Recent years have been challenging for property investors, with high interest rates and volatile property values. At the same time, increasing demands for sustainability are adding new pressures. How can an investor today ensure they get the returns they need from their sustainable property portfolio? 

We talk with two experts who share their insights into the challenges and opportunities facing real estate investors right now, both in Europe and the United States. 

This episode’s guests:      

Cecilia Fasth, CEO of Stena Property, a major property investor in the Nordic and Central European markets. 

Murphy McCullough, Business Unit President for Skanska USA Commercial Development.

There are some successful building projects that highlight the global trend towards urban sustainability and the impact of sustainable building design. To find out what it takes to design, construct and operate such a building, we take a closer look at Hyllie Terrass in Malmö, one of the most sustainable office buildings in Sweden. And what have been the major trends in the sustainable project development construction space over the past year? As we look back over our first two seasons of the podcast, we brought back a favorite guest, Lena Hök, Executive Vice President for Sustainability and Innovation with Skanska Group. Lena Hök tells us about two key trends that are really impacting the industry right now.

Guest: Åsa Johansson, Project Developer, Skanska in Sweden.Guest: Lena Hök, Executive Vice President for Sustainability and Innovation with Skanska Group

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

For many office workers, the post-pandemic years have meant a major transition. The return to the office has meant reintegrating into the social sphere of colleagues and customers, commuting to work, and maybe retiring those very comfortable but not too fashionable track pants. But modern workplaces have raised their game. Picture yourself working in a space that’s constructed with your comfort in mind, with cleaner air than your own home, with biophilic design bringing nature indoors, healthy food options, a gym, parking for your bike and even tools for fixing it. In this episode of Shaping Sustainable Places, we take a closer look at what it takes to create an office like that, a workplace where you want to be.Guest: Wendy Feldman Block, Executive Manager Director at Savills Northern Virginia office, USA.Guest: Katarzyna Zawodna-Bijoch, Business Unit President for Skanska Commercial Development Europe

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 

This episode features Shan Arora, Director of the Kendeda Building for Innovative Sustainable Design at Georgia Institute of Technology and Jimmy Mitchell, Senior Director Business Development at Skanska. 

Our guests discuss how the Kendeda Building was developed to meet one of the world’s most ambitious building performance standards — the Living Building Challenge.

-  Shan offers insights into the operations of a sustainable building and the impact it has on students and staff on campus.

- Jimmy gives listeners an introduction to the Living Building Challenge and how the Kendeda Building not only met but exceeded those standards.

- Students share their experience of the building.

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.

#SustainablePlaces #UrbanSpaces #EnergySavings #HealthyPlaces #KendedaBuilding #ShapingSustainablePlaces #Foresight #LivingBuildingChallenge 

This episode features Guillaume Charny-Brunet, Co-Founder and Head of Ventures at SPACE10, Mark Watts, Executive Director at C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group, and Morten Kjer Jeppesen, Director and Team Lead at Gehl - Making Cities for People. 

Our guests give their insights into what makes up a sustainable city and examples of projects on the ground that are bringing ideas to life:

- Guillaume lists five principles for a sustainable city, sharing what Copenhagen is doing as an example.

- Mark notes the shift away from city center-centric planning to more mixed and shared-use spaces.

- Morten gives a definition of a sustainable city and offers a vector to think about design: the daily journey of an individual from waking up to going to bed.

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.

#Sustainablecities #Urbanspaces #ShapingSustainablePlaces #Foresight #Podcast #HealthPlyaces #Skanska #15minutescity

This episode features Lena Hök, EVP of Sustainability and Innovation at Skanska, Emmanuel Normant, VP for Sustainable Development at Saint-Gobain, and Magali Anderson, Chief Sustainability and Innovation Officer at Holcim. All of our guests discuss the various technological innovations that are helping to make construction more sustainable and less carbon-intensive:

- Lena discusses the development of low carbon/near-zero asphalt, the first of its kind in the world, and Skanska’s approach to low-carbon materials.

- Emmanuel shares the challenges of encouraging the use of recycled materials in different countries.

