Explore the opportunities in project development and construction Worldwide #3.08
Leap into a new
career page 28 Home team advantage page 8 Photo Holger Staffansson
Now ...
Oslo, the capital of Norway, is the 21,000 sq m (226,042 sq ft) construction expanding – onto the water. The surface and an underwater parking garage foundations – or should we say, the future with space for 800 cars. site – for Tjuvholmen, Oslo’s newest resi- Construction in drydock is becoming a dential area, are now being shipped. The matter of routine for Skanska Norway. Re- site is not on land. Tjuvholmen will be cently, Skanska built an immersed tunnel to built above a parking garage that will be the Björvika expressway in Oslo in the same underwater and will form the foundation manner. Six sections of tunnel, each about for the homes. Skanska is building the 120 meters (394 feet) long, were floated to parking garage in a drydock in Fredrik- central Oslo, and this autumn the com- stad, 100 kilometers (62 miles) south of pany began to link the sections together. Oslo. Previously, Skanska constructed a series The first concrete structure, which is 85 of oil rigs in the same way. For Tjuvhol- meters (279 feet) long and 35 meters (115 men, about 45,000 cu m (58,857 cu yds) of feet) wide, was shipped in September. The concrete and 13,000 tons of reinforcing steel next structure to be shipped will be 155 have been used. The structures have been meters (509 feet) long and 24 meters (79 designed to last 300 years. feet) wide. Together the structures will form
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4 Take action A letter from the CEO. Focus on Docking Home team advantage opportunities 7 history 8 Mats Williamson hands over to Anders Danielsson, the new President of Skanska Bank, bonds or mattress? Now’s the Sweden. They speak about improving time to decide where to put your money. productivity and increasing customer Sometimes, it is best to wait – I recommend orientation. you spend half an hour or more reading this magazine – before you decide. 12 Teaming up And speaking of crises, remember what Henry Kissinger said: “There cannot be a for UK crisis next week. My schedule is already A selected group of seven, full.” with a single task: to I suppose that is what most people said maximize the unit's in September/October this year. Yet a crisis The aircraft carrierGold USS winner. potential in the UK. The struck, again and again. Up and down. Intrepid is pushed into new Skanska UK Executive “The Chinese use two characters to position by four tugboats as Management Team (EMT) is write the word 'crisis.' One character it prepares to dock at Pier 86 in operation. First task is to stands for danger; the other for in Manhattan on October 2, outline the way forward. opportunity. In a crisis, be aware of the 2008, in New York City. danger – but recognize the opportunity,” said John F. Kennedy. Let's put the danger aside – “We have nothing to fear but fear itself” – and focus 16 on opportunities. The global economy will regain speed and stability. Fingers crossed. Time to But it will not be the same as it was. celebrate Hopefully, there will be more room Please allow us to introduce for green construction. In this issue of the Project of the Year, Dirty Worldwide you can see that even His Boots and Golden Hard Hats Majesty, the King of Sweden, supports the who were honored at the idea. Management Meeting 2008. This issue also features the kings and queens of development and construction, the guys and gals in dirty boots constructing buildings, roads and projects Cover Leap into a new career, page 28 such as London’s newest and greatest Worldwide Photo Holger Staffansson hospital, a courthouse in Sweden and a Publisher responsible Worldwide is the group magazine windmill in Chile. under Swedish law from Skanska AB, and is intended Also in this issue, the Skanska Golden Karin Lepasoon, for employees, customers and other [email protected] Skanska associates. The magazine is Hard Hat Award winners and the new Editor-in-chief Alf Lindström, published quarterly in English. Subscribe leaders of Skanska Sweden and Skanska UK +46-8-753 88 17, free of charge by sending an application are presented as well as 22 trainees who [email protected] by e-mail: [email protected], or by represent an infusion of new blood into Address Skanska AB fax: +46-8-449 88 10. Worldwide is SE 169 83 Solna, Sweden printed on environmentally compatible the Skanska system. Tel +46-8-753 88 00 paper bearing the Nordic Swan environ- Fax +46-8-755 66 73 mental label. Feel free to copy pages Enjoy! Printing and copying Alfaprint from the magazine or to quote us, but U.S. edition printed by Dolan Wohlers please name the source. No responsibil- Produced by Grand Plan AB ity is taken for unsolicited material. [email protected] Graphic design Staffan Millqvist
Worldwide # 3 A letter from the CEO
Protect the company, take action and come out stronger
Market conditions are getting tougher. foundation for our independence. We are Finally, I must stress the importance of The global economy is slowing. Consum- one of the financially strongest, if not the our values. Our Five Zeros are not just for er confidence, the stock market and the strongest, companies in our sector. We show. We must always try to realize them outlook for public and private spending must not allow ourselves, or anyone else, in our daily business. We have made great are not as good as they have been. Un- to jeopardize this position. progress in several areas. Unfortunately, doubtedly, we are facing tougher times. We have a strong case, based on our our safety record is still not good enough. The financial turmoil has already af- strong brand and values, great people, This summer, we were close to achieving fected us in some of our markets. financial position, strong order backlog a full three-month period without fatali- The commercial market in London is and cash flow focus. But we must look ties. Then I was very sad to learn that we slowing, but luckily we have a strong or- further than that. The order backlog again lost colleagues in accidents. der backlog of commercial projects. The needs to be replenished so that we can Again, accidents are unacceptable residential market has peaked in Sweden, bridge the gap. Otherwise, we will risk because they are preventable. The health slowed in Finland and ground to a halt in ruining what we have accomplished in and well-being of our people is a manage- Norway and Denmark. And in California, the past few years. ment issue and, of course, everyone’s less tax revenue will soon affect public However alarming the current situa- responsibility. Safety begins in planning, spending on infrastructure. tion may be, we in the Senior Executive and efforts must remain focused all the As I write this, the global economy is Team are convinced that the market will way through to project completion. rapidly deteriorating. The downturn will offer us opportunities – and we must In a nutshell, we have to be able to affect us. We have to prepare and take seize them. adapt to the slowing market. Control action. Both corporations and municipalities risks, cut costs, increase safety efforts and We must do what great companies have new needs. For example, we foresee focus on key clients. do – focus on customer orientation as it increasing demand for green facilities. We A tough market allows great compa- will be harder to get new jobs, increase have the know-how to design, develop nies such as Skanska to really shine and productivity and quality, enhance risk and construct green buildings. Moreover, capture market share. If we prepare and management and cut sales and adminis- clients also want to do business with a take action now, we will emerge from the tration costs. green construction company. We have the slowdown stronger than ever. Tougher times, yes. But in our 121-year skills and our Green Toolbox. history, we have experienced and adapted So, we have to focus on our key clients, Go for it! to a number of ups and downs in the which include corporations and munici- market. palities. They have to be taken care of – in Johan Karlström, CEO Remember that success primarily good times and in bad. Let them know depends on us – not the market. This that we can help. requires leadership. With teamwork and At the same time, we can do more to leadership, we will emerge from this improve results through enhanced risk downturn stronger. management and control. Minimizing In the current credit crunch situa- project losses and increasing the number tion, we must ensure we get the cash! We of successful completions is the basis for must protect our financial strength – the improving our margins.
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Top 10 One-stop websites
One Sweden As of now, all than a selection of business Skanska-built ČSOB Bank Headquarters Skanska units in a specific units. We are presenting the in Prague is the greenest office building country will be collected comprehensive services and in Central Europe. In June 2008 the U.S. under the same national products we provide in a Green Building Council increased its web umbrella. This summer, unified way.” LEED Certificate from silver to gold. national websites were At the same time, the
Two launched in Sweden, websites have received Skanska’s 2007 Annual Report nearly Norway, the United a proper facelift, with hit the jackpot in the ratings by the Kingdom, and the United an entirely new graphic League of American Communications States, as well as in the framework. Professionals, scoring 94 of 100 points in Czech Republic, Slovakia, “By far the most the 2007 Vision Awards. Poland, Hungary, Denmark, important change is greater Helena Dahlberg has managed a virtual revolution.
