EIB Commits €110 Million to Transform Finnish Vocational Training Facilities

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(IN BRIEF) The European Investment Bank (EIB) has signed a €110 million loan agreement with KOy Helsingin Toimitilat to support Finnish vocational training provider Stadin AO. The funding will be used to construct two modern campus buildings in Myllypuro and Roihupelto, consolidating Stadin AO’s operations from 14 different locations to two sites. These new buildings will exceed energy efficiency standards, rely on renewable energy sources, and prioritize sustainable construction materials. The initiative aligns with EIB’s goals for innovation and climate priorities, emphasizing lifelong learning and sustainable facilities. The project also adapts to recent vocational education reforms in Helsinki, promoting responsiveness to labor market needs and student-focused education.

(PRESS RELEASE) LUXEMBOURG, 7-Dec-2023 — /EuropaWire/ — The European Investment Bank (EIB), the lending arm of the European Union, is proud to announce a landmark €110 million loan agreement with KOy Helsingin Toimitilat, aimed at revolutionizing the educational landscape in Finland. This transformative collaboration seeks to support the Finnish vocational training provider, Stadin AO, by funding the construction of two cutting-edge campus buildings in Myllypuro and Roihupelto. The primary objective is to streamline Stadin’s operations, which currently span 14 different locations, into two state-of-the-art facilities.

In a commitment to environmental sustainability, the new campus buildings are set to surpass the stringent Finnish energy performance standards. They will exceed these standards by at least 10%, marking a significant stride towards achieving nearly zero-energy building status. Renewable energy sources, including solar panels and air and ground source heat pumps, will play a pivotal role in meeting a substantial portion of the energy demand.

Furthermore, the project places a strong emphasis on circular economy strategies and the utilization of low-emission materials in the construction process. These measures will ensure that the new buildings are not only educationally advanced but also environmentally responsible.

EIB Vice-President Thomas Östros, who oversees the Bank’s operations in Finland, emphasized the significance of this initiative, stating, “Lifelong learning is a very important part of personal development. “This support for vocational schooling and an adult learning institute falls under the EIB’s policy goals for innovation, digital and human capital and is also in line with the Bank’s climate priorities due to the more sustainable facilities. The EIB has been supporting the Finnish educational system for many years, and we look forward to doing more.”

Sirpa Lindroos, the principal of Stadin AO, Helsinki Vocational College and Adult Institute, echoed this sentiment, saying, “The financing will be used to construct two new campus buildings in Myllypuro and Roihupelto, consolidating Stadin’s activities that are currently spread across 14 different locations onto two sites.”

The design of these innovative campuses is strategically aligned with the City of Helsinki’s recent reforms in the Finnish vocational education and training system. These reforms emphasize adaptability to labor market demands, introduce a competency-based and student-centric pedagogical approach, and seamlessly integrate youth and adult training provisions.

This partnership between the European Investment Bank and KOy Helsingin Toimitilat represents a significant milestone in the advancement of education in Finland. It underscores a shared commitment to sustainability, innovation, and human development, shaping the future of vocational training in the region.

Background information

The European Investment Bank (EIB) is the long-term lending institution of the European Union and is owned by the EU Member States (Finland owns 1.48% of the EIB). It makes long-term finance available for sound investment in order to contribute towards EU policy goals. In 2022, the Bank made available in excess of €775 million in loans for Finnish projects. The EIB borrows money on capital markets and lends it to projects that support EU objectives, with about 90% of all loans being allocated within the European Union.

KOy Helsingin Toimitilat is a wholly owned subsidiary of the City of Helsinki. The company was established to manage certain real estate properties that the city owns.

Stadion AO is the Helsinki Vocational College and Adult Institute, one of the largest public providers of vocational education and training in Finland, with a long track record of providing quality education.

Media contact:

Kristiina Randmaa
k.randmaa@eib.org
+352 4379 – 72894

Press Office

press@eib.org
+352 4379 – 21000

SOURCE: European Investment Bank