Volvo Buses
Global
Volvo Buses has a clear long-term ambition: reach a net zero supply chain by 2040. That goal is only meaningful if we let it shape everyday decisions in purchasing and the way we work with supply partners. And, over the past few years, Volvo Buses has gone from broad sustainability discussions to a structured, data-driven decarbonization journey that is increasingly built into contracts, tools and supply partners collaborations.
What is it?
The decarbonization journey is Volvo Buses’ step by step process to cut greenhouse gas emissions from its supply chain all the way to net zero by 2040. It all started with clear ambitions and targets which were setup for the entire Volvo Group. These were decided through SBTi validation work with a focus on scope 3.11 regarding carbon abatement.
As a result of this work, a dedicated team and a clear sustainability roadmap was created.
From awareness to action
The first phase was about building a shared, practical understanding of sustainability. Regular trainings on circularity, human rights, and material content helped create a common language that made it easier to discuss expectations and opportunities with both internal stakeholders and supply partners.
Once that foundation was in place, the work shifted to accountability. The purchasing team began building tools and processes to measure performance and making it clear that sustainability must be visible through actions and measurable progress. Supply partner communication increased through summits, where Volvo Buses asked supply partners to quantify cradle to gate product carbon footprints and start building the capability to understand and reduce emissions.
Working with supply partners
In 2025, the journey reached a more concrete phase. At the annual supply partners sustainability summit, Volvo Buses focused fully on supply chain decarbonization and shared its own initiatives, ranging from landfill-free sites to facilities operating on 100% renewable energy. This reinforced that decarbonization is an internal priority as well as an external expectation.
A decarbonization pilot campaign then asked selected supply partners to share targets, initiatives, product footprints, and reduction plans. Responses showed a wide range of maturity levels, from companies just starting out to frontrunners with advanced, data-driven plans, in some cases even ahead of Volvo Buses.
The mix of situations confirmed that the journey will take time, but it also showed that momentum is growing, with more supply partners proactively sharing plans and asking how to report progress.
We are here to help
For many supply partners, the main challenge is data. Carbon footprint calculation aligned with the Greenhouse Gas Protocol and ISO standards is complex. To support supply partners, Volvo Buses provides resources such as definitions, guidance and a climate deck to help structure data and roadmaps.
This support is the result of close collaboration across our purchasing, sustainability and technical teams, working together to secure the right assets and a clear methodology for supplier upskilling. It also builds on a shared Volvo Group approach, focusing efforts on the biggest footprint areas and translating proven decarbonization strategies into practical step-by-step guidance.
In practice, the goal is to help supply partners identify carbon emissions hotspots, get started with what they have, and build capability over time.
Supporting climate goals
Decarbonization is in some cases closely tied to operational and financial benefits. Many of the actions that supply partners are taking are low-hanging fruits that help both climate and cost, such as circular and reusable packaging, electrifying equipment, and investing in renewable energy. Done well, decarbonization strengthens competitiveness as much as it supports climate goals.
The journey continues
The message to supply partners is to start now. Don’t wait for perfect conditions, instead focus on what’s within reach, and build from there. Decarbonization is not only a way to meet expectations, but also a way to improve efficiency, reduce cost, strengthen competitiveness, and create better workplaces while contributing to a more sustainable future. By working together, we can help each other reach further.