Three Finland and Latin America. clarity with respect to the Skanska’s Puerto Rico office has “Skanska has undergone external market. Each received three awards for outstanding a web revolution,” says website is customized for its safety performance from the Puerto Helena Dahlberg, Global target groups. The new web platform,” Dahlberg says. Rico Manufacturers Association. Web Manager at Skanska governance structure also Each country has a
Four AB. “We focus intensely entails major advantages country web manager to Skanska is the number one brand among on the needs of our target internally, because we run the national website construction and real estate companies audiences and meet them will be able to gather our on behalf of all units in that in Sweden. The ranking follows a survey as one company, rather strengths on the same digital particular country. of B2B companies by the Superbrands Council in Sweden.
Five Constructech magazine recognized the Spin on industrial Waste not, want not New Meadowlands Stadium project production U.S. The growing population in Miami-Dade team with its Vision Team Award for its County, Florida, has placed huge demands use of Radio Frequency Identification Sweden By on the South District Wastewater Treatment (RFID) and Building Information merging several Plant. To meet future and current needs, Modeling (BIM) for supply chain industrial Skanska is constructing a new plant within management. production units the existing one to maintain operations 24 into one new Six hours per day, seven days per week. This Thomas Willumstad is the first Nordic unit, major construction and upgrade project Norwegian to be certified as a LEED Skanska plans will tremendously expand capacity. Once (Leadership in Energy and Environmental to capitalize on completed, the facility will be one of the Design) accredited professional. The economies of largest wastewater treatment plants in the Skanska Norway project leader can now scale to create southeastern United States. assist customers to go green. a cost-effective supplier to Skanska Residential Development Seven What is Skanska? Where does the Nordic as well as to external customers. The Congestion relief company come from? The new handy new Nordic unit, Skanska Industrial Production little booklet “Ready, set, go” has all the Nordic (SIPN), will encompass six plants – two Sweden Welcome relief to a traffic answers. Let “Ready, set, go” be your for wooden elements, three for concrete bottleneck in Gothenburg is in the works, comprehensive guide to Skanska. elements and one that produces industrial thanks to the Swedish Road Administration halls – with a total of 800 employees and and Skanska. The new Partihall connection Eight For the third consecutive year, Skanska be headed by Anders Göransson. Enhanced and its four-lane bridge will link E20 and E45. USA Building has received the Associated efficiency, specialization and competitiveness This will improve accessibility for freight traffic Builders and Contractors' (ABC) will help SIPN reduce the costs of residential to the Partihall district in eastern Gothenburg Platinum Safety Training and Evaluation production and achieve its goal of becoming while reducing traffic in the Tingstad tunnel. Process award for outstanding safety the best in the industry. Work is scheduled for completion in 2011. performance in 2007 nationwide. Nine The Nordica Ostrava property development project has achieved GreenBuilding certification. The first GreenBuilding in the Czech Republic. Ten Hagaporten III, constructed by Skanska in Solna, Sweden, was awarded Solna’s environmental award 2008 “for creating, with exciting architecture and ecological overtones, a magnificent and welcoming entrance to one of Sweden’s most dynamic cities.”
Worldwide # 5 Newsbreak
Return to Healthy teamwork U.S. The Shands Cancer Center at the existing hospital to the new facility. It is the University of Florida, Gainesville, is currently first partnership between Building and Civil in Lowdham one of the largest healthcare projects in the the southeast since Skanska became a single southeastern United States. When completed brand just a few years ago. in September 2009, the USD 250 million “The fact that the tunnel crosses one of the Grange (EUR 176 million), 500,000 sq ft (46,451 sq busiest roads in the city and had to be built m) hospital will house 192 inpatient beds, a in close proximity to the existing structure UK In 1997, Skanska was awarded Critical Care Center and a healing garden. made this a complex project-within-a-project a contract to build the 500 place “This project will be a success because of requiring specific expertise,” says McLaughlin. HMP Lowdham Grange prison in the dedicated and passionate team,” says “It was a big selling point to the owner that we Nottinghamshire, England. More than Project Executive Mark McLaughlin. “And could do the work in-house.” 10 years on, the facility needs more while sometimes it seems like all our talk about That said, both business units admit that space. Design and construction has teamwork is just lip there was a learning curve. already begun on the 260 cell and service, in a project of “We’re used to controlling a activities extension set for completion this size, everyone has to “This project site, so it was a new experience in 2010. Earlier this year Serco, the be working in synch.” for us to be a subcontractor, customer who operates and manages In this case, Skanska while at Skanska USA Building, the prison, appointed Skanska to expand USA Building, Skanska will be a they’re used to the CM model,” the prison at Dovegate, England, as USA Civil, subcontractors Skanska USA Civil Southeast well. and the client are working VP John Hellman explains. “At together to make this success” first, we were treating each a fast-track job. They other like separate companies. managed to cut a schedule of 36 months to 32. We had to break down those boundaries and “When we bid the structure out, the learn how to work together.” subcontractors had to agree to our detailed “Despite the initial hiccups, Skanska USA 13-month structure schedule,” says Senior Civil has turned out to be an excellent partner,” Superintendent Ralph Easterwood. “And we McLaughlin emphasizes. “The tunnel is have a great relationship with the client. Brad progressing on schedule without a hitch.” Pollitt has a passion for the project and a lot Because of the accomplishments achieved on of sway in bringing in the Skanska team from this job, Shands will likely serve as a model for Stefan Malmquist Stefan Illustration all over.” Easterwood himself is from Atlanta. the USD 300 million (EUR 211 million) Nemours Skanska USA Civil was brought in at the Children’s Clinic facility in Orlando and Sarasota beginning of the project to construct a tunnel Memorial Hospital’s USD 250 million (EUR 176 440 feet (134 meters) long to connect the million) master plan.
Solving Slovakian traffic Slovakia The D1 road between Sverepec and Vrtižer in Slovakia is a congested and dangerous bottleneck for economic growth. Skanska has begun construction on a 4.9-kilometer (3-mile) section of freeway – including six bridges, two overpasses and one rest area – that will help transform the route into one of efficiency and safety in harmony with the natural beauty of the area. The consortium-led project is being financed by the EU Cohesion Fund and is expected to be completed in October 2010.
Buried treasure UK Microwave and optical fiber offer broadband transfer rates much faster than copper lines in the Longest backhaul network. It only makes sense for British waterslide Telecommunications to remove redundant Poland The Zielona Gora recreation and underground cable in the sports center is soon to be home to a North and Scotland Regions 210-meter (689-foot) waterslide, the longest of their Openreach Network. in Poland. Skanska, one of the largest Building on a business construction companies in Poland, is building relationship of almost two it on behalf of the Zielona Gora City Authority decades, Skanska has been for Sport and Recreation. The center will be a awarded the contract to focal point of activity for young and old alike. remove about 51,000 tons The 8,200 sq m (88,264 sq ft) sport center and of cable. 11,240 sq m (120,986 sq ft) swimming center are expected to be finished in mid-2010.
