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Finland opens to consultation its Building Act

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By Project INERTWASTE
Finland

The Finnish Ministry of the Environment is currently asking for comments on proposed amendments of its Construction Act which will enter into force on 1 January 2025. The Act is foreseen to combat climate change, promote the circular economy, improve the quality of construction, streamline construction and support the digitalisation of the built environment.

The legislative reform will promote the circular economy in many ways. The aim is that in future:

  • low-carbon solutions are the preferred option in new building - climate emissions are taken into account throughout the lifecycle of buildings and especially in material choices
  • requirements concerning the longevity and adaptability of new buildings and how they can be repaired and demolished are included in the Act
  • applicants for construction and demolition permits must compile data on the materials released in demolition
  • digitalisation of data on construction projects makes it easier to reuse and recycle materials

Amendments are proposed to clarify the interpretation of the conditions of the demolition permit with regard to the reuse and recycling of demolition materials and the demolition of a building protected by a zoning plan. Amendments to the articles regulating the low carbon and life cycle performance of buildings are proposed to reduce the administrative burden on municipalities and developers. A climate report and material specification would be prepared only for new buildings subject to the carbon footprint threshold requirements. Low-carbon and life-cycle performance regulation in the Building Act would apply to new terraced houses, apartment blocks, office buildings, commercial buildings, shopping centres, cinemas, schools and hospitals, for example.

More information on the circular economy in the construction sector in Finland here.

The call for comments is open until 5 March. More information: https://ym.fi/-/ymparistoministerio-pyytaa-lausuntoja-rakentamislakiin-esitetyista-muutoksista (in Finnish).