Healthy and sustainable housing

We try to fulfil YIT’s mission in our projects: environmental friendliness is one of the keystones of the YIT philosophy and several environmental goals are specified in the corporate strategy. We are looking for and introducing environmentally sustainable solutions not only during construction, but also in the subsequent operation of energy-efficient buildings. This “green construction” is a way to protect nature and the environment, which also brings more comfortable and healthier living for its inhabitants.

As part of the ESG (Environment, Social and Corporate Governance) strategy, we have updated the standards in our Sustainability Policy.

In November 2021, YIT became the first Finnish construction company to set emission reduction targets under the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). SBTi has now verified the targets set by YIT and confirmed that they are in line with the Paris Agreement and contribute to limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees. YIT’s emission reduction targets are as follows:

to reduce absolute greenhouse gas emissions in Scope 1 and 2 by 90% by 2030 compared to the baseline year 2019
to reduce absolute emissions of greenhouse gases in Scope 3 by 30% by 2030 compared to the baseline year 2019

How are we creating a better place to live?

Energy savings

More than 50% of the CO2 emissions in our projects are created during the use of the building. Thus, during the project design process, we try to think about heating, water heating, electricity consumption, cooling, ventilation and lighting solutions that will minimise the environmental burden to the greatest possible extent during building operations.

That is why we install state-of-the-art systems and technologies that are environmentally friendly and have low energy consumption. You can find an animated video about energy utilities on our YouTube channel.

EPC class BEPC class B

The building’s Energy Performance certificate (EPC) indicates how much energy the given building consumes per year for heating, hot water, cooling, ventilation, air humidity treatment and lighting. The buildings are divided into categories from A (best) to G (worst) according to their energy intensity. Energy-saving buildings with EPC class B are very economical and bring lower operating costs.

Heat recoveryHeat recovery

The controlled ventilation system with heat recovery (or recuperation) creates a healthy indoor environment in the apartment without accumulating harmful CO₂. The heat recovery unit draws heat from the exhaust air while heating the incoming air from the outside. A constant supply of fresh air is therefore ensured in the interior, window condensation and the formation of mould are eliminated, and last but not least, heating costs are reduced.

Windows with triple glazing insulationWindows with triple glazing insulation

A significant part of the heat can escape from the interior because of poorly chosen or low-quality windows. High-quality windows with triple glazing reduce heat losses and thus lower heating costs. At the same time, they eliminate window condensation and significantly contribute to the reduction of noise from the outdoor environment. All this contributes to more comfortable and economical housing.

LED lightingLED lighting

LED luminaires achieve energy savings of up to 90% compared to traditional bulbs. They are not only environmentally friendly but also last longer. LED bulbs do not contain mercury and only a minimum of toxic substances in them. This makes them easier to recycle.

PhotovoltaicsPhotovoltaics

Photovoltaic power plants (PVPP) produce electricity from solar radiation using a photoelectric effect. The installation of solar panels on the roofs of buildings allows the production of clean and renewable energy on site, reducing dependence on traditional electricity sources and contributing to sustainability. CO₂ emissions are reduced at the same time.

Ecological water management

At this time of global warming and drought, environmentally friendly water management is essential to ecological housing. The diversion of rainwater into underground sewers drains the water out of entire cities and does not have the necessary effect on the built-up areas. The rapid outflow of water from the locality usually causes a flood several kilometers further on. Meanwhile, in the area where it had been raining, the soil remains unsaturated. This is dangerous for several reasons; not only is there not enough moisture to water the plants in the given localities and the plants cannot survive, but the soil also loses its fertility. In addition, residents of such localities live in an unhealthy dusty environment.

Thus, one of the basic objectives of all YIT projects is the ecological management of water. You can find an instructive animated video on our YouTube channel.

Blue-green infrastructureBlue-green infrastructure

This is a set of measures designed to keep rainwater in place and to reduce the negative impacts of climate change. Elements such as green roofs or walls, grassy strips for outdoor parking, dry detention basins, retention tanks, accumulation tanks, sills, bands of grass, or solitary trees enable the efficient capture and controlled use of rainwater. In this way, the drainage of water is reduced and it allows the use of accumulated rain for the watering of greenery.

