BREEAM Infrastructure: Bergen's sustainable rail excellence

Bergen, Norway's second-largest city, required significant railway infrastructure improvements to meet growing transportation demands while advancing sustainability goals. The NBF project emerged as a comprehensive solution to these challenges, involving the modernisation of existing facilities and construction of new infrastructure. 

The project scope was extensive, covering a 1.3-kilometer stretch that included 9 kilometres of new rail tracks, 12 kilometres of overhead lines, 7.5 kilometres of cable ducts, and 7 kilometres of water and stormwater pipes. Most significantly, the project prepared Nygårdstangen Freight Terminal for full electrical operations, making it the first freight terminal in Norway with this capability. 

The development was aligned with important societal objectives, including establishing efficient east-west transport for people and goods to and from Bergen while reducing environmental impact. The project aimed to create an efficient, safe, and environmentally friendly transport system for travellers, freight transport, and society overall, with specific goals of improving capacity for trains between Arna and Bergen and increasing capacity at the freight terminal. 

The project team faced several significant challenges throughout the development process. Perhaps most notable was the complexity of conducting a large-scale construction project in the middle of a busy city, while maintaining operations at both the freight terminal and the train station. This required meticulous planning and execution of construction logistics. 

To address these constraints, the project was strategically separated into phases, both in terms of timing and location. This approach allowed passenger and freight operations to continue throughout the construction period, minimizing disruption to essential transportation services while maintaining construction progress. 

The project also faced environmental challenges, including managing contaminated soil, addressing stormwater runoff, and protecting cultural heritage assets. These challenges required innovative solutions and careful planning to ensure they were addressed effectively without compromising the project's goals or timeline. 

The BREEAM Infrastructure framework guided the implementation of numerous innovative solutions throughout the project. The comprehensive approach to sustainability encompassed environmental, social, and economic considerations. 

Environmental solutions included preparing the Nygårdstangen Freight Terminal for fully electrical operations, a first in Norway. The terminal features electrified tracks, new buildings powered by solar cells and district heating, electric reach stackers for loading containers, charging stations for machinery and equipment, and electrical connections for temporary storage of refrigerated containers. 

To enhance flood resilience, the terrain was raised to 2.15 meters above sea level, and the new stormwater system was designed for a 200-year return period. The project also incorporated a park with approximately 100 square meters of rain garden, serving as both a stormwater buffer and a recreational area. 

The project team prioritized community engagement through regular public information meetings and quarterly newsletters to affected neighbourhoods. A dedicated neighbour contact was available throughout the construction period, ensuring continuous communication with the local community. 

Resource efficiency was a key focus, with several initiatives contributing to a 13.1% reduction in carbon emissions: 

• Use of biodiesel for mass transport and construction machinery 
• Transport of ballast rock by boat rather than trucks 
• Local sourcing of materials and services 
• On-site mass sorting and reuse 
• Solar panels on office barracks to reduce grid electricity use 

The project achieved an impressive 99% waste sorting rate, with all waste materials being reused, recycled, or used for energy combustion. 

The NBF project has delivered substantial benefits across environmental, social, and economic dimensions: 

Environmental benefits include a 1,015-ton reduction in CO2 equivalent emissions during construction (13.1% reduction overall), setting a course toward the goal of 40% reduction by 2030. The most significant long-term benefit will come from the electrification of the terminal, drastically reducing operating and maintenance emissions. The project also improved stormwater management through a system that includes ACU drains, sand traps, and oil separators to clean water before releasing it to recipients. 

The creation of a new park has significantly increased the ecological value of the area. This space features trees, bushes, perennials, and grass, as well as birdhouses, insect hotels, and sustainable drainage systems. The selection of plant species favours pollinating insects and includes native Norwegian species where appropriate, enhancing biodiversity in what was previously a predominantly hard-surfaced area. 

Social benefits extend to the wider community through the establishment of recreational facilities within the park. The project implemented multiple measures to minimize disruption during construction, including phased closures. 

Economic benefits include more efficient freight handling capabilities and improved rail capacity. The preparation for fully electric operations will reduce long-term operational costs while providing a more sustainable transportation option. The use of local materials and services benefited local businesses while reducing greenhouse gas emissions from transportation.