May 2008 6CS : V3
The construction of a prestigious office block to reflect the reputation of Swiss Re
as the world’s leading and most diversified global reinsurer and an advocate for
action on climate change was a significant contract for Skanska to be awarded.
Sustainable Landmark for
Swiss Re in London
Further information
Skanska AB
www.skanska.com
Contact
Noel Morrin,
Senior Vice President
Sustainability
noel.morrin@skanska.se
Aspects of
Sustainability
This project highlights
the following:
Social Aspects
Human Resources
Corporate Community
Involvement
Business Ethics
Health and Safety
Environmental Aspects
Energy and Climate
Materials
Ecosystems
Local Impacts
Economic Aspects
Project Selection
Supply Chain
Value Added Project Introduction
The construction of a landmark building to
house the headquarters of the Swiss Reinsurance
Company (Swiss Re) designed by Sir Norman
Foster, one of the world’s leading architects,
was a high profile and prominent project for
Skanska to win. The building was designed to
high sustainability standards and its efficient
and effective use of energy reflects Swiss Re’s
commitment to climate change related issues.
To add to the challenge, the construction involved
the levelling of the old Baltic Exchange building in
the City of London which was severely damaged by
an IRA bomb in 1992; as a consequence, the site
had historic, cultural and emotional significance
requiring substantial stakeholder consideration.
The glass clad office block that was erected by
Skanska is 40 storeys high, the second highest
building in the City of London’s financial
heartland, and one of the leading landmarks in
London. The contract was valued at £130 million.
Low Carbon Building Design
The building was designed with lightwells to
maximise the penetration of daylight into the
offices to reduce the need for artificial lighting
and its consequent demands on energy. Light
level and movement sensors prevent unnecessary
use of artificial lights and any associated energy
consumption due to cooling loads. The building’s
aerodynamic form generates wind pressure
differentials which assist natural ventilation
through the lightwells and reduce the requirement
for air conditioning, providing an economic,
sustainable and healthy indoor environment.
Environmental Risk Assessment
Skanska produced an Environmental Risk
Assessment of the project in its early construction
phase which noted areas of high risk and proposed
solutions to mitigate these risks in accordance with
the Environmental Management Plan. Key high
risk areas identified were those regarding the
Case Study 6
