Prepared through wide-ranging cooperation, the programme also constitutes the city's fourth environment programme. Compared to previous environment programmes the new programme focuses more on improving eco-efficiency and on life cycle assessment.

The programme is divided into six major themes, for each of which there are 25 sub-objectives and 54 measures for putting the main aims of ecological sustainability into practice. The themes' topics have been formulated from the main objectives of The Helsinki Action Plan for Sustainability. Advantage has been taken of the latest environmental protection models and tools for these measures.

Greenhouse gas emissions:
In regard to reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, the programme focuses on electricity saving, an increase in the use of renewable energy sources, and reductions in greenhouse gas emissions attributable to waste management.

Biodiversity:
To safeguard biodiversity in Helsinki's biotopes, the accent is on protected areas and minor water body environments. Attention has also been paid to interaction and ensuring that residents are well-informed. In conjunction with planning projects, city authorities are making surveys of residents' requirements and a start is being made on an Internet-based nature information system.

Infrastructure, traffic and mobility:
In matters of city infrastructure, traffic and mobility special attention is being focused on harmonizing land use and public transport, and in reducing dependence on passenger cars. In the measures resorted to, advantage is being taken of Mobility Management models, among other things. The theme also includes measures for supplementing and concentrating the city infrastructure and for tackling traffic hazards.

Construction activities and property maintenance:
Especially important considerations from the standpoint of environmental impact are city construction activities and property maintenance. Ecological sustainability improvement in construction activities (EkoRak) calls for life cycle assessment at all stages of the construction commissioning process. The scope for eco-construction in Helsinki will be investigated in the city's own EkoRak programme.

Public procurements:
Life cycle assessment is also being applied in acquisitions by the city. Environmental criteria to be taken into account in competitive outsourcing are being drafted for products significant from the environmental impact perspective. The criteria are common to all the city's administrative bodies

Environmental responsibility and management:
The programme targets the promotion of environmental responsibility among the city's employees and citizens through various kinds of environmental education and enlightenment. The integration of environmental management in the management of the city's administrative bodies unites all the main themes.

Finland
Ms. Camilla von Bonsdorff (Head of Environmental Protection), tel. +358 9 7312 2680

01/01/2005

policy

Urban Policy > Urban environment

Environmental sustainability