FutureBuilt is a Norwegian program focused on promoting sustainable urban development through pilot projects that significantly reduce carbon emissions and enhance climate-friendly architecture by 2030.
FutureBuilt is a Norwegian program founded in 2010 with a mission to promote climate-friendly urban development through pilot projects that showcase sustainable architecture and significantly reduce carbon emissions. Based in the Oslo region, the initiative collaborates with municipalities such as Oslo, Drammen, and Bærum, as well as national organizations like the Norwegian State Housing Bank and Enova. Originally targeting 50 projects by 2020, FutureBuilt has expanded its scope and aims to complete 100 pilot projects by 2030, each reducing carbon emissions in areas like transport, energy, and materials by at least 50%. The program's activities range from schools and cultural centers to housing developments and urban cycling initiatives. By early 2025, around 80 pilot projects had been initiated, with 44 completed. Notable projects include the Ulsholtveien 31 low-carbon housing in Oslo and the MUNCH museum, designed to meet FutureBuilt's strict sustainability criteria. These projects aim to influence both public and private sector practices through innovative designs and measurable greenhouse gas reductions. FutureBuilt is not a passive facilitator. It provides developers with technical expertise, hosts architectural competitions, and disseminates knowledge to inspire further adoption of sustainable practices. The program has been extended through 2030, with an increased focus on social sustainability, biodiversity, and broader urban planning efforts. FutureBuilt’s work underscores the potential for climate-neutral urban areas, making it a vital player in Norway's transition to a low-carbon society.