The transformation from a warehouse building to a modern, functional and energy-efficient office began at the end of 2018. Already during an early stage, the project team took into account the use of energy, water and the impact on the environment. Water-efficient fixtures and no permanent irrigation system on green areas around the building are features that halve the values compared to LEED’s reference values for equivalent buildings.
– You don’t reach this level on a house if you don’t decide on the target image for the beginning before construction starts. In addition, we had a contractor and architect who wanted to build and take the measures and methods necessary to achieve this level of sustainable houses. It has been a prerequisite, says Hans Lindgren, main project manager at SKF.
The fact that the house is a reconstruction with the frame maintained, is a strong contributing factor to the high points in the certification. In addition, a lot of effort has been put into opportunities to make energy use more efficient in the building. Solar panels on the roof, environmentally friendly ventilation system, purchase of green electricity and eco-labelled district heating are examples of measures that reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 77 percent.
– We have invested extra money to achieve these low energy levels. Even if it means increased costs initially, they will decrease in the long run with more sustainable energy use, says Hans Lindgren.
Circular construction process
A circular focus has permeated the entire construction process. Almost the entire basic structure is reused, which reduces the climate footprint. As much as 88 percent of all construction and demolition waste is recycled. The house is also located close to services and public transport with frequent departures, which contributes to reduced car use and long-term sustainable modes of travel. In the project, priority has been given to improving the conditions for getting to work by bicycle, including through indoor bicycle parking and good opportunities to shower and change. Right next to the head office flows the Säveån, which for decades has been classified as a Natura 2000 area with its unique fauna of plants and animals. The green areas around the head office have therefore been adapted to strengthen the biological diversity and character of the area. Thanks to that and the circular idea behind the project, the building is the first in Sweden to receive the highest environmental certification according to the latest LEED Platinum standard.
– For us, it has been important to have a house with a low environmental footprint. But a low energy level must not exceed a good working environment for those who will work in the house. It is important that those who work here enjoy themselves and can perform their tasks efficiently in a pleasant environment. We have worked hard on the interior environment in the form of plenty of light, pleasant acoustics, good IT support for digital meetings, ergonomic workplaces and common spaces that contribute to a pleasant whole.
Carbon dioxide neutral production
The high environmental requirements for all new construction at SKF’s facilities are in line with the group’s goal of reducing the climate impact in order to achieve carbon dioxide-neutral manufacturing by 2030. SKF has a total of 34 LEED-certified offices and factories around the world, and the new headquarters’ roof-mounted solar cells contribute also to SKF’s goal of purchasing 100 percent renewable electricity by 2030. The investments in the new head office became a reality thanks to the company’s framework for green financing, where SKF was able to take out favorable loans on the market for investments in, among other things, sustainable technology, energy efficiency and Cleantech .
Source: www.nyteknik.se
