A significant barrier is the lack of a clear, standardised way to collect and report data on emissions from various construction activities. While Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) systems help guide what data should be collected, there is still no consistent method for collecting it. Without standard approaches, comparing emissions across projects or setting clear goals becomes difficult, which slows progress in reducing emissions.
Another challenge is the complexity of measuring emissions accurately at construction sites. Although some emissions data is gathered during building certifications such as BREEAM or LEED, this data is often limited and not used effectively for broader sustainability goals. Instead, it is primarily focused on meeting certification requirements rather than providing a comprehensive emissions database for use across the industry.
Once data is collected, it also needs to be processed into accurate averages for each LCA module. Although the Nordic countries have some estimated emissions data, this data needs to be more precise. Significant gaps have been found between estimated and actual emissions in life cycle studies across the Nordic countries. For example, a study from Norway showed a 44% difference between estimated and actual emissions, mostly related to the use of construction machinery. Other studies show that actual emissions from waste management are often much higher than initially estimated.
Currently, the same estimated emissions value is used for many building types, but more accurate average data for each specific building type is needed. Creating precise data for each building type will allow for more accurate and meaningful comparisons and insights.
Overcoming these data and measurement challenges will require better technology and regulatory support.
5.4 Lack of knowledge and resistance to change
New methods in construction require time, effort, and a willingness to learn, as well as collaboration at all levels in the industry. Awareness of new practices is crucial, yet a typical barrier is the lack of knowledge and experience among stakeholders, as highlighted in a study on two Norwegian low-emission construction sites. Many stakeholders lack training and skills in these areas, which limits their ability to apply low-emission methods. New technologies often require specialised training, yet these programmes are currently limited and difficult to find. Although awareness of low-carbon strategies is growing, stakeholders often don’t fully understand how to apply these strategies in practice. Many remain unaware of the impact of construction site emissions and the available ways to reduce them. This knowledge gap slows the adoption of emissions-reduction practices and contributes to hesitancy, ultimately holding back progress towards achieving emission-free construction.
A report on Overcoming Barriers to Supply Chain Decarbonization: Case Studies of First Movers identified knowledge-related obstacles such as “lack of awareness”, “lack of expertise”, and a “resistant mindset”. These barriers also affect efforts to achieve emission-free construction sites. According to the report, resistance persists because some organisations do not see the shift to carbon neutrality as urgent or essential. This reluctance can be due to a lack of awareness about emissions-related environmental issues, disbelief or a belief that proposed measures will have minimal effect on the overall outcome, leading to low motivation for decarbonisation efforts.
The construction industry is typically conservative and relies on established methods, with cultural resistance to new sustainable technologies. Contractors often doubt the feasibility of emission-free transportation, questioning the reliability of electric vehicles and alternative fuel technologies. Without confidence in the availability, reliability, and cost-effectiveness of these solutions, many stick with conventional methods that produce emissions. Concerns about upfront costs, project delays, and limited knowledge of long-term benefits also hinder adoption. This lack of understanding and resistance to change leads many stakeholders to view emission reduction strategies negatively.
In some cases, communication breakdowns lead to evident problems on site. For example, during the construction of the Lia Nursery School, the plan was to use biodiesel in large construction machinery, but the machines arrived on site with their tanks filled with diesel.
5.5 Current economic structure
As highlighted in previous reports from the Nordic Sustainable Construction project, building less is the most effective way to reduce emissions from construction sites. By focusing on better utilising existing buildings – renovating and reusing structures as a whole – we can prevent the need for demolition and new construction, which reduces both embodied and operational emissions. However, the current economic model often favours new construction over the reuse or renovation of existing buildings. This growth-focused economy, particularly in its drive to increase GDP, poses a significant barrier to reducing emissions, not only in construction but across various sectors.