Digital built environment

Extensive reforms to improve the management and use of information are underway in the Finnish public administration. Through these reforms, information located in the various central and local government registers will be in line with international standards, and will be more interoperable and usable than before. 

Information on the built environment is mainly the responsibility of the Ministry of the Environment. The digitalisation of the administrative sector is taken forward in the ministry under two broad entities. The objective is to create a basis for nationwide electronic services in the real estate and building industry, as well as for new business opportunities.

Another aspect of the development work is the interoperability of information on the built environment, promoted by a broad cooperation group. The second entity is the four-year Ryhti project, which is preparing a nationwide information system for the built environment.

Goal state

Digital built environment vision​:

In 2030, Finland will have a living environment that is sustainable, based on the world's best knowledge and which creates well-being.

Principles guiding digitalisation

For its own use, the real estate and building industry has developed the built environment principles, which are derived from the general principles of the Government’s digitalisation.

  1. We develop solutions and services in a client-oriented manner
    Above all, solutions and services exist for the user, i.e. the client. We try out what users want to accomplish with a solution or service. 
  2. We eliminate unnecessary steps
    Transactions between businesses and corporations are streamlined and facilitated. The end client primarily has the opportunity to use the online service.
  3. We build easy-to-use and safe services
    The services can be used conveniently and securely on different devices. We consider the needs of individuals, businesses and corporations.
  4. We produce benefits for the client promptly 
    We determine what are the most valuable features for the client and start by developing them. Feedback on the service is received rapidly. Time and money are saved. We learn by doing and experimenting.
  5. We prepare for disruptions and exceptional situations
    We communicate such situations clearly
  6. We use existing information and online services
    We request new information only once. We conduct cost-effective service development. Among other things, we use the National Service Architecture (KaPA). We ensure that our service is available to others.
  7. We open information and interfaces for businesses, corporations and individuals
    In general, we make information and interfaces publicly available, unless there is a specific reason to limit access. We provide information for use in the development of new types of services. Openness benefits everyone!
  8. We name the owner of the information
    Throughout its life cycle, information on the built environment has a designated owner who is responsible for keeping the information up-to-date and enabling dialogue between the various parties.
  9. We comply with international standards
    International standards are the basis for development.
  10. We tie the legality of decisions to the digital environment
    For example, a plan or a decision does not take effect until it is published in standard format in an open interface.
  11. We respect the data protection and data rights of individuals
    In accordance with the MyData model, individuals control the data about them and decide how the data are shared, utilised and transferred.