Temporary use of industrial space boosts innovation
The sustainability of the built environment can be promoted by means of the circular economy. A good example of this is the use of Keran Hallit, a former logistics centre, where numerous companies from various industries operate temporarily. The premises have enabled many companies to grow and develop their business. Keran Hallit has served as a home base for innovative operators in sustainable construction, among others.
The circular economy also plays a role in new construction projects. The manufacture, transport and construction of building materials consume significant amounts of energy and natural resources. In Espoo, the fastest-growing city in Finland, there are many construction projects underway and special attention must be paid to their environmental impacts. The construction sector should therefore increasingly adhere to the principles of the circular economy, for example by making more extensive use of materials from demolished buildings. However, not everything can be replaced with old materials, so it is also important to develop new sustainable building materials.
3D printing of low-carbon concrete
Carbon emissions from concrete production account for a significant share of construction emissions, so it is important to reduce the use of concrete and introduce more environmentally friendly production methods. Hyperion Robotics(external link, opens in a new window), operating in Keran Hallit, addresses these challenges by manufacturing concrete building components using 3D printing technology. One of the company’s founders, Ashish Mohite, describes this technology as enabling more material-efficient construction compared to traditional construction methods. “Our method reduces construction time, saves costs and significantly reduces the carbon footprint of construction,” Mohite summarises.
The amount of concrete used in construction can be reduced by 3D printing. Utilising this method can lead to significant emission reductions – concrete is widely used in construction and cannot be completely replaced with other materials. It is also a highly carbon-intensive material, as the production of cement, the binder used in concrete mixtures, accounts for an estimated five to eight per cent of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions. The environmental impact of the components manufactured by Hyperion Robotics is reduced by the use of recycled materials in the concrete mixture, such as surplus aggregate from the mining industry.
Premises and cooperation as enablers of innovation
There is an increasing worldwide need for sustainable innovations in the construction sector. Hyperion Robotics’ products are exported to several countries, and the company has grown significantly in recent years. This growth has been further accelerated by the versatile premises at Keran Hallit, which are ideal for development activities and conveniently located near excellent transport links.
The success stories of Hyperion Robotics and Keran Hallit are examples of how cooperation between different stakeholders, such as urban development operators, property owners and businesses, can lead to new and innovative solutions. Many companies from various industries have grown their business at Keran Hallit and will soon need new premises before the demolition of the buildings begins in 2025. According to several operators at Keran Hallit, there is a need for similar adaptable industrial space in the capital region.
Read more:
Keran Hallit(external link, opens in a new window)
How are companies’ changing needs for premises met in Espoo?
Former logistics centre in Kera boosts new business
Temporary use of buildings also benefits the property owner
TEXT: Laura Krootila
