Shaping Sustainable Places – Development and Construction of a Low-Carbon Built Environment

Amongst the most epic structures found on this planet, bridges are the giants. But even these marvels of engineering need a little tender loving care, so that they can serve their communities for decades or centuries to come. In this episode, we explore two exciting bridge projects.Skanska is renovating the George Washington Bridge in New York City, the world’s busiest road bridge with 300,000 vehicles crossing every day. We visit the bridge to find out what the challenges are in such a major renovation project.And with a major investment in solar energy, the Öresund Bridge, connecting Denmark and Sweden, has taken the next step in an ambitious plan to become the world's most sustainable bridge. How far off are they from their goal?This episode’s guests: Jen Billand, senior project manager, Skanska USA Civil Bengt Hergart, Property Director with the Öresund Bridge Consortium.

Is it realistic to believe that the construction sites of the future will be completely fossil fuel free? In this episode, we examine the benefits of electrifying construction sites and the challenges of achieving zero-emissions in construction sites. We visit the first fossil fuel free construction site in Sweden, Slakthusområdet i Stockholm and explore the differences between driving an excavator powered by diesel and an excavator powered by electricity. James Bailey, Executive Vice President for Skanska’s West Coast region, USA talks about the experiences and challenges of working with electrical machines in the major transit project, Los Angeles Metro’s Purple D Line Extension Project. Dr Ray Gallant, Volvo CE Vice President Sustainability and Productivity Services, USA explains what the challenges are for sites of the future to be completely fossil-free. Volvo CE is the manufacturer with one of the world’s largest ranges of electric machines for the construction industry, with the goal of making fossil-free machinery more accessible.

Many architects agree that there are advantages to building in mass timber. Trees bind carbon, wooden buildings have shorter construction time, and timber offers superior insulation. So what’s impeding the material’s widespread adoption? In this episode we explore if mass timber can be a game changer for the industry. We speak with Andrew Waugh from Waugh Thistleton Architects, UK, whose projects have included Murray Grove, the world’s first all- timber residential tower. Andrew is an architect specializing in mass timber, and is working on projects all over the world. We also talk to Dean Lewis, Director of Mass Timber and Prefabrication with Skanska in the USA. Dean is responsible for the company’s work on prefabrication and mass timber projects across the USA, and he speaks warmly about our work on Portland International Airport’s innovative curved timber roof using locally sourced materials . This episode’s guests: Andrew Waugh, a founding director of the British firm Waugh Thistleton Architects, UK. Dean Lewis, Director of Mass Timber and Prefabrication, Skanska, Seattle, USA.

Before 2001 there were no global standardized frameworks to measure and manage greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from private and public sector operations, value chains and mitigation actions. The creation of the GHG Protocol then allowed companies to quantify and report their greenhouse gas emissions into categories called ‘scopes’. In this episode of Shaping Sustainable Places, one of the world’s top experts @Pankaj Bhatia explains the surprising story of how the scope structure came about, how it works today, and what the future holds. We also look at how the concept has been put into action in a tangible way. This episode’s guests: Pankaj Bhatia, Director of GHG Protocol. Anders Edvardsson, Sustainability Manager, Skanska Ivan Cusini, Sustainability Specialist, Skanska

Circularity is one of the most effective strategies for reducing Scope 3 emissions in the construction industry. So how can we push the limits of circularity? In this episode, we visit Prague, capital of Czechia, where we find a perfect example of circularity in action. Circularity is also an important way for property developers to achieve their climate goals. Gustaf Lilliehöök, a partner with investment platform Urban Partners, explains what it takes to scale up circularity in the construction industry. This episode’s guests: Martin Zemánek, Project Manager for the Mercury project. Gustaf Lilliehöök, partner with Urban Partners, which focuses on making cities more sustainable.

