Multifunctional centre, Pudasjärvi, Finland

Hyvän Olon Keskus Pirtti is a multifunctional centre in Pudasjärvi that includes facilities for healthcare, rehabilitation, social services, culture and youth services as well as a library and three business facilities. There is also retail premises in the building. The construction project was carried out under the PPP model, which includes a maintenance period of 20 years.

The building is being primarily constructed using logs: Pudasjärvi is known as the Log Capital of Finland, and YIT has previously constructed the world’s largest log school campus and a log-built assisted living facility in the town.

YIT was responsible for the design, construction and maintenance of the Hyvän Olon Keskus for a period of 20 years.

“Pudasjärvi is a pioneer in public sector timber construction in Finland. Piloting a carbon footprint assessment method is an excellent fit with our priorities. Participating in the development of the method with our largest construction project to date is important in many ways,” says Tomi Timonen, Mayor of Pudasjärvi. 

Making the carbon footprint transparent through shared rules

A new carbon footprint assessment method developed by the Ministry of the Environment was piloted at the Hyvän Olon Keskus in Pudasjärvi. Carbon footprint calculation provides information on a property’s full life cycle climate impact.

The carbon footprint assessment method for buildings developed by the Ministry of the Environment aims to facilitate the consistent calculation of the climate impacts of construction.

“The Ministry of the Environment’s calculation procedures are expected to harmonise operating practices and significantly increase the popularity of carbon footprint calculation. During the 2020s, the calculation method is expected to become a regulatory tool much like the E factor has already become a regulatory tool in the context of energy efficiency,” says Juhani Huuhtanen from Green Building Partners Oy, which was partnering the Hyvän Olon Keskus in carbon footprint calculation.

The Ministry of the Environment selected 15 pilot projects as recipients of financial support for carbon footprint calculation and reporting. The projects included public and private construction projects across Finland. The Hyvän Olon Keskus in Pudasjärvi was also granted financial support for piloting the method.

“It is a very interesting opportunity for us to participate in the development of this national calculation method, deepen our understanding and obtain the latest information on our project. YIT will be involved in the full life cycle of the Hyvän Olon Keskus, and we are eager to identify opportunities for reducing the carbon footprint and also to take advantage of the results of the carbon footprint calculation in the design, implementation and maintenance of subsequent projects,” says Marko Palonen, Regional Director, Building Construction, Northern Finland at YIT. 

“Log construction is an ecological choice thanks to its long service life, making it perfect for public spaces. In addition, the life-cycle model enables us to comprehensively ensure the functionality of the site and the service level required by the operations in an eco-friendly manner. We have solid experience in life-cycle projects, and this significant project serves as a continuation to the well-being centre constructed in Sodankylä using the life-cycle model,” says Hannu Soikkeli, Director of Life Cycle Projects at YIT. 

The construction of the multifunctional centre began in August 2019 and the building was commissioned in September 2021.