Circular Economy

Companies in construction, join us in developing the circular economy in Helsinki! Helsinki Circular Economy Cluster Program promotes circular economy in construction by launching pilots, developing tools and providing trainings.

Helsinki to pioneer in the circular economy

The circular economy is the best way to reduce emissions during construction and to curb the over-consumption of natural resources. Helsinki’s Circular Economy Cluster Program promotes circular economy innovations and business by bringing together operators in the construction sector.

Different sized companies, research institutes, universities and other organisations interested in promoting circular construction with concrete actions are welcome to join the cluster.

Participate in the cluster

Sign up to join the cluster or subscribe to our newsletter. You can also be in touch with our team anytime.

Since the City of Helsinki has a strong role as a client, a real estate developer and a constructor, the Circular Economy Cluster Program focuses especially on promoting circularity in the construction sector. A large proportion of construction companies also operate in the Helsinki metropolitan area where material flows are vast and transportation costs remain reasonable – here, the reuse, recycling and processing of different construction products have the potential to develop into a profitable business.

Helsinki Circular Economy Cluster Program is involved in all stages of the circular economy in construction

Achieving a circular economy requires the whole sector to contribute, but there is still a shortage of know-how. That is why we need experimentation with new things, research-based information and the sharing of lessons learned. The Circular Economy Cluster Program supports practical experiments and cooperation between operators, and helps find new business opportunities.

Activities involve, e.g. designing for the circular economy, extending the life cycle, dismantling intact and reusing materials and building components.

See some project examples:

News

Helsinki at the Smart City Expo: our hopes for the international innovation event

The City of Helsinki will once again participate together with Stockholm and Oslo in the international innovation event held in Barcelona. Eight innovative Finnish companies accompany us on the journey.

Old Arabia ceramics factory against blue sky

Helsinki’s first circular economy hub launched in Arabia

Arabia Circular Hub Helsinki brings companies together. The goal of the two-year project is to promote sustainable business and foster new circular economy innovations.

A group of people on stage with diplomas and flowers in their hands

New circular economy construction services to facilitate the procurement of reusable construction products – Sweco, Spolia Design and Lotus Demolition win the innovation challenge

At the demo day of the innovation challenge jointly organised by the Helsinki Circular Economy Cluster Program and the KIRA Growth Programme, eight different circular economy services were showcased to promote the reuse of construction materials and components in construction projects.

A summer view from Helsinki's Mustikkamaa island towards Kalasatama with residential buildings behind a birch branch in the foreground.

Circular economy solutions for construction as a service – propose your solution in the innovation challenge

With this innovation challenge, Helsinki’s circular economy cluster program and the KIRA growth programme are looking for construction services in accordance with the principles of circular economy, which companies in the construction sector could acquire to facilitate the reuse of construction products. The application period ends on 26 April.

The innovation challenge of the circular economy cluster introduced five new solutions to be tested

In September, Helsinki’s circular economy cluster program and Motiva Services launched an innovation challenge, seeking new solutions to speed up circular economy within construction. A total of 13 companies presented their pilot project proposals during the demo day on 4 December.

A journey into the world of innovative solutions – Helsinki at the international Smart City Expo

Business Helsinki traveled with six enthusiastic Finnish companies to the world’s largest and most influential innovation event. Together with two other Nordic capitals, we showcased our activities to those interested in sustainable urban solutions. What lessons did we bring back as souvenirs?

Want to hear more?

  • Mira Jarkko

  • Chief Advisor, Team Leader
    Green Transition and New Technologies
    City of Helsinki
    Business Helsinki, Innovation services
  • Eeva Jalovaara

  • Senior Advisor, architect
    Circular Economy Cluster Program
    City of Helsinki
    Business Helsinki, Innovation services
  • Ronny Rantamäki

  • 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
  • Noora Haavisto

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