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The aircraft carrier USS Intrepid is pushed into position by four tugboats as it prepares to dock at Pier 86 on October 2, 2008, in New York City. Docking history Text Joan Capelin Photo Scanpix
A heart for building U.S. Skanska worked under contract to the the 1,000 wood piles that were required to Hudson River Park Trust to rebuild New York remain from the old pier. U.S. When one of the best specialist City’s Hudson River Pier 86 into a “military- The new pier is 782 feet long by 150 feet hospitals in the United States, Miami style,” state-of-the-art pier facility for the wide (238 meters by 46 meters). Notable Valley Hospital in Dayton, Ohio, asked reopening of the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space features include a 65-foot (20-meter) glass Skanska and Shook Construction to Museum. elevator tower up to the museum’s hangar build its new 11-story Heart Tower, the According to Project Manager Stephan and flight decks, three other stair towers, construction companies didn’t have the Freid, Skanska first removed the original shade structures, and all of the utilities that heart to say “No.” The new facility will deteriorated pier and then built its serve the ship. feature a heart center with cardiac surgery replacement on 360 steel-pipe piles sunk to The 50-year-old aircraft carrier was suites and 180 private patient rooms. river bedrock. Skanska brought in a special converted into a popular museum and special The green building will not only have its team of divers and underwater engineers events venue. Towed from her berth in 2006, patients’ best interests in mind but the to complete the environmentally sensitive the ship has been extensively retrofitted for planet’s as well. Work will be completed project, which entailed stringent safeguards her reopening on November 8, 2008. The at the end of 2010. of the marine habitat that has formed around museum expects one million visitors per year.
Worldwide # 7 Mats Williamson and Anders Danielsson.
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Clarion Initiatives and achievements • Aggregated procurement reduced costs for some key building materials and equipment 5 percent per year during the past two years compared to the consumer price index. About 30 percent of the unit’s purchasing volume is coordinated. The on-line purchasing tool IBX was initiated. • 40 percent of Home team engineering recruits in the past two years have been female. • Raising green awareness: Arranged for all Skanska advantage Sweden employees to be able to see Al Gore’s “An Inconvenient Truth” for free. Stockholm, Sweden From black sheep to a flagship company: • Encouraged and took in the past six years, Skanska Sweden has turned around. steps to be carbon-dioxide neutral. Text Alf Lindström Photo Holger Staffansson • Recruiting efforts: Skanska 21, inviting students “We have definitely turned the does is seen as Skanska. When Skanska tide. to work and write their But we still have great potential to Sweden is good, Skanska is good. This is improve,” says Anders Danielsson, new underlined by the fact that the company’s theses on Skanska projects, President of Skanska Sweden. “Improving shares are listed in Stockholm, most of and P3, to recruit more productivity and increasing our customer the publicity about Skanska comes from project leaders. orientation will leverage our results going Sweden and most analysts and sharehold- • Developing the people: forward. ers are based in Sweden. Yearly development “But before we can pat ourselves on The bottom line shows outperform- programs for all regional the back, we must improve our safety ance. In addition, Skanska Sweden is managers, project performance. We can’t be satisfied until a forerunner in diversity, standardized all our colleagues can return home safely production and aggregated purchasing. managers and production every day. Improving In 2003, the founda- management. safety is a major chal- tion for a major turna- • Awards: The industry’s lenge. Planning for “Reducing round was laid. Mats most attractive employer prevention must be a Williamson, President and the most attractive top priority for manage- at that time, gath- employer in all categories ment, along with steps our costs ered a team to drive among engineering students to improve productivity the change. Anders and customer focus.” Danielsson was part (according to new graduate Losing on your home is a must. of the process from surveys by Universum). ground is not an option the beginning. Now he • The city of Solna’s if you want to be a win- is stepping up as the environmental award ner. Skanska Sweden Standards leader of the team, the for Hagaporten III – the has a very important unit and the pursuit for GreenBuilding built and role because the unit is will raise even better margins. developed for ÅF in Solna. so close to the “mother “Reducing our costs ship” Skanska AB. is a must. Standardiza- What the Swedish unit efficiency” tion of processes, com-
Worldwide # 9 Interview
Swiss Re
Uddevalla bridge.
ponents and products will raise efficiency and projects that we would aim for.” and enable us to benefit from aggregated “If we get Building on experience, the team soon procurement.” realized that new initiatives were also The Moderna Hus concept shows that needed to achieve success. production costs for multistory resi- closer to our “For example, we initiated aggregated dential blocks can be reduced without procurement for the economies of scale jeopardizing standards. The joint Nordic and reduced costs. We also started to de- ventures Skanska Xchange and Skanska clients, we velop our ModernaHus concept, aimed at Industrial Production Nordic will do for raising productivity using more standard- residential construction what Henry Ford can serve ized technical design and production.” did for automobile manufacturing. Although the Skanska Sweden and Moreover, Skanska Sweden is taking Skanska UK units differ – such as in on a leading role in non-financial areas. them better” market share, segments, geographical Recruiting a more diverse workforce and coverage and the number of partnership holding ethical training will make the cal or more energy-efficient solutions.” projects –some fundamental qualities are company stronger and more competitive. Mats Williamson, appointed President shared across the units. During the past few years, more than of Skanska UK this summer, is starting a “Working for Skanska UK will be a dif- 40 percent of engineering recruits have journey in the United Kingdom similar ferent story altogether. I have started my been female. The numbers are also rising to the one he made with Sweden in 2002. work from scratch, listening and learning. for non-engineers newly hired and for “In Sweden, we set high and common But as part of Skanska, of course, we are people with a more diverse background, goals for the unit: high because we were united by our common values. It is great in terms of gender, ethnicity or education. aiming at world-class performance, com- to recognize the Skanska spirit. There are “Becoming a more diverse company mon because we wanted to create a team lots of committed high performers on will make us better at serving our clients spirit, a shared responsibility to lift the these projects.” and make us a more attractive employer,” entire unit. This enhanced knowledge- Williamson is known to have very says Danielsson, who recently led the sharing and made the weakest link strong values. In Sweden, he was involved Group’s diversity task force. stronger. I don’t think we will aim for in the private sector’s committee for After a period of focus on internal anything less than that in the UK” business ethics and initiated Skanska processes, the spotlight will now be on “Also, having a firm belief in a clear Sweden’s ethical council. Has he kept to the clients. A stronger customer focus is strategy makes it easy to say, ‘No,’ to those values? top priority. things not included in the strategy.” “Yes, of course. There is no other “If we get closer to our clients, under- Teamworking does the work, is Wil- way for me. And it is a learning proc- stand their needs and their business, we liamson’s philosophy. ess. I have noticed and been impressed can serve them better. We can improve “Typically, I gather a team of peo- by the very focused efforts on worksite our offer and we can help them to a better ple who have a long track record of safety here in the United Kingdom. On solution if we are trusted to participate successful projects. In Sweden, we the other hand, I have also noticed less earlier in the process. We have the exper- established a strategy based on those environmental focus here. So we all need tise to offer, for example, more economi- experiences. We short-listed customers to learn and improve.” l
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Worldwide # 11 Interview
The UK Executive Management Team
Mats Williamson heads up the Skanska UK EMT as Business Unit President, and is joined by six Executive Vice Presidents (EVPs). Mike Putnam, EVP, is responsible for Construction, Regional Services, Construction Specialists and Design Operating Units. Philip Carré, EVP, has overall main responsibility for Corporate Finance. Mark Galloway, EVP, has responsibility for Corporate Legal, Secretariat, Commercial Support and Risk Management teams.
Three new members have been promoted internally to the Executive Management Team as EVPs: Bill Hocking, EVP, is responsible for the Civil Engineering, Piling and Ground Engineering, Utilities and Infrastructure Services Operating Units. Harvey Francis, EVP and HR Director, is responsible for the HR and Learning and Development functions. Roger Bayliss, EVP, has responsibility for leading Business Improvement, Procurement and IT. Philip Carré, Mike Putnam, Mark Galloway, Bill Hocking, Mats Williamson, Roger Bayliss and Harvey Francis. Teaming up for the UK
London A select group of seven, with a single task – to maximize the unit's potential in the UK. The new Skanska UK Executive Management Team (EMT) is in operation. Its first task is to outline the way forward.
