BREEAM Infrastructure Bergsbyn Business Park excellence

Skellefteå Municipality identified the need for a new 38-hectare industrial development that would support local economic growth while maintaining the region's environmental values. The project required comprehensive infrastructure including roads, water and sewage systems, district heating, electricity, and fibre connectivity. Rather than pursuing conventional development approaches, the municipality chose to implement an ambitious sustainability-focused strategy that would set new standards for industrial development.

The project was conceived as part of broader municipal development goals, with specific objectives including climate impact reduction through optimised excavation and fill management, construction equipment electrification, biodiversity enhancement, and resilient stormwater system design. The municipality recognised that industrial zones could be both economically productive and environmentally beneficial, challenging traditional assumptions about industrial development.

The project faced significant challenges in delivering an industrial development within budget and timeline constraints while meeting ambitious sustainability goals. The site presented complex geographical conditions, being largely undeveloped forest land covering 900 metres by 600 metres with a 25-metre elevation difference. This terrain complexity required innovative approaches to logistics, material management, and infrastructure installation.

The lack of existing high-capacity power connections created particular difficulties for large-scale construction electrification efforts. Traditional industrial development approaches would have resulted in significant environmental impact and missed opportunities for material reuse. The project team needed to demonstrate that ecological sustainability could deliver economic benefits, aligning stakeholder interests around innovative approaches.

BREEAM Infrastructure provided the framework for developing integrated solutions to these complex challenges. The partnering design-build contract model between NCC and Skellefteå Municipality enabled close collaboration and early sustainability integration across all project levels. A dedicated sustainability lead and structured follow-up routines ensured systematic implementation of lifecycle-based design decisions.

The project achieved full cut-and-fill balance through strategic elevation planning and plot preparation. All excavated materials - soil, rock, and vegetation - were reused on-site, eliminating the need for external material transport and significantly reducing carbon emissions. Advanced drone technology, laser scanning, and detailed mass management planning optimised material flows and reduced internal transport distances.

Electrification initiatives included testing energy storage systems, battery-powered excavators, electric crushers, hand tools, vehicles, and bicycles. Careful power planning ensured electricity availability at appropriate locations throughout the large site. Low-carbon asphalt with verified environmental product declarations further reduced the project's carbon footprint.

Biodiversity preservation became central to the design through early involvement of a local ecologist who guided site-specific measures using the mitigation hierarchy. Green corridors around industrial plots preserved natural habitats while providing recreational spaces for workers and visitors. The project enhanced biodiversity through reforestation, selective clearing to create forest edges, retention of dead trees for wildlife habitats, and establishment of open stormwater systems supporting ecological functions.

The project delivered exceptional environmental and economic outcomes through its comprehensive BREEAM Infrastructure approach. The 59% climate impact reduction compared to business-as-usual scenarios demonstrates the potential for transformative sustainability performance in industrial development. Material efficiency initiatives achieved 90% reuse of excavated materials totalling 98,967 cubic metres, with 27,000 cubic metres of waste diverted from landfill.

Economic benefits included overall project cost reduction of 3%, with materials management contributing most significantly to these savings. Site preparation on some plots increased their value by an estimated 40% compared to unprepared plots, demonstrating how sustainability initiatives can enhance asset values. Operational cost reductions were achieved by avoiding energy-intensive maintenance and operation solutions.

The partnering model enabled additional prepared plots for sale, increasing client value without raising overall costs. Collaboration with local partners facilitated material reuse between projects, extending financial benefits beyond the immediate development. The project achieved 98% renewable energy potential for operational use, supporting long-term sustainability objectives.

Environmental achievements included zero potable water usage during both construction and operation phases, comprehensive biodiversity enhancement through habitat creation and species preservation, and establishment of resilient stormwater management systems. The project's success earned recognition through nomination for the Sweden Green Building Awards 2023 for Sustainable Infrastructure.

The systematic approach to sustainability integration demonstrated that environmental responsibility and economic efficiency can be achieved simultaneously. Cross-disciplinary workshops and knowledge sharing sessions significantly increased sustainability understanding across the project team, contributing to broader construction industry development and innovation.