Zero Arctic: Concepts for carbon-neutral Arctic construction based on tradition

The project consisted of case studies from northern Finland, Canada
(Nunavik) and Japan (Hokkaido). Each case study consisted of a survey of
traditional and Indigenous dwellings, of structural solutions and settlements,
and a review of the energy consumption of the existing building stock in
the region. Both Finland and Canada designed case houses and assessed
their climate impacts over the buildings’ full life cycle using a standardized
Life Cycle Assessment method. The Japanese research group assessed an
existing building and constructed a historical Indigenous dwelling Chise and
measured its thermal environment.

There is no single solution for all Arctic regions. The built environments in
the Arctic have a big variation, with cities and rural areas facing very different
challenges. The project highlights the importance of understanding local
traditions and cultural aspects of living when designing sustainable buildings
in Arctic regions.