Green roofsGreen roofs

Vegetative roofs, which are covered with soil and greenery, do not only retain rainwater but also improve the thermal insulation of buildings, reduce temperature fluctuations, and increase the biodiversity of the urban environment. Thanks to the grassy surface, rainwater can be naturally drained and used at the same time. In addition, the rain that green roofs absorb also resolves the balancing of temperature extremes in buildings: they cool buildings on hot days, while on cold days they serve as thermal insulation.

Water-saving fittingsWater-saving fittings

These are specially designed faucets, shower heads, and flushing systems that help reduce water consumption without any limitations on user comfort. By using them, water consumption can be reduced by 30 to 50%, which leads to savings on water and sewer rates and heating energy. This also reduces greenhouse gas emissions and dependence on fossil fuels.

A more pleasant life in cities

The natural resources and land on the Earth are finite. In Prague, in particular, there are not enough suitable vacant lots and construction on greenfields has its limits: the necessary infrastructure is usually lacking, transport connections are a big problem, and so often disparate development is created, remote from the city centre, which does not contribute to the formation of compact urban units.

In YIT, we are also striving to approach the construction of our projects with this awareness. You can find out more in this instructional video on our YouTube channel.

BrownfieldsBrownfields

These are properties, land or buildings usually originating as a remnant of industrial, agricultural, residential and other activities. Brownfields are often very neglected, sometimes even contaminated by past industrial activity, and they cannot be used effectively without revitalisation. Their use for the construction of new projects reduces the pressure on nature and contributes to the revitalisation of neglected parts of cities. The refinement of the relevant areas or existing buildings that would otherwise continue to deteriorate prevents the creation of potential space, for example, for crime and homelessness, and increases the value of the surrounding real estate.

Greenery and biodiversityGreenery and biodiversity

The creation of green areas promotes biodiversity, improves the air quality and provides residents with pleasant places for rest and recreation. Moreover, green areas contribute to the mitigation of the effects of “thermal islands”, reduce flood risks and improve the microclimate. They also protect biodiversity, making nature a natural part of the city.

Recycling and compostingRecycling and composting

Recycling is not only of economic, but also of ecological importance. The main benefits include reducing the amount of waste in landfills, saving forests and improving air quality, supporting recyclable production, and financial savings for municipalities and cities associated with lower costs for waste removal. The composting of bio-waste also significantly relieves mixed-waste dustbins and contributes to the lowering of greenhouse gas emissions, and the resulting compost can be used for the further growth of plants.

Concept of a 15-minute cityConcept of a 15-minute city

The concept of a “city of short distances” is an urban model of modern living, in which residents have access to all their daily needs at a maximum distance of 15 minutes of walking or cycling from their residence. This means that they do not have often long trips for work, shopping, or entertainment. This increases their quality of life, promotes a healthy lifestyle, and reduces their dependence on cars, thereby reducing emissions produced by passenger vehicles.

Sustainable construction

Ecological or “green” construction is a way to protect nature and the environment. Almost 40% of all greenhouse gas emissions are generated by the construction of buildings, not to mention the enormous consumption of natural resources and energy. Low-energy and energy-efficient buildings do not place as much of a burden on the environment as conventional ones. Thanks to modern sustainable technologies, their inhabitants save on the costs associated with the operation of the building, and they also live more comfortably and healthier.

At YIT, we place a great emphasis on the use of state-of-the-art building procedures and materials. You can find an animated video on materials and sustainable products on our YouTube channel.

PrefabricationPrefabrication

The principle of construction from modules, known as prefabrication, consists of bringing ready-made modules, which were previously created in specialised production plants, to the construction site (for example, the entire future bathroom of the apartment including fittings and tiles). There, they are then only embedded in the frame of the building using cranes. Part of the work is carried out in a comfortable and stable factory environment. In addition to saving overall construction time, this also simplifies the work process, reducing overall costs, CO₂ emissions, and adverse impacts on the site’s neighborhood.

