Climate Adaptation

DfG26, City of Helsinki, Sustainability transitions, Behavioral design, Policy

Project descriptions

This year’s new project partners with the City of Helsinki to understand how private housing companies—who control 9.1% of the city’s land—can be incentivized to play a significant role in advancing climate resilience in residential areas. As climate change intensifies heat waves and heavy rainfall, especially in winter, Helsinki has experienced growing strain on infrastructure and increased risks for vulnerable communities over the past 60 years. In response, Helsinki’s City Strategy 2025-2029 prioritizes climate and nature, outlining measures to prepare for extreme weather through infrastructure changes, flood management, and expanded green spaces. Delivering on this strategy requires creative and systemic interventions that reduce vulnerability, improve preparedness, and actively engage the private housing sector in long-term climate adaptation efforts.

The main questions to address are:

How should housing companies be incentivized to take action on climate adaptation?
What are the entry points for climate adaptation throughout the building lifecycle?
What are the key factors that contribute to vulnerability in residential buildings owned by housing companies?
What are they building legislation gaps that hinder adaptation action? How could the permitting process better promote it?