BREEAM Awards 2025: Pioneering Sustainability in Norway’s Construction Sector

On 26 May 2025, the BREEAM Awards were presented for the second consecutive year, celebrating outstanding sustainable building projects in Norway.

Organised by Grønn Byggallianse (the Norwegian Green Building Council), the awards recognise developers who take a holistic approach to sustainability and use the BREEAM certification system to document and guide their efforts.

Winners of the BREEAM Awards 2025

New Construction of the Year: Research Park Tromsø – Building 4

Research Park Tromsø – Building 4 received the award for New Construction of the Year. With a remarkable BREEAM-NOR Outstanding rating and a score of 99.2%, the project ranks among the top six BREEAM-certified new buildings in the world.

It also earned innovation credits for the integration of moisture sensors in roofs and walls, and achieved a 49% reduction in CO₂ emissions compared to a reference building. The project established local take-back schemes for flooring and insulation and invested in training local suppliers in BREEAM-NOR standards.

“To drive real change in the building industry, we need to set ambitious goals. BREEAM provides a clear framework for doing just that. Research and innovation are now taking place in one of the most sustainable buildings in Europe,” said Øyvind Eklo, Project Manager at Siva, during the award ceremony.

Refurbishment of the Year: Stenersgata 1–3, Oslo

Stenersgata 1–3, located in the heart of Oslo, was recognised for its extensive refurbishment of 17,000 square metres of office space. The project reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 43% and implemented an integrated system for indoor climate control, ventilation, heating, cooling, lighting and solar shading.

A striking 28-metre-high green wall covering 750 m² and a nature-inspired blue-green rooftop landscape have significantly increased biodiversity and improved urban water management.

Lifetime Achievement Award: Smedvig Eiendom AS

Smedvig Eiendom AS was honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award for its long-term, systematic commitment to sustainable development. Since 2012, the company has certified all new projects at the highest BREEAM levels and has established an in-house sustainability advisory firm.

Smedvig actively shares its experience with the industry and has launched a regional cluster for sustainable construction and real estate development.

Future-Ready Construction: Sustainability in Practice

This year’s winners illustrate how ambitious targets, combined with a holistic approach and innovation, can deliver buildings that not only meet but exceed modern sustainability standards. Their work is setting new benchmarks in sustainable architecture and construction in Norway.

For more information about the BREEAM Awards and this year’s winners, visit:
www.byggalliansen.no/breeam-prisen

Also read: Sustainable local development. Austria. Chris Butters