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

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?

Blue and green toned concrete cubes under a pergola structure with the same colour scheme

The first Finnish park made nearly entirely of recycled materials piloted in Malminkartano

During the summers 2023–2024, Helsinki’s Circular Economy Cluster Program piloted Cubeco modules made from recycled raw materials in Malminkartano. The pilot project was a continuance to the concrete industry’s innovation challenge held the previous year, which aimed to find solutions for reusing demolition wool.

A construction site and blue skies reflected on a glass wall of a building

Carry out a circular economy pilot with construction professionals

Helsinki Circular Economy Cluster Program invites companies to join an innovation challenge, looking for pilot projects to promote the circular economy in the construction industry. The application period is open until 20 October 2023.

Building under demolition in Katajanokka from air, pictured towards Helsinki's city center

World Circular Economy Forum in Helsinki looks for ways to develop sustainable business

The World Circular Economy Forum WCEF2023 will take place in Helsinki, Finland, from 30 May to 2 June 2023. The forum brings together the world's leading circular economy players to present and seek business and government solutions to adapt our economic system to the limits of nature's capacity. The Helsinki Circular Economy Cluster Program takes part in the forum.

Illustration of a storage building for outdoor sports facilities

Helsinki to build storage buildings for outdoor sports facilities from recycled materials – Lippa wins design competition

The City of Helsinki, together with the Department of Architecture at Aalto University, organised the Closing Loops design competition to promote the circular economy in construction. The competition was looking for a concept for a storage building for outdoor sports facilities in Helsinki, which could be built using building components and materials from the city's own demolition sites. The winning entry was Lippa, which the panel of judges described as a project worth developing in terms of structure and urban image, and as a structured use of reusable building components.

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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