Powerhouse Kjørbo, Oslo Green Office Buildings, Norway Eco Architecture

Powerhouse Kjørbo, Norway

Norwegian Sustainable Building Development – design by Snøhetta, architects

20 Jun 2014

Norwegian Positive Energy Buildings

Location: outside of Oslo, Norway

Architect: Snøhetta

Powerhouse Kjørbo Among Leading Green Innovations

Scandinavian think tank SUSTAINIA, releases a study on 100 leading sustainability innovations deployed on global markets. And Powerhouse Kjørbo is selected for its state-of-the-art innovation.

Powerhouse is a collaboration aiming to develop and construct buildings that produce more energy than they consume over the course of their lifetime – positive-energy buildings. The partnership consists of the architecture firm Snøhetta, the construction company Skanska, the environmental organization ZERO, the aluminium companies Sapa and Hydro, the consultancy company Asplan Viak, and the property management firm Entra Eiendom.

Powerhouse Kjørbo, located outside of Oslo, Norway, opened in April 2014 and is the first Powerhouse project to be completed by the group. By optimizing and combining existing technologies in new ways, the two office buildings from the 80s were renovated into positive-energy buildings.

After the renovation, the buildings’ energy needs have been reduced by 90%. This achievement has been rewarded with the BREEAM-NOR classification ‘Outstanding’. Powerhouse Kjørbo is the first rehabilitation project in Norway to receive this certification, and one of the first office buildings in the world to produce more energy than it consumes.

More than 900 technologies and projects on nearly all continents have been researched to identify the 100 outstanding cases, and to document where and how innovations are being developed and deployed. The study, SUSTAINIA100, is showing a growing diversity in sustainability innovations globally, which is providing businesses with new market opportunities.

“The selected Sustainia100 solutions are an inspiration to companies, cities and consumers worldwide. Sustainable innovation is truly transforming markets and industries these years – things are happening at an incredible pace. You will lack behind if you as a business does not gear your company towards a changed landscape, where an efficient and sustainable operation is key to long-term survival,” says Laura Storm, Director of Sustainia.

The released study, SUSTAINIA100, covers new efforts to turn the fashion and food industries, homes, offices and transportation systems more efficient, sustainable and enjoyable. All identified innovations are readily available with demonstrated sustainability environmental, social and economic effects. The 100 selections are currently deployed in 142 countries.

“While we don’t have the luxury of time to fix the problems, we do have the luxury of readily available solutions. And with Sustainia100, we now know where to find the most inspiring of them,” says Dr. Rajendra K. Pachauri, Chair of the UN panel for climate Change, IPCC.

Circular economy, big data and improved supply chains

The published SUSTAINIA100 cases presents’ trailblazing innovation across 10 industries. Among the cases, three drivers are shaping market-ready innovation: circular economy products, data analytics and sustainability practices throughout the supply chain.

“We are seeing how especially circular economy is a growing focus area. This is especially due to the resource and fashion industry rethinking methods and calling for sustainable alternatives in production and services. This is a huge incentive for sustainable innovators,” says Laura Storm, director of SUSTAINIA.

The study of 100 leading sustainability innovations is released today in Oslo, Norway, and available online. Behind the work is an alliance of private companies and international organizations including: UN Global Compact, WWF, Regions20, Monday Morning Global Institute, IFHP, Novo Nordisk, Storebrand, DNV GL, Realdania and Brunata.