What is RTS Environmental Classification?

The new RTS Environmental Classification system is designed for parties who are commissioning construction projects and who want to build in an environmentally responsible manner. The Environmental Classification system was developed for Finland, and it takes into account Finnish conditions, legislation and the diversity of the country’s building stock. The RTS Environmental Classification is based on European standards (CEN TC 350 standards) and it brings together the common best practices in the sector in Finland, such as the Finnish Classification of Indoor Environment, the M1 classification, building life cycle indicators, Kuivaketju10, and the Green Factor tool.

The set of criteria used in the RTS Environmental Classification is applicable to new construction and comprehensive renovation projects, as well as to changes of usage. The set of criteria and the required verification documents can be used to steer projects of different sizes and types, such as school and nursery buildings, residential buildings, office and commercial buildings, and accommodation buildings.

The decision on whether to apply for an environmental classification is taken in conjunction with the purchase of the RTS Environmental tool. Projects with environmental classifications use the environmental classification symbol. The purpose of the symbol is to communicate the fact that an independent third party has inspected the project and the project meets the requirements. When a project has been certified, the project details and classification are shown on the map on this website.