We provide information services, product information services, and environmental services for the needs of construction, infrastructure, building systems engineering, and property management.
Our services offer up-to-date and reliable regulations, guidelines, general quality requirements (RYL), product information, and environmental services to support high-quality construction and property management.
Rakennustieto Ltd. is owned by the RTS Foundation (Rakennustietosäätiö RTS sr), whose committees bring together the highest level of expertise in the real estate and construction sector, as well as the perspectives of the industry's various stakeholders. The content of Rakennustieto’s services is created through the work of these committees, ensuring impartial and high-quality information.
The comprehensive production of construction-related information has been the guiding principle of our operations from the post-war reconstruction era to the present day.
With Rakennustieto, you can ensure good building practices, quality of life, and a sustainable environment—both now and for future generations.
Through our products, particularly our design guidelines and environmental and classification services, we promote environmentally conscious design and practices.
The RT Card File (originally the Building Information Card File) is a cornerstone of Finnish construction and was originally developed under the guidance of renowned architect Alvar Aalto.
Even today, Rakennustieto remains a unique organization globally thanks to its committee-based system. In Finland, construction guidelines are created through cooperation and consensus among industry stakeholders.
Rakennustieto has continuously developed and expanded the construction guidance that originated from the RT Card File into a modern, comprehensive information service benefiting the entire construction industry.
Originally established in 1942 as the Reconstruction Office of the Finnish Association of Architects, Rakennustieto was founded during wartime when Finns were united in rebuilding the nation.
Alongside Alvar Aalto, another internationally acclaimed Finnish architect, Viljo Revell, played a key role in establishing Rakennustieto. When the first regulations were drafted, they were often approved by President Risto Ryti.
The system later evolved to serve peacetime construction needs. The foundation of the first card file, a series of 70 standards, was completed in 1943.
Alvar Aalto defined the quality objectives of the new card file as:
The RTS Foundation and Rakennustieto Ltd. were established in the 1970s to continue this work, and Rakennustieto has remained committed to these values ever since.
Publication of Rakennustaito Magazine began.
Publication of the Builders’ Yearbook (Rakentajain Kalenteri) began.
The Helsinki Building Centre was opened as a permanent construction materials exhibition.
The Reconstruction Office of the Finnish Association of Architects was established at the initiative of Alvar Aalto (renamed the Town Planning and Standardization Institute in 1947).
The first RT Cards were prepared under the supervision of the Building Standards Committee and in cooperation with various organizations and industry experts.
The Finnish Association of Architects and the Central Federation of Construction Site Managers established the RTS Foundation (Rakennustietosäätiö).
Rakennuskirja Ltd., now known as Rakennustieto Ltd., was founded.
Publication of the Ratu Card File began.
Publication of the KH Card File began.
Publication of the LVI Card File (Building Services Engineering Information) began.
Rakennustieto expanded its operations to Estonia, Russia, and Latvia.
Development of sustainable construction tools began. The M1 Building Material Emissions Classification System was created and introduced.
The RT Card File was published on CD-ROM and partially made available online.
The Construction Products Register was transferred online, leading to the creation of RT Tarviketieto Net (now RT Product Information).
The following RYL quality requirement publications were released:
The year 2002 was a jubilee year for Rakennustieto:
The Contract Forms Net Service was launched.
The RT Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) Service was introduced.
Rakennustaito Magazine celebrated its 100th anniversary.
The SIT Interior Information Service was launched.
The first volume of the InfraRYL 2006 Handbook was published.
The KH Net Service was launched.
The following services were launched:
Development of online products continued with the launch of:
KiinteistöRYL 2009 was published as the first RYL covering property management services comprehensively.
The following publications were released:
The RT TietoMedia Service was launched for media customers.
The Infra Net Service was launched.
The Builders’ Yearbook 2012 was published as an e-book, printed book, and online service.
The KH Card File celebrated its 30th anniversary.
MaalausRYL 2012 was published.
Rakennustieto relocated from Runeberginkatu to Voimatalo.
The construction exhibition was discontinued, while the bookstore continued operations at Runeberginkatu 5.
An e-book platform was introduced into production use.
SisäRYL 2013 was published.
The bookstores in Lappeenranta and Oulu were closed, while Tampere continued as a sales office.
The RT Tarviketieto Service was renewed and renamed RT Product Information.
