Close cooperation between the main contractor and the consulting company at every stage of the development is one of the categories scored in the BREEAM classification. For this reason, in the construction of the SKYSAWA complex, the joint efforts of PORR and JW+A to reduce the negative environmental impact of the emerging facility began at the initial stage of construction and continued until the completion of the entire process.
- As a General Contractor, we are aware of our impact on the environment. When executing the construction, we strive to ensure that it meets not only technical and design criteria, but also those for sustainable construction. SKYSAWA is proof that this is possible - the skyscraper, built in a record 36 months, achieved an excellent BREEAM certification result. Of course, this would not have been possible without the involvement of all parties, including, above all, the understanding and support of the investor - emphasized Dariusz Wietrzynski, PORR S.A. Board Member responsible for building construction.
One of the first undertakings was to properly protect the greenery located on the site. The actions taken together with the ecologist involved implementing the solutions that would not only protect the greenery, but also ensure the best possible conditions for its further grow during the building development. The next step was to implement solutions for carrying out construction work, which made it possible to recycle and reuse construction waste at a level of more than 95%. Proper resource management and waste reuse is one of the solutions recommended by JW+A, which contributes to the environmental responsibility level of the building, and thus to the extra scoring in the certification.
In addition, the sourcing of building materials has been monitored. JW+A, together with PORR and an external assessor ensured that materials delivered to the construction site were purchased from environmentally certified suppliers. This is a demanding BREEAM category for a higher certification score. The entire process consisted of ongoing monitoring and monthly reports confirming the implementation of pro-environmental solutions in the construction process.
- The project was extremely demanding, and the expectations of the investor, Polish Real Estate Holding, were set at a high level from the beginning. SKYSAWA is a representative building located in the very center of Warsaw. The building had to not only fit in with the surrounding, but also meet numerous sustainability requirements and be user-friendly,” says Błażej Szymczyński, Associate Director at JW+A. “Thanks to the investor's strong focus on the goal and determination to achieve success together - we have made the building truly sustainable and indeed meet all initial assumptions - adds Ewelina Ulanicka, Green Buliding Specialist and BREEAM Team Leader at JW+A.
The list of environmental solutions implemented in the building itself opens with plumbing, ventilation and electrical systems adapted to the requirements of the BREEAM certificate. As a result, the building featured elevators with a stand-by system and energy-efficient lighting, as well as proper outdoor lighting to minimize light pollution. Water-efficient sanitary fixtures and systems to monitor water consumption and leakage were also used. In addition, a retention tank was built to collect rainwater. Thanks to the implementation of these solutions, Building B of the SKYSAWA complex received the maximum score in the categories of water management, flood risk and stormwater management.
One of the final stages of the development was the planting of native greenery within the site. Its selection was in accordance with the recommendations of a qualified ecologist. Then a long-term plan was drawn up describing the proper care of the plants surrounding the building. All of the greenery solutions contributed as much as 7% to the total certification score.
One of the areas for which SKYSAWA B received maximum points is the category concerning the organization of transportation around the building. The facility provided infrastructure for cyclists - numerous bicycle parking spaces, lockers for their users and showers. In addition, designated charging spots for electric vehicles have appeared within the development.