In this episode we explore how artificial intelligence, and the next generation of digitalization and automation, are helping the development and construction industry to reduce its environmental and climate impact. This episode’s guests: Emma Viklund, Innovation Lead at Skanska. https://se.linkedin.com/in/emma-viklund-a7b98052 Mehdi Nourbakhsh, CEO at YegaTech, and author of Augment It: How Architecture, Engineering and Construction Leaders Leverage Data and Artificial Intelligence to Build a Sustainable Future. https://www.linkedin.com/in/mehdinour

In this episode of Shaping Sustainable Places we discuss what is best: to refurbish an old building and bring it up to modern standards, or knock it down and construct a new low-carbon building instead? Both sides have their pros and cons. This episode’s guests: Kjetil Trædal Thorsen, architect and Founding Partner, Snøhetta, and Ståle Rød, Executive Vice President, Skanska Group. Learn more at Foresight. Skanska is providing this podcast as a public service. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by Skanska. The views expressed by guests and hosts are their own, and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by Skanska employees are those of the employees and do not necessarily reflect the view of Skanska or any of its officials. While Skanska endeavors to keep the information up to date and correct, Skanska makes no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the podcast or the information, products or services mentioned in the podcast for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk. #ShapingSustainablePlaces

Hurricanes, storms, heatwaves and heavy rain due to climate change are presenting new challenges for communities around the world. Farsighted cities are taking actions now to protect themselves from these sorts of hazards. This episode features Sean Szatkowski, Executive Vice President and General Manager for Skanska USA Building, and Philip Thörn, Head of Sustainability with insurance company IF. Sean shares how Hurricane Sandy in 2012 was a wake-up call for New Yorkers, and what’s being done to reduce the impact of flooding. Philip describes the impact on insurers and how they are helping companies and homeowners adapt to emerging climate risks. Listen and subscribe to the podcast. Learn more at Foresight. Skanska is providing this podcast as a public service. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by Skanska. The views expressed by guests and hosts are their own, and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by Skanska employees are those of the employees and do not necessarily reflect the view of Skanska or any of its officials. While Skanska endeavors to keep the information up to date and correct, Skanska makes no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the podcast or the information, products or services mentioned in the podcast for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk. #ShapingSustainablePlaces

As more of us want to live more sustainably, we take a glimpse into the near-future, where homes generate more energy than they consume over their lifetimes. In this episode we visit the Norwegian city of Trondheim and meet Ivar Ørnes, Kim Bundgård and Ingrid Skirstad from Skanska, members of the crew behind the ongoing Powerhouse Lade – a series of almost-ready apartments that among other things will produce more renewable energy than they consume during their entire life span. And Dr Stephen Richardson, a leading expert in energy and carbon reduction at the World Green Building Council, shares his thoughts on the future of housing, and the importance of helping homebuyers make good choices. Listen and subscribe to the podcast. Learn more at Foresight. Skanska is providing this podcast as a public service. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by Skanska. The views expressed by guests and hosts are their own, and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by Skanska employees are those of the employees and do not necessarily reflect the view of Skanska or any of its officials. While Skanska endeavors to keep the information up to date and correct, Skanska makes no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the podcast or the information, products or services mentioned in the podcast for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk. #ShapingSustainablePlaces

In this special episode of Shaping Sustainable Places, recorded during Climate Week NYC 2023, we delve into the collaborative spirit driving sustainability in the development and construction sectors. The emphasis is on collective action and shared innovation to accelerate climate-focused initiatives and decarbonize the built environment. We welcome Justin Travlos, Global Head of Responsible Investments at AXA IM Alts, Lena Hök, Executive Vice President of Sustainability and Innovation at Skanska Group, and Benoit Bazin, CEO of Saint-Gobain, as our guests. They share insights on the evolution from vision to action, detailing how their organizations embody sustainability commitments through cross-sector partnerships and knowledge sharing. Listen and subscribe to the podcast. Learn more at Foresight. #ShapingSustainablePlaces #ClimateWeekNYC2023 Skanska is providing this podcast as a public service. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by Skanska. The views expressed by guests and hosts are their own, and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by Skanska employees are those of the employees and do not necessarily reflect the view of Skanska or any of its officials. While Skanska endeavors to keep the information up to date and correct, Skanska makes no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the podcast or the information, products or services mentioned in the podcast for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk.

