KONE Launches Five-Year Sustainable Building R&D Program

KONE announced the launch of KONE Renaissance, a five-year R&D program for sustainable building renewal, on July 14. Its purpose is to revive existing buildings for low-emission living and working and create a digital and sustainable ecosystem hub that brings together key industry stakeholders, research institutions, small and medium-sized companies and startups. The program will support the low carbon targets of cities by enabling adaptation, digitalization and decarbonization of existing buildings. Aspiring to make Finland a hub for digital and sustainable building renewal, KONE Renaissance aims to increase R&D investments, patents, scientific publications and university theses through co-research and co-innovation. KONE Chief Technology Officer Tomio Pihkala said the program is launching at a pivotal moment, with demand for smart technologies and AI-driven solutions rapidly increasing.