FORNEBU

Fornebu green redevelopment in Bærum near Oslo, Norway, transforms a former airport closed in 1998 into a zero-emission urban district by 2027, serving as a test arena for climate-friendly solutions through Smart City Bærum’s public-private-academic partnership. Spanning 340 hectares, it plans for 11,000 homes, 20,000 jobs, and mixed-use growth with the new Fornebu metro line opening in 2027 for 12-minute rides to central Oslo.

Bærum’s Kommunedelplan 3 Fornebu sets targets for thousands of new homes and jobs, with strong requirements on climate and environment. The area is developed as a zero‑emission and low‑carbon district, with research and pilot projects under FME ZEN and FutureBuilt. Flagship projects such as Fornebu S (BREEAM Outstanding) demonstrate energy‑efficient buildings, on‑site renewables, and integration with public transport and cycling. New schools, kindergartens, and community facilities are clustered to support local life and reduce travel demand.

Future Cities criteria compliance

Environmental & Nature

Environmental sustainability is a core requirement in planning, design, and construction at Fornebu. A joint environmental manual sets standards for energy performance, materials, emissions, and nature protection for all new projects.

Projects such as Fornebu S and FutureBuilt pilots target major emission cuts compared with standard Norwegian practice, especially in transport and building operations. Green roofs, coastal district heating, cycling networks, and green corridors help combine density with local ecosystems.

Smart City

Fornebu functions as a test arena for climate‑friendly technologies like smart lighting, vacuum waste systems, and advanced energy solutions. Smart City Bærum highlights Fornebu as a low‑carbon demonstration area where digital tools and monitoring support operations and planning.

The new Fornebu Line (Fornebubanen) will connect the district to Oslo’s metro in roughly 12 minutes, using high‑capacity rail as a backbone for data‑supported, sustainable mobility. Pilot buildings at Oksenøya and Flytårnet include large solar PV arrays and solutions for local energy sharing.

Human-Centric

The vision is “Fornebu for people and the environment”, balancing climate ambition with liveability. Political platforms stress good public spaces, access to green areas, and everyday services within walking or cycling distance. Social infrastructure, such as schools, culture, sports, and health services, is integrated into mixed‑use neighbourhoods so daily needs are nearby. Local associations and climate‑strategy processes at Fornebu involve residents and businesses in choices on mobility, energy, and nature.

Interesting Links

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