The carbon footprint of municipal consumption was determined for the first time in the Kulma project
A broader knowledge base supports the journey of the people of Tänekoski towards carbon neutrality
Äänekoski has determined the greenhouse gas emissions caused by the consumption of Äänekoski residents, i.e. the carbon footprint. Greenhouse gas emissions caused by residents' consumption have now been calculated for the first time. The survey was carried out as part of the Kulma project, in which Vihreya Uusiutuva Äänekoski participated. It calculated the comparable carbon footprint figures of 15 municipalities for the year 2020. The consumption-based carbon footprint calculation will be continued and the corresponding figures will be obtained next for 2022. Emission monitoring enables the evaluation of the effectiveness of local actions aimed at reductions.
The implemented consumption-based calculation is unique in Finland. Those involved in the project act as true pioneers of new information. Globally, there are only a few municipalities that systematically and reliably monitor consumption emissions.


In 2020, Äänekoski's consumption greenhouse gas emissions were a total of 9,15 t CO2-eq per inhabitant. The greenhouse gas emissions per inhabitant caused by the consumption of the municipalities that participated in the project were on average 8,7 t CO2-eq.
It is also possible to view the calculated figures by sub-sector. In this case, the most significant sources of consumption emissions stood out in Äänekoski:
• food (38,5 kt CO2-eq)
• passenger car traffic (34,9 kt CO2-eq)
• private sector consumption of goods and services (25,9 kt CO2 eq.)
• oil, natural gas and wood heating (25,0 kt CO2-eq).
Different calculations provide a more comprehensive picture of municipal emissions
The starting point for the new calculation is that products and services are often consumed in a different place than where they are produced. When talking about municipal greenhouse gas emissions, we often mean greenhouse gas emissions calculated using regional emission calculation models.
Regional emission calculation models (e.g. Hinku calculation) mainly cover emissions from the municipality's energy consumption and waste management, as well as other emissions occurring in the municipality's geographical area. For example, factory emissions are concentrated where the factory operates.
The consumption-based model assesses what kind of emissions, for example, paper produced in Äänekoski causes in Espoo, where the product is consumed.

- The new results make visible the emissions caused by the activities of municipal residents that fall outside the traditional municipal emissions calculation. A broader knowledge base supports the municipalities' climate work, where various actions are aimed at influencing consumers' choices as well, the project's project manager Emma Liljeström says.
- The results of the Kulma project, as part of the already done climate work, help to monitor, plan and direct new activities in Äänekoski, project manager of the Vihreä Uusiutuva Äänekoski project Sirpa Kortelainen more.
- Äänekoski's strength is especially the willingness to take the residents' views into account in the climate work and involve everyone in the development of the area. We can influence emissions with the strong cooperation of the city, companies and citizens, Kortelainen continues.
- It was great to be involved in this pioneering work. The inclusion of food in the calculation was made possible by the wonderful cooperation with the S group and our long-term research work on the topic, Luonnonvarakeskus Luke's special researcher Juha-Matti Katajajuuri summarize.
Survey implementers and contact persons
The calculation was carried out by Sitowise Oy together with Natural Resources Centre. The project was financed by the participating municipalities and the Sustainable Lahti Foundation. In Äänekoski, the participation was financed by the Green Renewable Äänekoski project.
More information about the project and its results can be found: Sitowise, Luke 2022 https://www.sitowise.com/fi/uutiset/kuntien-kulutuksen-hiilijalanjalki-selvitettiin-ensimmaista-kertaa
Kulma project municipal report Äänekoski
Emma Liljeström, emma.liljestrom@sitowise.com
Juha-Matti Katajajuuri, juha-matti.katajajuuri@luke.fi
Sirpa Kortelainen, sirpa.kortelainen@aanekoski.fi




News published 8.2.2022, modified 27.4.2023/10/26 at XNUMX:XNUMX