Article 9.1.2025

In the Construction Sector’s Green Transition, Sustainability Isn’t Just a Goal – It’s a Competitive Advantage

The construction industry plays a key role in achieving the ambitious goals required by the green transition. Beyond obligations, responsibilities, and guidelines, the opportunities for business innovation are immense. Many companies in the field have recognized this shift, and the sector is quickly becoming a hub for innovation.

Practical Solutions for Sustainability Goals

Amerikka Design Office is actively working to strengthen the role of sustainability across all of its projects. Turning this intention into tangible results requires a clear strategy and aligned actions. One of the biggest challenges is often demonstrating the added value of sustainable solutions to clients and evaluating whether the available resources are sufficient.

“Sustainability in our projects means much more than selecting surface materials. We focus on maximizing flexibility, multifunctionality, and efficient space usage – and extending the lifecycle of buildings. Strategic design decisions taken during the concept development phase can have a major impact when made together with the client,” explains interior architect Taija Maunu.

“Our projects vary significantly in scale and timeline. When we have a chance to influence strategic decisions, we also influence the long-term emissions. A well-designed service concept can reduce the need to build redundant space or promote sustainable mobility. These are not small matters,” adds Director of Development Tuuli Korjus.

Ecological and Economical Go Hand in Hand

Design choices can reduce the carbon footprint and promote circular use of materials. Reusing existing structures isn’t just environmentally friendly – it can also provide significant cost savings.

This same principle was applied in the renovation of Amerikka’s own office. Comparing large surface materials like ceilings and floors helped cut the carbon footprint of the construction phase by around 2%. The project also reused old glass walls found on-site, which were reinstalled with new frames.

“We transformed an old bank property into a warm and functional space. Preserving original building elements came with its challenges, but also opened up valuable professional opportunities,” says project manager Jussi Salmivuori.

Amerikka’s internal material library has also been thoroughly reviewed and updated. Materials are now color-coded to help designers identify more sustainable options at a glance.

Staff Insight Supports Responsible Development

Amerikka collects input from its staff annually for its sustainability report. These perspectives are essential not only for internal development but also for aligning sustainability goals in client projects. In our work, sustainability includes not just environmental topics but also good governance and social well-being.

“Carbon footprint calculations and similar sustainability measures are not yet the norm in every project but the direction is clear. In recent years, community and well-being have become increasingly important,” reflects spatial designer Tomi Jokinen.

Good Project Management Is the Key to Success

Our project management is built on trust, transparency, and teamwork.

“Strong project management requires close collaboration and skilled personnel. Gathering our team’s insights is a central part of our continuous development – also from an ESG perspective. These insights help us measure impact and steer our work in the right direction,” summarizes CEO Heidi Lilja.

The future is built on responsible solutions. At Amerikka Design Office, we don’t just follow change – we create it. One space at a time.

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