Page 35 - European Energy Innovation - winter 2019 publication
P. 35
Winter 2019 European Energy Innovation 35
COMMUNICATION
Solar panels on the roof of new student
housing (Photo by Turku Energia)
Eco-friendly living and In cooperation with its neighbouring This is why I will be participating in
transportation municipalities, Turku is also building the UN climate summit in Madrid
Mayor Minna Arve says that the a sustainable and centralised urban in December to share Turku’s
City of Turku Concern companies structure supporting sustainable experiences and our aim for climate-
have cooperated to invest in the transportation. positivity.’
improvement of energy efficiency and
significant new energy solutions, the ‘The next step is to aim to decide on Constructing a climate-positive city
Energy Twist for the residents. and implement a regional tramway naturally also requires the input of all
solution to function as the new spine residents.
‘For example, our student housing of attractive urban development.’
foundation has created a significant ‘Companies and residents in Turku
energy-positive site where all of the Reaching the goal together are working every day to develop
roof space is used for solar panels, Mayor Arve notes that climate change and produce sustainable solutions to
our rental housing company and its must be faced together, and that benefit everyone. Together, we make
residents have saved several million cities can support each other in this up the Turku Climate Team, where we
euros in energy costs per year, and significantly. all support and encourage each other.
our right of residence company is Our climate captain is Saku Koivu,
giving up all fossil solutions and ‘Turku Climate Plan 2029 follows the a well-known and beloved former
investing in electric transportation. joint European model, and we report ice hockey captain of the teams of
to the UN every year through the CDP. Turku, Finland, and Montreal. Together
A private company is making one of In 2019, our climate work received an with him, we challenge everyone
the largest solar heat power plants in A rating.’ to participate, and we campaign for
the world on our market square.’ sustainable solutions.’ l
‘Cooperation networks such as
The carbon sinks in the forests ICLEI are essential in compiling the Contact information
and parks of Turku will grow faster competence of cities to benefit Risto Veivo, Climate Policy Manager
than before, as the City will use no everyone: this way, we can learn City of Turku
more than 40 per cent of the annual from each other and support each e-mail: risto.veivo@turku.fi
forest growth instead of the earlier other. At the same time, cooperation www.turku.fi/en/carbonneutralturku
60 per cent. The forests also serve makes our voice stronger and makes
to cool down the city and provide our valuable experience available for
refreshment and well-being. the UN climate process, for example.
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