CertificatesCertificates

Green concreteGreen concrete

The use of recycled building materials reduces the amount of waste and the consumption of natural resources. One such material is, for example, concrete using recycled aggregate, where up to 100% of the natural aggregate is completed replaced by a crushed mixture of demolition waste. The main advantages of “green” concrete include saving natural resources and the energy for their extraction, supporting the circular economy, using secondary materials and reducing the carbon footprint.

Prefabrication

The modern and innovative technology of prefabrication is often called the future of construction. Moving the production of construction parts to a comfortable factory environment, where there are stable and safe working conditions, accelerates and improves the construction. Only the assembly is then carried out on the building itself.

The main benefits of modular construction include:

increasing occupational safety
a more comfortable working environment with stable thermal conditions and better facilities
the construction is not affected by bad weather
the noise, commotion and dust at the building site are reduced
reducing CO₂ emissions
the automation and robotisation of production
a reduction of overall costs
faster construction

You can take a look at the production process and subsequent installation of prefabricated elements in our projects below.

The production and installation of prefabricated bathrooms

The production of prefabricated elements

The installation of prefabricated bathrooms

Sustainability in our projectsSustainability in our projects

We place an emphasis on environmental friendliness, which also saves money for citizens in the long term. For example, building F in the HYACINT Modřany project was even built in the most economical energy rating "A". And it was the first passive apartment building in the Czech Republic to receive the "Certified Passive House Project" certificate from the Passive House Centre and, after the final approval, the "Certified Passive House" certificate.

In order to obtain the certificates, it had to meet the very strict internationally-recognised criteria set by Germany’s Passivhaus Institute. Thus, Building F offers thermal comfort throughout the year, ensured by a system of controlled ventilation with heat recovery. The central recovery unit automatically feeds clean fresh air into the apartments without drafts. In addition, dust and dirt is filtered out of the incoming air, which is especially appreciated by allergy sufferers and people prone to illnesses.
The first project with a complex system of rainwater collection using a “soft infrastructure” in the Czech Republic was the KOIVU Zličín residential complex. The term “soft infrastructure” represents an ingenious system of accumulation, seepage, retention and evaporation surfaces that effectively uses rain water and prevents it from flowing into the sewer without being used. The water retained here is used, among other things, to irrigate the entire complex with an area of almost 30,000 m² and thus to promote the growth of local vegetation.
We are building the VESI Hostivař project on the territory of the former Kaplan sawmill. Before the construction began, we removed almost a dozen dilapidated warehouse buildings and concrete area roads. At the same time, we destroyed the remnants of building materials and piles of rubbish that had accumulated in the crumbling halls. Our goal is to cultivate neglected areas and bring life back to places that lacked meaningful use.
In addition, we will be using “green” concrete, i.e., concrete where natural aggregate is completely replaced by a crushed mixture of demolition waste, for the first time in this project. Its main advantages include saving natural resources and the energy for their extraction, supporting the circular economy by using secondary materials and reducing the carbon footprint. Its lower coefficient of thermal conductivity also contributes to improving the energy performance of buildings. In the VESI Hostivař project, concrete from recycled aggregate will be used in the foundation as well as for some wall and filler constructions. This will reduce CO₂ emissions by almost 3%.
In the framework of sustainable development, we also reconstruct old, dilapidated or unused objects. An example of this was the PARVI Cibulka project, which is being created by the conversion of the former Meopta factory into modern loft-type housing. The main aim is to highlight the industrial soul of the former factory. That’s why we are keeping the original structure with its size and proportions and retaining its industrial appearance with several elements, such as the original staircases, for example.

