BREEAM Infrastructure K2B tunnel Fornebubanen excellence

The Fornebubanen project represents a major expansion of Oslo's metro network, designed to enhance connectivity between the capital and Bærum municipality in the direction of Fornebu. This strategic infrastructure investment supports regional development while promoting sustainable public transport alternatives. The K2B section specifically involves complex rock excavation to establish a 2.5-kilometre tunnel beneath the Lysaker area, including crosscuts and shafts for future station buildings.

The project location presented unique challenges, situated in Lysaker's dense business district adjacent to the environmentally sensitive Lysaker River. The tunnel alignment required excavation directly beneath the riverbed, demanding exceptional environmental protection measures. The area's significance as a connecting hub and business centre meant that community relations and stakeholder management became critical project elements throughout the construction period.

The project faced significant environmental and logistical challenges that required innovative solutions and careful management. The proximity to the Lysaker River, an area of considerable natural value, demanded strict environmental protection throughout construction activities. Tunnel excavation beneath the riverbed presented particular risks, requiring sophisticated injection procedures to ensure both construction safety and environmental protection.

Working in a dense urban business environment created ongoing stakeholder management challenges. The project team needed to maintain positive community relations while managing construction impacts including noise, dust, and vibrations affecting local businesses and residents. The high-profile location demanded comprehensive communication strategies and robust mitigation measures to minimise disruption.

Technical challenges included strict water ingress requirements that necessitated advanced tunnelling techniques. The project team needed to balance efficiency and cost-effectiveness with environmental protection and community impact mitigation, all while delivering the complex underground infrastructure required for future metro operations.

BREEAM Infrastructure provided the framework for addressing these multifaceted challenges through systematic sustainability integration. The certification process encouraged the project team to shift focus from purely risk-based thinking to opportunity identification, fostering innovation and collaborative problem-solving approaches.

Environmental protection became central to the project strategy through systematic grouting and continuous monitoring techniques for groundwater impact management. This approach eliminated the need for waterproof concrete, resulting in significant material savings while ensuring environmental protection. The technique proved robust enough to manage strict water ingress requirements while protecting the sensitive river environment.

Community engagement strategies included comprehensive stakeholder communication through multiple channels, regular informational meetings, and structured feedback systems. Mitigation measures for noise, dust, and vibrations were implemented systematically, maintaining positive relationships with local businesses and residents throughout the construction period.

Sustainability integration focused on zero-emission machinery deployment, achieving 66% of operational hours using zero-emission equipment. The complete transition to HVO (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil) fuel delivered a 63% reduction in CO₂ emissions compared to fossil diesel. Electric tower crane implementation resulted in an estimated saving of 370 driving hours, further reducing project emissions.

The project delivered exceptional sustainability outcomes through its comprehensive BREEAM Infrastructure approach. The 96% waste diversion rate from landfill, totalling 8,638 tonnes of construction and demolition materials, demonstrates effective resource management in urban construction environments. Complete adoption of HVO fuel achieved substantial carbon emission reductions while maintaining operational efficiency.

Construction steel reuse both on-site and in other projects delivered direct material cost savings while reducing environmental impact. Strategic material planning prior to ordering minimised waste generation and reduced procurement costs. Energy consumption reductions were achieved through systematic efficiency measures and electric equipment deployment.

The project's approach to tunnel sealing through systematic grouting techniques eliminated waterproof concrete requirements, delivering significant concrete use reductions while achieving superior environmental protection. This innovation provides a replicable model for future tunnel projects in sensitive environments.

Enhanced stakeholder relationships resulted from proactive community engagement and transparent communication strategies. The project demonstrated that complex urban infrastructure can be delivered while maintaining positive community relations and protecting sensitive environmental assets. The collaborative approach between Veidekke and Fornebubanen created a model for successful client-contractor partnership in challenging urban environments.

The BREEAM Infrastructure certification provided objective measurement of sustainability performance, supporting both organisational learning and external validation of project achievements. The comprehensive documentation process ensured all sustainability considerations were recorded and verified by independent third parties.