Conventional solutions have to be challenged, and new innovative solutions need to be developed and tested in real projects.
This report seeks to emphasise the urgency of identifying current obstacles and essential solutions for reducing greenhouse gas emissions during construction. The report advocates research-backed decisions among stakeholders, recognising the industry’s need for extensive research, testing, and pilot projects to drive change.
Each chapter provides key research recommendations, which are compiled in chapter 8, Summary and Recommendations. Significant emphasis is placed on the crucial roles of planning, design, and material choices in minimising construction emissions and advancing sustainable practices. The section on the Assessment of Environmental Impact in particular highlights the need for a comprehensive measurement and assessment framework for transportation and construction. The emphasis of the section is on the pivotal role of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) in estimating environmental impact, especially greenhouse gas emissions, and on advocating the integration of transport (module A4) and installations (module A5) into forthcoming regulations in the Nordic countries.
The report stresses the importance of harmonising LCA methodologies across the Nordic countries in order to facilitate low-carbon solutions in construction. Furthermore, it emphasises the dire need for improved data collection, particularly in relation to transport-related emissions and waste during construction.
Moreover, it explores the importance of optimising energy efficiency and investigating cleaner energy options such as battery electrification and hydrogen technologies in construction processes. However, it also acknowledges the barriers that exist, such as infrastructure limitations and cost challenges, associated with these advancements. Overall, the report highlights the necessity of gathering emissions data, stepping up dialogue and co-operation among stakeholders, and harmonising regulations and their interpretation.