Zero is the new Hero: Big buyers joining forces to achieve zero emission construction sites

Om arrangementet

Seven other European cities are joining Oslo and Trondheim to demand zero emission construction sites. The joint initiative is named ZenComs, and the cities will meet in Brussels to plan their market dialogue, meeting the market together. The cities are (together with Oslo and Trondheim) Stockholm, Helsinki, Copenhagen, Brussels, Amsterdam and Lisbon.

The Challenge

Current machinery used on construction sites are mainly diesel-based. This makes non-road mobile machineries (NRMM) a significant source to air pollution by emitting hydrocarbons (HC), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and particulate matter polluting the cities and affecting the health of the people that work in construction and near construction sites.

According to a European impact assessment, NRMM are responsible for 15% NOX and 5% PM emissions, and NOX is expected to increase to 20% by 2020. These numbers will continue to rise as other sectors reduce their emission impact. Recent data from Oslo shows that NRMM are responsible for 8% of total CO2 emissions.

The joining cities have the potential to improve local air quality and lower noise nuisance from construction sites by reducing emissions such as CO2, NOx and PM, and recognize their role in supporting demand for innovation and transition needed in the construction sector.

Working Group at the round table discussion

At the meeting in Brussels the cities will discuss a declaration explaining their demand in short and longer time. The purpose is to speed up the suppliers to offer a full emission free construction site in some years. The plan is to arrange the market dialogue in October in Copenhagen together with the C40-meeting. C40 is a global network of cities committed to address climate change.

The National Programme for Supplier Development has, together with Climat KIC, been a source and driving force for this European joining forces initiative. This will help Norwegian public procurers to maintain zero emission construction sites, and Norwegian suppliers to offer it.

In Brussels the 14th of May the Oslo Region European Office wish you welcome to a roundtable discussion on zero emission construction sites. Programme here

Before and after the open agenda the working group joining forces will have their meeting (by invitation only).