The Nordic Circularity Piloting Program continued on March 6, 2025 with the second value chain session focused on designing circular solutions across the value chain for technical building equipment. With over 100 attendees joining in-person or online, the session was an inspiring snapshot into the ways of working and solutions already advancing circularity across the building value chain.
After an energizing start to the Nordic Circularity Piloting Program in February in Stockholm, the Program’s second value chain session brought together attendees in Espoo, Finland for another round of industry presentations, pitches from companies, and a matchmaking session to find partners for the pilots that will take place in the Program in fall 2025.
Early decision-making and engagement across stakeholders are critical for circularity
The day began with a look at how decision-making in construction needs to evolve to enable circularity. Skanska’s Ulrika Åhs Sivertsen, Climate and Sustainability Manager, region Stockholm, Sara Calvert, Senior Project Purchaser, and Christian Thell, Design Manager, emphasized shared responsibility, open and frequent dialogue with collaborators, and early decision-making as the keys to successful circular construction. Skanska aims to integrate circularity into every stage of construction, from procurement to design and execution, while leveraging data and digital tools for greater impact. Proper storage and minimal movement of materials, carbon footprint assessments, sufficient time allocated for new circular processes, and tenant engagement are some of the concrete actions that can help scale circularity in construction.
An exciting look at current pilots in circular technical building equipment was presented by Charlotte Nyholm, Chief Specialist, Sustainable Construction at Granlund. The Finnish Talteka’s Reuse Project covers two pilot projects that have tested reuse processes in construction. The pilots have identified challenges to circularity, such as gaps or lack of awareness in the value chain and contractual or regulatory complexities. The learnings from these pilots are going to be collected and compiled into guides to support various stakeholders in integrating circularity in technical building equipment. Some of the key lessons highlighted were the importance of early decision-making, collaborating with stakeholders throughout the process, and proper documentation of product and material information.
Cases from KONE and nolla_E making circularity reality
The second half of the morning showcased two Program partners promoting circular technical building solutions. KONE’s Rise to Lead strategy (2025–2030), emphasizing digital acceleration, modernization, and carbon reduction, was presented by Mari Lemberg, Circularity and Sustainability, Natasha Rubanin-Hildén, Senior Manager, Sustainability, and Antti Perko, Product Director, Modernization Solutions. KONE is advancing circularity by extending elevator lifespans, and piloting the reuse and refurbishment of parts to minimize waste. A new circular elevator modernization concept, Replace with Retention, allows reusing structural elevator components to cut emissions by 35% while reducing installation downtime in half.
Next, Nikolas Salomaa, CEO at Nolla-E showcased how the company’s software can optimize energy retrofits in buildings by simulating various energy efficiency measures. Nolla-E analyzes and re-engineers energy flows, identifying cost-effective measures to reduce energy consumption, peak heating loads, and lifecycle costs across various projects. Case studies demonstrated significant financial and environmental benefits e.g. through reutilizing HVAC equipment, integrating geothermal heating, and leveraging thermal storage.
Program pilots to be selected by a steering group
The session was finalized with Combient Pure sharing practicalities on how the Program pilots will be selected. Six pilots will be selected by a steering group from Finland, Sweden, Norway, and Denmark to receive program support, including clinics, site visits, and facilitation. Pilot execution is planned from August to December 2025, with the results and learnings reviewed in spring 2026. You can find more information on the piloting criteria from the program’s website www.circularitypiloting.com.
The Espoo session continued in the afternoon with company pitches and speed dating sessions to find the best matches for potential pilots. In-person matchmaking will continue in the next two value chain sessions in Norway (April 10th) and Copenhagen (May 15th). Both sessions start with a hybrid morning session focused on presentations and industry use cases. Sign up to join us!
For more information on the Nordic Circularity Piloting Program, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our team at melissa.kanerva@combient.com.