Hyllie Terrass - Office building that makes a big impression with a small footprint

The NollCO₂ certification means that the building has a net-zero climate impact during its lifetime. The actors behind the project have collaborated closely to minimize the building's climate footprint. In addition, it has been certified according to LEED Platinum and WELL.

“Buildings are responsible for a large part of our emissions of greenhouse gases, and if we are to slow down climate change, the entire building sector must take great action. With the NollCO₂ certification of Hyllie Terrass, we at Skanska want to take the initiative and test new ways. In order to pass this tough certification, a holistic approach is required where all actors involved work together to minimize the building's climate footprint from start to finish”, says Stefan Andersson, Project Development Manager, Skanska Fastigheter Malmö.

NollCO₂ makes high demands on limit values and verified calculations of various products' environmental impact. Climate calculations have been the basis for basically all decisions.

Property developer Skanska demanded that the project's suppliers produce their own EPDs (Environmental Product Declarations) that report the climate and environmental impact of various materials. They only chose suppliers with the lowest climate impact.

One of the material choices in the project is Ecophon's sound-absorbing suspended ceiling system in glass wool. Already in 2019, Skanska requested a report on the climate footprint of Ecophon's products. It was a quick process. Ecophon has long had third-party audited and product-specific EPDs for its acoustic systems.

“It has been a lot of fun to be able to contribute to Hyllie Terrass. We hope that more people will follow Skanska's example and place high demands on EPDs in construction projects”, says Erika Edlund, Sustainability Specialist at Ecophon Sweden.

Skanska also chose to use Ecophon's recycling service SoundCircularity, which was named "Circular Initiative of the Year" at the Recycling Gala 2022. Because there is often spillage when installing sound absorbers, for example edge pieces or cut pieces of glass wool when fitting against a wall.

“We are very proud to be able to set the bar high for sustainable and healthy workplaces. Every reduction in emissions counts and Ecophon's recycling service SoundCircularity strengthened the climate benefits of the collaboration”, says Stefan Andersson, Project Development Manager, Skanska Fastigheter Malmö.

In the past, glass wool offcuts have almost exclusively gone to landfill. With Ecophon's comprehensive recycling service, it instead becomes material in new building products, which reduces climate impact and landfill volumes. The user receives a calculation of the climate savings that enables accounting, evaluation, and follow-up.

“Even if it is challenging, it pays to build climate-smart. Companies that move into a NollCO₂-certified office can report a reduced climate impact. Our acoustic systems also improve the sound and work environment,” says Joakim Freij, Concept Developer office environments at Ecophon Sweden.

The response from the tenants has so far been very positive. Skanska will shortly move its own Malmö office to Hyllie Terrass. Move-in is expected to take place in May 2023.