"We are well on schedule in terms of energy saving goals"

The city of Äänekoski is involved in the municipal energy agreement and was the first in Central Finland to join the Hinku network

The city of Äänekoski is aiming for carbon neutrality by 2030. The goal is achievable, but requires committed work not only from the city but also from companies and residents.
aerial view

The city of Äänekoski has been doing good climate work over the years on a long-term basis.

- We are pioneers, and it's not just about the coming winter. At Äänekoski, energy saving issues are strongly present and involved in all activities, environment manager Hanna Ahonen says.

Äänekoski joined the Municipal Energy Efficiency Agreement in 2013 and the Hinku network in 2019. Both networks are voluntary. By investing in climate work, financial savings are achieved, but at the same time the well-being of the community is increased.

The city of Äänekoski has increased the use of renewable energy, among other things.

- Solar power plants, or panels, are being built every year and they are placed on the roofs of buildings. Air heat pumps have been installed in electric heating facilities, and a few large halls have also been built with them, the largest is up to 2 square meters. The oil heating of schools in Koivisto, Hietama and Honkola has been replaced by pellet power plants, energy engineer Juha Saari says.

- These same measures can be implemented by city dwellers in their own homes.

Energy efficiency is climate action

Äänekoski has been involved in the Municipal Energy Efficiency Agreement (KETS) since 2013. The current, i.e. the second, agreement was signed with the Ministry of Labor and Economy in 2017 until 2025. By joining the agreement, Äänekoski has voluntarily committed to reduce and improve all of its energy consumption.

- The conclusion of the agreement means, above all, responsibility in energy use and especially the reduction of carbon dioxide from greenhouse gases. Carbon dioxide emissions from energy use are constantly monitored with the help of annual CO2 reports, Hanna Ahonen says.

Upon joining, the joining municipality sets an indicative energy efficiency (MWh) goal for the period 2017–2025.

- The calculated energy saving target for 2025 is 7,5 percent of the 2016 level, and the intermediate target for 2020 was four percent, says Saari.

- In the Äänekoski city agreement, measures are recorded on how to reach the goals. The agreement contains an action plan and energy saving targets, monitoring of their achievement and identified risks in achieving the targets. Energy efficiency is also taken into account, for example, in public procurement, planning, traffic planning and construction.

Attention is also paid to the introduction of renewable energy sources. One of the goals is that this year 2021, fossil fuels are replaced by more energy-efficient other solutions.

- The city no longer uses oil heating anywhere, since even the last school in Hietama switched to another form of heating last year, says Saari.

- Within the framework of the agreement, we are well on schedule, Saari states with satisfaction.

The city of Äänekoski's own energy efficiency working group meets regularly and monitors the implementation of the action plan. The agreement also includes reporting on completed activities. Now that additional cost-saving measures are being taken in the coming heating season, the working group will meet more often.

In the entire country, there are 714 companies that have joined the Energy Efficiency Agreement, 7 workplaces, and 136 municipalities and municipal associations. The energy use of the parties that have joined covers almost 123 percent of Finland's total energy use. Those committed to the agreement carry out thousands of energy efficiency measures every year: thanks to the nearly 60 energy efficiency improvement measures carried out between 2017 and 2020, 15 TWh of energy is saved annually. The amount corresponds to the entire year's energy consumption of more than 000 electrically heated small houses.

Heavy drizzle reduces emissions

In 2011, the city of Äänekoski became the first municipality in Central Finland to join the Carbon Neutral Municipalities or Hinku network. The goal of those belonging to the network is an 80 percent emission reduction by 2030 from the 2007 level.

By joining the Hinku municipality, Äänekoski wanted to show that even an industrial city can develop sustainably. At the same time, Äänekoski has acted as a trend setter for other municipalities and cities in Central Finland.

The network currently includes more than 80 municipalities and five provinces. In addition to municipalities and provinces committed to ambitious emission reductions, the network includes companies offering climate-friendly products and services and energy and climate experts. Access requires certain Hinku criteria to be met.

Ball forward!

