Peltokaaren daycare centre received the highest environmental rating

The criteria for the environmental classification of building information consist of five main groups that address the construction project process, economy, environmental and energy aspects, indoor air quality and health, while also encouraging innovation. There are a total of 28 criteria to be assessed.

Photo: WasaGroup

The Peltokaaren daycare centre is the first property in Finland to achieve the highest five-star rating in the history of Rakennustieto’s environmental classification for office and service buildings. The building’s energy efficiency and carbon footprint were a focus right from the competition stage, and the project received full marks in these areas. The design and implementation of the acoustics in the premises, among other things, were also of particularly high quality.

I would like to thank all parties involved in the municipality of Tuusula, Hoivatilat Oyj, WasaGroup Oy, WasaPlan Oy, WasaCon Oy, Sweco Finland Oy, and Arkkitehtuuri Oy Lehtinen Miettunen for their cooperation. This recognition belongs to everyone who was involved in the project at all stages. The municipality of Tuusula is a responsible partner, and our climate programme and property strategy emphasise responsible construction. Property developers, designers, financiers and construction companies are very interested in the impact that buildings have on their environment. Responsible real estate business creates the conditions for responsible financing and helps to increase the value of properties, says Pirjo Sirén, Director of Municipal Development in Tuusula.

“The project proves that even at a fast pace, it is possible to construct a building that is not only sustainable and environmentally friendly, but also beautiful, cosy and functionally efficient, providing children with excellent conditions for growing up and preparing for school,” says Jyri Olkkonen, head of the project office at the municipality of Tuusula.

The project was particularly interesting for the architect and designers, as the highest requirements of the Rakennustieto environmental classification guided them to create even more responsible and high-quality solutions. Achieving five stars required seamless cooperation between all parties and precise planning at every stage. This project demonstrated how sustainable construction can combine visual quality, functionality and environmental responsibility, says Minna Iisakka, design manager at the WasaPlan design agency and architectural designer on the project.

The fruits of Tuusula’s service network reform

The Peltokaaren daycare centre, which opened in August 2024, complements the early childhood education services available in the Jokela area. The daycare centre was built with six groups and has space for 126 children. The Peltokaaren daycare centre was implemented using a lease model through a competitive negotiation process.

The design and construction of the building also took into account the possibility of using its facilities for leisure activities outside of daycare hours. The aim has been to create multi-purpose and flexible facilities that can serve many different user groups as a living room and meeting place for local residents.

Environmental classification as an aid from design to maintenance

The Building Information Environmental Classification is a tool that guides sustainable construction and property maintenance. The classification has already been used to guide the environmental responsibility of more than 400 construction projects, and it helps in the environmentally responsible management and implementation of construction projects as well as in sustainable maintenance.

Environmentally conscious construction saves water and energy and produces fewer carbon dioxide emissions.

– Rakennustieto’s environmental classification helps to ensure the environmental responsibility of buildings throughout their entire life cycle, emphasises Petri Jaarto, Product Manager at Rakennustieto.

This content has been translated using AI