Innovative low-carbon solutions enhance sustainability at Finnish school

The three-story building, developed by construction company Lapti Oy as a turnkey project, includes classrooms, a library, youth facilities, an outdoor area, and a sports hall. It accompanies a pre-existing school building that was renovated in 2016. The HYK school complex is designed to accommodate approximately 900 students and 100 staff members.

Ecophon low-carbon ceiling tiles are manufactured in Forssa using biogas, reducing the products’ climate impact by an average of 35% compared to standard products. For example, the low-carbon version of Ecophon Focus™ A – which is one of Finland’s best-selling suspended ceiling products – has a life cycle carbon footprint of just 1.5 kgCO₂eq./m² (LCA stages A1–C4), verified with a product-specific Environmental Product Declarations (EPD).

A total of 3,840 m² of Ecophon acoustic panels were installed in the school, with 2,600 m² coming from the low-carbon range.

Environmental goals as key part of the project

The city of Hämeenlinna aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2035, which is also reflected in its building projects. The new school building and sports hall are both classified as A-energy buildings and utilise smart LED lighting, geothermal heating, solar energy, and heat recovery from exhaust air. Additionally, the spaces are designed for multi-purpose use and a high utilisation rate, improving efficiency in terms of both energy consumption and maintenance.

"In our construction projects, key principles include maximising the building’s lifespan, adaptability, energy and resource efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and meeting high-quality standards for safety and health. It is great that we, as a public developer, can set an example – especially in school projects,” says Antti Mustajärvi, construction engineer at Hämeenlinna City Facility Services.

Aiming for a four-star environmental certification

The new school building is pursuing a four-star rating, the second-highest level, in Rakennustieto’s environmental certification system. Rakennustieto is a Finnish organisation that provides information services and tools for the construction industry, also serving as an operator of Environmental Product Declarations. It offers environmental classification systems tailored specifically for Finnish conditions, facilitating transparency and sustainability in the building sector.

Rakennustieto Environmental Certification (Rakennustiedon YL) ensures sustainable solutions for buildings in terms of energy efficiency, moisture control, indoor air quality, and maintenance, among other factors. Currently, there are 17 schools in Finland that have achieved the four-star Rakennustieto certification.

"We have extensive experience both in school construction and in implementing environmentally efficient solutions. It is a pleasure to carry out this project in collaboration with Hämeenlinna City Facilities Management, who also share ambitious goals for sustainability. In designing and constructing the building, we've incorporated industry best practices and invested in highly durable materials suitable for a school environment. The upcoming Rakennustieto four-star environmental certification will serve as proof of our success," says Arttu Similä, Construction Manager at Rakennusliike Lapti Oy.

Sustainable building materials crucial for green building goals

The construction industry accounts for approximately 40% of global CO₂ emissions, making material choices a crucial factor in the overall environmental impact of a building’s life cycle. As the industry strives to reduce its environmental footprint to combat climate change, more attention must be paid not only to heavy materials such as steel and concrete, but also to optimising lighter structures like suspended ceilings.

“As a ceiling contractor, we aim to provide high-quality and environmentally responsible products for projects. In the case of HYK, our decision was influenced by Ecophon products' excellent technical properties, verified low environmental impact, and the fact that the products are manufactured locally in Forssa,” says Markku Hietikko, Head of the Helsinki unit at Rakenne-Tikka Oy.

Good acoustics support life-cycle efficiency

When acoustics are considered at the design stage, there is no need to compromise on the practicality, functionality, and comfort of the spaces afterward.

"A functional acoustic environment is crucial for the building's occupancy rate and life cycle. A sound-absorbing suspended ceiling is a key factor, but acoustic wall panels are often also necessary. If we notice during contract negotiations that acoustics have not been given enough attention, we will bring it up. Retrofitting acoustics is always more expensive," Hietikko notes.

The verified low-carbon range from Ecophon offers customers the opportunity to implement projects that are lower in emissions and more efficient over their lifecycle.

Download EPDs for our low-carbon products