Building a sustainable future in Espoo
It is Espoo’s goal to become carbon neutral by 2030. The Urban Environment Sector aims not only to reduce emissions but also to adapt to climate change. In this article, different specialists in urban environments explain how Espoo prepares for the changing conditions.
Project Director Kimmo Leivo leads the development of the sustainable development showcase area, Finnoo.
“There will be an increase in heat waves and heavy precipitation, in the form of both snow and water. Selected materials must withstand a climate different than we are used to. The management and control of stormwaters must be taken into account in the planning of areas. Sea dikes have also been built in Finnoo.”
Leivo has been in contact with other cities and actively monitors the international field. It is forecast that Finland’s climate will be similar to that of Belgium, in which case we could now copy the solutions that work there. Typical Belgian features include gable roofs and rock façades.
“We must consider the whole in the long term. We need to make choices that improve the city’s ability to survive and adapt to the challenges that the future may bring. For example, active cooling of buildings could potentially be increased already.”
Active cooling may refer to, for example, air conditioners that lower the temperature in buildings. In Finnoo, the issue can also be resolved by means of “district cooling”, in which case the excess heat can be recycled as energy.
Continuous development of both new solutions and our competence are part of the work
Head of Repairs at Premises Department Pasi Maja agrees with Leivo. When planning new sites, it is important to take into consideration the increase in extreme weather phenomena. Various adaptation measures can be implemented in old sites; for example, sunshades can be installed in yards.
“Challenges include buildings getting hot in the summer and wet due to increased horizontal rainfall.”
“We need to increase our expertise on how to prepare for extreme weather phenomena.”
Urban planning as a cornerstone of adaptation
Planning guides long-term adaptation. Ina Westerlund works as a landscape architect at the City Planning Department. Her workdays are spent on the detailed planning of Suur-Leppävaara.
“Climate change adaptation is very prevalent in my work and has actually always been part of it,” she explains.
In urban planning, many adaptation methods are linked to the green environment. Trees cool and moderate the temperature of the local climate. Permeable soils, such as grass or gravel, receive stormwater better.
“My work is responsible. The best part is that I can participate in developing the city. Balancing the green environment and construction in a growing city with a limited area makes my work challenging. It is all about reconciling different parts and values.”
Organic farming and plant species trials require a keen professional eye
Green solutions can be tested at the Espoo City Garden, and it is open to all Espoo residents. Climate change adaptation is in many ways part of the work of Garden Manager Sari Turkka, Nursery Supervisor Veli Turpeinen and Wood Workshop Supervisor Pasi Niskanen.
The City Garden in Vanttila serves as a test field for testing the adaptiveness of new tree species. We are currently testing species that are atypical for our climate, such as beech and Turkish hazelnut.
“It has come as a surprise that most of the species have thrived here so far. We planted some new species this spring, and there would be room for more,” says Turpeinen.
Multi-species environments protect trees against pests and diseases that are predicted to become more common. Professional skills are needed to monitor which species are successful and which are not. The work requires keeping one’s finger on the pulse and learning new things.
Sari Turkka suggests a test street where different species could be planted, and residents could see the diversity for themselves.
Inclusion work is important to her. She also wrote her thesis on the topic.
“The participation of urban residents in green maintenance could be increased. We organise voluntary working parties and borrow tools, but expanding the operations would require a coordinator to facilitate cooperation.”
Cooperation between different actors improves the city’s ability to adapt and creates new ideas and networks.
Adaptation work is carried out in networks with specialists from different fields
Acting in networks is an important part of Saara Olsen’s work. She leads the urban environment adaptation group established in 2018. Olsen acts as a limnologist in Espoo’s environmental protection, which is a specialist in inland aquatic ecosystems.
“The purpose of the climate change adaptation working group is to ensure that the city is as prepared as possible for changing conditions.”
The working group includes several specialists, and the Uusimaa Rescue Department is also involved in risk cooperation.
“We have also refined our own action plan for the Urban Environment Division, which outlines how we can make measures even more concrete. Their realisation is monitored annually in the climate guard.”
The work involves influencing in many working groups and networks. The Finnish field and EU-level policies must be monitored. The urban environment also has its own network that supports adaptation by emphasising biodiversity.
“Adaptation is an extremely important topic and cuts across all sectors,” Olsen concludes.