New framework for greener construction work

Interventions in the environment and the destruction of habitats are the biggest threat to biodiversity, both in Norway and for the whole planet. At Statnett, we are striving to minimise the negative consequences of construction work and land use for both society and the environment. For us, it is natural to use research to find a better framework for greener interventions.

The challenge

Construction and maintenance of infrastructure, for example power lines, pylons and transformer substations, requires a lot of space and can result in unnecessarily large interventions in the environment. The lack of an overarching quality system for planning and implementing interventions in the environment has resulted in too little focus on whether mitigating measures are practical or have the desired effect. In the worst cases, the dearth of systematic knowledge about natural habitats and the effect of mitigating measures results in unnecessary resource consumption, increased greenhouse-gas emissions and loss of biodiversity.

The goal

The goal of the project is to improve and develop planning and implementation of mitigating measures in construction projects. This will help to reduce the overall scope of interventions in the environment, greenhouse-gas emissions from marshes and wetlands and loss of natural assets. The work is intended to result in a “New framework for greener interventions in the environment and reduction in greenhouse-gas emissions in construction work” (GRAN).

The project

The project will bundle knowledge gained from previous interventions and measures in order to assess good practice in different situations, and provide a basis for a new framework. New guidelines for those designing and executing the construction works will be prepared and phased in to future projects. In addition, greenhouse-gas emissions from various natural habitats (in particular marshes) will be highlighted using a tool that estimates emissions based on area usage. The new framework will be trialled in a case study project, and course material (including animated films) will be prepared based on practical experience of application of the new framework.

Project participants

Statnett
The Norwegian Water Resources and Energy Directorate (NVE)
The Norwegian Public Roads Administration (NPRA)
The Norwegian Institute for Nature Research (NINA)
The Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU)

Funding

The Research Council of Norway (NFR)
Statnett
The Norwegian Water Resources and Energy Directorate (NVE)
The Norwegian Public Roads Administration (NPRA)

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