Tram project measures biodiversity with new index

Tampereen Ratikan Pirkkala-Linnainmaa Alliance announced that it has launched an annual biodiversity index for the built environment along the Pirkkala–Linnainmaa tram project, the first of its kind in infrastructure development, with the first interim results completed by the end of 2025.

The index is one of three metrics used to monitor responsible and sustainable construction, alongside a carbon footprint calculation and tracking of positive environmental actions. Hanna Ylitalo, the alliance's landscape designer, says, "According to the results, we have managed to advance biodiversity through our design solutions in line with our goals." The release notes that biodiversity accounting is prepared at multiple planning stages so changes can be monitored throughout the process.

During the first year of construction, the project has reused fallen street trees as decaying logs, reused stones, planted multi-species trees, and installed beehives on the site. Ylitalo adds that the team continues to seek new sustainability actions and aims to preserve and expand urban greenery whenever space allows.

Interim counts show biodiversity gains at Pirkkalan Partola by diversifying plant species, replacing lawns with meadows, and widening green drainage swales; conversely, biodiversity has declined in Kaupinlaakso as the tram route runs through a forested area that is being urbanized for a new residential district of about 2,500 residents. As construction progresses through 2025–2028, about 1,400 meters of dry meadow strips and roughly 900 street trees will be planted, using around 50 tree species to form connected green corridors.

More information about the biodiversity assessment for Tampereen Ratikan Pirkkala-Linnainmaa is available at https://www.tampereenratikka.fi/opinnaytetyot