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Hvem, hva, hvordan og hvor sikker? Transparens i transaksjonsmarkedet for utviklingseiendom – En kartlegging av praksis i Oslo og Tromsø
Get PDFOverføring av utviklingseiendom gjennomføres i utstrakt grad ved kjøp og salg av aksjeselskap. Et resultat av dette er at detaljer om pris og betingelser som regel er bundet av konfidensialitet mellom de involverte partene, noe som gjør det vanskelig for utenforstående aktører å få tilgang på informasjon om andre sine transaksjoner. Formålet med studien er derfor å undersøke hvordan utvalgte bransjeaktører i en stor og mellomstor norsk by opplever tilgang på detaljer om andre aktører sine transaksjoner, og om de anser dette som problematisk eller ikke. Mer konkret søker studien å svare på følgende problemstilling: Hvordan får eiendomsutviklere, verdivurderere og banker i Oslo og Tromsø tilgang på informasjon om andre aktører sine transaksjoner av utviklingseiendom, hvilken informasjon får de og ønsker de et mer transparent marked?
For å besvare problemstillingen har studien anvendt en kvalitativ metode med semistrukturerte intervjuer. Utvalget består av 28 etablerte og anerkjente selskaper fordelt mellom de ulike aktørgruppene og geografiske områder. Intervjuene har tatt utgangspunkt i fire forskningsspørsmål knyttet til henholdsvis prisinformasjon, innsikt i kontraktsbetingelser, strukturering av data og respondentenes syn på transparens.
Funnene viser at uavhengig av geografisk kontekst og aktørgruppe er det nettverk og relasjonsbaserte kilder som er den viktigste veien til informasjon. Av konkrete kilder er det de involverte partene (kjøper, selger eller megler) i en transaksjon og media som går igjen av flertallet av respondentene. Aktørene i Oslo har generelt tilgang til flere unike kilder enn aktørene i Tromsø, noe som særlig synes i fraværet av analysehusene sin tilværelse i Tromsø. Der eiendomsutviklere og banker i Oslo kan støtte seg på markedsrapporter, og verdivurdererne i stor grad sine egne analyseavdelinger, må aktørene i Tromsø i større grad tilegne seg informasjon gjennom relasjoner med andre eiendomsaktører. På tross av dette er det bred enighet i begge byene om at det ikke alltid er mulig å innhente konkret informasjon om pris og betingelser i en transaksjon, hvor de fleste ikke ser på dette som et problem for deres virksomhet.
Selv om det uavhengig av aktørgruppe og geografisk kontekst er en positiv holdning til at et mer transparent marked ville vært nyttig, er det få aktører som opplever dagens markedssituasjon som for lite transparent. Flertallet anser markedet som velfungerende nok, hvor det kun er verdivurdererne og én bank i Oslo som særlig uttrykte et ønske om et mer transparent marked.In the Norwegian real estate market, the transfer of development properties is often structured as transactions involving shares in limited liability companies rather than direct property sales. This practice typically entails confidentiality agreements that restrict access to information about transaction terms and prices, making it difficult for external parties to gain insight into market activity.
This study explores how key industry players in a large and a medium-sized Norwegian city experience access to information about transactions carried out by others, and whether they view this limited transparency as problematic. Specifically, it addresses the following research question: How do property developers, valuers, and banks in Oslo and Tromsø obtain information about transactions involving development properties, what kind of information do they have access to, and do they see a need for greater market transparency?
The study is based on a qualitative research design, using semi-structured interviews with representatives from 28 well-established and reputable companies, covering all actor groups and both cities.
Findings suggest that regardless of location or professional role, access to transaction information primarily relies on personal networks and relationship-based sources. Among specific sources, the most frequently cited were the parties directly involved in a transaction (buyer, seller, or broker) and media outlets. Industry actors in Oslo generally reported access to a broader range of unique sources than those in Tromsø—particularly due to the absence of market analytics firms in the latter. While property developers and banks in Oslo often rely on market reports, and valuers draw heavily on their own in-house research departments, actors in Tromsø must more frequently rely on peer networks within the local real estate community.
