The driving force for innovation work in Veidekke is the goal to strengthen our competitive ability and make us better equipped to face the challenges of the future. Work is based on our special expertise and is reinforced through the value-adding interaction internally and with customers in our ongoing operations.
Innovation in day-to-day work
New and improved solutions are among the keys to future competitive ability. It is first and foremost this perspective that is the driving force for innovative efforts at Veidekke. This is why innovation is an integrated part of what we do on a daily basis. We don't have a separate innovation department with R&D projects, but seek continuous improvements in the way we carry out tasks and face challenges in our projects. Work on improvement processes such as “involving planning,” “employee involvement” and “We at Hoffmann” are central areas in our development. Involvement and interaction form the basis for improving our performance and the development of innovative solutions in the projects we participate in.
Self-enhancing expertise
Experience and specialist expertise is a good point of departure for new thinking and creating added value. It makes it easier to see new opportunities, and, not least, to move on them and thus develop new experience and expertise. This takes place within all areas of expertise, such as planning, technology and energy/environment.
Innovation through value-adding interaction
At Veidekke we know that the total quality of a project increases through close interaction between all stakeholders. It also improves the ability to identify new opportunities and to create more efficient solutions. Value-adding interaction is at the core of our business philosophy, and we believe that it reinforces our innovative power and constantly improves our performance.
Energy-efficient buildings
Veidekke wants to be at the forefront of developments of energy-efficient and environmentally friendly buildings. This is important for the environment, for those who will be using the buildings and for Veidekke’s competitive strength.
Examples are TellHus, a concept for climate-wise houses with low CO2 emissions that we have worked on for several years. The concept is based on energy-efficient solutions that are easy to implement, which don't compromise the profitability of the projects.
Another example is KLP Eiendom's environmental building in Trondheim. When the construction process started, we did not have a complete idea of which solutions to use. However, the goal of constructing one of the country's most energy-efficient buildings was clear – and a driving force in the development of a building with a requirement for supplied energy that was 50% lower than the current regulations.
The Bellona building is top of the list in energy-efficiency upon completion in 2010, with energy consumption well below requirements for energy class A. The future tenant, environmentalist organization Bellona, participated actively in finding the best solutions.
Development of low-carbon cement
In cooperation with Norcem, Veidekke is busy testing a new type of cement that contributes to reduce greenhouse gas emissions during production. The cement is produced using 50-55 percent alternative fuel, while 35 percent of the clinker is replaced by flying ash and powdered lime. The cement reduces CO2 emissions by half compared to regular construction cements developed in the 1990s.