The city of Äänekoski is challenging the neighboring municipalities of Kannonkoski, Konnevesi, Lauka, Saarijärvi, Uurainen, Vesanto and Viitasaari to join the Hinku network and the Municipal Energy Efficiency Agreement (KETS), if any of the municipalities are not yet involved. Will one of the neighbors take up the challenge?

The city of Äänekoski participates in the communication campaign of Central Finland's climate week by publishing a series of information on the climate actions of the city of Äänekoski on October 10-14.10.2022, XNUMX. The city of Äänekoski also wants to challenge its personnel, residents, companies and other parties to joint climate talks. A sustainable environment is also one of the most important goals in Äänekoski's city strategy.

For more information:

Environmental manager Hanna Ahonen, 0400 893 683, hanna.ahonen@aanekoski.fi

Energy engineer Juha Saari, 040 572 9182, juha.saari@aanekoski.fi

https://energiatehokkuussopimukset2017-2025.fi/

https://www.hiilineutraalisuomi.fi/fi-fi/hinku

News published 10.10.2022

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Announcement: Material from the proposal phase of the Kannonkoski Vuorijärvi wind power sub-plan is available for viewing

The Kannonkoski Municipal Board has decided on 27.1.2025 § 1 to place the Vuorijärvi Wind Power Sub-General Plan on display for consultation in the proposal phase (AKL § 65, MRA § 19). The plan project partially changes the Kannonkoski Southern Watersheds Coastal Sub-General Plan. The project area is located approximately 14 km southeast of the Kannonkoski municipal center. The area borders the towns of Saarijärvi, Äänekoski and Viitasaari. The Vuorijärvi Wind Power Park covers an area of ​​approximately 5 hectares.

Äänekoski Huima will face Rahola Pyrkivä in a free match – Come watch local sports!

On Wednesday, February 19.2.2025, 18.30 at XNUMX:XNUMX PM, an exciting free match will be played at Äänekoski Areena Pankkari, where Äänekoski Huima will face Rahola Pyrkivä. The city of Äänekoski invites all local sports fans to support their team in this important game. Come and experience the amazing atmosphere and cheer Huima to victory! The free match offers a great opportunity for the whole family to enjoy basketball and experience community among the people of Äänekoski.

Daycare and school staff are trained to give children the best opportunities to learn and grow.

The Finnish National Board of Education has granted the city of Äänekoski project funding of over 42 euros for training teaching and educational personnel. The goal is that every child or young person in Äänekoski feels that they are in a safe environment, so that the best possible growth and learning can take place. The project, called In the Right Way, at the Right Time, began at the beginning of 000 and will last until 2025.

Summer jobs for young people in the city of Äänekoski will be available for applications on February 10.2.2025, XNUMX.

The City of Äänekoski will spend 2025 euros on summer employment for young people in 140. This summer, the City of Äänekoski will also employ all interested young people finishing 000th grade either for summer jobs, with a summer job voucher or a summer entrepreneurship voucher. In addition, we also employ older young people in various city units and encourage young people to become entrepreneurs. Last year, the City of Äänekoski employed a total of 9 young people in the summer. The summer job application for young people starts on 153 February 10.2.2025.

Planning Review 2025: New plots bring builders and vitality to Äänekoski

The Äänekoski City Council approved the zoning review for 2025. It presents the zoning program for the following years 2025-2027; the preliminary schedules of the pending and soon-to-be initiated zoning projects, as well as the primary objectives. – The zoning of the city of Äänekoski aims to actively promote the development of the city and increase its vitality. Only those projects that we can promote according to the schedule will be included in the zoning review, says Planning Manager Nina Marjoniemi.

The renovation site of the Suolahti swimming pool will start on January 2.1.2025, XNUMX

The renovation site of the Suolahti swimming pool will start on January 2.1.2025, 2026. In the repair contract, the ventilation and pool technology of the swimming hall facilities will be improved, changing room facilities will be changed, and the building's surface materials and furniture will be renewed. The renovation is a significant investment in Äänekoski's sports facilities. The contract will be completed in the spring of XNUMX.

