New carbon management model significantly reduces emissions from new construction 

Published 20th June 2024 

The carbon management model used for the first time ensures the reduction of carbon emissions in construction projects, for example by reducing emissions from materials. The carbon management model has been developed by Metropolitan Area Transport Ltd in cooperation with Sweco. The model is being used for the first time in a major renovation project at the Koskela depot.

Metropolitan Area Urban Transport Ltd will completely renovate the Koskela depot. As part of the development phase of the project, a carbon management model including digital overview tool was developed together with Sweco and the alliance of the entire Koskela depot project. The carbon management model is implemented for the first time in Finland. Earlier it has been used in infrastructure projects led by Sweco in the UK. The model ensures that the choices made are as low-emission as possible. All carbon dioxide emissions during the project’s life cycle are calculated and taken into account in decision-making, daily management and material choices.  

“There is a lot of information, tools and calculations on emission reductions in the industry, but the carbon management model makes it possible to put theory into practice. Based on the innovations and comparisons made on the drawing board, we have succeeded in reducing the carbon emissions of the Koskela depot project by tens of percent even before the implementation phase. It’s great to see the calculations of material quantities and costs, which also include the amount of carbon – it simplifies decision-making,” says Maija Sarpo, Sustainability Manager at Metropolitan Area Transport.    

An essential part of the  carbon management model is the project’s day-to-day management tools and overview, which compares the target with the achievement of both costs and emissions. Real-time overview and monitoring enable information on the use of materials, such as concrete, and their emissions. At the Koskela depot, the goal is to have as small a carbon footprint as possible without compromising the end result. The carbon management model makes it possible to reduce emissions from materials. 

“Sweco has a lot of international experience in carbon management. In the UK, we have successfully used carbon management models especially in infrastructure projects, such as rail and station construction. Our expertise contributed to the rapid start of the planning phase of the Koskela depot project. We know from experience that our carbon management process effectively leads to emission reductions,” says Iida Vakkuri, Sweco’s Sustainability Director. 

Metropolitan Area Urban Transport Ltd is committed to reducing the environmental impacts of the entire life cycle of its services and to reducing carbon emissions in all its operations.  

“As a client, we have a role in the development of the entire infrastructure sector. We set sufficiently ambitious climate targets and dare to demand the use of the latest technologies and innovation from our partners. Our goal is to create an operating culture that we can also utilise in our other projects that shape practices throughout the industry,” says Karoliina Rajakallio, Unit director, enterprise Resource Planning at the Metropolitan Area Transport.

More info on: 
Iida Vakkuri, vastuullisuusjohtaja, Sweco, puh. 050 531 3765, iida.vakkuri@sweco.fi
Maija Sarpo, Sustainability Manager, Metropolitan Area Urban Transport Ltd, tel. 040 868 4223, maija.sarpo@kaupunkiliikenne.fi
Tiina Varhee, press contact, Sweco tel. 040 731 1231 ext.tiina.varhee@sweco.fi