Circular Buildings
The Circular Buildings project promotes the construction and real estate sectors’ transition to a carbon-neutral circular economy. The aim is to support the development of sustainable and circular economy-based solutions and promote the efficient use of the existing building stock. The idea is to keep the natural resources used in the existing building stock in circulation for as long as possible, both by extending the life cycle of buildings and by promoting the reuse of demolition materials.
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The project includes a joint innovation challenge by Espoo, Helsinki and Vantaa, where businesses can test and develop their solutions in an urban environment. The project increases cities’ expertise in circular procurement and provides information on solutions available on the market. It also establishes cooperation and knowledge exchange between the capital region and the InnoCities network. City processes will be developed to support the circular economy: the project will create a scalable process for the temporary use of premises and an action plan for implementing a circular demolition process. For more detailed information and updates, visit the Circular Buildings project website(external link, opens in a new window) (in Finnish).
Project content
The content of the project is divided into three project packages, which will be carried out in cooperation between Espoo, Helsinki, Vantaa and HSY. Espoo is specifically responsible for promoting efficient building disassembly methods and reuse-related business.
The results of the project are a diverse reflection of how the capital region is promoting the circular economy in construction, innovation and environmentally friendly practices in the building sector.
Project partners
The project is carried out in cooperation between capital region municipalities. The City of Espoo heads the project and is responsible for the coordination, effectiveness and management of the project as a whole. Other partners include the City of Helsinki, the City of Vantaa and HSY (Helsinki Region Environmental Services).
Project duration, budget and funding
The project started on 1 November 2024 and will run for two years, ending on 31 October 2026. The total project budget is EUR 808,260 (Espoo’s share: EUR 295,891), 60% of which is funded by EU support. The HEVi projects funded through the ecosystem agreement bring together key operators in the sector, including cities, universities, research institutes, and businesses. The Helsinki-Uusimaa Regional Council serves as the funding authority.
How can I get involved?
The Circular Buildings project focuses on promoting circular construction, innovations, and more environmentally friendly practices in the building sector. At the same time, the project supports regional innovation and business development, strengthening the vitality, growth and competitiveness of the capital region – particularly in circular construction and advanced bioeconomy.
We invite all construction and circular economy operators to participate. Together, we can develop sustainable solutions and promote circular construction in the capital region. Are you interested in cooperation or piloting ideas in the project’s experimental and development environments? Do not hesitate to contact us.
Subscribe to Espoo’s Sustainable Development Newsletter! Be among the first to hear about the sustainable solutions, innovations and cooperation opportunities provided by the project. Subscribe to the newsletter here (in Finnish).(external link, opens in a new window)