Sustainable Construction

Sustainable Construction

SJSC 'State Real Estate' is the most active customer of construction projects in the public sector, and we take the responsibility of promoting sustainable construction and digitisation in Latvia. We are aware that we are building for generations now and in the future; therefore, we are committed to using resources responsibly, selecting economically useful solutions and designing buildings that are forward-looking and tailored to the needs of their users.

To ensure the implementation of sustainable real estate development projects based on green construction principles, we have developed sustainable construction requirements by compiling international good practice and the laws and regulations of Latvia. These requirements are flexible and adaptable to each project's specificities and needs and are included in procurement contracts for design services. The document becomes part of the terms of reference, defining the results to be achieved in the project and serving as a mechanism for recording and controlling results during design and construction work.

BIM Competence Centre

We believe that building information modelling (BIM) is a prerequisite for the development of efficient and sustainable construction, which allows for high-quality and rational use of financial resources. At SRE, we rapidly digitise various processes and actively promote the use of BIM in the public sector of Latvia. By expanding the range of digital tools, we have begun using laser scanning, a contactless measurement that quickly generates a detailed three-dimensional representation of the object and the environment. This tool will allow for better documentation of architectural and cultural historic monuments.

In accordance with the priority tasks of the BIM 'road map' developed by the Ministry of Economics in cooperation with other private and public sector representatives, including SRE, we have developed guidelines for ordering BIM in public procurement, including standard customer information requirements. Additionally, we have established a training programme to educate other organisations working in the public sector on BIM use.

BIM Projects

SRE launched the practical implementation of BIM in 2018, starting with the use of BIM elements in the redevelopment of the historic police building on Aspazijas bulvāris 7. In 2019, we developed BIM requirements for construction procurements in the public sector of Latvia. At the beginning of 2020, the implementation of these requirements was launched in the new construction procurements of the capital company.

In 2021, the BIM components are used in more than ten projects, the BIM models are being developed for the Concert Hall Lielā Ģilde, the Castel part of Riga Castle, the New Riga Theatre and the historic Gūtšmits House in Ventspils, modernisation of the Latvian-Russian border crossing point ''Grebņeva'' and elsewhere.

Sustainable construction and digitisation are important pillars for the development of the construction sector. SRE is committed to promoting and implementing sustainable and innovative solutions, as well as to educating and training specialists in the field. With the use of BIM and other digital tools, SRE aims to achieve greater efficiency, cost savings, and quality benefits in construction projects, while also minimizing negative environmental impacts. Through its initiatives, SRE is leading the way for sustainable construction and building management in Latvia, and setting an example for others to follow.