Text Alf Lindström Photo Skanska UK
Mats Williamson took office as the “Teamwork is important, and meet- must increase internal management re- new Skanska UK President this summer. ings will become more frequent. One of cruiting and also increase mobility within During his first months he was an avid the first things will be how to share and the unit. Moving from civil engineering listener. He has gathered a talented group divide work among us.” to building construction, or from front of experienced people with a solid track Although work has just begun, line operations on projects, for example, record to form the Executive Manage- Williamson points out a few things that to support staff is very rewarding for ment Team. This group will now jointly he is aiming to develop. personal development.” form the future strategy, the dos and “We have to discuss what we want to At the same time the team has to keep don’ts and the way forward. be, where we want to go and how we a close look at the market and the current “Together, members of the EMT will want to do it. It is about identifying the financial turmoil. lead Skanska UK and will also champion a route and implementing the steps of our “First we have to secure the cash flow, collaborative and ‘One Skanska’ approach journey to be a sustainable part of the then we also have to seek new opportuni- throughout our business,“ says Mats Wil- Skanska family, today and in the future. ties. Luckily, we have a strong short-term liamson, now a London resident. Once we have established the overall order book. But we must also focus on “We in the EMT will work closely with picture, we have to set financial targets the future.” l the Managing Directors and the lead- as well as targets for safety, environment ers of our enabling functions in a Senior and HR,” Williamson continues. Management Team. “For example, I think it is clear that we
12 Worldwide # Topping out London A year ago, it was just a hole in the ground. Now, the new 17-story hospital is topping out.
Text Alf Lindström Photos Holger Staffansson
Worldwide # 13 It is one of two (together with the St. going to do,” Mervyn Lowe recalls. He is tures are no longer wrapped individually. Bartholomew’s hospital in the City of Skanska UK’s Royal Construction Project This is favorable for a number of reasons London just two miles away) that com- Director for The London site. – environmental, logistical and financial. prise the GBP 1 billion (USD 1.6 billion) Before construction began, 12 build- Statistics show that the savings are sig- Skanska PFI/PPP project – presently the ings from varying eras of the hospital’s nificant: less waste and fewer transports largest healthcare PPP redevelopment in long history were demolished. The oldest convert to thousands of pounds saved. Europe. was from the 19th century. An astonish- Being a considerate contractor, Skan- September 2008 marked a milestone ing 95 percent of the material from these ska also took actions to minimize noise, for healthcare in London. A long-awaited buildings was recycled. Concrete was dust and vibrations, especially because all dream for a new hospital is becoming a crushed, steel recycled and the classic of the existing hospital has remained in reality in a 142,000-sq-m (1,500,000-sq-ft) London bricks cleaned and reused. In operation every day during demolition building now rising in Whitechapel in East fact, some are now on sale, and very and construction. Before starting these London. When the first phase is completed sought after, at retailers for traditional phases, Skanska proactively liaised with in 2012, the 5,000-room hospital will in- building materials. And, yes, historic hospital staff and the National Health clude care, teaching and research facilities. buildings on the site were preserved. Service to alleviate concerns about poten- It will house the majority of Barts and The tial disturbances. London's existing inpatient services, as well All potential disturbances are being as a brand new accident and emergency “There's only monitored by highly sensitive instru- department, incorporating the walk-in ments administered by independent center, and a new children’s hospital. authorities. Dust sensors are so sensitive The linked triple towers, with steel and one way to they pick up dust from Saudi Arabian blue-glass-clad facades, rise in the midst sandstorms and Russian forest fires, and of a residential area. Logistics are a major vibration sensors record vibrations from challenge. Traffic management is crucial. do it right” trucks three blocks away. All truck movements so far (about 250 Construction only 2.5 meters (8.2 feet) per day) have been scheduled by the Waste during the construction phase away from a children’s intensive care unit hour. Some of the larger vehicles were was also minimized and segregated in is a challenge. An accoustic screen re- guided through the narrow streets by separate streams. Waste targets were es- duced the noise. “It’s like being wrapped flagmen in front and rear. tablished down to the kilogram for every in cotton…,” said the head nurse, who “We cooperate closely with the local supplier. And they were asked to rethink noted that they had not suffered any community and provide information transport wrapping. For example, a new disturbances. about all our plans. At one of the monthly type of container pallet, easy to fold and Construction of 3,500 sq m (37,674 public meetings, one person noted, “You return to the supplier, was used for the sq ft) of temporary wards on top of the have done exactly what you said you were first time. Single items such as light fix- nearby Alexandra Wing for the coronary
14 Worldwide # John Costello, Chairman, Capital Hospitals, the project company owned by Skanska Infrastructure Development, Innisfree and John Laing; Mats Williamson, Business Unit President, Skanska UK; Dr. Keith Palmer, Chairman, Barts & The London NHS Trust; Julian Nettel, Chief Executive, Barts & The London NHS Trust, join forces to top out the first phase of The London Hospital.
care and neurosurgery departments was take care of waste that falls in between. ceremony in September 2008. also completed without disrupting the For safety, quality and financial reasons, “There’s only one way to do it, and surgical wards and diagnostic operations the services modules were prefabricated that’s do it right. I do it to Skanska stand- immediately below. In addition, the work off-site. Six-meter-long (20-foot) modules ards," says Mervyn Lowe, a carpenter by was completed with zero defects and six were delivered ready-made, with up to 14 trade, who now leads a team of 140 that is weeks ahead of schedule. different services, including pipes and ca- a mix of young and older, more experi- All of this has been an extraordinary enced people. accomplishment, especially given the At the same time in London City... scale of the redevelopment immediately “A clean site Just like The Royal London, the Barts near the hospital: construction of the project is also in its first phase. Unlike 22-33-meter-deep (72-108-foot) dia- The Royal London, Barts starts up in a phragm walls to keep ground water out, is a safe site” somewhat smaller scale – the first phase is driving of two-foot-wide piles (which had about 50,000 sq m (538,196 sq ft). Comple- a combined length totaling two thirds of bles for water, waste and energy as well as tion is scheduled for 2010. The logistics at the entire length of the Channel tun- medical gases and fire extinguishers. The Barts are even more challenging, as the site nel!), not to mention construction of a modules are delivered just in time to each is even more compact. The new building 17-story concrete structure cast in place. floor. Modules are installed by a couple of fills the site, so storage is outsourced miles The numbers are big in every respect. workers. The prefab modules reduce the away and supplies brought in just in time. For example, the main cores for elevators need for onsite work by 40 percent – work The Barts and The London Hospitals and utilities are as wide as two London that was partly carried out in a specialized have the same architect and major sup- double-decker buses. Skanska fabrication plant. pliers. “We selected them early on to ben- Ground works included the discovery The NHS is invited to inspect the qual- efit from the scale of volume,” says Ian of unmapped service utilities, such as a ity of Skanska’s efforts regularly. Both the Dodds, Project Director for Barts. The 600-millimeter (23.6-inch) gas main pipe, product and the way Skanska is carrying two projects also share the good relations two high-voltage cables and optical-fiber out the construction have been up to par. with the Trust’s project team. lines. One wrong move and the entire “This is a milestone. What you have “The Trust which is responsible for financial district in the Docklands further achieved in the past 12 months is healthcare never stopped us, and we east would have been cut off. amazing. We want to deliver world- never stopped them from working. We Living up to the motto “a clean site is class services to the people we serve have a fantastic cooperation with the a safe site,” every Friday about 20 peo- and world-class facilities to our doctors Trust’s project team. They play a very big ple clean a selected section of the site and nurses. Now we begin to see that role,” says Ian Dodds. l for two hours. All suppliers are by con- we are tantalizingly close,” said Julian More info tract responsible for their waste, but the Nettel, Chief Executive, Barts and The [email protected] “Tidy Friday” initiative is intended to London NHS Trust, at the topping out [email protected]
Worldwide # 15 Time to celebrate
Reijo Möttönen
Curt Burks Five of the thousands of Outperform projects executed in a safe and profit- able manner have been selected as Tom Schmidt Project of the Year 2007. And five out- standing colleagues are being crowned with the Golden Hard Hat Award. Ulrika Dolietis Ulrika Dolietis is the first award winner in the new Staff Employee category.
