During an extended period of economic downturn, many construction companies have faced declining demand and rising costs. It’s easy to understand the temptation to hold back on investments and focus on survival. However, simply weathering the storm without embracing change presentss a significant risk, says Tobias Hästbacka, CEO of Nordic Green Recycling.
The global shift towards sustainability and resource optimization is not slowing down—in fact, EU requirements are expected to tighten in the coming years. Companies that prioritize sustainable solutions today will be better positioned for the future.
One of the most notable opportunities in the construction sector right now is the reuse of building materials. Nordic Green Recycling aims to lead the way by demonstrating how building materials can have a new life instead of being discarded, explains Hästbacka.
According to Hästbacka, the public sector must also respond to these changes. Municipalities that implement clear requirements for green procurement can steer construction methods that reduce waste and utilize recycled materials.
Municipalities play a key role in driving sustainable solutions in the construction sector by setting clear demands for reuse and sustainability in their building projects. They have the mandate, the needs, and the challenges to address when it comes to sustainability, Hästbacka emphasizes.
In times of uncertainty, it is crucial to have the courage to prioritize the future. Investing in sustainability when the economy is weak may seem risky, but it is more of a necessity. For companies in the construction sector, there are strong reasons to act now.
Currently, many large investment projects are underway in Ostrobothnia, where we need to be forward-thinking. Together, we can create direct demand for circular building solutions and inspire private actors to follow suit, Hästbacka continues.
Finland’s construction sector has a unique opportunity to lead the transition towards a greener economy, but this requires close cooperation between businesses, authorities, and municipalities. We are not quite there yet, Hästbacka notes.
When we dare to prioritize a sustainable economy and reuse, we are not only building new houses and infrastructure—we are also building a stronger and more resilient future. For this to become a reality, municipalities must show leadership, courage, and commitment, and drive the development towards a circular construction sector, Hästbacka concludes.
