New report: How Europe can succeed in the transition to zero-emission construction sites
Norway has long been at the forefront of the transition to zero-emission building and construction sites. Now, ZERO is launching a report on how this success can be exported to the rest of Europe.
1. desember 2025 
ZERO advisor Harald Maaland presented the report at the ZERO conference in November. There will be a separate launch in Brussels in February.
The use of construction machinery is a significant source of greenhouse gas emissions in Europe. For the EU to achieve its ambitious climate targets, it is necessary to accelerate the transition to zero-emission construction machinery across Europe.
– The emissions from construction machinery in Europe are equivalent to the emissions from approximately 55 million cars. It is therefore clear that the electrification of construction machinery in Europe must happen faster than it does today, says Harald Maaland, transport advisor at the environmental foundation ZERO.
Norway can lead the way
At the ZERO Conference in November, ZERO launched its new report on how Europe can succeed in the transition to zero-emission construction sites. The report shows how Norway and the Netherlands, through the use of political instruments, have succeeded in deploying zero-emission construction machinery, while other countries and larger markets lag behind.
– Norway can point to very concrete policy measures that works. The report highlights pilot projects, requirements in public procurement, and well-targeted support schemes as key political tools. Norwegian contractors, machinery dealers, and energy companies also have valuable experience that can be used in markets that have not come as far, says Maaland.
– Our goal is for higher demand to lead to lower emissions and lower costs, and we invite all relevant stakeholders to help put this on the political agenda in Brussels.
There will be a launch event in Brussels at Norway House Tuesday 24 February, 09:30 – 11:30. Click here to register!
No EU plan for cuts from construction machinery
Construction machinery is currently subject to a regulatory gap in European climate policy. Today, construction machinery is one of the few vehicle groups for which European authorities have no plan to reduce emissions.
While the electrification of light vehicles, trucks, and buses has been prioritised, there are neither plans, targets, nor policy instruments in place to cut emissions from construction machinery.
– Many European decision-makers are under the impression that zero-emission construction machinery is an immature technology that lies far in the future. We need to demonstrate that the technology is already here, and that more and more projects are being completed entirely without emissions from construction machinery, says Maaland.
– Zero-emission construction machinery provides major benefits for society: better air quality and working conditions, less noise and vibration, and in the long term, lower costs. That is the future we should be aiming for, he concludes.
