The Leap to Zero conference, held in Fredrikstad, Norway 21–23 October 2025, brought together around 60 participants from across the Nordic region and Europe to exchange experiences and strategies for accelerating the transition towards zero-emission construction sites. The conference was organised as a joint initiative between the Leap to Zero network and NVF’s Construction Market working group.
Participants visited the Hafslund–Dondern zero-emission construction site, learning about national roadmaps and procurement practices for zero-emission construction in Norway, Sweden, Denmark, and the Netherlands. The discussions highlighted both progress and remaining challenges, such as battery capacity, energy efficiency, and the integration of automation.
Industry representatives also showcased ongoing projects and practical experiences, demonstrating how zero-emission solutions can already be scaled up in practice. One of the key messages was that moving from pilot projects to large-scale implementation requires determination, a clear plan, and close cooperation between public authorities and industry. The conference concluded with a session on how to bring zerofication higher on the European agenda, featuring contributions from ZERO and Bellona Europa.
“Collaboration is necessary to stimulate zero emission construction. As Norway and the Netherlands have shown, it is possible to start in one or two countries. But for the transition to succeed we need more countries to join us, because then also the large equipment manufacturers can step in, and start with producing better, more efficient and cheaper zero emission construction equipment. Zerofication is not only better for the climate, but also for clean air for our inhabitants and worker safety.” says Peter van Schaik, Program Manager for Clean and Zero-Emission Construction from the Ministry of Infrastructure and Watermanagement, The Netherlands.
The event highlighted the importance of continued collaboration and knowledge exchange between Nordic and European partners to accelerate the shift towards zero-emission construction across borders.
The presentations from the conference are now available on the Nordic Construction Market Working Group page under Public Materials.
Photo by Peter van Schaik