KIEPPI: Finnish city districts get new lease of life with sustainable urban redevelopment

closed

‘We need these new kinds of models and cooperation, because we know we can't reach our goals using old methods. For example, this area should produce more energy than it uses so that it becomes CO2 negative.’Karoliina Tuukkanen, project manager, City of TampereKIEPPI was a three-year partnership between cities, businesses, researchers, and city residents. It aimed to integrate circular economy concepts into the planning and construction of new city districts.The project developed sustainable neighbourhoods and created green jobs in three cities: Espoo, Tampere, and Turku. Tampere led the project and has already revitalised a disused industrial zone in the district of Hiedanranta, transforming it into a sustainable residential neighbourhood for 20 000 inhabitants.A tale of three citiesSeveral low-carbon technologies and circular economy concepts were trialled in urban locations with different characteristics. For instance, Tampere is an inland city while the other two cities lie near the coast.Urban flood resilience structures were tested in Tampere, which incorporated green spaces beneficial for health and wellbeing, and natural drainage. This was of great value as Tampere lies between two lakes and is one of the most populous inland cities in the Nordic countries.The developers relocated rare local plant species before construction began. These were replanted in residential areas once the works were finished. Several historical structures were renovated to maintain the heritage and historic appearance of Hiedanranta.In parallel, several food production solutions were tested in Tampere and Espoo. Turku, meanwhile, took part in pilot actions that made production and consumption cycles more efficient by producing as little waste as possible.Looking to the future, respecting the pastSolutions like these can reduce the carbon footprint of urban environments and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. There were challenges of course, one being that decision making processes in big cities like Tampere can often take up to a year or longer. Another was that many of the projects’ innovations have only emerged recently.The project team was keen to ensure that any products and services developed could be scaled up and replicated for other neighbourhoods and cities, not only in Finland, but across Europe. They will help to plan and build neighbourhoods that are carbon neutral, healthy, safe, and comfortable.Total investment and EU fundingTotal investment for the project “Partnership model for sustainable neighbourhoods (KIEPPI)” is EUR 1 309 159, with the EU’s European Regional Development Fund contributing EUR 877 138 through the “Sustainable growth and jobs 2014-2020 – Finland's structural funds programme” Operational Programme for the 2014-2020 programming period.