Despite these differences in access, there was broad consensus in both cities that it is not always possible to obtain detailed information about prices and contract terms. Still, most respondents did not view this as a major obstacle in their day-to-day operations.
While there was a generally positive attitude toward the idea of a more transparent market, few participants felt that the current level of transparency was inadequate. Most considered the market to function well as it is, with only valuers and one bank in Oslo expressing a desire for greater openness
Ectoparasites in dogs in Norway
Get PDFI denne oppgaven beskrives de viktigste ektoparasittene hos hund i Norge, inkludert deres biologi, forekomst, betydning, diagnostikk og behandling. Oppgaven er utformet som et oppslagsverk, som er relevant for både dyrehelsepersonell og dyreeiere.
Vi tar for oss flåttartene Ixodes ricinus og Rhipicephalus sanguineus; middene Cheyletiella yasguri, Demodex canis, Sarcoptes scabiei var. vulpes og Otodectes cynotis; luseartene Trichodectes canis og Linognathus setosus; loppene Ctenocephalides felis felis, Ctenocephalides canis, Archeopsylla erinacei, Ceratophyllus gallinae og Monopsyllus sciurorum; myggslektene Culex, Aedes og Anopheles; og lusfluen Lipoptena cervi. I tillegg til de overnevnte parasittene, blir bendelormen Dipylidium caninum og rundormen Dirofilaria immitis kort beskrevet. Disse to endoparasittene overføres av henholdsvis lopper og mygg til hund.B-DY
Innføring av krav om områderegulering for vindkraftanlegg – En styrking av lokaldemokratiet eller en byråkratisk hemsko?
Get PDF1. juli 2023 ble det innført krav om områderegulering etter plan- og bygningsloven for konsesjonspliktige vindkraftanlegg på land, i tillegg til konsesjon etter energiloven. Denne studien undersøker hvordan lovendringen påvirker planlegging og utbygging av vindkraft i Norge, med særlig vekt på lokaldemokrati, lokal aksept og utbyggingsvilje. Studien bygger på kvalitative intervjuer med sentrale aktører fra forvaltningen og energibransjen, og benytter tverrfaglige perspektiver på samfunnsaksept, samstyring og offentlig styring.
Funnene viser at kommunenes formelle innflytelse er styrket, noe som kan øke legitimitet og lokal aksept for vindkraftprosjekter, spesielt når prosjektene samsvarer med lokale visjoner og behov. Samtidig fremkommer utfordringer som ulik kommunal kapasitet, et krevende debattklima og risiko for tidlige politiske avslag. Kraftselskapene har tilpasset seg det nye regimet med en viss optimisme, men understreker behovet for forutsigbarhet og legitime prosesser. Teorien om samfunnsaksept fremhever at lokal støtte avhenger av tillit, involvering og opplevd rettferdighet, snarere enn kun økonomiske gevinster. Noe som sammenfaller godt med uttalelsene fra informantene i studien.
Konklusjonen er at lovendringen har potensiale til å fremme en mer bærekraftig og lokalt akseptert kraftutbygging. Likevel kreves målrettet innsats for samordning, kompetansebygging og tillit mellom aktører og forvaltningsnivåer. Hvordan denne balansen utvikler seg vil ha stor betydning for både tempoet og legitimiteten i den norske energiomstillingen.On July 1, 2023, new legislative requirements were introduced mandating zoning plans (områderegulering) under the Norwegian Planning and Building Act for onshore wind power projects subject to licensing under the Energy Act. This study examines how the legal change affects wind power planning and development in Norway, with a particular focus on local democracy, local acceptance, and willingness to invest. The analysis is based on qualitative interviews with key stakeholders from public administration and the energy industry, and applies interdisciplinary perspectives on social acceptance, collaborative governance, and public sector management.
