© Google My Maps
The aim of the Lauttasaari-Seura subproject was to identify and reduce emissions from buildings and private transport in two Helsinki neighbourhoods. Additionally, the project developed methods to engage residents and encourage other neighbourhoods to participate in climate action.
Carbon emissions from buildings made visible with a map
During the project, the carbon emissions from buildings in Lauttasaari and Maunula were assessed. Data on energy consumption and energy renovations of housing companies were collected from their boards, as well as building management agencies, open databases and the Helsinki City Housing Company.
Based on the gathered data, precise carbon emission figures were calculated for each housing company that provided information. These calculations considered realised heating, electricity, and water consumption. In total, emissions were calculated for 119 residential buildings in Lauttasaari and Maunula.
The emissions were visualised for residents using Google My Maps. This map allowed residents to independently examine and compare the carbon emissions of their housing company with others. The project team also disseminated information to residents on improving energy efficiency through communication and events.
Towards low-emission traffic
The project, in collaboration with Traficom, calculated the private transport emissions of Lauttasaari and Maunula residents. The goal was to raise awareness of how personal choices impact emissions and to encourage low-emission transport options in daily life.
The project team informed and influenced residents’ travel habits primarily through communication and events. Activities included Lauttasaari’s Car-Free Day, a Walking Week, a bicycle flea market, and the collection of resident feedback on challenges related to non-motorised transport through a mapping application.
Residents as active environmental influencers
The Hiilineutraalit kaupunginosat (Carbon-Neutral City Districts) subproject was born thanks to the activity of residents. Lauttasaari-Seura’s Carbon-Neutral Lauttasaari 2030 project group has worked on a volunteer basis since 2020 to promote and spread awareness of climate and environment issues. Active work for climate issues has also been done in Maunula over the last few years. Lauttasaari-Seura and Maunula-Seura see residents as active influencers who are interested in the development of their own home area and environment.
Residents were regularly informed about the project's progress and results. Updates were shared in the Lauttasaari newspaper, Maunula Sanomat, on websites, and through social media. The findings were also presented at future Lauttasaari-Seura climate seminars and other events. Additionally, information was shared with Helka ry to encourage climate initiatives in other Helsinki neighbourhoods.
Results expected from the subproject
During the project, 12.4% of residential buildings in Lauttasaari and Maunula reported their energy consumption data. Based on this data, accurate carbon emissions were calculated for 2021, 2022, and 2023. From 2021 to 2023, the carbon emissions of Lauttasaari's residential buildings decreased by 664,155 kgCO2e (-18.3%) and those of Maunula by 363,480 kgCO2e (-6.6%), amounting to a total reduction of 1,027 tCO2e. The largest reductions were recorded in housing companies that transitioned from district heating to geothermal heating during the project.
Private transport emissions were calculated for Lauttasaari and Maunula for 2022. Passenger cars in Lauttasaari produced 14.6 ktCO2e and in Maunula 4.5 ktCO2e. Emissions from vans were 0.9 ktCO2e in Lauttasaari and 0.2 ktCO2e in Maunula. Due to time constraints, private transport emissions for 2023 could not be calculated, leaving emission changes during the project unquantified.
Given the short duration of the project (April 2023–May 2024), it is not yet possible to reliably assess the impact of its measures on the carbon emissions of buildings and traffic.
Schedule
10/2022‒10/2024.
Contact information
Project coordinator Elisa Julin, tel. +358 50 479 7551, canemure@lauttasaari.fi