For municipalities
Expanding eco-support activity
640 new eco-supporters were trained in the local authorities that had signed up to the Julia 2030 -project. These employees were given information on climate change and ways of reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The eco-supporters previously trained in Helsinki that were participating the project “Use of public premises” were further trained in use of the climate calculator.
The function of eco-supporters is to chart the state of the environment in their own units and to inspire their colleagues to take practical action in cutting emissions.
Climate calculators for a smaller carbon footprint
More than 30 buildings have been selected as energy efficiency pilot sites for the Julia 2030 -project. These include schools, nurseries, swimming baths, offices, multi-purpose buildings and health centres. The aim is to achieve an 8 percent cut in emissions from these buildings between 2009 and 2011. This will involve savings in electricity, heating and paper consumption, reduction of solid waste quantities and improvements in waste sorting.
The greenhouse gas emissions arising in the use of public buildings will be monitored at the pilot sites using a climate calculator. This is a tool administered by WWF Finland. Eco-supportstaff will input annual data on the electricity and heating consumption of their buildings, paper procurement, waste generation and official journeys made by staff. The climate calculator will use these data to reckon the associated carbon emissions and provide tips on how to reduce the carbon footprint. By comparing the emission trends of various public buildings it will be possible to determine the most efficient strategies for mitigating emissions.
New environmental requirements for procurement
The local authorities of the Helsinki Metropolitan Area are important purchasers, and they have a duty to set an example in procuring products and services that are sustainable from the point of view of mitigating greenhouse gas emissions. Common environmental criteria will be formulated for procurement with a view to incorporating reduced carbon emissions as a factor at all stages of procurement.
The Julia 2030 -project is investigating suitable carbon dioxide emission calculators for procurement and competitive tendering. Calculators and methods for using them will be developed for the products and services that have the greatest impact on emissions. Energy-efficient procurement can be promoted through R&D targeting innovative products and services that reduce carbon emissions.