Findings indicate that municipalities’ formal influence over wind power projects has been strengthened, which may enhance project legitimacy and local acceptance, especially when aligned with local visions and needs. However, challenges persist related to varying municipal capacity, a polarized public debate, and the risk of early political rejections. Energy companies have adapted to the new regime with cautious optimism but emphasize the importance of predictability and legitimate processes. Theoretical perspectives on social acceptance highlight that local support depends not only on economic benefits but also on trust, involvement, and perceived fairness. This insight strongly echoed by the study’s informants.
The study concludes that the regulatory change holds potential for promoting more sustainable and locally accepted wind power development. Nonetheless, achieving this requires continued efforts to improve coordination, build competence, and foster trust across governance levels and stakeholders. How this balance evolves will be crucial for both the pace and legitimacy of Norway’s energy transition
The contradictions of ‘Green’ : environmental and social impacts of the Nussir Copper Mine
Get PDFThis thesis explores the paradoxes and socio-environmental conflicts embedded in the green energy transition, through the case of the copper mining project at the Nussir deposit located in Finnmark, Norway. As global greenhouse gas emissions have nearly doubled between 1970 and 2010, copper and other critical minerals have become central to strategies aimed to lower emissions through renewable energy technologies.
In Norway, the reopening of the Ulveryggen mine and the development of the Nussir deposit by Nussir ASA are viewed as vital contributions to national and international climate goals. However, the project has sparked controversy, particularly among Sámi communities and environmental organizations, due to its environmental impacts and threats to Indigenous rights. The findings of this study show how the Nussir project demonstrates the paradoxes linked to green energy development, where efforts to mitigate climate change may perpetuate ecological harm and social injustice.
With the use of political ecology, this thesis explores how ‘green’ mining projects are, challenging the assumption that renewable technologies are inherently sustainable. While electrification may reduce direct greenhouse gas emissions, the mining process still relies on energy-intensive operations and supply chains often tied to fossil fuels, raising concerns about the final environmental impacts. The analysis highlights how the green transition can create new “sacrifice zones” and perpetuate forms of ecological harm and social marginalization under the name of sustainability. The findings highlight the urgency to look beyond extractive models by prioritizing reduction, recycling, and meaningful Indigenous consultation to realize a just and sustainable energy future.B-D
Tilgjengelighet og attraktivitet i kystnære transformasjonsområder med fokus på blågrønne strukturer og offentlige rom – en mulighetsstudie av Kaldnes vest
Get PDFDenne oppgaven er del av SITRAPs tverrfaglige masterprosjekt «Oslofjorden 3.0».
Strandsonen bygges ned mer og mer, noe som resulterer i at det biologiske mangfoldet minker
og at tilgangen til vannet forsvinner. Dette er et problem på grunn av utfordringene som følger
av klimaendringene, men det hindrer også tilgangen til frilufts- og rekreasjonsmuligheter. Et
mulig tiltak for å forhindre denne trenden er å transformere kystnære nedlagte
industriområder til nye og bærekraftige bydeler. Dette tilgjengeliggjør strandsonen og
forhindrer nedbygging av naturområder andre steder. Prosjektet Kaldnes vest i Tønsberg og
Færder kommune forsøker å tilgjengeliggjøre strandsonen ved å tilrettelegge for gode
offentlige rom som binder sammen det grønne og blå. Gjennom befaring, intervjuer og
mulighetsstudie har utviklingen av Kaldnes vest blitt undersøkt i oppgaven. For å få til målene
som prosjektet setter er man nødt til å få til et godt samarbeid, involvere befolkningen og ta
bevisste avgjørelser som ikke går på bekostning av naturen.
Det har vært et godt samarbeid mellom fylkeskommunen, kommunene og grunneiere for å
planlegge området så langt. I det videre arbeidet kreves det en konkretisering for å få på plass
de ulike tiltakene det er snakk om. Mulighetsstudien kan derfor hjelpe med å se potensialet i
området og foreslår noen grep for den videre utviklingen. Tiltakene som kommer fram av
mulighetsstudien baserer seg på strategi- og prinsipplanen som er laget for Kaldnes vest, og
fremhever blågrønne strukturer, gode møteplasser og stedsidentitet for å gi Kaldnes vest en ny
identitet og skape et livlig og attraktivt område.
