Sponda Plc Press Release 27 November 2012, 9:30 a.m.
BREEAM certification granted to Sponda’s office property on Unioninkatu in Helsinki
A BREEAM environmental certificate for the level Good has been awarded to the office building known as Havis Business Center, which is located in the heart of Helsinki. The building was renovated by property investment company Sponda Plc and is the first new building or renovated property in Helsinki to receive a BREEAM certification. The renovation project of the Unioninkatu 20-22 property, with a total area of approximately 22,500 m2, was started at the end of 2009 and completed in early 2012.
The Havis Business Center is owned by Sponda and comprises several buildings that used to create the true concentration of banks between Unioninkatu and Fabianinkatu. The oldest of the buildings, completed in 1943, was originally built as the head office of the Postisäästöpankki (Postal Savings Bank). Over the years, the bank’s premises were expanded within the same so-called Turtle block to the buildings completed in 1953 and 1969.
Energy efficiency for buildings that have served for decades
A more energy-efficient and comfortable property was achieved by modernising the building services systems and lighting, among other things. Energy efficiency in the property is achieved through district cooling and capturing heat from the ventilation system. In addition, the old windows of the building were repaired to be more energy-efficient.
The major part of the premises of the Havis Business Center was restored in connection with the renovation project and with respect for the original look of the building; for example, the original façade of the buildings was preserved.
During November 2012, the production facility built by Sponda in Vantaa was also awarded the BREEAM environmental certificate. The property, with an area of 22,000 m2 and which has been fully leased to Metso, was completed in early 2011. The production facility is located at Vanha Porvoontie 229.
- Sponda’s goal is to certify all of its new buildings and properties undergoing significant renovations using the international classifying system. BREEAM and LEED are both excellent systems that will help in the management of environmental issues during construction and make sure the end result is eco-efficient, says Tiina Huovinen, Sustainability Manager at Sponda.
By seeking certification for its properties, Sponda aims to offer its customers high-quality and environmentally friendly business premises.
BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) is an international environmental rating system developed in the UK to assess the environmental impacts of buildings.
Sponda Plc
For further information, please contact:
Veli-Pekka Tanhuanpää, Senior Vice President, tel. +358 40 700 9646
Sponda Plc is a property investment company that specialises in commercial properties in the largest cities in Finland and Russia. Sponda's business concept is to own, lease and develop office, retail and logistics properties in environments that promote the business success of its clients. The fair value of Sponda's investment properties is approximately EUR 3.2 billion and the leasable area is around 1.5 million m².