The PARVI Cibulka project stands opposite the already completed AALTO Cibulka residence. Both are connected by a shared reception and a private courtyard with a green park with a water element, a seating area and a playground for children.
On the site of the former garden colony on an area of nine hectares, we are building our largest project, SUOMI Hloubětín. Here we transformed the previously neglected brownfield area into a new modern city neighbourhood with almost 900 apartments. Commercial zones, new infrastructure and areas for leisure activities as well as rest areas are also going up in a modern complex full of greenery. For families with children there is also a children's playground and a new preschool.
In the SUOMI Hloubětín project, we revitalized part of the Rokytka stream, which we supplemented with a built in system of channels, furrows and seepage and retention tanks for the ecological management of water. Thanks to new meanders and flood plains, the revitalized section of the stream several hundred metres long provides better water retention while creating a natural biotope for aquatic animals, insects and birds. We transformed the neglected banks of the river into a relaxation zone that the general public can use for rest and leisure. First of all, however, we had to remove over 100 tons of waste, because the surroundings of Rokytka had been used as an illegal dumping site, and we also stabilised the slopes and created a new path. We also cleaned the bottom of the stream and we planted water plants in the meanders.
Ready-made prefabricated elements are brought by trucks straight to the construction site, and here cranes insert them into the structure of the house. Beforehand, it is produced under strict supervision in a specialized factory - thanks to which everything is prepared in a more pleasant and safer environment. This modern technology brings even higher precision and better quality to our buildings. At the same time, it reduces noise and dust, so that the surroundings of the construction site are more pleasant for the life and work of employees during construction. Among the projects in which we used this technology are LAPPI Hloubětín (KEMI, RANUA, TORNIO), SUOMI Hloubětín (PORI), VESI Hostivař, HAPPI Milánská or RIVI Bachova.

Explanation of terms and abbreviationsExplanation of terms and abbreviations

Blue-green or soft infrastructure
A set of proposed measures designed to retain rainwater in a site, reduce the negative effects of climate change and thus ensure a safe and healthy environment for its inhabitants. Examples of blue-green infrastructure in our projects are green roofs or green walls, grassy belts for outdoor parking vehicles, dry detention basins, retention tanks, accumulation tanks, sills, grassy strips and solitary trees.

BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method)
The standard of best practices in building design with emphasis on the sustainability of construction. It is the oldest and currently also the most widespread certification in the field of energy-saving and sustainable buildings. The BREEAM evaluation deals with the specification of the building, its design, construction and use.

Brownfield
Real estate, land or buildings located in a presently or formerly built-up area, which is not effectively used, is often neglected or even contaminated and cannot be used effectively without revitalisation. Brownfields usually arise as a remnant of industrial, agricultural, residential and other activities. YIT prefers construction on brownfields due to landscape conservation.

Carbon footprint
The sum of all greenhouse gases emitted, expressed in CO₂ equivalents. The carbon footprint can be divided into direct and indirect.

DEC (Display Energy Certificate)
A certificate that indicates how much energy the building consumes annually (for heating, cooling, ventilation, air humidity treatment, hot water preparation or lighting). According to the energy intensity, the buildings are divided into categories from A (best) to G (worst).

EPD (Environmental Product Declaration)
A tool for the transparent declaration of a product's characteristics to the customer. It is used to present the actual environmental impacts of a given product as it includes a set of measurable information on this impact during the product life cycle (e.g., energy and water consumption, waste production, climate change impact, eutrophication, ozone depletion, etc.). It thus provides the customer with comparable information according to which it can prefer a green product.

ESG (Environment, Social and Corporate Governance)
The term Environment covers a criterion that identifies the environmental impacts of a company, reducing the company’s carbon footprint, waste management, etc. Under the term Social we can find social criteria, which includes the ethical rules of the company, respect for employees, as well as the promotion of health and safety. The letter “G” (Governance) indicates the criteria for responsible company management and the fight against corruption.

FSC (Forest Stewardship Council)
A forest stewardship certification system and FSC processing chain, which was established in 1993. The basic idea of FSC is to support environmentally responsible, socially beneficial and economic forest management.

Green energy
Energy produced exclusively by renewable sources (sun, water, wind, biomass, etc.).

Green roofs extensive and intensive
Roofs covered with soil and vegetation. Extensive green roofs do not require too much maintenance, they fulfil an ornamental or insulation purpose. Intensive green roofs are only suitable for roofs that can withstand higher loads, for example on terraces and rest zones. The substrate layer is higher here, thanks to this the entire system is able to hold rainwater very effectively.

