Sustainable residential area in Finland http://www.nordicenergysolutions.org/inspirational/sustainable-building-site-in-finland

Sustainable residential area in Finland

Ekoviikki in Helsinki is the largest sustainable residential area in Finland, demonstrating a range of environmental and energy concepts.
EKOVIIKKI. Ekoviikki is a housing area but also a noteworthy and internationally renowned experimental project. (Photo: City of Helsinki, Ministry of the Environment)

EKOVIIKKI. Ekoviikki is a housing area but also a noteworthy and internationally renowned experimental project. (Photo: City of Helsinki, Ministry of the Environment)


Viikki suburb in Helsinki is a science and housing area where Helsinki City applies ecological and sustainability guidelines in full urban scale.
Nine solar energy systems

Due to the cold climate in Helsinki, the energy aspects have received much attention at the Ekoviikki residential area. Finland's largest solar project ever involves the construction of nine solar energy systems, the total collecting surface area being 1,246 square metres. Each system has been optimised for its integration in the building in question. And the buildings are built to suit the solar panels. The Ekoviikki Solar Energy Projects are part of the EU Thermie demonstration programme. The total budget of the Project is 800,000 Euros and the Ekoviikki site houses 2,000 inhabitants and represents a built area of 64,000 square metres.
Solar heating

The solar heating system consists of the collectors, storage and required heating components. The heating system is compatible with the most basic heating system i.e. district heating with low return temperatures. Thus, the solar heating system can operate at relatively low temperatures. Almost half the energy needed for warm service water of the buildings will be derived from solar energy. The main share of the solar energy systems will be constructed in apartment houses. The project increases the housing prices by about 0.5 percent only, and yields free hot water in return.

Source: Ministry of the Interior, Finland


Further reading:

Ministry of the Interior, Finland: Ekoviikki - Sustainable City Projects in Helsinki
Energie-Cités: Bioclimatism
Helsinki University of Technology: Urban solar energy schemes as sustainable energy solutions for eco-cities

The friendly windmills of Finnish city Kotka