Tallinn Strengthens Green Construction Practices Through Collaborative Approach in New Kindergarten Project

Tallinn, Estonia – A NonHazCity3 (NHC3) pilot project is helping the City of Tallinn advance toward cleaner, safer, and more sustainable construction as it prepares to build a new kindergarten on the site of a former textile factory. The initiative aims to reduce hazardous substances in materials, promote circular practices, and integrate energy-efficient solutions—aligning with NHC3’s overarching goal of protecting human health and the environment.

Tallinn adopted the project’s three-pillar approach—tox-free, circular, and climate-friendly construction—and applied it across all stages of the municipal construction process. NHC3 divides this process into two major phases:

1. Strategic planning, including needs assessment, ambition-setting, market analysis, and collaboration with suppliers.
2. Practical implementation, involving detailed design and construction choices.
   (These steps are described in full in NHC3 Output 2.2.)

During the early design stages, Tallinn kept sustainability criteria intentionally broad and flexible. This allowed architects and designers room to propose innovative, climate-friendly ideas without being limited by narrowly defined requirements. The NonHazCity3 framework encouraged pilot cities to engage with the market in different ways, tailoring the approach to local conditions and specific project needs.

To initiate dialogue, Tallinn issued an open invitation for a market-engagement event focusing on tox-free, circular, and climate-friendly criteria. However, due to low registration, the event was cancelled—reflecting that market dialogue is still relatively unfamiliar in Estonia, and many stakeholders remain unsure of its value.

In response, Tallinn shifted its strategy. Instead of large events, the city reached out to companies through online questionnaires, gathering useful feedback on environmentally friendly materials and assessing the market’s readiness for adopting eco-certifications in the future.

At the same time, the city placed strong emphasis on internal communication and collaboration. Regular meetings helped ensure that all members of the project team clearly understood the environmental goals and how their work contributed to achieving them. Many participants were engaging with concepts such as chemical safety and circularity at a practical level for the first time.

This internal shift proved to be one of the Tallinn pilot’s most transformative outcomes. By assembling a diverse team—including experts from various municipal departments—and fostering continuous training and discussion, the city created a shared understanding and vocabulary around sustainability. This strengthened internal processes and laid the groundwork for more informed, consistent decision-making in future construction projects.

Tallinn’s experience shows that even when market engagement is challenging, strong internal alignment and innovative alternative methods can support progress toward tox-free, climate-friendly construction—and help municipalities lead the way in creating healthier, more sustainable buildings.

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