Västerås Pioneers Tox-Free, Climate-Friendly Preschool in Landmark NonHazCity3 Initiative

VÄSTERÅS, SWEDEN — As part of the international NonHazCity3 project, the City of Västerås has unveiled a groundbreaking approach to reducing hazardous substances in construction, aiming to safeguard aquatic environments, protect human health, and create more sustainable buildings. The pilot project centers on a new Miljöbyggnad Gold–standard kindergarten, designed to become a model for toxic-free, circular, and climate-friendly public procurement.

The preschool—built to be both climate-neutral and low-toxicity—embodies a three-pillar strategy integrated into each stage of the city’s strategic management process: needs investigation, vision and ambition setting, and market dialogue.

Setting New Standards in Sustainable Construction

During Step 1: Needs Investigation, Västerås established ambitious goals to cut environmental impact while ensuring economic feasibility. The city relied on recognized standards, eco-labels, and certificates to guide procurement, requiring that all construction products be registered in the Byggvarubedömningen (BVB) system. At least 20% of materials were required to achieve the top “Recommended” rating.

To future-proof the investment, the building was designed for low-cost repurposing, accommodating shifting childcare demands. While the foundation uses concrete due to topography and cost constraints, the main structure is built from wood to reduce carbon emissions. The city also prioritized renewable and reused materials whenever feasible.

A significant step in optimizing the design came when planners reconsidered the building’s east–west orientation. Rotating the layout by 90 degrees reduced unwanted solar load, minimized the need for shading materials, and improved integration with the surrounding terrain.

Raising Ambitions Beyond Legislation

In Step 2: Vision and Ambition Setting, Västerås committed to applying stricter criteria than those required under Swedish legislation. While the project aimed for Miljöbyggnad Silver overall, it targeted Gold-level performance in key areas such as energy, chemicals, and circularity. The continuous use of the BVB system ensured transparent monitoring of all materials throughout the construction process.

Collaboration at the Core

Recognizing that stakeholder alignment is essential for sustainable outcomes, Step 3: Market Co-operation included a dedicated sustainability workshop for contractors, municipal staff, and project partners. This early dialogue ensured that everyone—especially those responsible for implementing solutions—shared the same environmental goals, particularly concerning the wellbeing of children and staff who will use the kindergarten daily.

A Model for Other Municipalities

The Västerås preschool demonstrates how municipalities can combine holistic planning, market collaboration, and ambitious sustainability criteria to achieve healthier, safer, and more circular public buildings. Detailed descriptions of this and other best-practice examples are available in NonHazCity3 Output 2.2, offering guidance for cities across Europe seeking strategic solutions for hazardous substance reduction in buildings and construction materials.

Programme Manual Online

Choose