As we conclude these three years of the Nordic Sustainable Construction Programme, we reflect on its remarkable journey and achievements. This programme has been a testament to the power of collaboration, innovation, and dedication across the Nordic region.
Working with the programme, I have experienced great benefits from gathering and discussing across the Nordic countries. We are different in many ways: our weather and climate create different challenges for the built environment and new construction projects, our culture creates different needs in what the buildings should be able to perform, and our political priorities and regulations vary. However, we also have a lot in common in the way we build and the challenges, we need to overcome. The Nordic Vision 2030 underlines this, working as the central, unifying factor in our efforts.
The achievements of this programme demonstrate that we are on the right path. However, the journey is far from over. I hope this book will inspire to continue finding common solutions in the Nordics and beyond, and to harmonise practices where it is feasible. I also hope that the concrete recommendations and tools that we have mapped and developed will be shared and used as a knowledge foundation for the coming decisions and changes that needs to be made.
Continuous effort, adaptation, and collaboration will be essential as we face new challenges and opportunities. To foresee in detail what challenges, trends and solutions the coming years will bring, is impossible. While nothing is ever entirely future-proof, we can, however choose to build in a way that is more future-oriented.
This toolbox is thus not just a culmination of our work but a foundation for future endeavours. It equips stakeholders with the knowledge, tools, and inspiration needed to build a greener future. As we move forward with some of the knowledge, let us remain steadfast in our mission to create a built environment that is not only resilient and efficient but also harmonious with our planet.