Swedish construction and real estate giant Skanska is investing SEK 350mln (EUR 37.6mln) in the first phase of a new 'green' office property in Gothenburg.

Swedish construction and real estate giant Skanska is investing SEK 350mln (EUR 37.6mln) in the first phase of a new 'green' office property in Gothenburg.

Skanska said the property is expected to be the first in the Swedish city to meet the requirements for the EU GreenBuilding label, which means its energy consumption will be at least 25% lower than that prescribed in the Swedish National Board of Housing, Building and Planning standard for newly constructed properties.

The building will comprise 12,000 m2 of rentable floor space in this first stage, which is scheduled for completion in autumn 2010. The office project will comprise a total 17,000 m2 over 16 floors when fully constructed. There will also be 150 underground parking spaces.

Construction of the building, which is being carried out by Skanska Sweden, will begin in August 2008. Leasing discussions are underway with a number of companies.