Videre i prosjektarbeidet bør mulighetene konkretiseres, og et fokus på samarbeid,
involvering av befolkningen og naturhensyn bør være styrende for utviklingen. Dersom man
får dette på plass kan Kaldnes vest bli et attraktivt område som er inkluderende både for
naturen og mennesker.This thesis is a part of SITRAP’s master’s project “The Oslo fjord 3.0”. The coastal zone is
being exploited more and more, which results in a loss of biodiversity and less public access
to the waterfront. This is a problem due to the challenges we’re facing concerning climate
change, but it also restricts people’s access to outdoor- and recreational activities. A possible
solution is to transform closed industrial areas near the coast into new and sustainable housing
areas. This makes the coastal zone more accessible while also preventing the loss of natural
habitat elsewhere. The project Kaldnes vest in Tønsberg and Færder municipalities attempts to
make the coastal zone accessible by facilitating good public spaces which connect the green
and blue structures together. Through site inspection, interviews and a feasibility study the
development of Kaldnes vest has been examined in this thesis. To realise the goals of the
project it’s important to have a good collaboration, involve the population and take conscious
decisions that don’t sacrifice nature.
The collaboration between the county municipality, the municipalities and the landowners has
been good this far in the planning process. To take the project a step further there needs to be
more specific ideas to get all the measures in place. The feasibility study can therefore help
see the potential in the area and highlight what kind of actions need to be taken in the future
development. The measures that are presented in the feasibility study are based on the strategy
plan for Kaldnes vest, and highlight blue-green structures, good public spaces and sense of
place to give Kaldnes vest a new identity and create a lively and attractive area.
Further on in the project the possibilities need to be specified and collaboration, the
involvement of the public and environmental considerations need to drive the development. If
these measures are put in place Kaldnes vest can become an attractive area which is inclusive
for both nature and people
Habitat selection of farmland birds in southeastern Norway: Is spring sown cereal more preferred than autumn sown cereal?
No full textThe switch from spring sown cereals to autumn sown cereals is one of several modern agricultural practices causing declines in farmland bird populations. Autumn sown cereals grow too tall and dense as nesting habitats during the breeding season, and grain leftovers consumed by seed-eating species in stubble fields are lost for autumn sown cereals. The habitat selection of farmland birds, with a focus on whether they prefer spring sown cereal or autumn sown cereal, was investigated by monitoring a total of 107 farmlands in southeastern Norway during the breeding season of 2024. Out of 20 species, 10 species avoided autumn sown cereals for other farmland types, and 14 species preferred short vegetation. The Eurasian skylark Alauda arvensis was the only species preferring autumn sown cereal over spring sown cereal, but they selected short vegetation. The other ground-nesting species in this study with a significant result was the northern lapwing Vanellus vanellus, which indicated an avoidance of autumn sown cereal and tall vegetation. Autumn sown cereals would protect more nests from destruction by agricultural practices than spring sown cereals. However, based on the results of the other species than Eurasian skylarks in this study, a switch from spring sown cereals to autumn sown cereals is not recommended. Skylark plots and lapwing plots in autumn sown cereals are possible management practices for providing better habitats for Eurasian skylarks and northern lapwings, if autumn sown cereals have been selected for nest placement
Removal of Interfering Yeast Mannan in Growth Media for the Production of Bacterial Exopolysaccharides
Get PDFLactic acid bacteria play essential roles in food fermentation, and some are known to produce exopolysaccharides (EPS). These secreted polysaccharides vary in structure and naturally contribute to biofilm formation and environmental protection for the bacteria. The physicochemical properties of EPS are closely linked to their structural composition, making them relevant for a wide range of industrial and biomedical applications. However, a major challenge in EPS research and application lies in their production and purification. Yeast extract, commonly used as a nitrogen source in growth media, can enhance EPS production but also introduce high molecular weight yeast mannan (YM), a branched α-mannan polysaccharide. Due to molecular weight similarities, YM is often co-isolated with EPS during downstream processing, interfering with accurate quantification and characterization.
