Bauer Media Outdoor is responsible for 1,600 shelters across the country. A new initiative has now been launched to make the shelters more sustainable. In a trial project in Oslo, two shelters have been fitted with solar panels on their roofs, and two other shelters have been given plant-covered sedum roofs. The solar panels provide energy to light up the shelters and the sedum roofs help to create biodiversity for the insects.

The two reading sheds in Oslo that have been fitted with a solar cell system and battery solution help to light up the dark hours of the day. When the sun shines during the day, the shelters will automatically be recharged to light up in the evening and at night. The illuminated shelters will create a greater sense of security for public transport travellers in the evening and at night. Country Manager at Bauer Media Outdoor, Dennis Højland Nyegaard, describes it as an important priority that helps to give back to society.

"For Bauer Media Outdoor, it's important to contribute where we can to create safe streets for everyone. Illuminated public transport stops are an important factor in providing a greater sense of security for public transport travellers waiting for the bus in the dark. The fact that this is also done in a sustainable way means that the project fulfils several of our values.
- Dennis Højland Nyegaard

The trial project is being carried out in collaboration with Sporveien and Ruter, where all lighting in the shelters is based on solar energy. This is a relatively discreet solar cell solution, where the panels lie flat on the existing roof. The background to the project is that many bus stops in Oslo have limited access to municipal power supply, which triggers a need for an alternative solution to ordinary power supply.

Large capacity on the solar panels

Initially, the solar cell roofs will be tested at two bus stops with different solar conditions. The shelters that are part of the pilot project are located on Welding Olsens vei, outside Skullerud school, as well as Møllefaret in the Ullern district. The pilot project is delivered by UIP, in collaboration with Bauer Media Outdoor. The technical solution was designed by Gylling Teknikk and installed by electrical engineer Tidemand Elektro. Christoffer Bakken Åkre, urban planner at UIP, explains that the battery bank can store energy equivalent to a 70-kilometre drive in an electric car.

the roof surface of the shelters is covered by four 360W solar panels that charge a battery pack placed in the shelter during the day. When it gets dark, the lighting in the shed draws power from the stored energy in the battery pack. So far, our experience is that the system works well and remains stable within the battery status 85% - 100%.
- Christoffer Bakken Fields

Green sedum roofs

In addition to the solar roof trial project, two sheds in Oslo have been given green sedum roofs. The implementation of green roofs helps to create a more sustainable and pleasant urban environment. It helps reduce the carbon footprint, improves the health and quality of life of residents, and promotes biodiversity. The sedum roofs have been an important part of Bauer Media Outdoor's sustainability strategy.

the roofs of the shelters comprise many square metres in total, so it was a good initiative to be able to use them for something sustainable. Creating a place where insects and bugs can thrive was seen as an important part of promoting biodiversity.
- Dennis Højland Nyegaard

The shelters at Klingenberg and Tjuvholmen are the first bus stops to have sedum roofs. These locations have varying degrees of vegetation, and time will tell if the species diversity will vary significantly. Both shelters are close to office buildings, which means that those who work in the buildings can enjoy the plants when they look out of the windows. Urban planner at UIP, Mina Sagelvmo, is clear about how important this project has been for UIP.

"The fact that the shelters can use their space for a sustainable initiative is a very good initiative. In this way, we can also contribute to the City of Oslo's goal of "2030 green roofs and facades in 2030".
- Mina Sagelvmo