The market economy is a powerful force in shaping the direction of future innovation. As our societies become more globally conscious we create economic shifts that motivate more climate-conscious business practices. This episode features Magnus Persson, EVP and CFO at Skanska Group, and Thorsten Slytå, Managing Director and Head of Nordic Real Estate at BlackRock. Each is working at the forefront of the changing economic landscape relating to sustainability. Thorsten discusses how good investment practice today takes into account the risks of climate change. Magnus describes how investors are incorporating sustainability and climate into their decisions so they can avoid the trap of stranded assets. Listen and subscribe to the podcast. Learn more at Foresight. Skanska is providing this podcast as a public service. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by Skanska. The views expressed by guests and hosts are their own, and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by Skanska employees are those of the employees and do not necessarily reflect the view of Skanska or any of its officials. While Skanska endeavors to keep the information up to date and correct, Skanska makes no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the podcast or the information, products or services mentioned in the podcast for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk. #ShapingSustainablePlaces #ESGInvestments #SustainableInvestment #SustainableRealestate

The construction and real estate industry has historically been slow to adopt new digital tools. Now, by embracing the latest available technology, we’re pushing the industry toward more sustainable construction practices that allow us to drastically reduce the carbon footprint of the built environment. This episode features Brendan Wallace, Co-Founder and Managing Partner at Fifth Wall, Henrik Ahnström, Director of Development at Skanska Commercial Development Nordic, and Stacy Smedley, Executive Director at Building Transparency. Each plays a unique role in merging the technology and real estate development sectors. - Brendan outlines the economic and political drivers that are pushing the real estate industry toward better climate technology adoption. - Stacy explains how tools like the EC3 are helping developers reduce their embodied carbon emissions. - Henrik describes how new technologies like BIM and digital twins are leading to safer, more efficient and more sustainable building practices. Listen and subscribe to the podcast. Learn more at Foresight. Skanska is providing this podcast as a public service. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by Skanska. The views expressed by guests and hosts are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by Skanska employees are those of the employees and do not necessarily reflect the view of Skanska or any of its officials. While Skanska endeavors to keep the information up to date and correct, Skanska makes no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the podcast or the information, products or services mentioned in the podcast for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk. #ShapingSustainablePlaces #SustainableConstruction #SustainableTechnology #ClimateTechnology #Proptech

The Covid-19 pandemic forced a radical shift in our understanding of what a healthy workplace is. Now, as we adapt to the new normal of flexible work, we have an opportunity to shape a more sustainable future for the work environment that prioritizes employee health and wellness. This episode features Dr. Whitney Austin Gray, Senior Vice President at International WELL Building Institute, Ewelina Kałużna, Head of Strategic Workplace Solutions Advisory CEE at Skanska and Managing Director at Business Link, and Theres Söderlund Lakso, Head of Internal Communications, Business Area Cloud Software & Services at Ericsson. Together, they’re creating a work environment where people want to be, one that incorporates social, environmental and urban sustainability. - Whitney describes the impact of poor working environments on mental and physical health, and some workplace best practices for mitigating those negative effects. - Ewelina discusses the changing habits and expectations of employees in a post-pandemic world, and how employers can cater to those needs through smart design, for a workplace where employees want to be. - Theres expands on specific initiatives her organization is taking to lean into the new future of sustainable workplaces. Listen and subscribe to the podcast. Learn more at Foresight. Skanska is providing this podcast as a public service. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by Skanska. The views expressed by guests and hosts are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by Skanska employees are those of the employees and do not necessarily reflect the view of Skanska or any of its officials. While Skanska endeavors to keep the information up to date and correct, Skanska makes no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the podcast or the information, products or services mentioned in the podcast for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk. #ShapingSustainablePlaces #RemoteWork #InclusiveDesign #HealthyWorkplaces #WorkLifeBalance #HybridWork

