Towards low-carbon water services

The Finnish water sector is working hard to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions, aiming for a 30% reduction by 2035. To support the work, the government has published a Roadmap towards low-carbon water services, consisting of both steering instruments and practical measures.

The Roadmap, developed in co-operation with three ministries and the providers of water services, is an ambitious plan for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. It outlines clear steps towards low-carbon water supply and wastewater management, addressing both direct and indirect emissions. It also provides a rough estimate of the costs of these measures for water utilities.

As for steering measures, the Roadmap proposes better implementation of existing policy instruments, such as developing legislation, promoting strategic planning, and optimizing the allocation of funding. The importance of producing guidelines and providing information is also acknowledged.

Direct greenhouse gas emissions are tackled by improving sewage systems and, in particular, wastewater and sludge treatment, which account for the majority of current emissions. To support these efforts, the Roadmap calls for increased measuring and monitoring of greenhouse gas emissions.

In addition, the Roadmap sets out measures to reduce indirect emissions – for example, lowering the energy consumption of water services, phasing out fossil fuels, and enhancing the use of wastewater heat in district heating. Furthermore, emissions caused by chemicals and other materials will be reduced by adopting less carbon-intensive alternatives.

Low-carbon water sector 2035: Roadmap for reducing emissions in Finland