BREEAM Infrastructure Nygårdstangen operational success

Overview

Nygårdstangen Freight Terminal became Norway's first BREEAM Infrastructure Term Contracts certified project, achieving a Very Good rating (69.5%) in its inaugural operational assessment. This groundbreaking certification demonstrates how rail operators can maintain sustainability excellence beyond construction, delivering continuous environmental and social value throughout infrastructure operations.

About

Bane NOR is Norway's state-owned railway infrastructure company, responsible for the national rail network's development, maintenance, and traffic management. As Norway's primary rail infrastructure operator, Bane NOR serves both passenger and freight services while advancing the country's sustainable transport objectives. The organisation manages over 4,200 kilometres of railway lines and is committed to demonstrating leadership in operational sustainability.

Background

Nygårdstangen Freight Terminal had previously achieved BREEAM Infrastructure Projects Excellent certification during its construction and refurbishment phase. However, Bane NOR recognised that sustainability achievements during construction do not automatically translate into operational excellence. With customers increasingly demanding verifiable proof of sustainable operations, the company sought to bridge the gap between construction-phase commitments and day-to-day operational performance.

The terminal serves as a critical freight hub in Norway's rail network, facilitating the transfer of goods between road and rail transport. As rail transport is positioned as an environmentally friendly alternative to road freight, Bane NOR needed to provide concrete evidence that their operations matched these sustainability promises.

Challenges

The transition from construction to operational sustainability presented several unique challenges. Different contractors and operators typically manage these distinct phases, often resulting in sustainability initiatives being discontinued once construction concludes. Bane NOR faced the challenge of maintaining and improving upon the high sustainability standards established during the terminal's construction phase.

Additionally, the company needed to satisfy growing customer demands for documented sustainability credentials while ensuring operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness. The challenge extended beyond environmental considerations to encompass social responsibility and economic sustainability throughout the supply chain.

BREEAM Infrastructure Nygårdstangen operational success

Solutions

BREEAM Infrastructure Term Contracts provided the framework for addressing these operational sustainability challenges. The certification's annual recertification process ensures continuous focus on improvement rather than one-time achievement. This ongoing assessment model guided Bane NOR to implement several innovative solutions.

The terminal operations underwent comprehensive streamlining, making delivery and pickup processes significantly more efficient while reducing the number of operators required on site. This improvement enhanced both traffic safety and operational order while demonstrating economic sustainability benefits.

Pioneering electrification initiatives transformed the terminal's operations. Electric reach stackers replaced traditional diesel-powered equipment, representing cutting-edge technology rarely implemented globally at freight terminals. Solar panels installed on building rooftops now power charging stations for bicycles, electric bicycles, and the reach stackers, creating a comprehensive renewable energy ecosystem.

The terminal's washing facilities demonstrate resource efficiency by eliminating energy use for heating, relying solely on generator-produced hot water. Usage tracking systems monitor water consumption by different users, encouraging conservation behaviours. District heating supplies the administration building, further reducing the terminal's carbon footprint.

At Bane NOR, we are committed to contributing to sustainable social development and we are working broadly to shift more transport to rail. Even though rail is a greener transport alternative, we see that our customers are increasingly demanding documentation of this. This certification gives us documentation that the operation and maintenance of our terminal is also run in line with our sustainability ambitions. This is fun and exciting to be a part of.

– Ove Algrøy, Project Manager, Bane NOR

The BREEAM methodology has mainly been used in the construction phase of Bane NOR's projects. Certification of the operation of the completed infrastructure will therefore provide valuable experience for a comprehensive assessment of the methodology's usefulness in future projects.

– Karoline Bakka Hjortø, Sustainability Director, Bane NOR

Benefits

The BREEAM Infrastructure Term Contracts certification delivered measurable benefits across environmental, social, and economic dimensions. The comprehensive sustainability approach provided Bane NOR with verifiable documentation to satisfy customer demands for sustainable transport solutions, potentially attracting additional freight business to rail transport.

Environmental benefits include significant carbon emission reductions through electrification and renewable energy use. The innovative snow plough solution developed by contractor Mesta features plastic construction with counterbalance weights, providing gentler substrate treatment while improving durability. Natural sea salt for winter surface treatment delivers up to 25% lower carbon emissions compared to mined salt, including transportation impacts.

Operational efficiency improvements include on-site salt storage in silos, reducing unnecessary transport to central facilities. Digital forecasting systems optimise salt usage, ensuring appropriate quantities and quality mixtures for weather conditions. These innovations have been replicated at other locations, including Bergen Airport, demonstrating the broader impact of the certification process.

The certification process strengthened sustainability requirements throughout the supply chain, requiring contractors and suppliers to demonstrate enhanced commitment to environmental and social responsibility. This approach creates ripple effects beyond the immediate terminal operations.

Key Achievements:

First BREEAM Infrastructure Term Contracts certification in Norway
Pioneering electrification of reach stacker operations
Up to 25% carbon emission reduction through natural salt usage Comprehensive renewable energy integration with solar charging stations
Streamlined operations with improved efficiency and safety
Enhanced supply chain sustainability requirements
Innovative winter maintenance solutions adopted by other facilities