- Magali notes how commercial relationships will need to change to accommodate the use of more sustainable materials.

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 #Foresight #Podcast #DecarbonizingConstruction #Skanska

Roads haven’t changed much in the last few thousand years. The Romans had the basic idea—a large aggregate covered in smaller stones, topped with something smoother—that we still use today. But the rock used in base and subbase of today’s roads, as well as the concrete and asphalt used on the surface, has to be mined and hauled to wherever it’s needed. Both are costly and not environmentally friendly. But now researchers are looking into cheaper, more sustainable, and smarter ways to build streets and highways.

In this episode we will take a closer look at what the new asphalt can do for the environment and for the construction industry.

Guest: Christopher Elofsson, project manager at Vällsta asphalt plant. 

Guest: Abubeker Achmed, senior researcher working for the Swedish National Road and Transport Institute. 

Guest: Jiqing Zhu, senior researcher working for the Swedish National Road and Transport Research Institute.

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 

Concrete has been around for more than 2,000 years, and it remains  the construction material of choice for buildings, bridges, tunnels and more. But its popularity means it has a huge environmental impact. What role will concrete play in the future of construction?

In this episode we find out how leading companies are taking on one of our most pressing climate challenges and cutting the carbon emissions from concrete production.

Guests in this episode

Karin Comstedt Webb, Senior Vice President, Heidelberg Materials Sweden.

Doctor Wolfgang Dienemann, Director Global Research & Development, Heidelberg Materials.

Doctor Bob Slansky, Head of Technical Research and Innovations, Skanska Central Europe.

With circularity a key approach to reducing embodied carbon, how are companies creating the structures and ecosystem to make used materials a viable and economical alternative?

In this episode, we take a closer look at how materials that are commonly seen as waste can be turned into valuable resources and become an asset for businesses.

This episode’s guests:

Anders Lendager, founder of Lendager Group in Copenhagen, Denmark

Barbro Brattström Grujovic, Business Developer, Skanska Sweden, SIS

The built environment accounts for almost 40 percent of global carbon emissions. But that big number represents a huge opportunity.

In this episode of Shaping Sustainable Places, we take a closer look at how turning buildings into intelligent, networked energy storage makes them more resilient, as well as improving the efficiency and reliability of the power grid as a whole.

Guests in this episode:

Henrik Ahnström, Director of Product, Process and Innovation within Skanska's commercial development arm in the Nordics.

Niklas Johansson, Commercial Product Manager for E.ON ectogrid™.

In this episode, we take a closer look at how communities are protecting themselves from the increasing threat of flooding. What are the smart solutions being used today to save lives and reduce the impact of flooding?

Guests in this episode:

Anna Åkesson, Group Environmental Manager Skanska

Pedro Ribiero, Head of C40´s Water Program

With its almost 700,000 inhabitants, Oslo capital of Norway has a vision: to be a smart, sustainable and inclusive city that thrives in all aspects: social, economic, and environmental. One important measure to minimize the city’s climate impact is to renovate buildings when possible, instead of demolishing them and building new ones with modern energy and accessibility standards. ​ 

In this episode, we look at how this renovation revolution is reshaping the Norwegian capital, and examine what other cities can learn from Oslo’s progress on renovating instead of demolishing. 

This episode’s guests: Heidi Sørensen, Director of Oslo City’s Climate Agency

Sara Zahl, District Manager in Oslo and a Skanska expert on renovation

Mass timber is driving a significant shift in how we build. It’s renewable, low in carbon, efficient to build with, and it looks and even smells great. It’s becoming a truly disruptive force in the construction industry.  

So why aren’t more building projects using mass timber? How Cn we overcome the biggest obstacles to accelerating the use of mass timber globally? 

In this episode, we get the inside running from last week’s International Mass Timber Conference in Portland, Oregon, the largest gathering of mass timber experts in the world, focusing on the entire industry supply chain. 

