Äänekoski's emissions have decreased by a ton in a couple of years
The carbon footprint of Äänekoski residents' consumption for the year 2022 has been calculated using the Kulma model
The city of Äänekoski has analyzed the greenhouse gas emissions caused by the residents' consumption, i.e. the carbon footprint, for the second time. Äänekoski did well in the measurements compared to other municipalities. In 2022, Äänekoski's consumption greenhouse gas emissions were a total of 8,19 t CO2-eq (carbon dioxide equivalent) per inhabitant.
- Äänekoski's consumption emissions have decreased by a ton over the course of a couple of years, but it is mostly due to the decline in construction in this economic situation, climate coordinator Juho Liimatainen evaluate.
The average of the municipalities that participated in the project was 8,48 t CO2-eq, which roughly corresponds to driving around the globe 1,5 times in a car.
In the previous calculation, the emissions from the consumption of the residents of Tänekoski were 9,19 t CO2-eq.
In the calculation of greenhouse gases, carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide are included. The unit of emissions, carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2-eq), describes the combined warming effect of these greenhouse gases.
Äänekoski is a pioneer in measuring emission reductions
The calculation was carried out as part of the Kulma project, where consumption-based greenhouse gas emissions were calculated for the year 2022. In addition to Äänekoski, 19 other municipalities participated in the project.
- Äänekoski has calculated consumption emissions with this Kulma model once before, a couple of years ago. At that time, we were a pioneer among Finnish municipalities in calculating these consumptions, says Liimatainen.
In the Kulma calculation model, the carbon footprint of consumption consists of energy consumption, construction, movement, food and procurement of goods and services. The consumption-based emission calculation aims to estimate all emissions caused by the consumption of the residents of Tunakoski, regardless of where the consumed commodity was produced.
The calculation model has now been further refined, when the construction emissions included e.g. emissions from the construction of new streets and roads and bridges. In the calculation, the effects of camping and campers on consumption emissions were also examined as a new feature.
- In this second calculation, we got more comprehensive information, e.g. of construction regarding roads, streets and bridges. It is interesting that now the effects of camping are also included, says Liimatainen.
In the Kulma calculation model, the emissions caused by consumption are divided into five sectors (see diagram). In Äänekoski, emissions by sector in 2022 were:
- Energy consumption: 2,0 t CO2-eq per inhabitant
- Movement: 1,8 t CO2-eq per inhabitant
- Construction: 0,7 t CO2-eq per inhabitant
- Food: 2,0 t CO2-eq per inhabitant
- Goods and services: 1,6 t CO2-eq per inhabitant
The opportunities for municipalities to influence the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions from consumption, as well as climate work, are significant, so there is definitely a need for continuous monitoring information. The city of Äänekoski wants to continue to be involved in developing the calculation of consumption-based emissions.
The Kulma project has been implemented together with Sitowise Oy and Luonnonvarakeskus.
For more information:
Climate coordinator of the city of Äänekoski
Juho Liimatainen
040 681 8813
juho.liimatainen@aanekoski.fi
Kulma report 2023: Greenhouse gas emissions from consumption in Äänekoski (pdf)
Sustainable life guide for the residents of the city of Äänekoski
News published, modified 25.7.2023 at 09:45
