Sustainable and Low-Carbon Construction of Public Building in Finland

Abstract

The aim of this Bachelor’s thesis was is to investigate the benefits of low-carbon public building in Finland. The thesis describes prerequisites for a green building construction tendency in the world and locally in Northern Europe and Finland. Also, this study presents information about the importance of sustainability aspects in making of public buildings procurement decisions. An analysis of the market of low-carbon emission buildings was made to show the present importance and actuality of such kind of constructions for care of the climate change and environment. The methodology of greenhouse gases emissions evaluation was made to give a clear understanding of the subject calculation process.

During the last years sustainable aspects have become one of the most studied and discussed topics in the construction sector. Many countries are especially focusing on greenhouse emissions. In the European Union buildings are consuming 40% of the total energy consumption and construction industry gives one third of CO2 emissions to the atmosphere in total. The introduction of legislation restricting gas impacts during all stages of construction life cycle from cradle to grave is expected to eliminate negative impacts and to create positive impacts on climate and natural environment.