Handbook on sustainable development in Kiviruukki
Kiviruukki, located on the northern side of Länsiväylä in Kivenlahti, is being developed into a diverse residential and workplace area along the West Metro growth and development corridor. According to the Kiviruukki vision, the area will become one of the world’s leading circular economy hubs. A handbook on the development of the area has now been published. It focuses on carbon neutrality, nature wisdom and the circular economy and also supports sustainable lifestyles.
The handbook on the development of Kiviruukki examines the starting points of the area and the impacts of construction from the perspectives of the climate, nature and the circular economy, identifying the preconditions, objectives and measures related to sustainable urban development. In addition, the handbook critically assesses the feasibility, effectiveness and potential cross-effects of the objectives.
The aim of the handbook is to guide and provide inspiration for sustainable development in Kiviruukki and to provide information on what the area could be for those living, operating and working there. The handbook does not provide all-encompassing guidelines, but it helps people understand the special characteristics of the area.
Kiviruukki has all the potential to be a leading area in sustainability
According to assessments, Kiviruukki is well placed to achieve carbon neutrality, which is supported by the existing transport infrastructure as well as district heating that is increasingly clean thanks to the energy transition. It is possible to promote biodiversity in Kiviruukki by preserving existing green spaces and building new ones, as the transformation of the area will free up currently built-up sites for natural environments. The area also offers excellent conditions for circular economy experiments, and the circular economy facilitates other themes. Kiviruukki’s local identity will develop during construction, and the area will be socially sustainable and take into account the quality of life and the positive effects of nature on people’s wellbeing.
The development of the area requires cooperation, communication and learning from others. During the handbook process, it was recognised that the ambitious nature wisdom, carbon
neutrality and circular economy objectives set for the Kiviruukki project and the realisation of the innovation hub vision will require long-term efforts. The development of the area takes into account the various stages of its life cycle, their connections, and the lessons learned regarding the overall development of Kiviruukki.
“During the process, we had wonderful discussions with a wide network of experts. Thanks to this cooperation, the handbook became more multidimensional. The handbook will help us, in Kiviruukki’s future land use planning, identify and promote goal-related measures in a timely manner together with our future partners. I also hope that the handbook inspires people to look for new solutions, as local development requires long-term commitment,” says Area Architect Mervi Hokkanen from the City Planning Department.
Preparatory work for the handbook was carried out in the autumn of 2024. Various experts in the fields of research and science as well as from different city units were interviewed during the process. In addition, a multidisciplinary workshop for researchers, experts and other operators was held, and the results were used to define the objectives and measures of the handbook.
The handbook is primarily intended for the City of Espoo and those involved in the development of Kiviruukki, but it also serves other operators in the area. The handbook was created by Ramboll Finland Oy on behalf of the City of Espoo.
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