Text Gary Fabbri Photo Holger Staffansson Ulf Jonsson
Ulrika Dolietis Reijo Möttönen and I would learn a great deal from him,” says Alan Dunbar, Pre-construction Director. Skanska Sweden Skanska Finland “Everything we do goes through pre-con,” – Staff Employee – Production Manager Burks says. “It’s where most of the decisions Ulrika knows what it takes to erect Who are you going to call if you want a are made, it’s where relationships with clients scaffolding, pour a foundation and attach project to come in ahead of schedule and and architects and even the government start. plasterboard to thick steel joints. She improve margins? Reijo Möttönen, that’s who. We’ve done symphony halls, opera houses, has worked as project engineer and cost Site margins on Möttönen’s projects improve stadiums. We’ve done everything.” accountant, but it is as head of Gothenburg’s 6–17 percent, and he has always delivered on environment and work-environment efforts or ahead of schedule. Ulf Jonsson that she has found her calling. “There is a kind of magic about how Skanska Sweden “This type of work found me,” says Reijo works with younger people,” says Dolietis. “I’ve worked in different aspects of Jorma Vesanen, Project Manager. “They feel – Project Manager Construction the business through the years. But to be able confident with him, they know they can trust If there’s a knack to making a customer to make sure that we do the best we can in him and they want to work for him.” satisfied, Jonsson’s got it. “He’s a very terms of the environment and making sure When asked what the secret is to having powerful person. When he walks into a room, people work safely is really exciting for me.” a successful project, Möttönen says, he gains everyone’s respect right away,” says “Construction is all about teamwork.” Mark Majewski, Hotel Manager, Clarion Sign Hotel, Stockholm. “He’s also powerful when Tom Schmidt Curt Burks delivering. When everyone else looks down at the table and says, ‘Oh, my god, we can’t Skanska ID – Project Skanska USA Building do this,’ Ulf gets a team of 50 guys and does Manager Development Units – Estimator it overnight" “In a PPP project, I’m not a construction guy, If you want to know what it takes to be a The skilled workers also have huge I’m in the service business,” says Schmidt, who great boss, talk to the people who work confidence in Jonsson, mainly because he spends more than 1,000 hours in the car every for Curt Burks. He uses his enthusiasm, was a skilled worker before completing his year ensuring that the projects he’s working experience and wealth of knowledge to turn academic degree. When I ask him about the on are progressing according to plan. the complexities of the pre-construction Golden Hard Hat Awards, he says, “I was “I encourage the people who work for me process into a recruitment tool. born into Skanska. My father was a project to ‘know’ the project, to spend time on-site, People join Skanska because they want to manager here for many years. You can’t look because when a client needs information work with Burks. “I joined Skanska because I around Stockholm without seeing a project about anything, we have to have an answer." knew Curt had a wealth of knowledge to share he’s worked on. This prize is for him.”
16 Worldwide # Time to celebrate Mike Attardo and Stuart Graham
About the award
The Stuart E Graham Lifetime Achievement Award was initiated as a challenge cup in honor of Skanska’s former President and CEO, Also honored at the yearly awards ceremony was Mike Attardo who joined Skanska in 1990 when Skanska carried out its third U.S. of Skanska USA Civil. He is the first to win The Dirty Boots Trophy acquisition – the Sordoni construction management company. Stuart honoring the spirit of former Skanska President Stuart Graham. Graham was President of Sordoni at the time of the acquisition. As part of Text Alf Lindström Photo Holger Staffansson Skanska he soon made the business grow substantially and established Mike Attardo of Skanska USA Civil Northeast Hard work, passion and commitment are key Skanska as a major player in the U.S. is the first name to be inscribed on the Stuart requisites for success, according to Attardo. building construction market. The Graham Lifetime Achievement Award – also “You also have to have courage to make the company had sales at that time of known as The Dirty Boots Trophy. right decisions even in difficult situations.” USD 90 million. Today, it is the core Unaware of being selected for the honor, the Moreover, Attardo is known to be a “Great of USA Building, with sales exceeding winner exclaimed, "I am shocked, I don’t know Boss” and for organizing his project teams to USD 4 billion. what to say except ‘thank you,’” as he was promote young people with potential. Stuart Graham also started a presented the award at Skanska’s Management “In our project teams we always mix personal journey within the Group. Meeting recently in Orlando, Florida. experienced and young people. It is most Soon he was head of the entire The next day, when Worldwide met the enjoyable to see individuals from my teams grow U.S. operations and in 2002 he was Skanska USA Civil Northeast Vice President of and take on bigger responsibilities, such as Jessica selected by the Board for the task of Operations with a 28-year track record, he had Miller, who is now a superintendent at Croton making Skanska deliver on its true grasped the message. Water Treatment Plant, the company’s largest potential. “I am very honored to be the first winner of ever project.“ To honor and commemorate this award that carries Stuart Graham’s name. Attardo also credits Sal Mancini, the Skanska the high esteem held for his We respect him very much. We are proud of Stu USA Civil President, for boosting his career and accomplishments, the company and what he accomplished. He is the one who being a mentor and a role model in people decided to establish a challenge recognized the hard-working people in the field development. Shortly after graduating from Tufts trophy: the Stuart Graham Lifetime where profits are generated,” Attardo says. “He University in Massachusetts with a BS in Civil Achievement Award. always made time to go out in the field and visit Engineering, Attardo began work on the Coney The Trophy will be awarded a jobsite.” Island project headed by Mancini. to a Skanska colleague who has Attardo has an impressive track record of “’Great Boss’ is a wonderful concept, and embodied Stu’s spirit in his or her outperforming – always delivering projects to ever since I met Sal he has been a tremendous work. It will be accompanied by an customer satisfaction and results to the company. inspiration and role model for me.” honorarium of SEK 100,000.
Worldwide # 17 Zero defects for customer satisfaction Focus on customer satisfaction, and quality will be enhanced. This new zero defect target will be an industry first. And the fifth zero for Skanska.