Sydän-Suomen jätekunta informs: The processing billing for fine and closed well sludge will change in 2025

Äänekosken Energia Oy handles the processing of sludge generated by living in the Äänekoski area, also for fine and closed well sludge. Currently, the Waste Act obliges the waste management authority to maintain a waste register, which also monitors fines and closed-pit sludge management. The waste authority of Central Finland is the waste board. Jätehuolto's other register is currently part of the register jointly used by the Waste Board and Sammakkokangas Oy.

The Northern Central Finland employment area is preparing for the transfer of TE services - There may be a backlog in the services at the beginning of the year

The Northern Central Finland employment area will serve job seekers and employers from the beginning of 2025. TE offices and municipal trials will cease on December 31.12.2024, 1.1.2025. The Northern Central Finland employment area offers a statutory labor service for job seekers and employers in Äänekoski, Hankasalmi, Kannonkoski, Karstula, Kinnula, Kivijärvi, Konnevede, Kyyjärvi, Laukaa, Pihtiputaa, Saarijärvi, Uuraini, Viitasaari and from XNUMX January XNUMX. At the beginning of the year, various disturbances, outages and delays in the service are possible.

In entrepreneurship education, we are already looking towards the spring Äänemessu

There are many things going on in Äänekoski's entrepreneurship education. Äänekoski high school's Joulumaa sales event was held on December 12.12.2024, XNUMX, and the charity arrangements made by high school students are for sale at Koko's garden Pop Up store until Christmas. We are also currently preparing for next spring's Ääne fair. Labor Minister Arto Satose and Prime Minister Petteri Orpoo were impressed by Äänekoski's entrepreneurship education.

The H-moment is approaching! TE services will be transferred to the municipalities at the beginning of the year

The Northern Central Finland employment area will serve job seekers and employers from the beginning of 2025. TE offices and municipal trials will cease on December 31.12.2024, 1.1.2025. The employment area offers a statutory labor service in Hankasalmi, Kannonkoski, Karstula, Kinnula, Kivijärvi, Konnevedi, Kyyjärvi, Laukaa, Pihtiputaa, Saarijärvi, Uuraini, Viitasaari and Äänekoski for job seekers and employers from January XNUMX, XNUMX.

The Northern Central Finland employment area will start operating on January 1.1.2025, XNUMX

The Northern Central Finland employment area serves job seekers and employers from January 1.1.2025, 31.12.2024. TE offices and municipal trials will cease on December 1.1.2025, XNUMX. We offer a statutory employment service in Hankasalmi, Kannonkoski, Karstula, Kinnula, Kivijärvi, Konnevedi, Kyyjärvi, Laukaa, Pihtiputaa, Saarijärvi, Uuraini, Viitasaari and Äänekoski for job seekers and employers from January XNUMX, XNUMX. With labor services, both individual and employer clients receive advice and guidance on job search and employee recruitment as well as skills development.

At the "Greetings to the decision-makers" meeting, the children had the opportunity to ask questions and influence

The Right to Learning theme of the national Children's Rights Week last week also awakened adults and children in Äänekoski to think about the conditions and possibilities of learning and to enjoy the joy of learning. In Äänekoski, the topic was addressed at least at Koulunmäki unified school, where the Greetings to decision-makers meeting combined the most important goals of the Child's Rights Week and the Welfare Week held at the same time: Participation, the opportunity to influence and the joy of doing things together.

The renovation of the Suolahti swimming hall is a significant investment in Äänekoski's sports facilities

The city of Äänekoski is renovating Suolahti's swimming hall. The swimming pool will be renovated to make it a reliable swimming pool for the next 30 years. The investment is a significant investment in Äänekoski's sports facilities and it complements the Suolahti sports center, which includes an ice rink, sports hall, gym, Frisbee golf course, skate ramp, artificial turf, multi-purpose arena and half-time playground. The renovation is an investment in one of the most important movement places for children and young people and the aging population. The Suolahti swimming hall will be closed for renovation on 25.11.2024 November XNUMX.

