The centre results promote research, innovation, development, and usage of new technologies in sustainable development of construction practice in Norway which is in line with the Norwegian Transport Plan (2022-2033) and Climate Plan (2020-2021), St. Meld. 13 by the Norwegian Government, National circular economy plan.

Enabling the massive deployment and integration of Digitalization in construction sites at a competitive cost addresses United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goal (SDG): GOAL 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – by developing efficient and proactive risk management platform to decision makers, stakeholders and the public and a basis for better understanding of, and mitigation measures against.

Targets: 11.2, 11.3, 11.5. GOAL 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure – by providing a basis for more directed and knowledge-based mitigation to threats to our infrastructure and provide a platform for developing and testing technologies.

9.1, 9.5, 9.A, 9.C. GOAL 13: Climate Action – by confronting climate risk and develop resource and cost-efficient mitigation measures.

13.1, 13.3. GOAL 4: Quality Education – through developing and implementing new and innovative teaching approaches with digital twin and virtual reality as key elements. 4.A. The centre will provide a platform for clear communication and dissemination of research forming knowledge-based tools for societal engagement and increased confidence towards earth works. The proactive risk reduction framework for management of large complex construction is a game changer for the public sectors. It enables municipalities and government agencies such as the Building, Roads and Railways authorities to act and interact effectively during a crisis and highly improved preparedness for future construction projects. In return, the public will experience increased confidence and trust towards governmental agencies management.

Even a modest green shift of 10% though application of massive IoT in the architecture, engineering, and construction industry (AEC) will results in significant savings (1.8 billion € if achieved on the global level). Through the solutions support system, has an immense potential to reduce the direct economic loss in GDP. Technology providers will have increased business opportunities and can have ready solutions to market due to testing and participation in the centre.

The centre provides developers and operators with tools and knowledge to optimize earth works. Key ambitions:

• provide new solutions for sustainable earth works related to construction sector with carbon emission calculation
• identify opportunities to optimize earth works to reduce conflicts, improve profit, and make cost competitive for entrepreneurs and consulting firms by effective construction documentation

The centre will provide Norwegian stakeholders with high quality competence to provide sustainability-centric and safer solutions. This will promote the construction sector as an attractive workplace and increase the competitive edge of the contractors. 

The centre will provide the Norwegian society with a platform for knowledge-based tools such as Co2 footprint-scorecards to involve in debates related to land-use planning, mobility, construction, and transport. 

Clusters 4 (Digital..) and 5 (Climate Energy and Mobility) in Pillar 2 alone has a budget of 30 billion Euros. Using the experiences and success rate of 48% in the previous “climate and environment” program of Horizon 2020, the footprint of Norway in Horizon Europe will increase significantly. The centre will be a coordinated national effort to promote Norway’s footprints in Horizon Europe. 

The centre will promote publications in open access high-impact peer-reviewed scientific journals, as well as participation at conferences and international events. 

NTNU has a national responsibility to educate candidates with up-to-date knowledge so that they can serve the nation better. The centre-results will be implemented in NTNUs strategic initiative to revitalize technology studies, and will enhance the sustainability and digital competences of our students/participants who are enrolled for individual courses or complete bachelor, master education through ordinary, Lifelong Learning programs.  

The centre will through the recruitment and educational program provide the industry with highly qualified personnel at BEng, MSc and PhD level. These candidates are expected to serve society for approximately 35 years of their work-life, taking on various roles to support the green shift in Norway.