Turku

Blue-green factor integrates the objectives for storm water management and greenness in land use planning and contruction surveillance. In addition to water management, blue and green areas secure biodiversity, absorb pollution and cool and even out temperatures in the urban area.

Waste water management is further developed by joined efforts in the region. Higher capacity discharge pipe separated from storm water sewage will be placed at the Kakolanmäki Wastewater Treatment Plant to secure functionality during extreme precipitation.

Together with eight municipalities, a large project has been carried out for generating artificially infiltrated Groundwater from the river Kokemäenjoki, which has adequate volume of water for artificial recharge in all conditions.

Underground cabling of the power Grid prevents damages during high wind or heavy snow, e.g. in 2018 almost 8 M€ was invested in underground cabling.

Forestry management is conducted in a way that it helps unite the green network and the maintenance of forest ecosystems. In addition, effects on urban climate and health are recognizable. Forest management without clearfelling is promoted also for other forest owners. (Coordinated by Forest Plan)

Strengthening carbon sinks that absorb atmospheric carbon is a significant climate change mitigation measure. Without tree felling, the carbon absorption of forests owned by the City of Turku already compensates for passenger car emissions in the Turku area. Increasing the carbon absorption capacity of vegetation and soil is affordable in terms of costs and it also has other significant positive effects. Maintaining carbon sinks will be taken into consideration in updating the city’s forest plan. Fragmented green infrastructure is fixed by forestation of suitable field areas.

Developing district heating with lower emissions, opening up the heating network for new producers and innovations.

The heat, cold, steam and electricity used in the Turku area will be produced in a carbon neutral manner at the latest in 2029 (considering compensations). The share of renewable energy of district heat is at least 65 per cent in 2021 and at least 80 per cent in 2025.

Public transport in Turku will be turned into a carbon neutral service by 2029. - Electrification of lines proceeds in the pace enabled by technical development and competitive tendering and electrification is complemented with biofuel solutions. - The service capacity of public transport will be significantly improved in order to implement the strategic carbon neutrality objective of the City of Turku and to support sustainable and attractive urban development.

Municipal residents, businesses and communities are activated to join energy measures with the help of the Citizens’ energy transition project. Banks are encouraged to develop provision of energy loans and energy investments are promoted using the city's own means (e.g. permit processes, planning and other steering).