Mapping the Environmental Footprint of Articulated Haulers Beyond Carbon Emissions

Sammanfattning

This thesis explores how localized industrial processes contribute to global environmental thresholds by applying the Planetary Boundaries framework to key components of articulated haulers: the dumper body, hydraulic tank, and hood. Using Volvo Construction Equipment as a case study, the research investigates lifecycle stages across manufacturing, use-phase failures, and end-of-life pathways. A mixed-methods approach, combining site visits, stakeholder interviews, failure data analysis, and literature-based modeling, supports qualitative mapping of environmental pressures. Findings reveal fragmented data systems and limited traceability, especially post-manufacture, which hinder comprehensive lifecycle accounting. Nonetheless, critical input–output flows, such as oil use, steel components, and failure-induced waste, are identified as potential contributors to transgressing multiple planetary boundaries. While constrained by scope and data availability, the study offers a methodological foundation for integrating planetary boundaries into component-level sustainability assessments in heavy equipment contexts.