Text Alf Lindström Illustration Stefan Malmquist
There were four – now there are five – the Zeros that restaurant you want both good food and good service. express the values of Skanska. The Zero Defect target We have to ensure that we include customers from the pinpoints the importance of doing things right the first beginning.” time, and fulfilling customers' expectations. Going forward, quality will be measured using a “The fifth zero being introduced is about customer Customer Satisfaction Index (CSI) across Skanska. satisfaction. It is putting the customer in the driver’s “This will differentiate us from the rest. It will seat, looking at what we do from a customer’s perspec- strengthen our brand and it will affect our bottom line. tive. And it is also a golden opportunity to listen and Coming back to fix defects costs too much. Doing the learn from it,” says Johan Karlström, Skanska’s Presi- same work twice is not in our budget. We want repeat dent and CEO. customers, not repeat work,” says Johan Karlström. “Quality is more than zero defects and spotless To find out how to increase quality, achieve zero projects. It includes both product and processes. At a defects and measure performance, a taskforce was set
18 Worldwide # The team of five comprises Eduardo Koch, Patrik Larsson, Tom Fulton, Annika Jernberg and Leo Sinicin.
up in the company’s executive develop- ment program, STEP. The team of five, comprising Annika Jernberg, Tom Fulton, Eduardo Koch, Patrik Larsson and Leo Sinicin, covers both residential and commercial development businesses as well as building and civil engineering. Green and healthy In their analysis the team discovered that the quality issue differs between the business units – how it is defined, meas- Seattle, Washington Skanska’s LEED® Gold certified ured and tackled. Experience from the implementation of the earlier four Zeros headquarters – Alley24 Seattle – provides a breath of – for loss-making projects, environmen- fresh air to employees and strong selling points to clients. tal incidents, safety and ethics – showed the need for a common system through- Text Gary Fabbri Photos Skanska USA out the company. Hence, the Customer Satisfaction Index. “One common measurement is the most effective way. Through CSI we will have a universal measure of quality within the Skanska Group,” says Annika Zero defects for Jernberg, HR manager at Skanska Resi- dential Development Nordic. The fifth zero focuses directly on the clients’ interests. “It’s a direct way to include clients in customer satisfaction the company’s core values. In the end no one except our customers can decide whether we have succeeded. “Unquestionably, if quality improves, customer satisfaction will improve.” During 2009, CSI will be implemented in all business units. A basic set of ques- tions will be universal. In the implemen- tation process, however, each business unit also needs to address issues directly “We were in an old, rundown industrial accredited. We provide free internal training, relevant to their specific customers. building before moving to this office, which and being in this building is an inspiration for “Bridge, building or home, the only we finished about two years ago,” says Bill all of us who work here.” way to customer satisfaction is to deliver Fouty, Director of Mechanical Services. “Since The building is a showcase for clients who the desired product on time and to have moving here, we’ve doubled the number of want to build green. Fouty points towards the a good relationship with the customer employees, but sick leave has been cut in half.” window in the far corner of the room through right from the beginning,” says Tom Natural light spreads through the spacious the semi-transparent glass walls of his office. Fulton, Project Executive, Skanska USA interior, and a “smart” system regulates both “It’s a great place to work. It sets us up for suc- Civil and a Golden Hard Hat Award the amount of fresh air and the temperature in cess when we work together with clients who winner in 2006. l the building. want a sustainable building, and it helps us “Seattle is a hotbed for sustainability,” says sell in sustainability to those clients who are More info Fouty. “We have a goal that all members of undecided.” [email protected] the mechanical services team will be LEED
Worldwide # 19 Green light for green solutions
Cut energy demands in commercial buildings by 50 percent while maintaining a high level of comfort and standard of living! Skanska’s Commercial Development operations in the Nordic region know how to make this goal a reality.
Text Alf Lindström Illustration Staffan Millqvist
Skanska is determined to become the tomers in achieving their objectives, which ported by us, naturally. leading green project developer and may include energy efficiency, emissions “Today, we have internal contact contractor. reductions and green certification. In most persons for every green solution. Soon, Since its inception, the goal of the cases, this will cut costs for our customers. I hope to be able to connect to our Green Construction Team has been to “We are greener than we generally suppliers. This will boost our expertise develop economically attractive green realize. We are becoming increasingly immensely. We also want to include solutions for Skanska’s customers. Now, green in our home markets, and we green innovations developed by our key six months later, the company’s green can definitely offer green solutions by suppliers in our Toolbox. knowledge is well-established – and pooling our expertise. We have already “Going forward, we want to cooperate there is no time to waste. Skanska has intensified our knowledge-sharing with our customers to better understand already begun cross-selling its solutions activities and have made connections their specific needs. We will also initiate and emphasizing the development of new within and between business units.” research and development activities. We products and services for customers. How does Skanska intend to become cannot rest on our laurels if we want to The Green Toolbox, which was intro- the leading green project developer and become the leading project developer duced at the Management Meeting in contractor? and contractor,” Rønneberg concludes. Orlando, will provide a variety of green “Our Toolbox cannot do the job by According to Skanska USA Building- solutions that can be implemented suc- itself. There will also be implications for President Mike McNally, going green is the cessfully into Skanska projects. This will our business units. They are the ones next big thing. make it easier for Skanska employees that will make it happen. All units will “Here in the United States, 40 percent to reach out to customers in all home implement action plans in 2009 – sup- of the population already lives in cities with markets, allowing them to benefit from specified green regulations. Most clients in Skanska’s Group-wide green experience. Hanne Rønneberg the healthcare and higher education sectors The Green Toolbox will be up and run- as well as developers are demanding green ning on Skanska’s intranet during the projects. first quarter of 2009. “Being green not only helps us to win “We have extensive green expertise,” contracts; it is also useful for recruiting and says Hanne Rønneberg, head of the Green retaining people. Our employees are proud Construction Team. The Team has identi- that our buildings are helping to save the fied and documented the Group’s green planet.” experience. “With the Green Toolbox, we are connecting the dots. We have green processes in place and the know-how to More info deliver green projects. We can assist cus- [email protected]
20 Worldwide # Concrete savings Text Alf Lindström Photo Skanska
In Skanska’s quest to be the leading years. Energy pile systems can reduce the new concept, the 2008 jury for Quality green project developer and contractor, a amount of fuel required for heating and in Construction Awards for Technical real gem has been unearthed by Cemen- cooling a building by approximately two- Innovation stated, “It’s clever, it’s market- tation Skanska in the United Kingdom thirds and can help reduce the carbon tested and it’s changed their business with their Energy Piles. This process emissions of a building by 50 percent. model to take them into a higher value combines the latest piling and geother- The process has a wide range of applica- sector – that’s quite amazing.” Clearly, the mal technology to provide an innovative tions, for temporary as well as permanent climate is right for it! source of renewable energy and has a structures. typical payback period of three to six Though geothermal energy is not a Winds of change to power Chile
Text Alf Lindström Illustration Stefan Malmquist
The winds are changing. New winds tion, assembly and implementation of are sweeping into the energy sector. substations and transmission lines to Soon 23 windmills will be at full sail in the National Interconnected System. the Chilean Andes. Recently, Skanska In all, the project will boast 23 wind joined forces with SN Power of Norway turbines and produce upwards of 46 to build a wind farm in northern Chile MW of power. Surprisingly, perhaps to augment the country’s limited indig- one of the greatest challenges engineers enous energy resources. will need to overcome is the wind itself, The project is expected to span 18 because the location is known for its months and includes engineering, sup- high winds. ply of Balance of Plant (BOP), construc-
Worldwide # 21 The color of money
In the presence of Skanska’s former CEO Stuart Graham and Elizabeth Heider, Skanska USA Building’s leading LEED® lady and green expert, His Majesty Carl XVI Gustaf, the King of Sweden, challenged a mixed group of corporations and authorities to do their green homework.
