Infrastructure Program Helsinki

The Infrastructure Program for Helsinki is a comprehensive initiative shaping the urban environment in Western, Northeastern, and Northern Helsinki, as well as the city centre. Each of the three projects includes two stages: a development phase and an implementation phase. The development phase began earlier this year, with construction expected to start next spring.

Two alliance consortiums have been established for the program. These are collaborative partnerships that bring together several companies to deliver shared goals.

- The alliance model makes it possible to go beyond compliance and differentiate, says Katri Koivula, Head of Sustainability at NRC Group. It encourages us to rethink how we approach the customer’s challenge and to design solutions that genuinely help the customer — in this case, the City of Helsinki — achieve its goals and realize its vision.

A Shared Vision for a Sustainable City

The vision of the Infrastructure Program Helsinki is clear:
“Together we are implementing the world’s best and most sustainable urban development.”

This vision, created by the City of Helsinki before the tendering process, guides all actions and partnerships across the program.

Sustainability Goals

These shared goals form the foundation for how the alliance works together. Defined jointly with the partners during the development phase, they ensure that sustainability is built into every decision from design to implementation:

• Carbon-aware: Reduce emissions through smart design and lifecycle thinking.
• Nature positive: Improve biodiversity and help the urban environment adapt to climate change.
• Resource-wise: Promote circular use of materials and sustainable energy and water use.
• Promoting well-being: Enhance the well-being of residents, nature, and employees while minimizing construction impacts.
• Transparent and fair: Operate with openness, inclusivity, and cost-efficiency across partnerships.
• Future-focused: Anticipate future needs and climate change to build a sustainable and adaptable city

Concrete Steps Already Taken

In addition to defining the shared goals, the Infra Program Helsinki has already taken meaningful steps to put sustainability into action.

- In the first year of the project, we have taken concrete steps toward sustainability. This commitment is reflected in clear metrics and practices, says Laura Saarlo, Project Director and Unit Manager at NRC Group Finland.

These steps include:

• BREEAM certification and defined low-carbon targets guiding climate-smart solutions.
• Regional green factor planning and the Conscious Construction Site survey, supporting environmentally friendly and safe worksites.
• New tools such as the Resource-Wise Indicator and combined environmental, quality, and responsibility metrics that support continuous improvement.
• Clear roadmaps for each sustainability goal, including development stages and actions.
• Transparent communication through dashboards, resident engagement, and dedicated panels.
• Strong competence development, including the Conscious Construction Site concept, Infra Program training, BREEAM expertise development, and mandatory sustainability workshops for new employees.

These measures demonstrate how sustainability is not just an ambition - it is embedded into daily work and long-term development across the program.

Building a Sustainable Future Together

Together with our alliance partners and the City of Helsinki, NRC Group Finland is helping build a city that meets today’s needs and sets a global example for sustainable urban development.