A roadmap towards climate-neutrality

This article series presents cases of innovations built here in Espoo that strive for a better tomorrow for all.

Together with its partners and residents Espoo aims to rapidly reduce emissions to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030. In March 2024, the European Commission awarded Espoo the EU Mission Label for its climate commitments, action plan, and investment plan developed with 25 partner organizations.

Espoo’s Climate City Contract, part of the EU Mission for 100 Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities, outlines the measures and cooperation needed to achieve this ambitious goal. The commitment completed in the autumn of 2023 includes a wide range of companies, research institutes and universities from Espoo’s innovation community. Following the commitment, together with the community, Espoo created a comprehensive Climate-Neutral Espoo 2030 Roadmap detailing the actions the city, its partners and residents together should take to reduce emissions by 76% from 2022 to 2030. The roadmap builds on previous climate programs, like the 2019 Sustainable Energy & Climate Action Plan. The climate actions and allocated budget for them are set out annually.

Espoo’s strength lies in its community. The city collaborates with companies, universities, and research institutes to develop high-tech, research-based solutions that reduce emissions locally and globally. In addition to rapid decarbonization and decreasing Espoo’s carbon footprint, the city’s approach includes enhancing the community’s carbon handprint by exporting innovative solutions and fostering what we call the climate heart print. The climate heart print describes efforts in education, guidance, behavioral change, support and engagement – things that impact the overall mindset and attitude of people.

Espoo’s initiatives have already led to a 50% reduction in per capita emissions from 1990 to 2022, with significant milestones like the closure of Fortum's coal unit in April 2024. These efforts not only aim for carbon neutrality but also drive economic benefits, health improvements, and community development.