Accessibility of Buildings

Project description Accessibility in both old and new buildings is of growing national importance due to the ageing population that should be able to live independently at their homes in near future. The theme touches many other different groups as well – families with babies, people with disabilities or injury, just to name a few. … Read more

Energy and Maintenance in Finnish Housing Companies

Project description Housing companies in Finland have a strong and unique role. The built environment accounts for about 30% of national energy consumption, thus it is a critical area in Finnish climate policy. There are 2 major challenges for housing companies: the massive ‘renovation era’ already underway for 1960-80s building stock, and; sustainability and energy … Read more

Waste Prevention by Extending (Electronic Product) Lifecycle

Project description The next National Waste Plan (Valtsu) will be renewed for 2017-2022, and it is currently being prepared by the Finnish Environmental Institute (SYKE). Regions will their make own waste management plans based on Valtsu, and each has different strategies and possibilities (f.ex. existing infrastructure, geography, population and demography). SYKE is focusing on 4 … Read more

A Model for Regional Sustainable Circular Food

Project description In Finland, food accounts for a fifth of consumers’ environmental impacts and potential climate change impacts food production, industry, self-sufficiency and security. There are currently a variety of risks and bottlenecks – as well as particular strengths – in the food system. To address these grand challenges, the Finnish government has set a … Read more

Just Transition to Post-Oil Heating in Homes

Project description Finland has an ambitious target to become carbon neutral by 2035. However, due to the cold climate in Finland, residential heating consumes a relatively high amount of energy. Oil is still commonly used for central heating in single-family homes, and these upwards of 130,000 homes homes represent a significant CO2 emission reduction potential. Moving away … Read more

Boosting Climate Education

Project description Finland has an ambitious target to become carbon neutral by 2035. H‘Climate education’ is key to meeting ambitious national and municipal decarbonization targets in the future. In shaping the next generation of increasingly pro-active, responsible and climate-conscious citizens, education can indeed be understood as an important instrument for policy. Today, youth understanding of climate change … Read more