Espoo decided on a roadmap to achieve carbon neutrality
Espoo has gathered the Carbon Neutral Espoo 2030 roadmap, which illustrates the cooperation between the city, its partners, and residents in achieving the carbon neutrality goal. The roadmap includes actions to achieve an 80% reduction in emissions and indicators to monitor progress. The roadmap was approved by the City Council on 20 May 2024.
Carbon neutrality by 2030 is possible
Carbon neutrality is one of the key goals in the Espoo-story, city’s strategy. Espoo City Council approved the Climate Neutral Espoo 2030 roadmap at its meeting on 20 May 2024. Espoo is reducing its emissions on a rapid schedule and aims to achieve at least 80% emission reductions from the 1990 level by the year 2030. The remaining 20% can be sequestered in carbon sinks or otherwise compensated.
Espoo has already managed to reverse climate emissions despite strong population growth. Emissions in the Espoo area are mainly generated from energy and transport. In both of these sectors, significant steps have been taken towards the climate target and determined work is continuing. In Espoo, the burning of coal ceased in April when Fortum closed the coal unit used for district heating at Suomenoja. In addition to working with Fortum, other renewable and carbon-neutral energy measures, such as phasing out oil heating and investing in solar panels both in Espoo's own buildings and in the Espoo region, will reduce climate emissions. The city itself already uses emission-free electricity.
Espoo residents are moving more sustainably. The emission reduction target still requires both an increase in the share of sustainable transport modes and a shift away from fossil fuels. Espoo has invested and will continue to invest in sustainable transport. Public transport in the City of Espoo has developed significantly with the extension of Länsimetro and the opening of the light rail line 15. The next step is Espoo rail line (Espoon kaupunkirata). The positive development of the number of electric cars is being further promoted. The cycling promotion programme will be updated.
"The Climate Neutral Espoo 2030 Roadmap was based on many years of extensive cooperation within the city and with partners. We are already well advanced in our climate work and will continue to implement climate work together with the Espoo community." says Pasi Laitala, Director of Strategy and Development at the City of Espoo.
In Espoo, climate work is part of a broader effort to achieve the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as a frontrunner. For Espoo's innovation community, businesses and operators, the green and digital transition brings new opportunities. Growing demand for low-carbon products and services will create jobs, exports, economic growth and prosperity.
City leadership is needed to meet Finland's 2035 and the EU's 2050 carbon neutrality targets. The Mission Label awarded to Espoo by the European Commission in spring 2024 recognises Espoo's broad commitment to climate action and strengthens the Espoo community's position as a leader in the green transition. The Commission has awarded the label to 33 European climate pioneers.
More information
Climate Neutral Espoo 2030 roadmap (in English annex, PDF), Hiilineutraali Espoo 2030 -tiekartta(external link, opens in a new window) (in Finnish annex, PDF)
City Council minutes 20.5.2024 Dynasty information service : City of Espoo (oncloudos.com)(external link, opens in a new window) (in Finnish)
Espoo news 8.5.2024 Espoo decides on a roadmap to achieve carbon neutrality
The City Board proposes that the City Council approves Climate Neutral 2030 roadmap
Minutes of the City Board meeting of 13.5.2024(external link, opens in a new window) (in Finnish)
The City Board returns the Roadmap for a Climate Neutral Espoo 2030 for preparation in December 2023.
Minutes of the City Board meeting of 18.12.2023(external link, opens in a new window) (in Finnish)
The City Board tabled the Roadmap for Carbon Neutral Espoo 2030 in November 2023
Minutes of the City Board meeting of 6.11.2023(external link, opens in a new window) (in Finnish)
Espoo news 7.11.2023 The Climate Neutral Espoo 2030 Roadmap has been compiled - Espoo is on the right track towards the goal (in Finnish)
Espoo.fi: Espoo’s climate goals
Espoo.fi: Sustainable Espoo development programme