The 2025 budget proposal of the city of Äänekoski was completed with a deficit of EUR 2,2 million

The state share system inoculates Äänekoski badly. The mayor's proposal for next year's 2025 budget will be discussed in the city council on November 25.11.2024, 2,2. The budget proposal has a deficit of EUR 7,6 million. Taking into account the accumulated surpluses of 0,6 million euros from previous years and the projected surplus of XNUMX million euros for the current year, the city of Äänekoski will survive the difficult years to come.

Prime Minister Petteri Orpo heard Äänekoski's wishes in the restructuring of business life: "We are in the same boat"

On November 18.11.2024, XNUMX, Prime Minister Petteri Orpo visited Äänekoski and met representatives of the factories and personnel of Metsä Group and Valtra, as well as the city's management regarding the drastic change in the business world and the company's layoff news. Central Finland MPs Sinuhe Wallinheimo and Ville Väyrynen of the ruling party were also present. The state will use all instruments to help the situation.

Thanks for the resident bridge! Together, we want to make the center of Äänekoski more beautiful, more comfortable and more attractive

Thank you to all the participants of the 5.11.2025 residents' bridge in the city center and thank you for the fruitful discussion! About 50 residents of Painotalo participated in the residents' bridge, and there were also e.g. trustees, entrepreneurs, representatives of the youth council, residents' association and entrepreneurs' organization. Together, we want to make the center of Äänekoski more beautiful, more comfortable and more attractive. We also hope to increase community spirit and encounters!

The city of Äänekoski introduced an employee bicycle benefit - An electric bicycle increases exercise in everyday life and saves gas

The city of Äänekoski has introduced an employee bicycle benefit this fall. Sports janitor Raine Viander took the opportunity as soon as it was possible. Viander previously tried the city's loanable electric bike and got excited about getting his own bike. Viander has been satisfied with his electric bike and the amount of exercise in everyday life has increased. At the same time, you save gas.

The city of Äänekoski is doing everything it can to cope with the drastic change in the area's business life

The dark news from Äänekoski continued today, October 11.10.2024, 100, when Valtra and ACGO announced that they would start change negotiations concerning the persons covered by the collective agreement of white-collar workers and senior white-collar workers in the technology industry. The negotiations concern a total of 60 jobs in Finland. At the Suolahti factory, the reduction applies to approximately 1 white-collar jobs. Valtra employs a total of approximately 300 people at the Suolahti tractor factory. The reason for the change negotiations is the change in the market and the company's new operating methods. We are extremely worried about the jobs and future of our residents if the layoffs come true.

Äänekoski is a city of young people - Ääne fair is coming again!

Next year's Äänemessu 2025 is currently being planned. The Ääne fair will take place in and around Pankkari on May 23-24.5.2025, 10, Friday from 18 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Saturday from 16 a.m. to XNUMX p.m. The proceeds from the event will be used for the benefit of Äänekoski's youth. The city of Äänekoski and the department of education and training: the staff of high school and school entrepreneurship education are responsible for organizing the fair. 

Wahlman's house is now working for young people - "We are building this city for young people"

In the culturally historically valuable Wahlman house, work is now being done for the future, i.e. the young people of Äänekoski. The city's own personnel moved into the house at the beginning of the week. In the same place, the people of the searching and mobile youth work, youth workshop activities and services promoting integration are now working. The teaching and education department is really grateful for the new, wonderful facilities where work is now being done for the young people of Äänekoski.

The flying squirrel situation in the felling areas of the city of Äänekoski was clarified in the spring: according to ELY, it was found that there was no breeding or resting place for the flying squirrel in the area

According to information received from the media, the Keskinen Suomen liito-oravayhdistys ry has filed a criminal complaint about logging by a forest company in Äänekoski. The police have launched a preliminary investigation to find out if Stora Enso cut down the forest in the flying squirrel nesting area. The logging area is owned by the city of Äänekoski. The city of Äänekoski did several terrain inspections in the Sikopuro area in Suolahti in the spring of 2024 before logging, and no signs of flying squirrels were found. After the felling, the ELY Center of Central Finland conducted field inspections in the summer of 2024 and according to them, it was found that there was no breeding and resting place for flying squirrels in the area, so the Nature Conservation Act was not violated.

