Skanska once again uses concrete with a reduced carbon footprint, this time in the construction of the foundation slab of its latest Warsaw investment – the Studio. This is thanks to the partnership with Bosta-Beton and the first time the Bosta Green Eco formula is used in Central Europe.
Concrete accounts for approximately 56% of the carbon footprint associated with the production of key construction products used in Skanska's projects. This is why the developer introduces solutions that have a real and significant impact on reducing CO2 emissions, including through the use of innovative materials with a lower carbon footprint than traditional ones. During the production process, Bosta-Beton’s product has an emissivity that is 46% lower compared to conventional concrete.[1]
– Knowing that concrete is the most widely used building material in the world, we developed a formula with reduced emissivity, thus proving that pro-environmental solutions can be the driving force behind the dynamic development of our company. By adding Bosta Green Eco products to our offer we now have a highly durable quality mix that helps greatly reduce the negative impact on the environment – says Marek Górecki, Commercial and Marketing Director at Bosta-Beton.
The Studio gets low-emission concrete
Thus far, 8 8,750 m3 of low-emission concrete is planned for the underground part of the Studio office building. This helps reduce CO2 emissions by approx. 1,428 tons. This is as much as a car with a gasoline engine consumes when circling the globe 205 times.[2] It is also equivalent to the pollution that over 23,500 trees would have consumed in 10 years.[3]
– From the very beginning we have focused on innovations that contribute to reducing carbon dioxide emissions and limiting the impact of our building on the natural environment. Using low-emission concrete is one solution that allow us to construct our Studio building in accordance with the ESG assumptions – says Sławomir Koc, Project Manager at Skanska’s commercial development business unit in CEE.
The Studio is located in the Wola business district in Warsaw, between two metro stations: Rondo ONZ and Rondo Daszyńskiego. It is a complex of two office buildings with a total leasable area of approx. 40,400 sqm of NLA, of which the first phase of the investment will offer 16,400 sqm of NLA, thirteen office floors and three underground levels. One of its distinguishing features will be the ground floor in the form of steel Xs. The tenants of the Studio will have at their disposal terraces, a Scandinavian lobby and a comprehensively arranged outdoor space, which will be filled with evergreen plants - tended without the use of harmful pesticides and herbicides. The square in front of the building will provide direct access to the neighboring Norblin Factory. Completion of building B is scheduled for the third quarter of 2023.
Low-emission and pro-environmental solutions in Skanska's buildings and their surroundings
The use of concrete with a reduced carbon footprint in the Studio building is the second such project by Skanska in Central and Eastern Europe. Ultimately, the developer plans to use low-emission concrete in all its projects in this region. In addition, the company introduces innovative solutions that contribute to saving electricity and water, as well as uses recycled and certified materials. Skanska office buildings are also powered by electricity from renewable sources.
– We are actively working to reduce our own carbon dioxide emissions and strive to achieve climate neutrality in our value chain by 2045. If we take 2015 as the base year, we have already managed to reduce emissions by 51%. This shows that we not only talk, but implement specific solutions that bring us closer to achieving climate goals – says Veronika Themerson, Environmental Director at Skanska’s commercial development business unit in CEE. – Our activities have recently been recognized by the Financial Times and the analytical company Statista, which awarded Skanska the title of one of the European business leaders in this field. It is not only a source of pride for us, but also a motivation to continue our pro-environmental activities – adds.
“Green” concrete inside and out
Outside the building the developer also uses concrete that absorbs pollutants from city air. When hit by sunlight, it initiates the photocatalysis reaction, as a result of which harmful compounds, including nitrogen oxides, are reduced to simple compounds that are safe for the environment.
[1] *Data based on One Click LCA Database - “Ready-mix concrete, normal-strength, generic, C30/37 (4400/5400 PSI), 10% (typical) recycled binders in cement (300 kg/m3 / 18.72 lbs/ft3)”)
[2] Data based on BEIS - Greenhouse gas reporting: conversion factors 2021
[3] Data from US EPA - Greenhouse Gases Equivalencies Calculator - Calculations and References | US EPA