Heat recovery
Controlled ventilation systems with heat recovery use heat from waste air to heat the fresh air to that is fed into the apartment. This process contributes to the reduction of the energy demands of the building while improving the quality of the indoor environment.

LID
Low Impact Development (LID) is a comprehensive system of rainwater retention at the site where it falls with a minimal impact on the environment. Some of the rainwater is either absorbed or evaporates, the rest of the collected rainwater is then used, for example, for watering the greenery.

PEFC (Program for the Endorsement of Forest Certification)
The world's most widely used system of certification of forests, forestry and the wood processing industry. Their common objective is to promote responsible forestry and sustainable forest management.

PVPP
Photovoltaic, or PV power plants, fall under the category of renewable energy resources. They use solar radiation as an inexhaustible resource and do not produce any emissions during production. Thanks to their characteristics, they currently enjoy immense popularity in the fight against climate change.

Recycled concrete
A type of concrete in which natural aggregate is wholly replaced by aggregate recycled from construction demolition waste. The suitable use of this concrete is in the foundation structures, vertical load-bearing and non-load-bearing walls.

SBTi (Science Based Targets initiative)
The Science Based Targets initiative is the result of cooperation between the CDP, the United Nations Global Compact, World Resources Institute and the World Wide Fund for Nature. Since 2015, more than 1000 companies have joined the initiative to set a science-based climate target. YIT committed to the initiative at the end of 2021 as the first Finnish company.

Frequently asked questionsFrequently asked questions

What is sustainability?

Sustainability is based on a simple principle. Everything we need for our survival and well-being depends directly or indirectly on our natural environment. Thus, in order to sustain our lives on Earth, we must use our resources in a way that allows us to prosper without compromising the ability of future generations to do the same. This means acting in a way that promotes economic vitality, environmental protection and social equality.

What are examples of sustainability?

There are countless different ways to be sustainable. One example is green energy – a natural and infinite resource that does not harm others, but helps maintain the functioning of society.

Another good example is the creation, maintenance and care of green areas. This is because green areas and plants improve air quality, protect water quality and reduce soil erosion to name but a few benefits.

How to learn about sustainability?

Young children should already learn about sustainability, so that healthy practices can be integrated into their daily lives without thinking about it at all. For example, teaching them about composting, recycling, caring for animals and plants, and buying second-hand when they are young. There are so many great sustainability resources, videos and courses from which we can all draw inspiration to live more sustainably.

How can I live more sustainably?

There are plenty of things you can do to be more sustainable. It will depend on things like where you live and how much time you have, but there are still many options for everyone. Plus, you don't have to be perfect to be sustainable. It is better to make a few changes and stick to them than not trying at all, because you are not able to do everything sustainably.

How can I be more sustainable at home?

To get started, you can make sure you switch off all electrical appliances or lights when you are not using them, limit the water intake (shower briefly) and recycle.

The implementation of these environmental elements differs in the individual development projects from YIT. For detailed information about the specific facilities of a selected building or apartment, please contact our sales representative.

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Healthy and sustainable housing

How are we creating a better place to live?

Energy savings

EPC class BEPC class B

Heat recoveryHeat recovery

Windows with triple glazing insulationWindows with triple glazing insulation

LED lightingLED lighting

PhotovoltaicsPhotovoltaics

Ecological water management

Blue-green infrastructureBlue-green infrastructure

Green roofsGreen roofs

Water-saving fittingsWater-saving fittings

A more pleasant life in cities

BrownfieldsBrownfields

Greenery and biodiversityGreenery and biodiversity

Recycling and compostingRecycling and composting

Concept of a 15-minute cityConcept of a 15-minute city

Sustainable construction

PrefabricationPrefabrication

CertificatesCertificates

Green concreteGreen concrete

Prefabrication

Sustainability in our projectsSustainability in our projects

Explanation of terms and abbreviationsExplanation of terms and abbreviations

Frequently asked questionsFrequently asked questions

Contact usContact us

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