Why was the database created?
The national construction emissions database has been developed to support the reduction of construction-related climate impacts. Finland aims for carbon neutrality by 2035, which entails emissions reductions in the construction sector as well.
Legislation will begin to steer towards low-carbon buildings starting from 2025. The new Building Act requires the preparation of climate and material surveys, and the necessary information for these surveys regarding the climate impacts of building products and construction processes, as well as materials, can be found in the construction emissions database.
Previously, the climate impacts of buildings have been assessed using varying methods. The Ministry of the Environment has developed a low-carbon construction assessment method based on the European Commission's Levels method and EN standards. The national construction emissions database provides the emission data required for this method. Harmonizing the calculation enables the generation of comparable data, allowing for the setting and monitoring of climate goals.
What does the database contain?
The database shows, among other things
- the carbon footprint of construction products
- the carbon stock of construction products
- the carbon handprint of construction products
- the scenarios for the recycling and recovery of construction products at the end of their life cycle
- the waste percentages on construction sites
- the technical lifetimes of frequently replaced products
- the transport emissions data
- the construction emissions data
- emission data for different forms of energy and scenarios for the development of their carbon footprint for the coming decades
- emission data on waste treatment
The database contains only general and typical information describing Finnish construction. It does not contain information about individual products or companies.
Who is it made for? Who uses it?
- Designers (architects, structure, building services engineering)
- Construction companies
- Construction environmental consultants
- Researchers
- Cost accountants
- Product manufacturers
- Project management
Who made it?
The CO2data service, including databases for construction and infrastructure, has been compiled by the Finnish Environment Institute (Syke) in close cooperation with various experts. The construction emissions database was commissioned by the Ministry of the Environment, while the infrastructure construction emissions database was commissioned by the Finnish Transport Infrastructure Agency (Väylävirasto).
Does it cost to use the database?
No. Access to the database via the user interface and the use of the information via the interfaces provided is free of charge.
How is the database compiled and what is information based on?
The data in the database have been compiled in collaboration with environmental experts and construction professionals. More than 100 experts and professionals have participated in the creation of the database.
The database is based on existing public information and has been compiled from various sources, mainly environmental statements (including RTS EPD, EPD Norge, Environdec, IBU, other generic data if necessary, e.g., ÖkobauDat, ICE, VTT, IVL). Based on this, comparisons, selection and calculation of averages have been made. Industry expert groups from different product categories have been involved.
Data on construction, transport, demolition and waste management are mainly based on Finnish statistics and surveys. The database has been created together with the Swedish authorities and experts.
What does it mean that the database was created together with Sweden?
The Nordic ministers responsible for construction have agreed to harmonize future legislation and associated development efforts concerning low-carbon construction. This aims to streamline business operations across the Nordic countries.
Finland and Sweden have jointly designed the data structure and user interface, and they will be the first to publish them. Feedback has been sought from other Nordic countries, and updates on the various stages of the work have been provided. The objective is to establish a common format for the application developer interfaces, promote open information exchange and comparison, and facilitate the sharing of best practices.
What is the database information used for? Does the database create new obligations?
The Emissions Database for Construction enables the assessment of a building's climate impact and comparison of various design options. The database can be utilized to prepare a climate assessment for a building or renovation project. Environmental declarations can replace the emissions database value. In addition to regulatory development, the database provides information for research and product development.
While the database does not impose new obligations, it does enable future low-carbon construction regulation. The new Building Act will enter into force on 1 January 2025.
Does the database contain all construction products in used in Finland?
The database contains the main construction products but does not cover every possible product. The database has sought to cover the most important generic products, services and processes for calculating. The coverage of the database will be developed in the future according to needs.
How do I add my product to the database?
Data for individual products is not stored in the database. The database contains only general or generic product information. The database does not contain environmental statements for individual products.
Do I have to provide information about my product?
Data for individual products is not stored in the database. The database contains only general or generic information about products and construction processes.
How often is the database information updated?
The database is regularly updated based on new information and feedback.
How will the database be developed in the future? How to get involved?
Feedback is collected continuously. In addition to collecting targeted feedback, discussion events are organised as needed.