Text Alf Lindström Photos Holger Staffansson and Torbjörn Pettersson
At the New York Green Summit ar- “The color of money is green,” as as the Royal family’s castles and estates in ranged recently by the Swedish American Heider and other speakers at the summit Sweden, he regretfully admitted that he Chamber of Commerce (SACC), Elizabeth put it. could not fulfill his green ambition. Heider informed His Majesty and busi- Needless to say, less energy means less “Old buildings, that are several hun- ness leaders from Ericsson, Volvo and Saab carbon-dioxide emissions. Buildings ac- dreds of years old, in which we work and that Skanska is well under way. Heider count for 39 percent – and rising – of U.S. reside are not so easy to make green. We and Skanska’s other 178 LEED accredited carbon-dioxide emissions. And although are not like Skanska, which can construct professionals can assist clients to a greener much attention focuses on cars, build- all these new buildings using green tech- business, reducing energy needs in build- ings account for 48 percent of all energy nologies,” His Majesty said. ings and providing construction services consumed in the United States. Skanska’s former CEO Stuart Graham, in a green way. Data centers are huge energy hogs. Typi- now chairing Skanska’s U.S. operations, In fact Heider stunned the 200 people at cally, they use 10 to 100 times more energy was called in to provide his views and a the summit with an example of poten- per square foot than the average U.S. office business perspective in a panel discussion. tial energy savings. Based on the total building. Skanska’s Mission Critical group “We have to lead by example. If we ‘walk footage of a hypothetical portfolio of the addresses this challenge by building and the talk’ we can both move our organiza- participating companies’ properties, no monitoring green data centers which use tions forward and educate the public and less than USD 1.1 billion could be saved 25 percent less energy, saving clients mil- the consumers about how to live a more over a three-year period through reducing lions of dollars in energy costs environmentally friendly way of life,” says energy needs by 30 percent compared with And there is more to it than reduced Graham. current average facilities. And with a 50 emissions. The quality of life is also im- The many renowned speakers at the percent reduction, there’s USD 1.8 billion proved. Recent studies have found that in Swedish American Green Summit also to pocket over three years. Figures are in high-performance green schools, students included the U.S. ambassador to Sweden, the low range, because the hypothetical deliver 20 percent better test results. In Michael Wood, whose green initiative calculation is based on the lowest available green hospitals, patients are released 2.5 “The One Big Thing” has linked 52 energy rate. days earlier, and green retail centers with Swedish green innovation companies to “And a 30 percent reduction is not a big an abundance of natural light increase U.S. investors. thing for us. We can do even better with- sales (Walmart). “We have to have a 'man on the moon' out exotic technologies,” says Heider. “The built environment has a major attitude, that we have a serious issue to “Existing technology, such as tight impact. We have to shift the focus from address. Then it is about commercializing building, energy efficient exteriors, a initial cost to long-term value. And today new ideas. Unleashing the power of the smaller heating/AC system provided in no corporation that cares about their private sector will provide us the means a smart way, can give us 50-60 percent people, their customers and brand will to fight climate change,” said Ambassador better performance already today.” build something that is not green,” Heider Wood. Proof has been delivered in the form concluded. And the King, and the CEOs of of four recent Skanska projects for ÅF, At the closing press conference, the Volvo, Ericsson and SCA nodded in Pfizer, ITT Flygt and 3 in the Nordics. All Swedish king pledged commitment to the agreement. l successful projects economically as well as green car policy similar to Skanska’s. He when it comes to function and comfort for and his family drive all types of green cars. More info the users. But when it comes to his properties, such [email protected]
22 Worldwide # ÅF
Pfizer
3
Carl XVI Gustaf
Stuart Graham and Ambassador Michael Wood
Elizabeth Heider
Worldwide # 23 Mystery solved at One Kingdom Street A construction team knows what kind of physical impact a building will have before they start. The dimensions are drawn, and the volumes calculated. But it has been a mystery what the carbon footprint would be – until now.
Text Alf Lindström Photos Marianne Bergström
Working alongside the client, the Skan- we were able to get the measurements to the end of life demolition emissions. ska team at One Kingdom Street in the and information that we needed to make “Because we were measuring every- center of London took it upon themselves an accurate analysis.” thing the whole time,” says McKenzie- to measure the quantity of carbon emit- The total carbon footprint for One King- Boyle, “we had the chance to make ted throughout the construction process. dom Street turned out to be 24,815 tons. some environmental innovations during By doing so, they have created a bench- Total materials used accounted for construction. The weather was bad in mark for future projects. 85.04 percent of carbon emissions. The November, and we had to jet wash a lot of “We felt like we could really make a dif- biggest contributors were steel frame the vehicles. We developed a gray-water ference,” says Environmental Advisor James works (35.04 percent) and concrete recycling scheme, and that saved a huge McKenzie-Boyle. “There was a lot to do, works (18.02 percent). Construction amount of water.” and we didn’t really realize just how much activities came to 13 percent, and the “There were some costs involved,” says time and effort it would take. The main remaining 1.96 percent can be attributed Davies. “But the benefits to the environ- hurdle that we came across was in the data ment and to our business are worth it. In collection when we tried to quantify the this case, the client was very happy, and mass of the principal construction materi- we’re now working on Two Kingdom als used within the building.” Street.” “But the entire team got on board,” McKenzie-Boyle concludes, “We had says Project Director Paul Davies. “We open communication during the whole all recycle at home and we knew that we construction process. Lots of members of could make a real impact on a project of the team came up with great ideas, from this size.” how to recycle better in the office, to the jet “A lot of our suppliers and trade con- wash. Knowing that we were making a dif- tractors were unaccustomed to working ference created a great team spirit here.” with embodied carbon and Life Cycle Analysis,” says McKenzie-Boyle, “but James McKenzie-Boyle More info through communication and mentoring, [email protected]
24 Worldwide # Green bridge
Going green doesn’t mean you have to be a magician. Major environmental savings can be achieved through sheer sound thinking – and rethinking.
Text Alf Lindström Photos Holger Staffansson
Skanska’s Green Toolbox proves it. Through redesign- bridge with integrated abutments in Sweden. ing, rethinking and actively influencing the project’s “The new design was attractive as well as economically general conditions, Skanska Sweden transformed a and environmentally sound,” says Peter Polla, Skanska conventional bridge into a green one. Concrete, energy, Sweden’s Project Manager. transportation and ultimately costs were saved. In total, Skanska reduced carbon-dioxide emissions by The St. Lars Bridge, in Linköping, Sweden, is a solid at least 50 tons, the transportation of rebar from Poland reference for the going green approach. by 16 tons, concrete production by 275 cu m (360 cu yds), In the general conditions set for the project, the crushed material by 7,200 tons and asphalt by 100 tons. Re- Tinnerbäcken stream was to be rerouted through a new using granite blocks to reinforce existing erosion protection concrete trough. Skanska’s proposal was to leave the eliminated the transportation of granite from China. waterway intact and use an extra foundation for the bridge. The client was responsive, and Skanska Teknik More info developed a new, slimmer design: the first multi-span [email protected]
Worldwide # 25 Right building, right location, with right appeal
Sweden Skanska is building the new Malmö. Skanska projects are lined up in a row on Universitetsholmen in Malmö, Sweden. The spool-shaped Flundran block has only two corners, but the area between the sharp edge in the southeast and the straight angle in the northwest houses four government agencies.
