The reduction of carbon emissions in the built environment is a critical component in the global effort to combat climate change. The construction and use of buildings are significant contributors to greenhouse gas emissions, accounting for a substantial portion of the world’s carbon footprint. As urbanisation is proceeding, the need for sustainable construction practices becomes increasingly urgent. Implementing low-carbon solutions in the construction sector not only mitigates environmental impact, but also promotes energy efficiency, resource conservation and long-term economic benefits.
In response to these pressing challenges, the Nordic Sustainable Construction programme has been established. This initiative aims to support the Nordic Vision 2030 by promoting sustainable and competitive construction practices with minimal environmental and climate impact. The programme seeks to accelerate the decarbonisation of the building and construction sector through knowledge sharing and the dissemination of best practices.
The Nordic countries and Estonia have made significant strides in establishing carbon regulations for buildings. Mandatory climate declarations for new buildings have either been introduced or are currently under development in all five Nordic countries and Estonia. By the beginning of 2026, all Nordic countries are expected to have a legal framework for disclosing life-cycle greenhouse gas emissions, with or without limit values. This harmonisation of regulations is crucial for fair competition and mobilising the market to develop efficient low-carbon solutions.
This report is a deliverable of the programme, presenting a comprehensive catalogue of best practices in low-carbon construction from the Nordic countries and Estonia. The catalogue includes detailed case studies of selected construction projects that exemplify low-carbon solutions. These projects serve as benchmarks for the industry, providing valuable insights into effective strategies for reducing carbon footprints and enhancing sustainability.
The report begins with a methodology section outlining the criteria and process used for selecting the projects and the methods employed in analysing their carbon reduction strategies. Following this, the catalogue section presents the 26 detailed case studies of low-carbon buildings from the Nordic countries and Estonia, highlighting approaches and results. The report concludes with a summary of the key findings from the case studies and provides recommendations for future initiatives in low-carbon construction.