ENVIRONMENTAL PERFORMANCE

Climate Summit in Copenhagen

After the autumn 2009 climate summit in Copenhagen (COP 15) failed to arrive at a binding international agreement to cut greenhouse gases, it has become increasingly clear that the work on climate reductions must be implemented locally. Each country must take its own measures to reduce their emissions of greenhouse gases, and reduce the effects of global warming. In this process towards a future low emissions, society's and the private business sector's capacity for innovation and commercialisation will play a central role. This also applies to our industry. In the building and construction industry, systematic and effective environmental work really makes a big difference. Our industry can be linked to 40 per cent of all energy consumption, accounting for 40 per cent of total material consumption in Norway. In addition, our industry produces 14 per cent of all generated waste and accounts for around 13 per cent of total CO₂ emissions. In short, this carries a significant environmental impact. In Veidekke we want to be a pioneer in addressing these challenges in the years to come, and lessen the industry's total impact on the environment - both in a global and a local perspective.