Hyllie Terrass: Skanska’s Human-Centered and Triple-Certified Sustainability Development in Malmö, Sweden
In a world where sustainable buildings are increasingly expected to address energy efficiency, carbon reduction and water preservation while addressing occupant well-being, a 360-degree deployment to do good by the planet and by people, our built environment is graduating to become a change agent for resilience in a broad sense. Pioneering best practices that are third party verified to reduce carbon and be energy efficient while advancing occupant health, among other sustainability goals, are giving the world a blueprint to model after.
Skanska, a leading global construction and development company headquartered in Sweden, is setting a new benchmark with its latest commercial office development in the Hyllie neighborhood in Malmö, Sweden, Hyllie Terrass. Skanska has created a space that’s not just sustainable in terms of energy and resources, but is also a marker of health, productivity, and resilience for its occupants.
Hyllie Terrass is an excellent example of how holistic thinking in design and construction can prioritize people while achieving high standards for environmental sustainability. Certified to WELL Gold, LEED Platinum and pre-certified for Sweden’s Net-Zero (NollCO2) certification, this office building sets a new benchmark for human-centered design and environmental sustainability. The project, designed by Copenhagen-based architect firm COBE, harmonizes occupant well-being with environmental stewardship in a way that makes it a model for future developments.
“We knew what we wanted to achieve but we were a long way from knowing how we would get there,” said Stefan Andersson, project development manager, Skanska Commercial Development, Malmö. “The only thing that was certain was that we needed to find new work methods and collaborate with others if we were to reach the certification’ programs that address sustainability for both human and planetary health…”
Hyllie Terrass began with more questions than answers. It has turned into one of Sweden’s most recognized office buildings for sustainability and health prioritization through collaboration, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to reducing environmental impact while promoting human health and productivity. This meant, focusing on air quality, natural light, and promoting a connection to nature - key strategies under the WELL Certification program.
Hyllie Terrass employs advanced air filtration systems to elevate high indoor air quality that has a direct impact on occupant health. Ample natural light and biophilic elements such as green terraces and views of nature aim to reduce stress, improve mood and promote overall mental well-being. The design includes open floor plans and communal areas that encourage social interaction and promote a sense of community and belonging among occupants. To promote physical activities, the building includes dedicated spaces for fitness and active commuting with facilities such as bike storage and showers for the cyclists. By integrating WELL strategies throughout the building, Skanska has created a space that promotes movement, and mental resilience.
While sustainability remains a key element of Hyllie Terrass, these measures are embedded with initiatives to improve the lives of the people who occupy the space. For example, the use of climate-improved concrete and recycled materials not only reduces carbon emissions, but also improves the buildings indoor environmental quality by reducing off-gassing and other hazardous emissions that can negatively impact the occupants’ health.
One of the standout features of Hyllie Terrass is its innovative energy solution, developed in collaboration with E.ON. Solar panels and a smart grid system allow the building to share energy with neighboring buildings. These measures, while environmentally beneficial, also contribute to a comfortable indoor environment for the building occupants, which is the key element of the WELL Certification.
Hyllie Terrass is not just a building; it’s a blueprint for the future of sustainable development that creates spaces where people thrive while achieving net-zero on carbon and net-zero on energy.
Globally, Skanska brings its sustainability expertise to projects across countries. It leverages the WELL at scale program to enhance health and well-being in a global portfolio of more than 50 locations spanning across the Nordics, Central Eastern Europe, the UK, and the US. As an IWBI member, Skanska integrates WELL principles into its developments, creating spaces that are not only environmentally friendly but also enhance the quality of life for occupants.
Spotlight on Hyllie Neighborhood
Two years ago, the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI) highlighted the Hyllie neighborhood’s strides toward sustainability, featuring insights from Skanska. This collaboration underscored Skanska’s commitment to creating healthier and more sustainable urban environments. The article by IWBI emphasized the innovative approaches in Hyllie, showcasing Skanska’s leadership in sustainable development and how such neighborhood development contributes to the concept of healthy and sustainable cities. This backdrop further amplifies the significance of Hyllie Terrass as a cornerstone in the neighborhood’s ongoing transformation. For more details, you can read the full IWBI article here.
Boosted by the European Green Deal
Projects like Hyllie Terrass spotlight a proactive approach toward more sustainable building in Europe, sparked by regulations and other trends such as the European Green Deal approved in 2020 aiming to boost the efficient use of resources, move to a clean, circular economy, and restore biodiversity. The directives related to Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) disclosures and regulations such as the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and the European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS) also guide and encourage organizations to disclose how they take care of people and their health and well-being. Hyllie Terrass’ triple certifications can help demonstrate climate actions as well as strategies for occupant well-being. IWBI has developed a new alignment tool that highlights how WELL strategies may support these new regulations. For more details, read the IWBI article here.
(Photo Credit: Skanska)
