Cover picture credits: Helsinki-Uusimaa Regional Council
There has been a major reduction of the greenhouse gas emissions in the Helsinki-Uusimaa Region according to the latest calculations. In 2015, the emissions were reduced by 15 % compared to the year 2012. A good ground for PASSAGE project action plan to be developped!
The biggest reductions of the emissions were achieved in industry and electricity consumption. The emissions of district heating, transport, waste treatment and agriculture were also reduced.
The assessment was conducted by Helsinki Region Environmental Services Authority HSY in cooperation with the Helsinki-Uusimaa Regional Council.
The emissions of industry and electricity consumption in a remarkable decrease
The greenhouse gas emissions from industry were increasing in the Helsinki-Uusimaa region until the year 2008. The favourable development during the past few years is mainly due to the regression of heavy industry and the development of production technologies.
In addition, the emissions of electricity consumption have been reduced significantly. In Finland, the production of the coal condensate has been replaced by imported electricity and domestic water power which has led to fewer emissions in electricity consumption also in the Helsinki-Uusimaa region.
The greenhouse gas emissions from district heating have fallen under the level of the year 1990. The use of mixed waste and heat pumps have been the main factors behind the reductions in the capital area. In the other parts of the region, the production of district heating is mainly based on forest chips which is considered emission-free when it comes to the carbon dioxide.
Vehicle technology and the reform of the car tax are ensuring low emissions of transport
The emissions from transport were increasing still in the beginning of the century. The development of the vehicle technology and the reform of the car tax in 2008 have remarkably reduced the emissions of cars. In addition, the use of biofuels has become more common.
Aiming for a sustainable level of emissions
When aiming for fewer emissions in the region, key success factors are sustainable fuels for district heating in the capital area and in the other parts of the region heating solutions in general. Fossil fuels should be abandoned and renewable energy should be used instead. Resource efficiency should be taken into consideration in industry.
In transport, low-emission vehicles are needed and also fewer kilometres to drive. This requires sustainable land use planning. Furthermore, consumption habits need to be changed.
The Helsinki-Uusimaa Regional Council has drawn up the data as interactive maps and diagrams. To explore further, please visit www.uudenmaanliitto.fi/paastot (only in Finnish) or contact PASSAGE Project Officer Ms. Elina Lomperi ([email protected]).
