Focus on the environment at the Värtahamnen port

The Värtahamnen port is a modern port with many environmentally smart solutions. The construction of the pier results in a minimal impact on the prevailing currents in the Lilla Värtan bay.

1. Environmentally classified building

The Värta Terminal is environmentally planned and built according to the highest Gold standard of the Sweden Green Building Council Miljöbyggnad certification system. The building therefore fulfils the highest levels for energy, indoor climate and materials.

2. Energy efficient LED lighting

The port esplanade area is lit by lighting masts with LED lighting, which is more energy efficient than traditional lighting. LED lights have a longer sustainable lifespan and do not need to be changed as often. Use of a control system also provides the possibility to regulate where and for how long port areas are illuminated. The terminal uses electricity from renewable sources.

3. Energy storage provides heating and cooling

The Värta Terminal and Customs building are heated and cooled by 62 geothermal energy shafts bored under the terminal. Most of the heating and cooling needs of the building are fulfilled using stored energy.

4. 270 m² solar cell system on the roof

The roof of the terminal is equipped with a 270 m² solar cell system with high-performance panels. A display in the terminal building shows how much energy is provided by the solar cells. The facility generates 55 000 kWh annually, which contributes approximately 10 percent of the energy consumption of the building.

5. Green terraces with practical functions

The three green terraces incorporate sedum plants and flowers from the archipelago. The green roofs isolate the building and reduce rainwater run-off into surface water drainage systems.

6. Underground surface water drainage system

Under the port esplanade there is a surface water drainage system that has been designed to cope with large amounts of rain and to purify contaminants out from the surface water.

7. Well-planned and documented material selection

Environmentally aware choice of materials minimises toxic chemicals and creates a better indoor climate. All materials and material components selected have been reviewed and documented.

8. Black and grey water facilities in all ports

All Ports of Stockholm port areas have facilities to enable vessels to offload black and grey water, or in other words sewage, cabin and galley water. The black and grey water then enters the municipal sewage system for processing at a water purification plant.

9. Onshore power supply reduce emissions and noise pollution

The port is equipped to allow vessels to connect to onshore power supply, so that they do not need to use their auxiliary engines at the quayside. This reduces emissions and noise pollution.

10. Waste recycling on the esplanade and inside the terminal

Vessels can separate their waste for recycling at the port’s environmental station. The terminal building also has facilities to enable tenants and visitors to separate their waste for recycling.

11. Stone paving instead of asphalt

Large areas of the port esplanade are covered with stone paving. Stone paving has been chosen as it is more durable than asphalt and because asphalt is based on oil products.

12. The design of the terminal provides many advantages

The design of the terminal is thoroughly thought through. This has resulted in both a low energy consumption – around 40 percent lower than comparable buildings – and a comfortable indoor climate. The façade of the building has good insulating properties, thanks to good windows and well insulated walls and roofs. Sunscreens shade sun-exposed areas to reduce the need for cooling.