Our guests:  

Stewart Germain, Skanska USA Commercial Development’s Innovation and Sustainability Director 

Erica Spiritos, mass timber specialist and Director of the Washington Mass Timber Accelerator, who is working to grow mass timber regional ecosystems.

Hospitals are known for having a major impact on the environment, with significant needs for resources such as water and energy. So how can you build a hospital today that is sustainable, not only for the planet but also for the patients and those who work there?In this episode, we take a closer look at an amazing project where the construction and design teams worked closely with the customer to complete a major expansion of the UVA University Hospital in Charlottesville, Virginia, in the USA. The expansion had to be built while the hospital continued operating without interruption. On top of that, the entire project was tested to the limit when the Covid-19 pandemic hit the region and the world.Our guests:

Mark Humbertson Construction Administration Manager, University of Virginia

Jon Penndorf, Associate Principal at multidisciplinary design firm Perkins&Will

John Calvin, Project Executive Vice President, Skanska USA Building

Digital tech and artificial intelligence are shaking up the construction and property sectors. Two leading figures in Nordic property – Daniel Kjørberg Siraj, CEO of OBOS Group, and Christoffer Hernæs, Chief Digital Officer with Skanska Norway – discuss how they are partnering with startups to drive efficiency, improve safety, reduce costs and lower carbon emissions in an industry seen as traditionally slow to adopt new technologies.

In this episode, we take you on an inspiring journey to the outskirts of Prague, where a historic industrial site along the banks of the Vltava River has undergone a remarkable transformation. Join us as we explore Modřanský Cukrovar, formerly a sugar refinery dating back to the 1800s, which has blossomed into an attractive residential neighborhood rich in public spaces, modern amenities, and homes that integrate the latest in sustainable solutions.

Guests in this episode:

• Ondřej Mundl: Architect, Design Director at Chybik + Kristof Architects https://www.chybik-kristof.com/ 
• Ondřej Flanderka: Sustainability Manager at Skanska Residential Czech Republic.
• Petr Dušta: Senior Project Manager at Skanska Residential Europe.

Host: John Ambrose

In this insightful episode of Shaping Sustainable Places, we delve into the evolving concept of the modern office and its crucial role in fostering employee well-being and productivity. With the backdrop of a shifting work landscape where flexibility is key, the discussion explores the New Era of Work – a paradigm that moves beyond where we work to focus on how the work environment supports our overall health and enables us to thrive.

Guests in this episode:

Dr Whitney Austin Gray, Senior Vice President at the International WELL Building Institute.

Myrrh Caplan, Senior Vice President for Sustainability at Skanska USA Building.

In this episode of Shaping Sustainable Places, we head to New York and speak with Julia Casagrande from the Mayor's Office of Climate and Environmental Justice, who explains how an unexpected alliance is driving the electrification of the construction industry. Later, Carl Slotte from Volvo Construction Equipment and Gustaf Werner from Skanska Group discuss the role of collaboration and partnership in this transitionGuests in this episode:

• Julia Casagrande, Deputy Director of Clean Energy at the New York City Mayor's Office of Climate and Environmental Justice
• Carl Slotte, Senior Vice President for Region Europe at Volvo Construction Equipment
• Gustaf Werner, Vice President for Innovation and Development at Skanska Group

Host: John Ambrose

Follow Shaping Sustainable Places:

You can tune in, listen and subscribe to the podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or YouTube. Follow Skanska on LinkedIn for further insights and updates. Feel free to reach out to us via email at podcast@skanska.com.

How are partnerships powering the development of advanced technology in the construction and property sectors? Hear @Daniel Kjørberg Siraj, CEO of OBOS Group, and @Christoffer Hernæs, Chief Digital Officer and Director of Skanska Digital with Skanska Norway in this Highlights minisode. #ShapingSustainablePlaces

In this short Shaping Sustainable Places highlight, get an inside look at Skanska's innovative efforts to reduce water consumption in residential buildings. We explore how the smart reuse of graywater, for purposes such as toilet flushing, is contributing to more sustainable water use in our cities. A small change with a big impact for the homes of the future.

