Minimizing greenhouse gas emissions with a Climate Program
In the climate program drawn up in 2009, the goal is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 30% from the 1990 level, by 2020.
The actions proposed in the programme include a transition to using renewable energy sources in energy generation, the reduction of emissions arising from traffic, and the intensification of land use for the purpose of reducing energy use and making it easier to move around. Furthermore, the programme aims to lower the energy consumption of city-owned buildings.
The emission reduction targets of the Kyoto Protocol have already been achieved in Lappeenranta
Based on the GHG balance for 2010, Lappeenranta has already exceeded the Kyoto Protocol’s 20% minimum target for emission reduction. The largest reductions have been achieved by switching to bioenergy in district heating. Due to taken actions, the emission reduction target was already achieved in 2014, with a total reduction of 38%. By 2017, the reduction was already 46%.
The targets have been made stricter, so that in 2021 the goal is an emission reduction of 50% and by 2030 80%.
The Climate Program is in effect until 2020.
The Climate Program’s operational objectives until 2020 are as follows:
- Land use intensifies, reducing transport needs and energy demands.
- The GHG emissions of transport have been reduced by 15% from the 1990 level, by 2020. Public transport, walking and cycling are attractive modes of transport.
- Reduction of GHG emissions arising from energy generation continues.
- Energy use in the city’s own operations has been reduced by at least 9% from the 2005 level, by 2016.
- Improving the energy-efficiency of buildings.
- Climate impact is taken into account in the city’s procurement.
- Sustainable development programmes are created for daycare centers and educational institutions.
- The city’s employees know the effects of their work and choices on climate change.
- Citizend acknowledge the effects of their actions and choices on climate change.
- The effects of climate change have been identified and a contingency plan has been prepared.