To address this challenge, ultrafiltration was evaluated as a strategy to remove YM from the growth media prior to fermentation. Ultrafiltration was shown to efficiently separate YM from other medium components, providing a practical and immediate solution to reduce YM interference during EPS production workflows. In addition, efforts were made to develop an enzymatic method to degrade YM.
Based on known YM degradation mechanisms and the involvement of glycoside hydrolase families, enzymes from a soil-isolated Sphingobacterium multivorum strain were investigated as potential YM degrading candidates. One of these enzymes, SmGH76B, along with the intracellular and extracellular enzymes of the strain, was tested on YM but showed no detectable activity. This suggests that YM likely requires complementary enzymes and a more complex mechanism for effective degradation of YM. Proteomic analysis of S. multivorum revealed two putative polysaccharide utilization loci, including GH76 and GH92, which are enzyme families likely involved in YM debranching and degradation.
Together, this thesis highlights the complexity of YM and the limitations of using single enzymes for its degradation. Although no enzymatic candidate was found, proteomic insights point toward GH92s as key players. Until enzyme candidates are identified, ultrafiltration remains an effective method for YM removal from growth media prior to fermentation, improving the purity of the final EPS product
The Protection of Nature in Norwegian Road Planning: A Case Study of E18 Kragerø - Bamble
Get PDFAn increasing pressure on land areas for housing, infrastructure, and other societal demands
places natural diversity under constant stress. This thesis aims to increase our understanding of
natural diversity protection in road planning in Norway. By looking into the E18 Kragerø-
Bamble road planning project as a case study, the thesis explores how decision-makers take
natural diversity into account when making their decisions.
The case was investigated by examining the decision-making process, politicians' arguments
for development despite harm to natural diversity, and the role of knowledge in politicians’
considerations. The thesis data included case documents and semi-structured interviews with
politicians and other central actors in the case. The findings were analysed and assessed using
theories on the policy process and the four dimensions of a policy arrangement. The four
dimensions are actors, resources, rules of the game and discourses. Additionally, theory on the
role of information and how to treat socio-economic aspects was included.
The research reveals that established premises, cost limitations and increased focus on reuse
influenced the consideration of natural diversity in the planning process of E18 Kragerø-
Bamble. As a result, these factors limited the actions of the developers and politicians involved
in the project. It was evident that the developer allowed some harm to natural diversity to occur
to fulfil their mandate to plan a four-lane road. Politicians, who are the decision-makers, faced
a limited scope for action that shaped their priorities. Local interests were identified as the
politicians’ priority, and politicians allowed for certain harm to natural diversity to protect
these. Simultaneously, it became clear that guidelines and legislation were crucial for nature
protection in this case. This became evident by the developer’s reliance on legislation,
politicians’ reliance on objecting authorities, and the importance of the impact assessment for
decisions. Furthermore, the projected harm to natural diversity decreased throughout the
planning process, creating the impression that nature had protection. Still, it became clear that
the project lacked a systematic approach to ensure consideration of natural diversity.
The research findings suggest that the protection of natural diversity in the E18 Kragerø–
Bamble is mainly linked to legislation regarding natural diversity protection, and to the local
politicians when the protection of identified natural diversity aligns with local interests. The
research does not determine the extent to which natural diversity is protected in the project,
further investigation is necessary to clarify this
Profesjonelle perspektiver om tillitsbygging hos utsatte ungdommer
Get PDFBakgrunn: Å ha tillit til andre og selv bli møtt med tillit gir betydelige fordeler både for individet og samfunnet. Tidligere opplevelser av svik eller brudd på tillit gjør det vanskeligere for ungdom å etablere nye, trygge relasjoner. Utsatte ungdommer har flere sammensatte utfordringer og større behov for hjelp fra det offentlige støtteapparatet enn sine jevnaldrende. Tillit til fremmede, potensielle hjelpere kan være avgjørende for utsatte ungdommer. For å støtte ungdom i deres sosiale og emosjonelle utvikling er det viktig at samfunnet kan tilby trygge rammer hvor de kan oppleve positive relasjonserfaringer som bygger tillit.