High Speed Two is a railway project currently under construction in the UK. This massive undertaking aims to strengthen connections between local communities, create economic sustainability, and provide a fast and clean form of transportation across the UK. Tim Smart, Managing Director Phase 2 at HS2 Ltd, Louise Dailly, Head of Social Sustainability at the Skanska Costain STRABAG Joint Venture, David Ode, TBM Tunnel Superintendent HS2 at Skanska, and Fiona O’Riordan, Assistant Civil Engineer at Skanska, joined this episode to share how they’re turning the HS2 vision into a reality. - Tim offers a project overview and describes the benefits HS2 is bringing for local communities. - David explains the complex logistics of constructing the tunnels necessary for HS2. - Louise describes the social sustainability that’s built into the HS2 strategy. - Fiona recounts her experience with HS2 as a student and civil engineer apprentice. Listen and subscribe to the podcast. Learn more at Foresight. Skanska is providing this podcast as a public service. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by Skanska. The views expressed by guests and hosts are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by Skanska employees are those of the employees and do not necessarily reflect the view of Skanska or any of its officials. While Skanska endeavors to keep the information up to date and correct, Skanska makes no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the podcast or the information, products or services mentioned in the podcast for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk. #ShapingSustainablePlaces #HighSpeedTwo #SustainableTransportation #Connectivity #UKRailway

Many people around the world are looking for ways to reduce their carbon footprints and live more sustainably. Our homes and communities are essential in shaping a healthy and safe built environment. This episode features Vanessa Butani, VP of Group Sustainability at Electrolux Group, Guillaume Charny-Brunet, Co-Founder and Head of Ventures at SPACE10, and Juhani Aspara, Regional Manager at Skanska. Each offers insights into how to make sustainable living more accessible on the individual level. - Vanessa discusses how we can pursue sustainability by empowering consumers to use their home appliances in more energy-efficient ways. - Guillaume gives examples of places where shared services and communal living create a holistic model of healthy and sustainable living. - Juhani discusses Skanska housing initiatives in Finland where easy access to services and nature combines with an energy efficient lifestyle. Listen and subscribe to the podcast. Learn more at Foresight. Skanska is providing this podcast as a public service. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by Skanska. The views expressed by guests and hosts are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by Skanska employees are those of the employees and do not necessarily reflect the view of Skanska or any of its officials. While Skanska endeavors to keep the information up to date and correct, Skanska makes no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the podcast or the information, products or services mentioned in the podcast for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk. #ShapingSustainablePlaces #CommunityHealth #InclusiveDesign #SustainableLiving #ConsumerHealth

Sustainability is a team effort. No organization can achieve carbon neutrality on its own but, by working together, we can enact a holistic plan of sustainability that creates a cleaner, safer and healthier built environment. This episode features Clare de Briere, EVP and Regional Manager at Skanska USA Commercial Development, and Executive Committee Chair at Urban Land Institute Americas; Cristina Gamboa, CEO at the World Green Building Council; and Sylvester Turner, Mayor of Houston. Together, these three leaders describe ways that industry and civic collaboration creates successful sustainability initiatives: - Clare describes the ULI’s Greenprint network and how it promotes partnerships across public municipalities and private organizations. - Cristina outlines a holistic model of sustainability and how the sharing of that model provides a blueprint that guides net-zero development around the world. - Sylvester explains how he and his fellow city leaders openly learn from each other’s projects to find new ways to implement local sustainability initiatives. Listen and subscribe to the podcast. Learn more at Foresight. Skanska is providing this podcast as a public service. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by Skanska. The views expressed by guests and hosts are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by Skanska employees are those of the employees and do not necessarily reflect the view of Skanska or any of its officials. While Skanska endeavors to keep the information up to date and correct, Skanska makes no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the podcast or the information, products or services mentioned in the podcast for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk. #ShapingSustainablePlaces #Collaboration #Sustainability #CarbonNeutrality #IndustryPartnership