How is AI shifting the needle in construction today? This Highlights episode explores real-world examples of how data-driven insights are improving safety, sustainability, and decision-making in the built environment.

Learn how AI is reshaping construction with data-driven decisions, proactive safety measures, and a focus on sustainability. Experts from Gryps and Skanska discuss how these technologies are transforming the industry and what's needed to unlock their full potential.  

Guests in this episode: 

• Dareen Salama, CEO and co-founder of Gryps 
• Mike Zeppieri, Vice President for Emerging Technologies, Skanska USA Building 

Host: Emalee Mandl 

Follow Shaping Sustainable Places: 

You can tune in, listen and subscribe to the podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or YouTube. Follow Skanska on LinkedIn for further insights and updates. Feel free to reach out to us via email at podcast@skanska.com. 

Join us from Climate Week NYC as we hear from Dr Stephen Hammer of the New York Climate Exchange and Skanska's Lena Hök on the latest trends, challenges and solutions in sustainability. Discover how innovative financing, strategic procurement and nature-based approaches are shaping a more resilient world.

Guests in the episode:

• Dr Stephen Hammer, Chief Executive Officer, New York Climate Exchange
• Lena Hök, Executive Vice President for Sustainability and Innovation, Skanska Group

Host: John Ambrose

Follow Shaping Sustainable Places:

You can tune in, listen and subscribe to the podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or YouTube. Follow Skanska on LinkedIn for further insights and updates. Feel free to reach out to us via email at podcast@skanska.com.

In this episode of Shaping Sustainable Places: Highlights, we explore how electrification within the construction industry is not only the right move environmentally but also a smart business decision.

Discover how public procurement is being redefined to drive innovation, sustainability and integrity in construction. This episode features insights from the City of Stockholm and Skanska Sweden on transforming traditional bidding into strategic partnerships for a better built future. 

Discover how public procurement is being redefined to drive innovation, sustainability and integrity in construction. This episode features insights from the City of Stockholm and Skanska Sweden on transforming traditional bidding into strategic partnerships for a better built future. 

Guests in this episode: 

• Karl Jonasson Collberg, Public Procurement Officer, City of Stockholm Development Administration 
• Magnus Persson, CEO of Skanska Sweden 

Host: John Ambrose 

In this episode, we dive into the critical global freshwater challenge and the innovative solutions emerging to secure our water future. Join Siân Thomas, Director of Strategic Asset Management, Anglian Water, and Jon Kiteley, Divisional Director for Energy, Water and Environment with Skanska in the UK, as they discuss the urgent issues – from looming shortfalls to infrastructure renewal – and how strategic investments, collaborative efforts and cutting-edge innovations are helping to bridge the gap between the water we have and the water we need. 

Host: John Ambrose

As 2025 draws to a close, let's reflect on the insights we’ve gained from the farsighted guests who joined us this past year, celebrating how we are shaping a sustainable future, together. 

Guests in this episode: 

• Julia Casagrande, Deputy Director of Clean Energy, New York City Mayor's Office of Climate and Environmental Justice  
• Carl Slotte, Senior Vice President for Region Europe, Volvo Construction Equipment  
• Gustaf Werner, Vice President for Innovation and Development, Skanska Group  
• Dareen Salama, CEO and co-founder, Gryps  
• Mike Zeppieri, Vice President for Emerging Technologies, Skanska USA Building 
• Magnus Persson, CEO, Skanska Sweden 
• Karl Jonasson Collberg, City Development Department, City of Stockholm  
• John Penndorf, Associate Principal, Perkins and Will  
• Mark Humbertson, Construction Administration Manager, University of Virginia Facilities Management  
• Dr. Whitney Austin Gray, Senior Vice President, International WELL Building Institute  
• Myrrh Caplan, Senior Vice President for Sustainability, Skanska USA Building  
• Ondřej Flanderka, Sustainability Manager, Skanska Residential Czech Republic  
• Petr Dušta, Senior Project Manager, Skanska Residential Europe  
• Dr. Stephen Hammer, CEO, New York Climate Exchange 

Host: John Ambrose