International conference highlighting Green Urban Development, Building Sustainability Stockholm 2010

STOCKHOLM, 17 May 2010

On October 19-20, Swedish and international professionals and city officials will be brought together to a conference on cutting edge sustainable building projects.

With Stockholm designated as the first European Green Capital by the EU Commission, the Building Sustainability Conference will bring together city officials from inside and outside of Europe, with city planners, investors, developers, contractors and consultants who work with sustainable building projects. The emphasis will be on successful planning initiatives and the cooperative aspect that lies behind several successful development projects in Stockholm.

The conference programme includes lectures from Swedish and international speakers on topics concerning green sustainability from an urban development perspective. Among the topics on the agenda are urban planning, energy efficient and sustainable construction, retrofitting of aging buildings and neighbourhoods, energy supply systems, water supply, sewage and waste disposal and innovative financing of sustainable investments. Also included in the programme are study tours to various parts of Stockholm which showcase the progress that has been made towards green urban solutions.

“We already have 400 participants to the conference, which shows that this is an interesting and important topic”, says Gustaf Landahl, City of Stockholm, who chairs the steering group for the “Building Sustainability Stockholm 2010” project.

Media contact: Rickard Wallgren, Project Manager BFAB
Tel: +46 8 586 38672
E-mail: rickard.wallgren@stf.se
www.buildingsustainability.se

The Building Sustainability Conference is a joint project of the City of Stockholm, the Stockholm Association of Building Contractors, the Swedish Trade Council and BFAB and it is a part of the official Green Capital Programme surrounding Stockholm’s distinction of being named the first European Green Capital by the EU Commission. Co-organisers of the conference are the following leading Swedish contractors, consultants and architects: Equator, NCC, Nyréns, Skanska, Sweco, Tengbom, Tyréns, White and the Sweden Green Building Council.

Liljeholmstorget has been awarded a platinum LEED certificate as the first centre in Europe

Liljeholmstorget is aiming for a LEED platinum award

A strong environmental profile and innovative solutions in this mixed-use development with retail, offices, residential and parking facilities has led to a prequalification for a LEED Platinum award.

Liljeholmstorget, located just outside the Stockholm City boundaries is one of the most important transportation hubs in Stockholm. The Municipality has decided that the Liljeholmen area should be one of the City´s key new town districts. Equator Stockholm AB has been innovative in finding solutions to several difficult aspects of this large and complex project. The area now has a wide range of residences, workspaces, shops and service. Connected to the retail centre is an underground cavern garage containing approximately 900 parking spaces. The goal has been a lively and safe neighborhood with retail, service and meeting spaces for those who work and live here.

The project with its ambitious environmental goals was the first in Scandinavia to apply for a LEED certification on a Platinum level. The confirmation of the certification is expected within three weeks. Since the environmental profile has permeated the project from the beginning, it has been possible to achieve synergy effects and to coordinate important environmental functions such as energy and water. Most important has been the efficient land use, the creation of the rock cavern garage and integration with public transportation.

Yves Chantereau, senior architect Equator Stockholm AB: ”Liljeholmstorget has several special aspects. To find surfaces which were not visible at first sight and to lay this great and complex puzzle containing a large number of parameters. Now we see the result. We have transformed a dreary area into a lively urban surround-ing as well as succeeding with environmental aspects.”

Citycon is the owner and developer while Equator Stockholm has been responsible for the overall project and Wester+Elsner for the commercial interior.

Equator Stockholm AB
The office combines knowledge and creativity with a business counsciousness in an international perspective, from the initial analysis to the finished building. The diversity of projects varies from commercial, residential, mixed-use and urban renewal projects. Equator Stockholm AB was founded in 1952 and has currently 30 staff employed.

Equator European Architects
Equator European Architects was established in 1991 by Equator Stockholm AB. Today we are represented in both Europe and Asia. We are architects that combine business objectives with local knowledge and international resources to deliver value through design.

Citycon Oyj
Citycon is an active owner and long-term developer of shopping centers that serve both consumers and retailers. Laying the foundation for successful retail business, Citycon also prioritizes environmental interests and the wellbeing of surrounding areas. Leader in the Finnish shopping centre market, Citycon also has a strong position in Sweden and a firm foothold in the Baltic countries. Citycon owns a total of 33 shopping centers and 50 retail properties. www.citycon.com

Contact: Yves Chantereau, Senior Architect, Equator Stockholm AB , Tel. +46 (0)70-444 25 11, e-post: yves.chantereau@equator-europe.com