Formål: Formålet med denne studien var å belyse erfaringer på tvers av profesjonsutøvere fra ulike sektorer med å bygge tillit hos utsatte ungdommer i et levekårsutsatt område.
Metode: I studien ble kvalitativ metode med semistrukturerte intervjuer benyttet i arbeidet med datainnsamling. Utvalget bestod av seks deltakere. Datamaterialet ble analysert ved hjelp av Braun og Clarkes (2022) Reflexive Thematic Analysis. Funnene ble diskutert opp mot teoretiske perspektiver og tidligere forskning.
Funn: Funnene beskrev ulike fasilitatorer og barrierer for å bygge tillit hos utsatte ungdommer. De fire hovedtemaene var: strukturelle og kulturelle perspektiver, perspektiver om de nære og tillitsfulle relasjonene, ungdommens erfaringer og hjernens biologiske modning samt deltakernes oppfordringer til politikerne.
Oppsummering: Funnene fra studien gav innsikt i profesjonsutøveres erfaringer med å bygge tillit hos ungdom i levekårsutsatte områder. Disse fasilitatorene og barrierene for dette tillitsarbeidet ble vektlagt av profesjonsutøverne:
Fasilitatorer:
* Tilrettelegging for inkluderende og universelle tiltak innen skole, fritid og arbeidsliv.
* Tilstedeværelse av stabile, trygge voksne med høy relasjonskompetanse.
* Koordinert, tverrfaglig og fagkyndig samarbeid som gir helhetlig oppfølging, hvor ungdommen selv er aktivt inkludert i prosessen.
* Et offentlig støtteapparat som er samlokalisert med elevene
Barrierer:
* Tidligere erfaringer med voksne som har sviktet, relasjonelle brudd og skam knyttet vanskelig livssituasjon
* Byråkratisering og lite fleksibelt regelverk som kan hindre tillitsbygging.
* Bevissthet om maktasymmetrien mellom tjenesteutøver og ungdom, som kan utgjøre en barriere hvis den ikke håndteres riktig.
* Mangel på tid, da etablering av tillitsfulle relasjoner krever tid og kontinuitet.
I de nære møtene med utsatte ungdommer vektlegges egenskaper som ærlighet, åpenhet, tålmodighet, humor, oppriktig interesse og engasjement, samt det å holde løfter. Ungdommens generelle mistillit til systemet og voksne, samt negative erfaringer og rykter fra tidligere kontakt med det offentlige hjelpeapparatet, kan være hindringer for å bygge tillit.Background: Trusting others and being met with trust offer significant advantages for both individuals and society. Previous experiences of betrayal or breaches of trust can hinder adolescents from forming new, secure relationships. Vulnerable youth often face complex challenges and have greater needs for support from public welfare services compared to their peers. Trust in unfamiliar, potential helpers can be crucial for these young individuals. To support adolescents in their social and emotional development, it is essential that society provides a safe environment where they can experience positive relational interactions that foster trust.
Objective: This study aimed to explore the experiences of professionals from various sectors in building trust with vulnerable youth in an area characterized by socioeconomic challenges.
Method: A qualitative research design was employed, utilizing semi-structured interviews for data collection. The sample comprised six participants. Data were analyzed using Braun and Clarke's (2022) Reflexive Thematic Analysis. The findings were discussed in relation to theoretical perspectives and existing research.
