Harmonisation Steering Group for Construction and Housing

Nordic Construction and Housing Authorities Meet in Nuuk to Discuss and Review the Progress of the Nordic Sustainable Construction Programme

Publiceret 04-06-2026

The Construction and Housing Authorities met in Nuuk, Greenland, on May 19th to review progress in the Nordic Sustainable Construction programme, discuss findings and provide input to the ongoing activities.

Authorities from Denmark, Faroe Islands, Finland, Greenland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden gathered in Nuuk - Åland participated online - for a full day working session focused on sharing challenges and opportunities in the built environment.

A central theme throughout the meeting was the importance of utilising the existing building stock and ensuring that building regulation remain fit for purpose in a changing climate. This reflects a growing Nordic commitment to circularity, resilience and long-term sustainability in the construction sector.

Catalogue and Strategic Action Areas

A newly published catalogue from the programme was presented, outlining the hierarchy of resource-efficient construction and the five strategic action areas. Participants explored each action area in depth, discussing their relevance and potential impact across the Nordic countries and contexts. Dive into the catalogue and the five strategic action areas here.

Climate Adaptation Across the Nordics

The group also reviewed a preliminary mapping of climate adaptation in building regulations and practices across the Nordic region. This work highlights how the Nordic countries and regions are addressing issues such as structural loads, moisture and rain exposure, indoor climate and durability. Discussions emphasised the importance of a shared Nordic approach, as climate impacts become more severe and knowledge across the boarders are valuable.

Nordic Collaboration

Another key topic was the long-term collaboration framework for construction and housing authorities across the Nordic countries and regions. Participants discussed priorities leading up to the next Nordic Minister’s meeting on Construction and Housing.

Local Conditions in Greenland

Participants from Greenland provided insights into the local building conditions highlighting the realities of building in a harsh climate, challenging terrain and with long transport distanced, which all influence how construction is designed and maintained. The group went on a tour around Nuuk, to see how these conditions translate into practical solutions in the built environment. The discussion also touched on abandoned villages, highlighting how building regulation form part of a broader societal and regulatory landscape. Demographic developments, cultural considerations and regional planning all play a role in shaping how construction is approached across Greenland and many other areas.