ZEN Research Centre

ZEN Research Centre

The Research Centre on Zero Emission Neighbourhoods in Smart Cities (ZEN Research Centre) was established in 2016 by the Research Council of Norway as part of the national scheme for Centres for Environment‑friendly Energy Research (FME – Forskningssenter for miljøvennlig energi). The Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) is the host institution and leads the Centre together with SINTEF Community and SINTEF Energy.

ZEN’s mission is to develop solutions for the zero‑emission buildings and neighbourhoods of the future, contributing to a low‑carbon and resilient society. The Centre collaborates closely with municipalities, developers, and energy companies to create scalable, climate‑friendly neighbourhoods across Norway.

Vision

ZEN’s vision is to create neighbourhoods that:

  • Reduce greenhouse gas emissions towards zero
  • Promote sustainable urban forms, mobility, and energy systems
  • Ensure high-quality living environments for residents

Illustration: Snøhetta.

Pilot Projects

The Centre works with 11 pilot neighbourhoods across Norway, serving as real world testbeds for innovative energy, mobility, and planning solutions.

Examples include:

  • Mære Agricultural School, Steinkjer
  • Campus Evenstad
  • Furuset, Oslo
  • Zero Village Bergen
  • Knowledge Axis NTNU Campus, Trondheim
  • Knowledge Axis Sluppen, Trondheim
  • Airport Redevelopment, Bodø
  • Ydalir, Elverum
  • Fornebu, Bærum

Each pilot explores low-carbon energy systems, smart mobility concepts, circular building practices, and integrated digital solutions.

Selected Research & Tools Results

ZEN developed a range of methods and frameworks supporting the transition to zero-emission neighbourhoods:

  • ZEN KPI Framework – evaluating sustainability performance
  • LCA and LCC tools – assessing environmental and economic impacts
  • Energy & mobility models – optimizing urban energy systems
  • Data management and governance models

Partners & Acknowledgment

The ZEN Research Centre is financed by the Research Council of Norway (FME programme) and co-funded by municipalities, academia, and industry.

Key Partners

Private sector

Multiconsult | Skanska | Asplan Viak | AFRY | ByBo |CIVITAS | Elverum Vekst | Fornybar Norge | Future Built | Multiconsult | GK | Heidelberg Materials | Norsk Fjernvarme | NTE | Smart grid services cluster | Snøhetta | Statkraft | TOBB 

Public sector

Bergen Kommune | Bodø commune | Direktoratet for byggkvalitet | Elverum Municipality | NVE | Oslo Municipality | Statsbygg | Steinkjer Municipality | Trøndelag fylkeskommune | Trondheim Municipality | Bærum Municipality

Research and education

NTNU | SINTEF |