Verkland receives Swan Certification for Áshamar 42-48

 FSwan-certified building materials in Hafnarfjörður 

The construction company Verkland has received its first Swan Certification for a block of flats at Áshamar 42–48 here in Hafnarfjörður. Verkland is also working on a Swan-certified block of flats at Baughamri, in accordance with the Swan's new building standards. 

Mayor Valdimar Víðisson celebrates Swan-certifieddevelopment in Hafnarfjörður. „It is a matter of pride for us to consider the environment, and we are delighted with Verkland to have reached this milestone. It means that even more residents of Hafnarfjörður live in healthy homes, built to strict quality standards,“ he says, adding that the property at Áshamar is the third to receive this certification in Hafnarfjörður and the second in the neighbourhood. 

The housing estate stands on the border between the built-up area and the countryside of Hafnarfjörður, with residents looking out towards Krýsuvík, one of the country's main natural gems. „It's really pleasing to see how the design blends in with the surroundings, while we know that the housing itself is both environmentally friendly and liveable.“ 

Workers proud of their work

Ingi Már Ljótsson, a project manager at Verklandi, says Verkland has been working systematically to improve the environmental impact of its operations. „Verkland has shown great ambition in environmental matters and has excelled in various aspects of the certification process.“ This is specifically mentioned on the Swan website, where the certification is reported.  

„Of particular note is waste sorting, where the company has achieved exceptionally good results and demonstrated a very high proportion of construction waste being utilised and recycled. It is pleasing to report that the company has invested in a composting machine to process organic waste on-site, with the aim of using the compost as fertiliser for the grounds around the buildings and thus closing the loop in an environmentally friendly way.“ it says there. 

The town encourages certification

Hafnarfjörður has supported the trend of businesses choosing to build sustainably by offering discounts on plot and road construction fees for environmentally certified construction projects.  

Ingi says it has accelerated sustainable development in the construction industry. „The discount offsets the cost of the Swan certification for licence holders,“ he says, adding that with this certification, Verkland shows that environmentally certified buildings are both realistic and feasible for the Icelandic construction sector. 

What does the Swan Certification include? 

Bergþóra Góa Kvaran, an expert at the Environmental and Energy Institute, points out in an article on Vísir that for general consumers, the Swan certification is about more than just environmental issues. The certification has a real and measurable impact on people's well-being. She lists what a Swan-certified home needs to have: 

• Sufficient daylight A Swan-certified flat must meet requirements for daylight, ensuring that the spaces enjoy maximum daylight when it is available. 
• Cleaner indoor air Most Swan-certified buildings have a ventilation system that ensures fresh air 24/7 – without the need to open the windows. 
• Less chemical soup Materials in Swan-certified buildings must either be certified by credible environmental labels or meet strict requirements regarding their content.  
• Moisture prevention and good practice A dedicated damp-proofing officer ensures that building materials are correctly handled during the construction period and guarantees a finish to prevent damp damage. 

The benefits of investing in Swan-certified accommodation are therefore great. 

Pictured: Ingi Már Ljótsson, from Verklandi, Valdimar Víðisson, the mayor, Gísli J. Johnsen and Þröstur Auðunsson from Verklandi