The Rakennustieto Environmental Classification is a tool developed specifically for Finnish conditions to guide sustainable construction and building operation. Environmentally high-performing buildings use energy and water efficiently and have a lower carbon footprint. The Environmental Classification also helps improve indoor environmental quality and workplace comfort.
The Rakennustieto Environmental Classification is a Finnish sustainability assessment and certification system that supports environmentally responsible construction and building management throughout the entire building lifecycle.
The system has been developed in cooperation with key stakeholders in Finland’s real estate and construction sector. Its criteria reflect Finnish best practices and national legislation, while also incorporating relevant EU standards and taxonomy requirements. Buildings achieving at least a three-star Environmental Classification demonstrate compliance with sustainable finance requirements for the assessed criteria.
The Rakennustieto Environmental Classification includes separate criteria sets for:
The classification is awarded on a one-to-five-star scale. The assessment consists of weighted criteria divided into different categories. The maximum score is 100 points, and additional points can be awarded for approved innovations related to the assessed criteria.
Projects seeking Rakennustieto Environmental Classification may engage an Environmental Classification Consultant who is trained in the use of the system. However, the final classification is always determined by an independent auditor who is not involved in the project.
The Environmental Classification system is supported by an expert working group that:
All information and documentation entered into the Environmental Classification Tool remain the property of the project owner. For further details, please refer to the Environmental Classification Rules.
Buildings that have received the Rakennustieto Environmental Classification may be published in the project gallery with the owner's permission.
Innovations are new practices, methods, or products that support the criteria of the Rakennustieto Environmental Classification and contribute to the advancement of the industry. An innovation may be entirely new or previously approved for another project.
Approved innovations remain valid and available for use in projects until the Environmental Classification Working Group determines that the innovation has become standard industry practice and is therefore no longer eligible for innovation points.
Rakennustieto publishes information on approved innovations on its website. Innovations can be submitted through a separate innovation application process. The Environmental Classification Working Group is responsible for approving or rejecting innovation proposals.
Rakennustieto provides training for Environmental Classification auditors. The training offers comprehensive knowledge of the auditing process and prepares participants for the auditor qualification examination.
Those who successfully pass the examination may become authorized Environmental Classification auditors. Auditors are assigned to projects by Rakennustieto and may not select projects themselves.
Participation in the auditor training requires completion of the Sustainable Building Project Management with Rakennustieto Environmental Classification training course.
Auditors are bound by strict confidentiality regarding all information obtained during the audit process. To ensure impartiality, auditors remain anonymous to the project team.
