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

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?

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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