Sites without sound: Oslo leads in quiet, low-emission electric construction

Norwegian capital's sites were 98% free of fossil fuels last year, and it aims to increase use of electric machinery

Tafseer Ali felt no need to raise his voice as the pair of diggers lumbered past him, their treads weighing heavy on the rock and asphalt.

Quiet electric machines like these make it easy to work in the city centre, the construction manager said - and keep the neighbours happy. If they have less noise, we get fewer complaints."