Greener cities

Besides trees and lawns, there is also something else green that the spring has brought along, for even this website has reported on several environmental projects launched by different municipalities.

Espoo wants to become the model city for electric motoring; Tampere improves its energy-efficiency with ECO2 project; the project for Carbon Neutral Municipalities is participated by five Finnish municipalities; and Lahti has just published its new environmental program. Not to mention the several green partnership projects between different municipalities and companies.

It is delightful to see, that cities, towns and municipalities are interested in having an influence on environmental issues. Unfortunately however it often feels that there is a huge gap between words and deeds. The ambitious goals of many fine projects dilapidate into little deeds. So, we must just hope that these projects will also have a life beyond words spoken. Us, the individual consumers, have an influence on this by giving our support to these projects, and transformation, by changing our own behaviour, and by acting with respect towards our environment. There is no other treasure such as the Finnish nature, so it is well worth investing in its preservation.

I can imagine that in a few years’ time we will be driving emission-free electric cars, which are charged with solar power through roadside charging posts. At home intelligent meters and controllers take automatically care of the optimatization and enhancement of our energy consumption. And energy will be produced from renewable energy sources, of course.

While awaiting for future solutions I will enjoy the greenness of my home region, emission-free, on my bicycle.

Communications Officer, Finnfacts