The transportation sector is one of the biggest contributors to global carbon emissions. But in our globalized economy, the need for safe, fast and reliable transportation isn’t going away. Any path toward carbon neutrality has to include a strategy that enables people to move freely without compromising the environment. It needs to make transportation more accessible, efficient and sustainable. This episode features Emma Head, Technical Service Delivery Director at HS2; Alexander Ståhle, PhD Urban Design, CEOat Spacescape, Founder at Placetoplan; and Ståle Rød, Executive Vice President at Skanska Group. Each of these leaders describes ways they are working to make a positive impact on sustainable transportation: - Emma explains the HS2 project — a UK high-speed railway — and how it is connecting the UK, while decarbonizing transportation. - Alexander describes how smart urban design can both eliminate our reliance on fossil-fuel transportation and improve quality of life. - Ståle offers examples of technological innovations that can help decarbonize transportation infrastructure during its construction. Listen and subscribe to the podcast. Learn more at Foresight. * Between recording the interview and the launch of this episode, Ståle Rød moved from his position as CEO at Skanska Norge AS to become an Executive Vice President at Skanska Group. Skanska is providing this podcast as a public service. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by Skanska. The views expressed by guests and hosts are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by Skanska employees are those of the employees and do not necessarily reflect the view of Skanska or any of its officials. While Skanska endeavors to keep the information up to date and correct, Skanska makes no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the podcast or the information, products or services mentioned in the podcast for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk. #SustainablePlaces #UrbanSpaces #Decarbonization #transportation #Mobility

How can cities prepare for the impact of climate change in ways that also improve social equity? In this episode of Shaping Sustainable Places, we discuss what cities are doing to become more resilient. This episode features Sabrina Bornstein, Principal and Head of Climate Resilience at Buro Happold; Christopher Westley, Senior Vice President of Strategic Services at Skanska USA Commercial Development; and Sylvester Turner, Mayor of the City of Houston. The guests discuss how they are helping cities adapt to new challenges posed by a changing climate: - Sabrina explains the concept of climate resilience and how built environments can prepare to overcome both long-term and short-term climate challenges. - Christopher describes the need for resilience to be an inclusive practice that accounts for diverse communities and meets the needs of underserved groups. - Mayor Turner offers concrete examples of action steps that his city, Houston, has taken to build a more climate-resilient city, and how other cities can learn from their example. Listen and subscribe to the podcast. Learn more at Foresight. Skanska is providing this podcast as a public service. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by Skanska. The views expressed by guests and hosts are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by Skanska employees are those of the employees and do not necessarily reflect the view of Skanska or any of its officials. While Skanska endeavors to keep the information up to date and correct, Skanska makes no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the podcast or the information, products or services mentioned in the podcast for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk. #ShapingSustainablePlaces #UrbanSpaces #Resilience #Climate #Foresight #HealthyPlaces

This episode features Clay Nesler, Founder and CEO of The Nesler Group, LLC, Rune Stene, Managing Director at Powerhouse and Business Developer at Skanska Norway, and Tony Hans, Vice President at CMTA. Each guest offers their perspective on how currently available resources and technologies can be important assets to save energy and decarbonize the built environment. - Clay describes what he calls the “Four Good Deeds” of building that can carve a path toward net-zero carbon by 2050. - Rune explains how a common goal of decarbonization may require a unique approach for each individual building project. - Tony notes how new legislation and changes in building codes are making sustainable building more financially feasible. Listen and subscribe to the podcast. Learn more at Foresight. Skanska is providing this podcast as a public service. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by Skanska. The views expressed by guests and hosts are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by Skanska employees are those of the employees and do not necessarily reflect the view of Skanska or any of its officials. While Skanska endeavors to keep the information up to date and correct, Skanska makes no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the podcast or the information, products or services mentioned in the podcast for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk. #EnergySavings #EnergyEfficiency #SustainableBuildings #ShapingSustainablePlaces #Foresight