Findings: The study identified various facilitators and barriers in establishing trust with vulnerable youth. Four main themes emerged: structural and cultural perspectives; the significance of close, trust-based relationships; adolescents' experiences and neurological development; and participants' recommendations to policymakers.
Summary: The findings provided insights into professionals' experiences in building trust with youth in socioeconomically disadvantaged areas. The professionals highlighted these facilitators and barriers in the process of building trust.:
Key facilitators:
* Implementing inclusive and universal initiatives across education, leisure, and employment sectors.
* Ensuring the presence of stable, trustworthy adults with strong relational competencies.
* Coordinated, interdisciplinary, and expert collaboration offering comprehensive support, with active involvement of the youth in the process.
* A public support system that is co-located with the students.
Identified barriers:
* Previous experiences with adults who have failed them, relational ruptures, and shame associated with a difficult life situation.
* Bureaucratic processes and inflexible regulations that may impede trust-building efforts.
* Awareness of power imbalances between service providers and youth, which, if not appropriately managed, can hinder trust development.
* Time constraints, as establishing trustful relationships necessitates time and continuity.
In direct interactions with vulnerable youth, attributes such as honesty, openness, patience, humor, genuine interest, and commitment, along with keeping promises, were emphasized. A general mistrust among youth towards the system and adults, coupled with negative experiences and reputations from previous engagements with public support services, can obstruct trust-building efforts
From Waste to Resource: Environmental and Economic Sustainability of Treatment of Fish Sludge Options
No full textAbstract
This thesis assesses the environmental and economic sustainability of different treatment methods of fish sludge from land-based aquaculture in Norway, with Lødingen Fisk AS as a case study. The analysis was done in collaboration with Lødingen Fisk AS and NORSUS, who are participants in the Circulizer project. The Circulizer project aims to investigate the environmental complications in marine waste treatment. As growing concerns over nutrient pollution, resource efficiency, geopolitical instability and regulatory pressure in Norway and the EU, fish sludge has been increasingly viewed as a potential resource rather than waste.
The thesis applies life-cycle assessment (LCA) and conventional life-cycle costing (cLCC) to evaluate four realistic scenarios for fish sludge treatment. Scenario 0 assesses the current practice of drying and transporting the sludge to be used as organic fertilizer, replacing mineral fertilizer. Scenario 1A produces biogas on-site to replace electricity from the grid and dries the digestate to also be used as organic fertilizer, replacing mineral fertilizer. Scenario 1B also assesses on-site biogas production and conversion to electricity, but digestate is pumped to the recipient. Scenario 2 assesses centralized biogas production at the coming to be anaerobic digestion plant at Rå Biopark, where upgraded biogas will be produced to replace fossil fuels. Digestate is used as organic fertilizer in scenario 2 as well.
The results indicate that scenario 2 has the best environmental and economic profile. It achieves the lowest impact on global warming and fossil resource depletion, which is linked to low impacts from the processing and significant reductions from diesel replacement. Scenario 1B had a higher reduction on mineral resource scarcity but had high impacts on marine eutrophication compared to the other scenarios. Scenarios 0 and 1A reduced the impacts when replacing mineral fertilizers and electricity from the grid, but energy-intensive processes and transportation had higher impacts on the assessed impact categories. The net present value (NPV) of all scenarios was analyzed, using scenario 0 as the reference point. Scenario 2 was the only scenario with a positive NPV without subsidies. The main reasons for this were low investment as well as cost savings related to energy expenses.
The findings make a positive case for implementing circular economic solutions in the aquaculture sector. The most environmentally friendly solution was also the most profitable solution and can contribute to increased local value creation.
The thesis contributes to academic understanding in the Circulizer project, but also practical understanding of sustainable practices and solutions for management in the aquaculture sector. It may serve as decision-making support to stakeholders in Norway’s bioeconomy sector.
The thesis involves many assumptions and limitations, and further research is needed to further evolve the knowledge and practical implementations of sludge treatment alternatives. Further research should obtain more concrete and practice-oriented data