The importance of the built environment in all its aspects for living standards and quality of life is indisputable. It is also a fact that the construction and civil engineering sector accounts for:

• 1/2 of the EU's consumption of extracted materials and energy
• 1/3 of its waste and water use

Shifting towards a climate-neutral ‘’green’’ economy by 2050, as aimed by the European commission and as supported within the Norwegian Climate plan for 2021– 2030, is unavoidable.

To reach this goal it is not enough to aim for energy-efficiency only during the operation phases. The whole life cycle of the built environment needs to be considered and designed in a resource efficient and resilient way using digitalization as a tool. Specific knowledge needs have been identified, and is what the centre will focus on.