Rakennushiiliä

Rakennushiiliä is a Finnish term that refers to coal used primarily for heating residential and commercial buildings, rather than industrial processes. It is typically a type of bituminous coal that has been milled to a fine powder or lumped form suitable for domestic boilers and furnaces. The coal is often sourced from domestic mines in Finland or imported from countries with abundant coal resources, such as the former Soviet Union or Sweden.

The main advantage of rakennushiiliä is its high energy density, which allows for efficient heat generation in small-scale units. In addition, the coal can be stored relatively easily in household or office facilities, making it a convenient choice for areas without access to piped gas or district heating. However, the use of coal in buildings has environmental drawbacks. Burning bituminous coal releases significant amounts of CO₂, particulate matter, and sulfur oxides, contributing to air pollution and climate change. As a result, many European countries, including Finland, have introduced strict emission limits, filter requirements, and, in some municipalities, outright bans on the sale of retail coal for heating.

Despite these regulations, some small businesses and rural households still use rakennushiiliä. The market has gradually shifted toward renewable energy sources such as biofuels, heat pumps, and district heating, which offer lower emissions and higher overall efficiency. As Finland moves toward its 2035 climate neutrality target, the role of rakennushiiliä in building heating is expected to diminish further.