Nowy Format in the heart of Kraków: Skanska breaks ground on a modern office development

The building has been designed to achieve net zero operational CO2 emissions¹, operating completely independent of the district heating network and setting new standards for energy efficiency and workplace well-being.

Nowy Format complex will ultimately consist of three buildings offering a total area of approximately 48,000 sqm in Kraków’s central Grzegórzki district. The first phase will feature a 9-story office building (Nowy Format A1), providing 21,400 sqm of gross leasable area (GLA) and is scheduled for completion in the third quarter of 2028. Located in the heart of the city, the space is being designed in line with the highest operational efficiency standards.

“Nowy Format A1 is a project where innovations directly translate into lower operational costs. The building has been designed without a connection to the district heating network, featuring a fully electric operational model and to set a new benchmark for energy performance. This is not an extra feature, but one of the project's core pillars.  Additionally, the entire complex will be 100% powered by renewable electricity backed by guarantees of origin².” emphasizes Roland Jarosz, Executive Vice President of Operations Poland, Skanska CDE.

Responding to the needs of a changing office market 

“Kraków is Poland’s largest regional office market, yet the supply of modern office space in central locations remains very limited. Our decision to start construction of Nowy Format directly responds to the needs of tenants and investors looking for future-focused projects that combine high quality, strong ESG performance, excellent energy efficiency and convenient access to public transport. We can clearly see a growing trend of companies moving their offices closer to city centres – to places that are well connected and offer employees easy access to services and urban infrastructure. Nowy Format will meet these expectations:it is a highly energy-efficient, focused on sustainability office project in one of Kraków’s best-connected locations, designed to create long-term value for tenants, users and investors,” - says Arkadiusz Rudzki, Executive Vice President Leasing & Sales at Skanska Commercial Development Europe (CDE). 

Nowy Format is designed with user comfort at its core, reflected in every aspect of the project - from the layout of the space to the range of amenities available. The complex embodies the principles of the 15-minute city, with essential services and leisure destinations located within easy reach. Its proximity to a major public transport hub, served by 15 tram lines, provides convenient connections to all parts of the city, while Kraków Airport can be reached by car in just 30 minutes.

The ground floors have been designed as open and welcoming spaces that will feature dining options, such as a bakery-cafe concept and a bistro. These will complement the wide array of services available in the surrounding area, creating a spot enjoyed by office workers and local residents alike. The appeal of this location is further enhanced by nearby green and recreational spaces.

Well-being and comfort redefined

At Nowy Format, greenery is treated as an integral component of architecture and site planning, promoting tenant comfort and enhancing the public realm. The building will offer an approximately 1,800 sqm garden – a unique feature for city-center office developments. Additionally, the project includes over 300 sqm of private green terraces for tenants and a community urban fruit orchard. Dozens of native plant species will be planted around, and a unique element of the garden will be large tulip tree, integrated into the green design. For those commuting by bike, the project offers 150 bicycle parking spaces, dedicated changing and sanitary facilities, and a bicycle elevator.

The project targets certifications including WELL Core & Shell and LEED Core & Shell. It is also being designed and planned to be built in accordance with the criteria of the European Union Taxonomy. The building will also feature advanced tools for real-time utility monitoring and CO2 emission calculations, facilitating ESG reporting for tenants and an owner. In yet another building from its portfolio, Skanska is also introducing the innovative WasteTracker system, enabling precise tracking of generated waste. Furthermore, the complex is designed for high accessibility and will apply for the “Building Without Barriers” certification.

¹ Net zero operational CO2 emissions refers to the building’s planned operational energy use in normal day-to-day operation across the whole building, including both common areas and tenant electricity consumption. The claim is assessed using the market-based method in accordance with the GHG Protocol and is based on a full operational carbon model prepared by a qualified external expert, confirming no on-site fossil-fuel combustion in normal daily use. Offsets are excluded. The claim includes electricity from renewable sources supported by guarantees of origin, based on Skanska’s planned purchases covering 100% of the building’s electricity consumption during its ownership. It does not cover embodied carbon or other full life-cycle emissions.

² During the period of Skanska’s ownership, it is planned that 100% of the building’s electricity consumption will be supplied by energy from renewable sources, backed by guarantees of origin.