Text Alf Lindström Photos Torben Åndahl
“We purchased the land in 1999- Courts Administration’s functional 2000. Initially, we had slightly differ- program. ent ideas. But the Court of Appeal The building is well-insulated had a strong need for new, functional and features a compact and pleasant premises. The location was perfect, shape. Accordingly, energy con- and we could also design the building sumption in the building will be to meet the users’ different needs,” low and likely be able to meet the says Gert Sjöholm, Skanska Com- conditions to qualify for the EU mercial Development Nordic. GreenBuilding label. That is, energy The Skåne and Blekinge Court of Ap- consumption is at least 25 percent peal has nine proceedings rooms, of- lower than what is prescribed in the fices and public spaces on the ground National Swedish Board of Housing, floor. The Swedish National Courts Building and Planning’s standard for Administration, Swedish Govern- newly constructed buildings. ment Offices and the Regional Rent The 10,000-sq-m (107,639-sq-ft) Tribunal reside on the second floor. The Court of Ap- property constructed by Skanska Sweden is complete, peals' three departments are on the third floor. The top and work is now under way by the Swedish National floor houses a library and cafeteria. There is an elevator Courts Administration with the technical equipment. from the dining area up to the roof terrace. The facility will be placed in operation at year-end. The entrance lobby is wide and welcoming. It becomes Skanska's investment amounts to about USD 33 million. smaller in breadth and height and funnels the visitors Flundran was sold as an ongoing office project already into the building where they step into a spacious atrium in mid-2007. The buyer was Vital Forsikring ASA, that rises up to the building's full height of four floors. Norway’s largest life assurance company. The table was The basement level contains a garage as well as a de- already set. The building is fully leased from day one, tention department, from which the defendants can be when they take over in November. Skanska and the moved directly into the courtrooms. National Courts Administration have signed a 20-year The splendid facilities are located in the center of the leasing agreement for the entire facility. city. The curvature of the building was borrowed by “And, if the National Courts Administration moves the architect, Kim Holst Jensen, Schmidt, Hammer & out, the building can be remodeled for other purposes. Lassen, from the flow of the canal outside the windows. It is highly flexible, because the inner walls are not The old Court of Appeal building and the Malmöhus load-bearing,” says Gert Sjöholm as he rushes off to the Castle can be seen on the other side of the placid waters. two-three new projects he is now developing in different The façade is covered with glass and black blocks of stages. Gert is a former winner of Skanska’s Golden Hard varying depth. What appears to be stone are blocks of Hat Award. l fiberglass-reinforced concrete. The interior is bright More info and airy in accordance with the Swedish National [email protected]
26 Worldwide # Claes Larsson
Still selling in hard times
Despite hard times, properties developed by Skanska are attractive to both tenants and investors. During the first three quarters of 2008, Skanska has sold Commercial Development Projects in excess of USD 256 million, including four major projects. Moreover, two commercial projects have been sold in the beginning of the fourth quarter. What is behind this success? “First of all I want to point out our leasing efforts, which have been highly successful,” says Skanska’s Executive Vice President Claes Larsson, who is also responsible in the Senior Executive Team for the development of commercial projects. “Then, of course, we have modern and flexible products in attractive locations. Being able to offer green and highly energy-efficient properties is also of increasingly greater significance.” Times are terribly uncertain right now. What effect does that have? “We have carefully assessed our business and gradually reduced the share of projects initiated without signed preleases. Therefore, our project portfolio currently has a relatively low risk exposure. In terms of new projects, we naturally have to assess them thoroughly prior to commencement.” And what is your view on investor interest? “For extremely attractive projects, we can count on interest to remain strong from pension funds, insurance companies and other long- The Skanska Commercial Development Nordic term investors. But highly team that did it. Marie Persson, Project Leader, leveraged buyers are currently Gert Sjöholm, Project Manager, and Camilla not active in the market.” Wieslander, Property Manager. “We still have 23 ongoing projects that will give us opportunities to sell in the future,” Larsson concludes.
Worldwide # 27 Leap into a new career These 22 happy young faces are potential future leaders and have just started their trainee program at Skanska.
28 Worldwide # They are participants in the second round of the Skanska Glo- both line and staff experience as well as gain an in-depth understand- bal Trainee Program. The 22 new candidates have been selected ing of operations in all four business streams. from among 4,000 external applicants from different countries, Aspirations and expectations are high among the new trainees. including places where Skanska is not active. The trainees quali- “I expect to benefit from personal and professional development, fied due to top-class university degrees as well as ambition and learning what it takes to be a leader, as well as facing challenges and personal qualities, which are just as important as good grades. adventure,” says Natalie Djurovski, Skanska USA Building, “We conduct a series of interviews because we want ambitious “I hope to develop the necessary knowledge and find a role that potential leaders with values and a leadership style in line with best utilizes my strengths. It is my hope to find a place in Skanska the company’s,” says Anette Lundqvist, Project Manager, Global where I feel I am contributing,” says Megan Heugle, Skanska USA Trainee Program. Civil. “Moreover, another important objective is to unleash the power The values and great career opportunities in Skanska are impor- of diversity. We are getting closer to our 50 percent goal for female tant for the trainees. participants. This year 41 percent are women. Additionally, 41 “I chose Skanska because it is an international company with percent have a non-technical background, including sociologists, strong values, exciting projects and great opportunities to develop architects and a disembarked seaman.” personally,” says Jakub Krenk, Skanska CZ. During the next 20 months, the trainees will rotate between different “It seems to be a friendly company that cares about its em- tasks in the field interspersed with weeks of training. They will gain ployees,” says Elisabeth Hersoug, Skanska Norway. l
Text Alf Lindström Photo Holger Staffansson More info [email protected]
Worldwide # 29 Johan Karlström talks about the Skanska dos and Talking to the future don'ts.
Text Alf Lindström Photo Holger Staffansson
The dos and don’ts of making a career at Skanska. Who “It was great to be able to learn about Johan’s expe- could be better to talk to about this topic than a person who riences,” says Ester Boogaard, from Skanska’s GSU has reached the top? Skanska’s President and CEO Johan Procurement, who initiated the meeting. Karlström recently shared his experiences at a luncheon What did you gain personally from the meeting with meeting with about 25 young potential leaders at the Skan- Karlström? ska headquarters in Solna. “That development is my responsibility as well as the Johan Karlström traced his own career inside and company’s,” says Boogaard. “That I should try to gather outside Skanska and discussed personal development experiences from various businesses, geographic areas, matters. The CEO also shared practical tips for the next different staff and line functions. Being from the Nether- generation of Skanska leaders and stressed the impor- lands, I already fill the criterion for working abroad.” tance of living up to the company’s values and image Petra Hajna, Skanska GSU Green Construction, adds: embodied in its strong brand. “I feel encouraged to build a network including a variety “We want to be a great employer that can offer great of people, to present new ideas, seek foreign work expe- development opportunities. You are the future, and we rience and to make sure I find a balance in life between need you! I am pleased to see so many young people work and leisure activities. I totally agree with the way working in Skanska today. When I recently visited one Johan said it. ‘If you don’t have a full life, you don’t do a of our largest projects, the A1 PPP highway in Poland, good job.’ I really appreciate his openness and the oppor- I was so impressed to find that about half of the project tunity to discuss these matters with Johan,” Hajna says. team were young people. Mixing younger employees and Karlström ended the session by encouraging everyone experienced personnel is a great way to share knowledge to be ambassadors and to spread the word about Skan- and to inject new blood. We need different people with ska among their young friends and acquaintances. “After varying backgrounds and a more diversified crew work- the experience with Skanska AB, that will be a piece of ing at the project sites,” says Karlström. cake,” says a smiling Hajna.
30 Worldwide # Then ...
110 years ago, it was 1898 and blasting The power plant started up in 1900. In the was started for the Skråmforsen hydro- following decades, Skanska, or Skånska power plant on the Svart River, west of Cementgjuteriet as the company was then Örebro in central Sweden. The power plant named, built a long succession of hydro- was constructed for Örebro Elektriska AB, power plants on rivers throughout Sweden. which was the country’s first company to Later, this specialty also provided a gateway deliver hydroelectric power to the public. to the company’s international operations.
Worldwide # 31 Posttidning Skanska Worldwide, 169 83 Solna Sweden Posttidning Port payé
Denmark Rising to an occasion. A new star is rising on the Copenhagen skyline. Skanska is developing and constructing a new 12-story office building called Havneholmen Tower. With energy consumption 15–20 percent less than Denmark’s tough energy requirements, the Tower will be easy on the eyes and the environment. The building is centrally located in an exciting area of the city and consists of two towers around a central atrium with plenty of room for tenants and parking. The project is scheduled for completion by mid-2010 and is already sold to the Swedish real estate company Norrporten, which will take possession of the property in January 2011.