Tromsø Research Park B 4 – World’s Northernmost BREEAM Outstanding
Photo: Tromsø Research Park Building 4 – officially certified BREEAM-NOR Outstanding with a record 99.2% design score
A Milestone for Sustainability and Innovation in the Arctic North
Building Phase 4 at Tromsø Research Park was officially handed over on 6 December 2024 and is now the world’s northernmost building to achieve the prestigious BREEAM NOR Outstanding certification, with a record-breaking 99.2% design score. This is not only Norway’s highest BREEAM score but also ranks among the top six globally.
Originally developed by architect Niels Torp / Niels Torp Architects in the late 1980s, Tromsø Research Park has maintained a clear architectural vision that promotes communication and collaboration within its structural design.
Setting a New Sustainability Standard in the North – Praise from Siva and Consto
Steinar Jørstad, Director of Property and Ownership at Siva – the industrial development company, highlights the project’s significance:
“A landmark building that demonstrates what is possible – pushing boundaries and setting new standards for environmental construction in Arctic conditions.”
Siva’s goal was to develop a forward-thinking, sustainable innovation environment, and Building 4 in Tromsø exemplifies this with its record-breaking BREEAM-NOR Outstanding score of 99.2%.
“Shared Goals and Trust Behind the Success”
From left: Roy Heggelund (Project Manager, Consto), Øyvind Eklo (Project Director, Siva), and Ida Bordi Stene (Consto’s BREEAM Coordinator) stand in front of the newly completed building handed over from Consto to Siva on 6 December 2024.
Roy Heggelund, Project Manager at Consto, emphasizes the critical role of collaboration between client and contractor:
“Close cooperation and shared objectives were essential to deliver a building that is functional, energy-efficient, and environmentally friendly. Through open dialogue, trust, and clear ambitions, we achieved something extraordinary.”
Consto managed the turnkey contract and the BREEAM certification process, including innovative moisture monitoring and documented 49% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.
Groundbreaking Environmental Performance at Tromsø Research Park – Building 4
A Future-Proof Building with Low Carbon Footprint, High Reuse, and Innovative Technology
Building Phase 4 at Tromsø Research Park sets a new benchmark for sustainable construction in Norway. With a 99.2% BREEAM-NOR Outstanding score, the building exemplifies how thoughtful material choices, energy-efficient solutions, and circular economy principles deliver real climate and environmental benefits.
Tromsø Science Centre Building 2 – Sustainable Architecture with Canteen Facilities
Circular Economy and Reuse in Practice
- Old piping systems were carefully dismantled, inspected, and integrated into a new energy centre, illustrating circular resource use with both environmental and cost benefits.
- Local return schemes were established for floor coverings and insulation, alongside supplier training to ensure compliance with BREEAM requirements.
- Waste management was exemplary, with a 98.3% sorting rate and only 23.8 kg residual waste per square metre.
Sustainable Low-Emission Materials
- The project achieved a 49% CO₂ reduction compared to conventional office buildings by using low-carbon concrete, recycled materials, and certified eco-friendly products.
- Strong focus on healthy indoor environments, thermal comfort, and the use of materials free from harmful substances, combined with energy-efficient lighting and ventilation.
- Optimera supplied all BREEAM-compliant building materials, including FSC-certified timber, sustainable insulation, low-emission vapour barriers, and adhesives.
The eggs in the main foyer are painted using a sponge technique, creating a visual texture that echoes the building’s exterior materials – a highly visible example of the project’s holistic and carefully considered material selection.
Long-Term Perspective with Life Cycle Analysis
- A 60-year Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) validates the choice of durable, low-emission components.
- Passive house standard and Energy Class A, combined with local geothermal energy, reduce energy demand and operational costs.
- Focus on moisture prevention and durability minimizes maintenance needs and damage over time.
Technological Innovation Driving Environmental Gains
The project is one of only 69 buildings worldwide to receive BREEAM innovation credits thanks to:
- Digital moisture sensors monitoring outer walls, roofs, technical rooms, and shafts—providing real-time data to prevent moisture damage early. This type of digital building management is becoming increasingly important in sustainable construction.
Summary – Key Documented Results
| Environmental Aspect | Outcome |
| Reuse & Return Systems | Pipes and materials reused; local returns and supplier training |
| Waste Sorting | 98.3% sorted; only 23.8 kg residual waste/m² |
| CO₂ Reduction | 49% greenhouse gas reduction vs. baseline building |
| Water Saving | 65% less water consumption than standard office buildings |
| Material Quality | Low carbon, health-friendly, BREEAM-approved products |
| Longevity Focus | 60-year LCA, passive house, durable solutions |
| Technology & Innovation | Moisture sensors, digital monitoring, BREEAM innovation credits |
LCC and Budget Overview
- Life Cycle Cost Analysis (LCC): Completed over 60 years, confirming overall cost-benefit advantages.
- Budget: Approximately NOK 400 million total (~30,800 NOK/m²).
- Budget Performance: No public indications of cost overruns.
Tromsø Research Park Building 4 stands as a leading example of how future-focused green building combines reuse, innovative technologies, and proven environmental performance — all adapted to Arctic conditions. The project clearly demonstrates that ambitious climate goals are achievable through strong collaboration, structured processes, and sustainable material choices.
Recognition and Partnerships
Winner of the 2025 BREEAM Award for Best New Building, praised for its comprehensive sustainability efforts, record score, and innovative moisture sensor solutions.
Tenants in the Tromsø Science Park
Professor Jeanette Hammer Andersen and the Icebreaker Kronprins Haakon in the Arctic, with a focus on climate research and ocean data
Located in the “Green Building” at Tromsø Science Park, Professor Jeanette H. Andersen leads a research team at UiT – The Arctic University of Norway. Beneath the ocean surface lies a vast reservoir of chemical diversity, and the search for valuable compounds is known as marine bioprospecting. This has been Professor Andersen’s field of work for nearly 20 years.
Growth Companies
Tromsø Science Park is where Northern Norwegian growth companies develop ideas and realize global ambitions. Norinnova has played a key role in creating this dynamic and unique innovation environment in Breivika, which is set to expand even further during the winter.
Learn more at: Tromsø Science Park – Where Ideas Become Reality
Sources & References
- English | Forskningsparken Tromsø
- Siva – Official News and Project Details
- Norsk Elektro Standard Organisasjon (NESO)
- Greenbuilt – Environmentally Friendly Buildings and building products
- Energiaktuelt – Energy Sector News
- Buildpilot – Construction Project Data
- Byggalliansen – Sustainability Certification Support
