Skanska to build low-carbon apartments in Sweden

Skanska has revealed it will be investing €44 million into the Solna, Sweden-based sustainable residential project Kaprifolen, a bloc of 127 apartments designed to be constructed with a lower environmental impact.

Designated as "eco-labelled" buildings, the entire idea behind the bloc is to reduce active emissions from the moment shovel is put to dirt until long after residents have moved in.

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As such, the building blocks of the new buildings will be so-called green concrete, which supposedly uses 50% less carbon than traditional concrete.

This can either be through the use of sequestered carbon, waste materials used in construction or processes to ensure no environmental damage is done through its creation, such as by using carbon capture tech.

In addition, the apartments will have solar panels integrated into them for electricity generation, although it remains unknown if this energy will have a role in construction or just in reducing energy bills once the flats are inhabited.

The buildings will be certified according to the Nordic region’s official Nordic Ecolabel, which mandates adherence to a circular economy. Any project looking to undergo certification is privy to inspection from Ecolabel officials.

Sweden is looking to make its construction sector operate at net-zero emissions by 2045, and projects such as this are essential in the transition.

"Everything in the building – from the colour of the walls to floors, cabinets and windows - has undergone an external inspection," Skanska issued in a statement.

"The homes have lower energy use than the Swedish building regulations, and higher requirements for chemicals and ventilation".

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The firm claims the overall environmental impact from the buildings has been lessened.

Construction on the apartments is expected to commence in Spring 2022 and should be finished by mid-2024.

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