Ski Storsenter wins sustainability award with beehives and new technology

Why the Ski Storsenter won an award for sustainable operations

Beehives on the rooftop, a large centre garden and sensors that measure and regular consumption

are the initiatives that earned the Ski Storsenter an award for sustainable operations at the 2022 Shopping Centre Conference.

Read about how they've cut consumption – and consequently energy-related costs for shops at the centre.

New technology reduces tenant expenses

Operations Manager Ole Sørlie explains that there are 44 sensors inside the centre that measure CO2, temperature and air humidity.

"We've reduced energy consumption by the equivalent of 130 households per year," he explains.

To limit energy use, they also have LED lighting in all common areas, as well as a system that regulates air pressure, so that heat does not have a chance to escape during the winter or enter during the summer.

Centre Manager Gro Collett believes that the focus on energy efficiency benefits both the centre and society.

"We reduce energy costs for tenants. This in turn lets us reduce our footprint," she says.

Centre garden and local honey production

The standard green area outside the centre has been developed into a large garden with benches, tables and no fewer than 5,000 bee-friendly plants.

"Of course, it's not enough to simply plant flowers. You have to plant ones that are insect-friendly, so that the insects can thrive," continues the centre manager.

This insect-friendly garden is directly linked to the activities taking place on the rooftop of the centre, where beekeeper Alexander Du Rietz can be found together with thousands of bees living in four beehives, each with its queen.

"The bees fly around the Ski centre in the summer, collecting nectar that is then transformed into the centre's own self-produced honey. This honey can be purchased at the customer service desk in the centre," says the beekeeper.

"The shops and team members are proud"

Thomas E. Rønning, head of the shopping centre division in the Olav Thon Group, is impressed with the measures taken by the Ski Storsenter.

"Both the operations team and centre management in Ski have approached this with an impressive level of detail. The centre management team is clearly a hub of creativity and motivation," he says.

The Olav Thon Group earned several nominations and awards at this year's Shopping Centre Conference.

Gro Collett is delighted with all the congratulations they received after winning the award.

"Equally as important, we've had the opportunity to share our efforts with the world. The shops and team members are also incredibly proud about being part of both these efforts and the award," she concludes.