Building durable environment with Finnish granite
Finnish granite is a responsible building material. Using domestic stone is ecologically sustainable when promoting low-carbon construction. Granite is a ready natural resource that is quarried from the oldest Finnish rock in the world. Many stages of the quarrying and refinement still require handwork, and modern machinery enables an energy-efficient and low-emission manufacturing process. In addition, granite as a material is fully recyclable. The stones can often be reused as they are or used as aggregate material, for example, in roadbeds. Life cycle thinking speaks in favor of stone. Granite is an almost eternal building material that does not require constant maintenance. In addition, the quarrying and refinement of domestic stone take place in Finland, so transport distances do not become long, which has a significant impact on the carbon footprint of the product.
The competitiveness of domestic stone is indisputable from an environmental perspective.
Environment declarations (EPDs) have been created for domestic natural stone products. These declarations provide reliable information on the environmental impact of the product compared to alternative or elsewhere produced materials. The declarations were developed by Bionova Ltd, which specializes in life cycle assessments, and demonstrate that the carbon footprint of Finnish natural stone is highly competitive compared to competing materials. Check out the EPDs for more information.
Proven low carbon footprint and long lifespan
When making procurement decisions, life cycle assessment helps in making environmentally friendly choices. The low carbon footprint of domestic natural stone is due to the use of natural raw materials, low-emission production processes, and short transport distances. The almost eternal life cycle and sustainable properties of natural stone make it an environmentally responsible choice. The increasing appreciation for sustainability in society is reflected in sustainable construction, where domestic stone has its place.
Domestic Natural Stone - Responsible Choice
The built environment causes one-third of Finland’s greenhouse gas emissions. The prevailing and strengthening demand for responsibility guides the entire society to pay attention to choices that are sustainable for the environment. The Finnish state aims for carbon neutrality by 2035, and many cities and municipalities are also committed to pursuing carbon neutrality. The new Building Act (2025) that will come into force also makes climate change mitigation part of building legislation. When striving for carbon neutrality, attention should be paid to the carbon footprint of construction and building materials throughout their entire lifecycle. Finnish natural stone’s environmental properties throughout its entire lifecycle are unparalleled, making it a responsible choice for building material.
Respectfully respecting societal norms
In Finland, the quarrying of natural stone is always subject to a permit and regulated by legislation. The extraction of granite requires a quarrying permit under the Finnish Quarrying Act, as well as an environmental permit under the Finnish Environmental Protection Act. Nature and the environment are considered throughout the process of stone quarrying.
Domestic stone industry brings economic and social well-being to our society. Local operators are responsible for quarrying, processing, and transportation. Furthermore, the quarrying and processing of natural stone often provide employment in remote areas where quarries and processing plants are mainly located. Domestic stone is always produced responsibly, in compliance with collective agreements, while respecting the environment and human rights.
Eco Compass Environmental System
