FutureBuilt

FutureBuilt, based in Norway, is a collaborative program focused on climate-friendly urban development. Established in 2010, it was initiated by the National Association of Norwegian Architects and the Norwegian State Housing Bank, expanding from an idea born in 2003 when Birgit Rusten was working on sustainability projects. The organization's vision is to demonstrate the feasibility of climate-neutral urban areas with high-quality architecture. FutureBuilt's core goal is to complete 100 pilot projects that reduce carbon emissions by at least 50% compared to current regulations, focusing on improvements in transport, energy, and materials usage. By April 2025, FutureBuilt had developed approximately 80 pilot projects, with 44 completed. These include the Munch Museum in Oslo, a 60-meter tower with recycled aluminum panels, and Marienlyst School in Drammen, Norway's first passive house standard school. Initially involving just Oslo and Drammen, the program has expanded to include six municipalities in the Oslo region plus Bergen, Trondheim, Stavanger, and Kristiansand. FutureBuilt collaborates with multiple partners including the Ministry of Local Government and Modernisation and the Green Building Alliance. Beyond implementing projects, FutureBuilt serves as a learning arena for all parties involved, creating markets for green solutions and informing new regulations. Its significant contribution to climate-friendly construction has enabled policymakers to establish stricter environmental requirements in the building sector, demonstrating that major change in the construction industry is possible.