In general
There can be a lot of confusion related to climate impacts, and what importance different people and actors attach to them. It may therefore be necessary to clarify what is meant when such terms are used, for example in connection with tenders. One example is Viken County Municipality, which has made a decision that when they use the term “emission-free” it should be understood at community level and include biogas.

Working Machines
Work machines come in many varieties — ranging from large dump trucks to hand-held tools such as hedge trimmers and chainsaws. In connection with municipal operations, we primarily talk about machinery and equipment for waste management/renovation, maintenance of parks and facilities, as well as regular gardening tasks. Examples of some of the most common working machines in connection with construction work and municipal operations can be found in overview of Klima Østfold.

Emission free working machines
Emission free machines are defined here as solutions based on electricity (including both cable connection and battery, or a combination thereof), hydrogen (including battery-electric hybrid solutions) and biogas. For some machine types, the market for emission-free alternatives is good, while for others it can be very limited. That is, that everyone emission-free work machines also are fossil-free, but not vice-versa. In the fall of 2023, there was a Technical Specification — which in the long term will be able to be developed into a Norwegian Standard — with regard to Emission-free construction sites and construction areas. It also defines terms that may be used in agreements relating to such construction sites and construction sites.

Fossil-free working machines
Fossil-free working machines are emission-free machines and equipment, as well as solutions based on sustainable bioenergy and bio-based fuels such as pellets and biodiesel.

Emission-free construction and construction sites
Emission-free construction site means that all processes, including work machines on the construction site, are emission-free.