LEED Platinum certification for new Lyyra building complex
The Lyyra building complex, located in Helsinki's Hakaniemi, has achieved LEED Platinum certification, the highest level of LEED accreditation. The choice of paints contributed to achieving several certification points.
A modern and adaptable complex
The new building complex, completed at the beginning of 2024, includes office space, a hotel and apartments. The project's goal was to create a contemporary complex that stands the test of time, with flexible interior spaces. The project focused on sustainable development and ensuring that the overall design serves its users as effectively as possible.
A unique aspect of the Lyyra project was its location on the site of a group of old office buildings in the Kallio district of Helsinki, directly above Hakaniemi metro station entrance. The first phase of the project involved demolition of the old office buildings. Despite the demolition work, the metro was able to keep running. The brick-clad complex fits well into its surroundings and has received widespread praise for its architecture.
“The shapes are not the typical basic concrete elements; for example, sharp corners were incorporated into the design,” says Olli Saarinen, project manager at Ylva, the owner of Lyyra. Terrace areas are being constructed on the pedestrian street of Siltasaari for the upcoming summer. “The feedback on the area’s transformation has been entirely positive,” Saarinen adds.
We created a carbon calculator to support decision-making, which influenced our material choices. Our goal was to choose materials that would have the greatest emissions-reducing impact while also being economically viable.
Investing in the highest level of sustainable development
The Lyyra project prioritised sustainable building, particularly energy efficiency and achieving an A-class energy rating. In collaboration with Finnish energy company Helen, an advanced energy recovery system was built to recycle energy efficiently within the complex and minimise consumption. While the efficiency of the system can only be assessed accurately after a year of use, all energy used in Ylva-owned buildings has been certified as zero emission since 2022.
The demolition of the Kallio office buildings generated a significant amount of waste, but up to 97% of the demolition materials from the Lyyra project were recycled. A large portion of the material was concrete, which was reused in earthworks and embankments. However, there is room for improvement in future projects as most of the material was not reused in equivalent applications. During the project, extensive discussions were held with suppliers regarding material emissions.
In the early stages of the project, the construction industry had limited options for low-carbon and low-emission materials, but this progressed rapidly during the project.
Choosing paint for sustainable construction
LEED Platinum is the highest level of certification. Although the impact of paint emissions on the sustainability of the project was relatively small – paint only accounted for about 10% of material-related emissions, while steel beams contributed more than 30% – paint selection still contributed to achieving several LEED certification points.
Buildings produce about one-third of all global greenhouse gas emissions and account for about 40% of total global energy consumption. Environmental certification systems like LEED and BREEAM have been created to help measure, verify and compare the environmental efficiency of properties in a practical way.
The choice of paint likely helped achieve five LEED certification points. The total LEED score for the Lyyra project was 85. And it was easy to find products that met the project's environmental requirements from Tikkurila's selection.
Design for better living
Green Building criteria set standards for designing and operating sustainable buildings with minimal environmental impact. Most Tikkurila interior paints carry M1 classification and EPD verification, which guarantees extremely low levels of emissions and odours. This makes them an excellent choice for buildings that are aiming for LEED or BREEAM certification.
By choosing Tikkurila solutions, you contribute to cleaner air and better everyday living.
Knowledge bank for architects and designers
Tikkurila offers a comprehensive knowledge bank for architects and designers. The service provides valuable resources, useful tools and up-to-date content to support architecture and interior design professionals in their work.
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