The future of homeownership: An ecological and responsible choice

What makes Kirstinpuisto an ideal location for sustainable living?

Kirstinpuisto, located in the Linnakaupungin area of Turku, combines a central location with nature-friendly living. The area’s history dates back to the 1920s when it was home to a botanical garden operated by the University of Turku. Today, Kirstinpuisto is transforming into a modern residential area, offering a unique blend of city convenience and natural surroundings. The development of Kirstinpuisto emphasizes sustainable solutions, quality public spaces, and green design. This is supported by initiatives like the EU-funded iWater project, which seeks innovative solutions for rainwater and floodwater management. As the area continues to grow and evolve, it serves as a model for sustainable urban development, blending historical roots with forward-thinking planning.

How does Avain Asunnot promote ecological and sustainable housing?

We at Avain Asunnot are deeply committed to ecological and sustainable housing. Our goal is to achieve carbon neutrality in property energy use by 2035. To this end, we focus on acquiring land close to essential services and with excellent public transport connections, which supports our sustainability objectives. Our participation in zoning projects is active, ensuring that the ecological life cycle of developments is prioritized. By designing sustainable buildings that are affordable to maintain and repair, we aim for all our projects to achieve an A energy class (less than 75 kWh/m2/year). We also promote renewable energy sources, such as geothermal and solar power, to ensure our developments are environmentally friendly.

What are the benefits of eco-friendly construction and design?

Eco-friendly construction offers numerous benefits, including a significant reduction in waste through sorting and recycling. By utilizing recycled materials and aiming for a 90% sorting target in our contracting processes, we contribute to resource efficiency and environmental conservation. Our construction practices include precise delivery to avoid material waste and enhance productivity with efficient production methods. Buildings are made weather-tight before interior work begins, a practice that ensures the healthiness of the construction. We strive for zero-defect deliveries, which reduces unnecessary work and waste, ensuring our projects are both economically and environmentally sustainable.

How does sustainable homeownership address environmental and health impacts?

Sustainable homeownership is at the core of our philosophy, addressing both environmental and health impacts. By reducing water consumption by 35% by 2026 compared to 2018 levels, and increasing the use of renewable energy for heating, we significantly lower our environmental footprint. We also focus on decreasing district heating energy consumption and implementing AI-guided temperature optimization within homes. By eliminating fossil fuels for primary heating and transitioning to carbon-neutral electricity by 2026, we ensure that our properties support environmentally sustainable lifestyle choices. Our homes use remote management services and energy management systems to identify consumption anomalies, further promoting responsible living.

What role does community and location play in responsible living?

Community and location play a crucial role in responsible living. Kirstinpuisto offers excellent transport links and proximity to essential services, which enhances the quality of life for residents. The area’s design supports an almost car-free lifestyle, with easy access to Turku’s city center and other destinations via walking, cycling, and public transport. The community aspect is further enriched by spaces and events, such as those at Artturinkadun square, which foster a sense of belonging and promote active lifestyles. These elements contribute to sustainable urban living, making Kirstinpuisto a model for responsible and community-focused development.