Emission-Free Construction – The Way Ahead?
The construction industry is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, air pollution, and noise pollution. According to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the building and construction industry accounts for approximately 37% of global energy and process-related CO₂ emissions.
With climate targets tightening and urban sustainability in focus, many cities are seeking ways to reduce the environmental impact of construction. We’re seeing initiatives towards emission-free construction, which replaces fossil fuel-powered machinery with electric alternatives and renewable energy sources.
What is Emission-Free Construction?
An emission-free construction site eliminates fossil fuel use by relying on:
- Electric machinery – Excavators, loaders, and trucks powered by batteries or hydrogen fuel cells.
- Battery storage systems – Providing energy stability when grid power is insufficient.
- On-site renewable energy – Using solar panels or wind turbines to power operations.
- Low-carbon materials – Prefabricated or recycled materials that reduce emissions in production.
Oslo – a showcase
From January 1, 2025, Oslo will require all public construction projects to be completely emission-free. This includes infrastructure projects such as roads, schools, and housing developments. Norway has ambitious climate goals, aiming to reduce CO₂ emissions by 95% by 2030 (compared to 2009 levels). Oslo has been testing emission-free projects for years. The Olav Vs gate pedestrian project cut CO₂ emissions by 35%, and the Sognsveien roadworks project demonstrated the feasibility of battery-powered machinery.
The Benefits of Emission-Free Construction
1. Lower Carbon Footprint
Shifting to electric and hydrogen-powered machinery can significantly reduce the industry's environmental impact.
2. Improved Air Quality
Diesel-powered equipment emits nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulate matter, which contribute to respiratory diseases. Electric machinery helps cities combat air pollution-related health issues.
3. Reduced Noise Pollution
Traditional construction is extremely noisy, disrupting both workers and nearby communities. Electric machinery significantly lowers noise levels, improving urban livability.
4. Cost Savings in the Long Run
While electric construction equipment has higher upfront costs, it offers long-term savings through:
- Lower fuel costs (electricity vs. diesel)
- Reduced maintenance (fewer moving parts)
- Longer equipment lifespan
- Government subsidies, tax incentives, and public procurement policies (like Oslo’s) which can help offset initial investment costs.
Many challenges ahead
Electric and hydrogen-powered construction equipment is more expensive than diesel alternatives, which can be mitigated by financial incentives for early adopters, as outlined above. However, increasing demand and technological advancements will drive down costs over time. Powering equipment is a major issue. Construction sites will need reliable electricity, preferably fast-charging stations on-site to charge heavy machinery and battery storage systems for off-grid power supply. Many contractors also lack experience with electric construction equipment, meaning there is a need for training and partnerships with manufacturers.
Oslo’s initiative is already inspiring other European cities, with Amsterdam, Stockholm, and Copenhagen considering similar policies. The EU’s Green Deal and Fit for 55 plan support broader industry adoption. As costs drop and technology advances, emission-free construction is set to become the new standard rather than an exception.
Further reading
For more information about the Oslo project and trends in emission-free construction, we suggest the following sources:
The Guardian
”Sites without sound: Oslo leads in quiet, low-emission electric construction”
C40 Cities
”Exploring the future of clean construction in Oslo”
ICLEI Europe
”Procuring zero-emission construction sites”
The benefits of using iBinder at an early stage
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Offers easy and seamless transitions between the phases of construction projects, for example from early stages to design and then production.
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If you have a lot of projects currently ongoing, you can see which ones are in each phase of the construction process; early stage, design, production, warranty phase, etc.
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Information management for the project is kept together right from the start, instead of being scattered across various emails and different cloud storage systems. The history is clear, which is particularly important in long projects.
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In iBinder it is easy to upload, review and show BIM models directly in your binders. You can view the entire BIM model or limit it to specific areas.
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Documents and information are linked to communication, so it is easy to see which users have accessed and seen what.
How iBinder works
iBinder is a cloud-based platform that helps the construction and real estate industry better manage information and documentation about their properties.