– With the Golden Achievement Awards, we highlight experts whose productive work, strong expertise and, above all, sector-developing mindset have strengthened the shared knowledge base of the real estate and construction sector. As a public-interest organisation, our mission is to bring together expertise in the sector and ensure that reliable information supports the quality, sustainability and renewal of the built environment, says Jyrki Tarpio, Chair of the Board of Building Information Foundation RTS.
Recipients of the 2026 Golden Achievement Awards
The Board of Building Information Foundation RTS awarded the Golden Achievement Awards to the following individuals:
198. Otto Alhava, Director of Housing Development, Fira
199. Mikko Kaira, Senior Specialist, UKI Arkkitehdit
200. Riikka Liedes, Leading Specialist, Finnish Electrical Contractors’ Association STUL
201. Jari Mustikkamaa, Managing Director, Kattokonsultointi Jari Mustikkamaa
202. Sakari Pankkonen, Product Manager, Rakennustieto Oy
203. Pertti Pasanen, Research Director, University of Eastern Finland
204. Hannele Rämö, Executive Director, Finnish Association for Indoor Air Quality and Health AsTe ry
205. Ilkka Salo, Managing Director
All recipients of the Golden Achievement Awards have actively participated in the work of Building Information Foundation RTS’s various main committees and committees, thereby supporting the implementation of several development projects and helping to create the conditions for their success.
Each year, approximately 450 sector experts work in committees, seeking solutions to current issues in the real estate and construction sector and promoting the wider adoption of good practices.
The work carried out in the committees, the representative council and the board has developed the sector’s information products and services. In addition, the recipients of the Golden Achievement Awards have been key figures in building and deepening cooperation between organisations and people. They are also active speakers at events and produce knowledge to support research. These experts work with dedication and for the benefit of the entire sector.
A shared desire to learn, share knowledge and develop the sector
The versatile Director of Housing Development Otto Alhava, who has also served on the Board of Rakennustietomalli Oy, has participated in several committees promoting digitalisation in the sector, working with both the Tuotetieto service and RYTV development. Senior specialist and architect Mikko Kaira has served as chair and member of committees and main committees related to building design and has contributed strong insight into renovation construction. Leading Specialist Riikka Liedes has promoted RTS Group services that support property ownership and property management. She is also a member of the representative council and has been, and continues to be, involved in developing the KiinteistöRYL service. Jari Mustikkamaa has contributed to producing information on roofing construction, materials, working methods and quality management. He was involved in preparing guidance on metal roofs and sheet metal work as early as 2014 and is currently updating this guidance as well as other roof-related guidance, which will be completed in 2026.
Sakari Pankkonen joined Rakennustieto Oy in the late 1990s as a commissioning editor for books. Today, as Product Manager, he is responsible for Rakennustieto Oy’s regulatory guidance cards and continues to work as a commissioning editor for architecture books.
The Indoor Climate Main Committee was established in the early 1990s. Its task is to monitor the development of regulations related to indoor climate and to maintain voluntary classifications aimed at achieving indoor air quality better than the level required by regulations. Research Director Pertti Pasanen has been involved in the committee’s work as chair since its establishment, and Executive Director, construction engineer, building health specialist certified by VTT Hannele Rämö has served as a member. Both continue to work actively for better indoor air. Ilkka Salo, who had a long career as Managing Director of Talteka, also began in the same committee. Cooperation with Salo continued later, and he also had a strong influence in Rakennustietosäätiö’s representative council and promoted cooperation with the sector and the entire RTS Group in a constructive manner.
For the recipients of the Golden Achievement Awards, the quality of construction and work is important, and reliable information forms its foundation. This has kept them active in committee work as well. Sharing one’s own expertise and experience, and learning something new together, are key to the development of the sector.
– Working in committees and working groups is meaningful and rewarding. The foundation values and makes use of expertise based on scientific research and accumulated through practical work. Through its activities and networks, it also increases the use and impact of information cards and guides produced by experts for professionals in different fields. I feel that the foundation passes on the good, says Pertti Pasanen.
– What the 2026 medal recipients have in common is broad-based expertise and a strong commitment to developing the sector’s practices. Their work in various forms has advanced information products, services and operating methods that benefit the entire sector. With these medals, we want to thank them for their impactful and meaningful work, says Markku Hedman, Managing Director of the foundation.
The Golden Achievement Awards were presented on 20 August in connection with the RTS Group’s Terrace Celebration.
Building Information Foundation RTS sr is a public-interest and independent Finnish influencer in the real estate and construction sector. The foundation promotes a sustainable and high-quality built environment that supports people’s well-being. Together with its networks, the foundation carries out research and development projects, promotes innovative operating models in the sector and accelerates cooperation between practice and research.
Building Information Foundation RTS is part of the RTS Group, which includes Rakennustieto Oy, Rakennustietomalli Oy and ET InfoKeskuse AS, all owned by the foundation.
