Nordic Bauhaus Events

Breaking Barriers – Cross-sectoral Cooperation for Climate, Construction and Culture

The first policy debate organized by the Nordic Carbon Neutral Bauhaus (NCNB) examined how cultural dimensions can be integrated into sustainable building initiatives. Held at Nordens Hus in Copenhagen on 16 December 2022, the debate staged a dialogue between Nordic sustainable building guidelines and Nordic cultural policies.

The urgent need for systemic action against climate change was the central theme of the event. Discussions emphasized the importance of integrating cultural values into sustainability policies and fostering cross-sector partnerships. Recognizing that technical solutions alone are insufficient; the event underscored the role of cultural shifts in attitudes and lifestyles in driving innovative and sustainable solutions.

Here there emerges multiple synergies between the New European Bauhaus (NEB) and Nordic cultural policy. For example, the “Nordic Co-operation Programme for Culture” serves as a catalyst for sustainability, economic competitiveness, and social inclusion. It emphasizes the role of art, culture, and media in achieving the Nordic Vision 2030, which aims to make the Nordic region the most sustainable and integrated in the world by 2030.

The policy debate invited several experts across the field to elaborate this common ground. Holger Wallbaum (Professor in Sustainable building, Department of Architecture and Civil Engineering, Chalmers University of Technology, Sweden) addressed the opportunities and challenges in sustainable construction, emphasizing the need for innovation and systemic solutions in architecture and civil engineering. Sanna Lehtinen (PhD, Research Fellow, School of Arts, Design and Architecture, Aalto University, Finland) discussed the aesthetic sustainability of the built environment and how cultural and design considerations enhance livability and sustainability. Malin Kock Hansen (Senior Advisor and Project Manager, Design and Architecture Norway – DOGA) shared insights on Nordic cooperation in design and architecture, stressing the importance of collaborative projects to accelerate green transitions. Nikolaj Sveistrup (Associated Partner, SUSTAINORDIC) presented findings from SUSTAINORDIC, envisioning the future of architecture as a key enabler for sustainable societies.

Participants including experts, policymakers and advisors across the Nordic countries were invited to consider the introduced themes further in a joint discussion on the cultural dimension of sustainable construction.

The key findings of the discussion can be summarized:

Central role of the built environment in climate action
The built environment contributes significantly to global CO₂ emissions and raw material consumption. Half of all raw materials consumed annually are used in construction, with 90% of biodiversity loss linked to raw material extraction. As highlighted for example in the IPCC report (March 2022), addressing not only construction efficiency but also sufficiency is essential for achieving sustainability goals. This calls for a paradigm shift toward circular economy solutions and low-carbon alternatives in construction.
Cultural dimensions of sustainability
The systemic integration of culture in public policies was highlighted as a critical driver for sustainability. Initiatives such as the Davos declaration advocate for high-quality architecture and sustainable urban planning. These efforts aim to promote cultural heritage, aesthetic sustainability, and vibrant rural landscapes.
Art and culture as driving forces of sustainability
The Nordic Cultural Policy program (2021-2024) positions art and culture as driving forces for sustainable development. Small-scale cultural enterprises and traditional knowledge play pivotal roles in preserving cultural landscapes and fostering sustainable communities.
Potential Benefits of Cross-Sector Cooperation
Despite growing awareness, cross-sectoral collaboration remains a challenge across Europe and the Nordic region. Cross-sector cooperation was seen as vital for fostering innovation and leveraging synergies in the Nordic context.

The event concluded with a call for enhanced Nordic cooperation to embed cultural values and innovative practices into sustainability efforts. To achieve this, integrating Nordic cultural policy cooperation into sustainable construction initiatives is essential.

The policy debate was moderated by Matti Kuittinen from the Ministry of the Environment (Finland) and Emma Harju from the Ministry of Education and Culture (Finland).