Leap to Zero: Accelerating Zero Emission Construction

Why Zero Emission Construction Equipment?

Construction plays a vital role in society—but it also remains a major source of emissions. While many sectors are rapidly decarbonizing, the adoption of zero emission construction equipment is still in its early stages.

Non-road mobile machinery (NRMM) such as excavators, loaders, bulldozers and cranes runs largely on diesel. According to Transport & Environment (T&E) NRMM emits around 108 Mt of CO₂ per year across Europe. That is about 3.1% of total EU greenhouse gas emissions, comparable to 55 million cars. Construction machinery represents a significant share of this footprint.

Beyond climate impact, construction equipment is a major source of NOₓ and particulate matter (PM), degrading air quality, harming biodiversity and posing health risks, particularly in urban areas.

Transitioning to ZE construction supports climate, air quality and public health goals, while reducing the environmental footprint of construction activities. But no country can make this shift alone. International cooperation is essential to create predictable demand, scale production, reduce costs and drive innovation.

Key Challenges

Despite growing ambition and rapid technological progress, two structural barriers remain:

1. Market Scale: Coordinated, long term demand is needed so manufacturers can scale up production and make ZE equipment widely available and affordable.
2. Energy and Charging Infrastructure: Construction sites require reliable high capacity charging solutions and sufficient grid access—often in temporary or remote environments.

Addressing these challenges requires aligned policies, coordinated procurement, shared technical standards and sustained cross border collaboration.

Leap to Zero’s Role

Leap to Zero’s mission is to connect, inspire and accelerate the transition towards ZE construction sites.

The network:

• Facilitates international knowledge exchange on technology, pilot projects, procurement and policy
• Promotes joint approaches and collaboration across countries
• Supports market development and scaling of  ZE equipment
• Identifies and raise awareness of regulatory and infrastructure needs
• Positions procurement as a key lever for market transformation

Together, participants work to overcome shared challenges and accelerate the deployment of ZE-solutions in the construction sector.
 

How the Network Works

Leap to Zero is an open, collaborative platform built around continuous knowledge sharing and international engagement.

Founded in 2022 through cooperation between Rijkswaterstaat (Netherlands) and Trafikverket (Sweden), the network has since organized:

International Conferences and Events

• Workshops and roundtables
• Site visits and demonstrations of ZE equipment
• Cross country exchanges on policy, technology and procurement

These activities bring together public authorities, infrastructure owners, industry partners and experts to share experiences, showcase innovations and address technical and regulatory challenges collectively.

In addition to events, the network fosters ongoing dialogue and cooperation, creating a stable environment for long term learning and innovation.

Impact

By connecting frontrunners, early adopters and organizations preparing for the transition, Leap to Zero:

• Accelerates[JR3.1] international knowledge exchange and shared learning on ZE construction
• Helps move from pilot projects to wider deployment of ZE solutions
• Strengthens international markets for ZE equipment 
• Contributes to measurable improvements in environmental, health and economic benefits from cleaner construction practices
• Supports countries and organizations in meeting their climate and air quality goals

Together, Leap to Zero participants work to ensure the shift to clean, ZE mission free [JR4.1]construction happens faster, smarter and at scale.

Get in contact

Interested in joining the network, sharing expertise or participating in activities?
Contact us at LeaptoZero@rws.nl