News

20 February 2017

Lappeenranta is the latest city to join ICLEI

The Finnish city of Lappeenranta has joined ICLEI to strengthen its already impressive sustainability activities. The city achieved its target of reducing CO2 emissions by 30 percent by 2020 in 2014, recording a decrease of 38 percent compared to 1990 levels.

Lappeenranta is particularly advanced in the field of sustainable energy, and is one of Finland's largest users of bioenergy. The city boasts seven windmills, producing enough energy to heat around 3,600 homes. A local hydrogen plant additionally creates energy, leaving only water as an emission.

In the field of transport, the city strongly encourages citizens to opt for low-carbon forms of mobility. Lappeenranta spent 1.5 million euros on upgrading cycling lanes in 2015, leading to its designation as cycling city of the year in Finland. With a recycling rate of over 90 percent, investments in green technology, and one of the world's most sustainable university campuses, the small city is well positioned as a champion of sustainability.

For more information, visit the city website.