The crushing work causes noise and dust nuisance in the center of Suolahti

The city of Äänekoski is currently demolishing the former Asemakatu school in Suolahti. During the fall, concrete and brick will be crushed at the Asemakatu school, which will cause noise and dust nuisance as well as vibration. We strive to reduce harm to residents and the environment in all our activities. We save natural resources by using the demolished and crushed concrete and brick of the school building later in infrastructure construction.

Niina Rautanen, the director of the wide area, came to the house

Master of Philosophy Niina Rautanen, 34, started at the beginning of August when the director of education and training Ville Härtsiä retired. Before his election, Rautanen worked for a short time as Koskela's executive director and principal, and before that, e.g. as the branch manager of the Wiitaunion's cultural activities shared by the two municipalities. Rautanen is a music pedagogue and musicologist by training. He has solid experience in various administrative jobs and in his university studies he has focused on educational management.

The joint effort of the city of Äänekoski and Kiinteistönhoidin has brought savings of millions

- At the beginning of the current council term, the trustees of Äänekoski made a bold decision when the strategic partnership operating model was implemented in cooperation between the city and Äänekoski Kiinteistönhoito Oy. The goal of the partnership was to save one million euros during the term of the council, but so far, savings of 1,36 million euros and more have already been achieved. The quality of the work has improved, trust has grown and work has become more efficient. And above all, with better cooperation, we provide our residents with a better service, says city manager Matti Tuononen.

There is scope for low emissions, but it requires cooperation

The results of the Resource-wise Äänekoski - Low-emission road transport project, financed by the Ministry of the Environment and the city of Äänekoski, are ready. The goal of the survey is to reduce traffic emissions. Operators in the region have the will to make their business carbon neutral, and more refueling infrastructure is needed. The survey added dialogue between operators in the area, i.e. companies with heavy traffic, as well as low-emission fuel distributors, and explored the city's potential for influence.

The renovation of Äänekoski town hall will start in July

During the summer, the 1st floor of Äänekoski town hall will be renovated to add more office space for the employment services. The Northern Central Finland employment area will start operating on January 1.1.2025, 65. The state's TE offices will cease and 1.1.2025 employees from the state will be transferred to the city of Äänekoski from January XNUMX, XNUMX. Most of the transferred employees will work in Äänekoski, so additional space is needed.

Äänekoski's walking and cycling promotion program is moving forward - Towards more functional routes!

The city of Äänekoski has taken significant steps to promote walking and cycling. The city of Äänekoski has received funding of 18 euros from Traficom for the creation of a program to promote walking and cycling, and the city organized a resident survey in the spring, the answers of which will be used in developing the program. The project is part of the active climate and environmental work of the city of Äänekoski.

Evaluation report: Äänekoski's operations and finances are in good shape

On June 10.6.2024, 2023, the Äänekoski city council approved the audit committee's evaluation report for the year XNUMX. The evaluation report shows that the operation of the city of Äänekoski has gone well, even though the municipalities and nationally have been living in the midst of challenging circumstances. The report highlights the city's successes, but also some areas for development and identified risks. It is particularly positive that the inspection board has also listened to the valuable views of young people on the city's joint decision-making.

From the beginning of 2025, employers will receive service from the Northern Central Finland employment area - Welcome to the information session!

The responsibility for organizing employment services will be transferred from the state to the municipalities from January 1.1.2025, 4.6. The transfer of TE services to municipalities is a significant and new statutory task. The goal is to effectively promote the meeting of job seekers and employers! We are organizing information events about the reform open to everyone, with the same content, on Tuesday 5.6.2024 June. and Wed 10 June XNUMX at XNUMX a.m. remotely. Entrepreneurs in the area are also warmly welcome to join!