The construction sector is facing a fundamental transition. Stricter climate targets, the forthcoming Finnish Construction Act (2026), and EU-level regulation are pushing the industry towards more material-efficient and low-carbon solutions. At the same time, the sector urgently needs practical models that make circular economy solutions feasible in real-life construction projects.
In Helsinki-Uusimaa Region, this need is now addressed by the Building Components Bank, launched in February 2026. The initiative brings together municipalities, companies, and experts to promote the reuse of building components in a concrete, scalable way.
A New Operational Model for the Entire Sector
The Building Components Bank is a broad, cross-sector collaboration coordinated by Helsinki-Uusimaa Circular Hub and operated through a public procurement process by Spolia Design Oy. Its core idea is to test and embed a new operational culture: how reused building components can become a trusted and practical part of planning, procurement, and construction processes.
Reusing components requires more than good intentions. Designers, contractors, and clients need reliable information, physical access to products, and confidence that reused components meet project requirements and are available when needed. The Building Components Bank responds directly to these needs by creating transparency and trust across the value chain.
Addressing Long-Standing Barriers to Reuse
Although reuse is widely recognised as one of the most effective ways to reduce the carbon footprint of construction and conserve natural resources, its uptake has so far been limited. Reuse has often remained fragmented and experimental. Key barriers have included:
- lack of practical know-how
- uncertainty around availability and quality
- limited inclusion of reuse in public procurement and tendering
The Building Components Bank tackles these challenges by offering:
- training and expert sparring for municipalities and companies
- opportunities to physically inspect and familiarise oneself with reusable components
- real-life pilot projects where reuse processes are tested and refined
Based on Spolia Design’s experience, a wide range of components — including brick façades, glass structures, and heavy glulam frames — can often be dismantled intact and reused, provided that reuse is planned from the outset.
Municipalities and Companies Driving Change Together
A strong network of actors has committed to the Building Components Bank. Participants include YIT, Skanska, Senaatti Properties, Ecophon Saint-Gobain, Castellum, HEKA, and Kaupunkiliikenne Oy, as well as the cities of Helsinki, Espoo, Porvoo, Lohja, and Vihti.
The role of municipalities is particularly critical. Public actors commission a significant share of construction projects, while companies design and deliver projects according to public tender requirements. Systemic change can only happen when both sides move forward together — embedding reuse into requirements, design solutions, and delivery practices at the same time.
Showrooms, Storage and a Circular Marketplace
The Building Components Bank operates across several locations in Helsinki-Uusimaa Region. Expert services and a showroom are located in Espoo, with storage facilities in Nurmijärvi. In addition, reused building products are available through a market place in Helsinki, as well as via an online store. This physical visibility plays an important role in normalising reuse and lowering the threshold for first-time users.
Part of Finland’s Green Transition
The Building Components Bank forms part of the EU co-funded KOPPI project (Regional Circular Economy Hubs Supporting Green Deal Commitments). The project supports municipalities and companies in turning circular economy commitments into concrete actions and pilots at regional level.
From Pilots to Everyday Practice
The Building Components Bank demonstrates that reuse can move beyond isolated experiments and become a credible, scalable part of mainstream construction. As competence grows, trust strengthens, and markets develop, reused building components can deliver substantial emissions reductions while opening up new kinds of circular business opportunities.
In Helsinki-Uusimaa, the foundations are now in place for making reuse an integral part of how we design, procure, and build — not as an exception, but as everyday practice.
This article has been provided by ECIV partner The Helsinki-Uusimaa Regional Council.
