The circular economy in the built environment is taking another important step forward. The professional day organised by ReCreate’s Finnish cluster, which also served as the project’s national final event in Finland, brought together construction industry experts, researchers, and practitioners to discuss the reuse of concrete elements reclaimed from buildings slated for demolition, as well as the related opportunities and challenges.
The event was opened by two influential speakers – Deputy Mayor Ilkka Porttikivi from the City of Tampere, responsible for the Urban Environment and Infrastructure Services committees, and Finland’s Minister of the Environment and Climate Sari Multala (via video). Both speakers reminded the audience about the importance of circular economy and the construction sector in the face of the environmental challenges of today.
Throughout the day, participants heard timely presentations and examples from ReCreate’s Finnish members on how concrete elements reclaimed from end-of-life buildings can be reused as part of the low-carbon construction of the future. Discussions particularly emphasised the successful technical implementation of the process, reducing the carbon footprint of construction, and business opportunities in the circular economy.
The ReCreate project is developing operational models and solutions that enable the reuse of concrete elements safely, efficiently, and economically. The goal is to reduce the use of virgin materials and promote the construction industry’s transition toward operations genuinely based on the circular economy.
The event concluded with an inspiring panel, hosted by Green Building Council Finland’s Antti Ruuska, where four influential guests discussed how to advance the mainstreaming of circularity in construction. Member of parliament Krista Mikkonen pointed out that better regulation needs to be introduced so that construction sector actors willing to adopt environmentally friendlier solutions are not punished by higher costs. The other panelists – senior architect Harri Hakaste from the Finnish Ministry of the Environment, head of urban development Saara Melama from a major landowner company Hiedanrannan Kehitys Ltd, and sustainability adviser Mirkka Rekola from Senate Properties, also provided various insights into the topic.
The professional event held in Tampere, Finland on August 24, 2026, provided participants with valuable information on the project’s progress, research findings, and practical experiences from pilot sites. In addition, the event served as an excellent forum for networking and collaboration among various stakeholders.
Were you unable to attend? Watch the recording
If you were unable to attend the event in person or would like to revisit the day’s most interesting presentations, you can now watch the recording of the Professionals’ Day at a time that works best for you.
Through the recording, you’ll gain insight into the latest perspectives and solutions in the industry and learn how the reuse of concrete elements can accelerate the construction industry’s transition to sustainability and open up new opportunities for future projects.
Text: Petri Kähkönen, Consolis Parma & Satu Huuhka, Tampere University
Event photos: Petri Kähkönen, Consolis Parma.
