for a similar shift to renewable electricity at its operating sites.
Scania foundry, with the company's logo prominently displayed on the building.
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Scania opened a new foundry in Södertälje, Sweden, powered solely by renewable energy. This facility highlights a shift towards sustainable manufacturing, reducing environmental impact and supporting green technology development in industrial operations.
Exterior view of the Green Factory Munich, featuring industrial buildings and a sign highlighting its eco-friendly initiatives.
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The “Green Factory” in Munich has sustainable energy solutions, including a cogeneration power plant that increases efficiency and saves CO2.
Solar panels installed on a metal rooftop under a clear blue sky, surrounded by a scenic landscape.
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Volkswagen Truck & Bus has equipped its Resende plant in Brazil with solar panels, shifting to renewable electricity, highlighting a move towards sustainable energy solutions and reducing carbon emissions.

Looking ahead, many more projects are in the pipeline, including plans to power Scania’s in-development factory in China with low-carbon energy and heating. “We won't let up – and we will continue to push ahead with decarbonization with great commitment,” says Philipp Lassernig.