Greenhouse gas calculations for infrastructure – SN-NSPEK 3721
The Norwegian Specification SN-NSPEK 3721 describes the methodology for calculating greenhouse gas emissions associated with infrastructure projects from a life cycle perspective. The methodology can be applied to both new infrastructure projects and the refurbishment of existing infrastructure.
SN-NSPEK 3721 sets out requirements and recommendations for calculating greenhouse gas emissions associated with infrastructure projects, including roads, rail, water and wastewater facilities, airports, ports, and energy production and distribution facilities, from a life cycle perspective.
Greenhouse gas emissions are expressed as COâ‚‚ equivalents. This includes fossil emissions, biogenic emissions and removals, as well as emissions from land use and land use changes.
Can be used in different ways
The specification has been developed for use at project level and can be applied in various project phases. It can be used to compare alternative concepts and solutions, assess measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and establish greenhouse gas budgets and inventories.
The methodology can be applied to an entire project, to parts of a project, or to parts of the life cycle of an infrastructure project.
Covers climate impact only
The specification covers only climate impact, not other environmental impact categories. It specifies a method for calculating greenhouse gas emissions but does not specify requirements for emission levels or target achievement.
The document does not cover the compilation of emissions calculations at portfolio level, companies’ aggregate greenhouse gas inventories or national greenhouse gas inventories.
What does SN-NSPEK 3721 help with?
The specificationcan be used to:
- establish a procedure for calculating greenhouse gas emissions associated with infrastructure projects
- contribute to and ensure more comparable calculation results across projects, project phases, users and organisations
- provide guidance to users of life cycle assessment (LCA) tools
- improve the quality of calculations, thereby enhancing the identification of factors that have a significant impact on emissions
- contribute to calculations that provide a basis for reporting or accounting
- contribute to the development of tools for calculating greenhouse gas emissions associated with infrastructure projects
Use in procurement and contracts
The specification can be used to compare alternative concepts and solutions, assess measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and establish greenhouse gas budgets and inventories.
It can therefore serve as a basis for tenders, procurement processes and contractually agreed greenhouse gas budgets and inventories.