Jätkäsaari is planned according to the principles of sustainable development, with its central location in the city supporting these goals. An effective public transport network incorporating both trams and the metro will service this dense urban structure. Similar energy-efficient solutions found elsewhere in Helsinki will be favoured during construction.
Jätkäsaari is home to the “City Block for Sustainable Construction” project of Sitra, the Finnish Innovation Fund. The goal of the project is to develop and demonstrate energy-efficient, innovative solutions for low-carbon or even carbon neutral urban design and construction.
The waste management of the entire Jätkäsaari area will be carried out using the innovative and environmentally friendly technique of automated vacuum collection. This system involves separating different types of waste and then transporting it at high speeds through underground pipes. In addition, this dustcart-free system also means a safer, cleaner, odourless and less noisy environment.
A number of soil tests have been carried out in the former harbour area and also on a landfill site that existed previously in Jätkäsaari in the beginning of the 20th century. Any soil found to be contaminated will be thoroughly cleaned, eradicating any potentially harmful effects. The planning of the landfill site-cleaning project has commenced, with the application for a separate environmental permit to soon follow.
Jätkäsaari City Block for Sustainable Construction
The Sustainable City Block project of Sitra, the Finnish Innovation Fund, is located in Jätkäsaari. In 2009, a Sustainable Development Design Competition was held, whose goal was to formulate a proposal that would combine sustainable development, social and economic viewpoints, as well as high-quality architecture.
The multinational winning team was ARUP/Sauerbruch Hutton/Experientia/Galley Eco Capital, who presented an innovative funding model for developing Jätkäsaari into the first carbon neutral district in Finland.
Furthermore, Sitra, SRV and VVO have announced a 60 million euro investment for a low carbon housing and commercial building complex in Helsinki.
Work on the development will begin immediately, with completion scheduled for the end of 2012. Through the project, Sitra aims to generate research and evidence that will inform the policy, innovation and practices that drive future low carbon development in the completed environment, with the aim to completely abolish it altogether.
