“Excellent" BREEAM Infrastructure rating for Fornebubanen

BREEAM Infrastructure is Europe’s leading certification system for sustainability in infrastructure projects. It sets strict requirements for environmental management, resource efficiency, nature conservation, and social responsibility. The certification of K2A – which covers 2.3 km of tunneling between Fornebu and Lysaker, as well as complex works for stations and shafts – demonstrates that large, technically challenging construction projects can be delivered with high environmental ambitions.
Once completed, Fornebubanen will run in tunnel from Majorstuen to Fornebu, with six new stations. The line will promote sustainable mobility, reduce car traffic, and provide a more efficient and accessible public transport solution for a rapidly growing part of Oslo.
The Fornebubanen K2A project
The K2A contract was the first major subproject to be delivered. It included 2.3 kilometers of tunneling from the Fornebubanen base to Lysaker, excavation of station shafts, and construction sites for the Flytårnet and Fornebuporten stations. The project has been technically complex, with challenging geology, close proximity to residential areas, and ambitious environmental goals.
Outstanding recognition
“The BREEAM Infrastructure certification confirms that we have succeeded in integrating sustainability into every aspect of project delivery. Everyone has been involved – from tunnel workers to project management, and from the client as well. The BREEAM framework has given us structure and direction, and has helped raise our competence on sustainability even further,” says Jostein Kjørstad, Head of External Environment at Implenia Norway.
Key measures contributing to the rating included a fossil-free construction site powered only by biodiesel, the use of Norway’s first electric drill rig with hydraulic hammer, extensive reuse of materials and water recycling, installation of solar panels at the site, and the use of renewable electricity in much of the tunneling work. The project also placed strong emphasis on noise and dust reduction, dialogue with neighbors and authorities, and the protection of ecologically sensitive areas.
“For Fornebubanen, Implenia’s Excellent rating is also recognition of thorough planning and our strict environmental requirements. Together, we managed environmental challenges through proactive prevention. A key example is the work under the Lysaker River, where Implenia and Fornebubanen implemented several measures to avoid damage to nature in and around this protected waterway during injection works,” says Bente Pladsen Gussiås, Environmental and Climate Specialist at Fornebubanen.
Raising awareness
The certification was not a contractual requirement but was proposed by Implenia as part of strengthening the company’s internal sustainability framework and to document and highlight the environmental measures actually implemented. The process has also helped increase awareness, competence, and structure within the project organization.
“This is an important milestone for Implenia Norway. Achieving a BREEAM Infrastructure rating of Excellent in such a technically demanding project proves that our sustainability strategy is more than just words. It shows that we can deliver sustainability in practice. This strengthens our position and demonstrates that Implenia is a company that takes responsibility and leads the way in the green transition,” says Berger Johannessen, CEO of Implenia Norway.
Facts about Fornebubanen
- New metro line between Majorstuen and Fornebu
- Total length: approx. 8.5 km of tunnel
- Six new stations: Skøyen, Vækerø, Lysaker, Fornebuporten, Flytårnet and Fornebu
- Client: Fornebubanen, a municipal agency of the City of Oslo
- K2A project: Implenia responsible for tunneling and groundworks between Fornebu and Lysaker, including 2.3 km of tunneling, shafts, and construction sites for two stations
Facts about BREEAM Infrastructure
- Europe’s leading certification system for sustainable infrastructure (formerly known as CEEQUAL)
- Evaluates environmental management, resource use, climate impact, biodiversity and social sustainability
- Independent rating scale: Pass, Good, Very Good, Excellent and Outstanding (Outstanding not achievable in Norway)
- Applied to projects such as tunnels, roads, railways, hydropower and other infrastructure
- Provides structure, documentation, and continuous improvement in sustainability work