Circular Economy

The implementation of a circular economy in construction requires commitment from the entire sector, but there is still a lack of expertise. That’s why experimentation, research-based knowledge, and the sharing of lessons learned are essential.

Helsinki Circular Economy Cluster Program

The Helsinki Circular Economy Cluster Program promotes circular innovation and business by bringing together stakeholders from the construction sector

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Näkymä Arabia 135 -korttelin punatiilisestä rakennuksesta auringonvalossa

Arabia Circular Hub Helsinki

The Arabian Circular Economy Hub project is designing a business cluster for circular economy companies in the Arabia 135 block.

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Kiertotalot

The Kiertotalot project promotes the transition of the construction and real estate sectors in the Helsinki metropolitan area towards a carbon-neutral circular economy.

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Helsinki as a Pioneer in Circular Economy

Helsinki supports innovation in the circular economy by promoting sustainable business practices and offering companies the opportunity to use the city as a testing ground. Practical experimentation with circular economy solutions accelerates the market introduction of new innovations and their wider adoption.

The City of Helsinki fosters circular economy innovation through its long-running Circular Economy Cluster Program. The cluster focuses particularly on advancing circular economy in construction by connecting stakeholders in the building sector, initiating pilot projects, developing tools, and providing training.

The circular economy theme has expanded with two major projects. The Arabian Circular Economy Hub project promotes circular business and new innovations by bringing together SMEs in the field. The project is planning a cluster in the Arabia 135 block, offering circular economy companies expert services and networking opportunities.

Another key initiative is the Kiertotalot project, which supports the transition of the construction and real estate sectors in the Helsinki metropolitan area towards a carbon-neutral circular economy. This project targets SMEs developing circular economy and high-value biobased services, products, and operating models.

News

White text saying "ARKI 135 Circular Programme" on a forest green background.

Make your business circular – apply now for the ARKI 135 Circular Programme

Circular economy is more than just responsibility – it gives companies a competitive edge and secures access to future resources. This autumn, Arabia Circular Hub Helsinki organises the ARKI 135 Circular Programme, selecting 10 companies to develop their business with circularity experts. The application period runs from July 1 to August 22, 2025.

An audience looking at a woman giving a presentation in a blue shirt

ARKI 135 Circular Hub brings circular economy businesses together

The ARKI 135 circular hub opened in Arabia in May is a meeting place and showroom for circular economy companies. The purpose of the hub is to accelerate the business activities and cooperation of small and medium-sized companies.

Office building partition walls made from old window glass – carbon footprint cut in half

During the renovation of office building in Kaikukatu 3, Helsinki, a unique pilot explored how intact window elements could be reused in an office building’s interior spaces. The result was durable, movable glass partition walls with a carbon footprint just half that of new equivalents.

The pilot demonstrated the benefits of a digital platform in the reuse of building components

Bringing the circular economy into practice requires innovative tools and effective collaboration. Finnish company Spolia Design and Danish firm Zupply tested a digital platform for mapping reusable building materials during the renovation of the over 120-year-old Lindström House.

New life for building materials – AI enhances demolition and reuse 

Extending the lifecycle of building materials is crucial for creating a sustainable future in construction. Make a BIM and Studio MPRA have jointly developed a digital tool that utilizes building information modeling (BIM) to significantly improve demolition planning and optimizing material reuse.

Finnish companies excelled and networked at the world’s largest innovation fair

Business Helsinki participated in an international innovation fair focused on sustainable urban solutions. As souvenirs, the innovative companies that traveled with us gained many new contacts and insights for growth and development.

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  • Lari Sirén

  • Project Manager
    Circular Economy Cluster Program
    City of Helsinki
    Business Helsinki, Innovation services
  • Noora Haavisto

  • Senior Advisor
    Circular Economy Cluster Program
    City of Helsinki
    Business Helsinki, Innovation services
  • Elise Sorvari

  • Senior Advisor
    Circular Economy Cluster Program
    City of Helsinki
    Business Helsinki, Innovation services
  • Mette Hiltunen

  • Project Manager
    Arabia Circular Hub Helsinki
    City of Helsinki
    Business Helsinki, Innovation services
  • Ronny Rantamäki

  • Senior Advisor
    Circular Buildings
    City of Helsinki
    Business Helsinki, Innovation services
  • Tytti Pakarinen

  • Project Specialist
    Arabia Circular Hub Helsinki
    City of Helsinki
    Business Helsinki, Innovation services