The construction industry, one of Norway's largest sources of emissions, is facing a necessary and demanding transition to meet national and global climate targets. Despite the fact that the industry accounts for a significant share of greenhouse gas emissions, energy consumption and waste in the country, it currently receives very little of the public research funds.

During this year's Arendalweek, SINTEF, Nye Veier Statens vegvesen and VIA brought together key players from business, the research community and political authorities to discuss what it takes to achieve the necessary climate and environmental goals and increase the degree of innovation in a sector that has traditionally been known for low innovation compared to other industries.

Today, only 3.6% of public research funds go to the construction industry, and less than 1% of these funds are directed to research within the construction sector.

- This is an alarmingly low figure, especially considering that this is precisely where great progress needs to be made in reducing emissions and promoting sustainable practices. When we look at the industry's total climate burden, it is clear that this skewed allocation of funds needs to be addressed. This is a paradox that could jeopardize our shared future,” says Helen Roth, general manager of the VIA cluster.

With the project Sustainable value chain and material use in road construction as a case in point, the organizers illustrated what can be achieved when research funds are available. This research and innovation project, supported by the Green Platform, has received a budget of NOK 123.6 million, of which NOK 68.5 million comes from public sources such as the Swedish Research Council, Innovation Norway and SIVA. The project's goal is ambitious: to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in road construction by 50% by 2030, through the development of at least 10 large-scale pilot projects.

Roth believes the project demonstrates the power inherent in targeted, collective efforts from stakeholders across the entire value chain — from research communities to contractors and suppliers. She points out that the lack of access to research funds is a significant obstacle to the industry's realignment.

- If we are to succeed in achieving the climate goals, we must cooperate across disciplines and silos. We need more research-based knowledge and we need to develop new and innovative solutions and methods,” says Roth.

Jo Mortensen, Executive Vice President of Technology, Innovation and Green Business Development at Skanska, shared insights into how Skanska is working to increase innovation in the construction and construction sector. He stressed that although the innovation power of the industry is great, targeted measures are still needed to unleash its potential. According to Mortensen, innovation is about both risk and gain, and research and development (R&D) as well as strategic partnerships are essential to reduce risk while creating new opportunities.

Mortensen pointed out that innovation in the BA industry requires both collaboration and sharing, as well as a reward structure that promotes innovative thinking. To succeed in innovation, it is important to create predictability, as development takes time. He also urged policy authorities, industry partners and research communities to continue to support and participate in such initiatives to promote green technologies and sustainable solutions.

In order to accelerate the necessary transformation, not only more research funds are needed, but also a correct alignment of the instrumental apparatus.

“The challenge is that there have not been many programmes where our industry can apply for funds for these types of projects,” said Vibeke Nossum, head of research at SINTEF.

- Although Sustainable value chain and material use in road construction is a big project, it is only part of the solution. To truly put Norway on the map as a leader in climate-friendly development in road construction, more such projects are needed, supported by a more equitable distribution of research funding. This will not only help achieve the climate targets, but also give Norwegian players a competitive advantage on the global market,” says Helen Roth.

She launches Pilot-Infra, equivalent to Pilot-T and Pilot-E, as a grant scheme and a possible measure to accelerate development.

In other words, it is time for a change. The construction industry has enormous potential for innovation, transformation and value creation, but targeted support and collaboration across sectors is needed.

“There is room to make changes already in the autumn in connection with the budget work,” says Ola Elvestuen (V), a member of the Energy and Environment Committee.