Projects

NetZeroCities – the EU's carbon-neutral and smart cities

The project implements measures according to the EU's carbon-neutral and smart cities program. The actions are:
1. Climate program update
2. Preparation of an investment plan aimed at carbon neutrality until 2030
3. Communication and information
4. Approval of programs

Contacts: Petri Kero, +358 40 653 0508 , Ilkka Räsänen +358 400 815 284

1.2.2023 - 31.1.2024

Lappeenrannan kaupunki, Greenreality Services

Development funding for the region of South Karelia, lump sum

The project is part of the city of Lappeenranta in implementing the Green Electrification Ecosystem Agreement of the Lappeenranta-Imatra region. The goal is to strengthen the construction of an attractive concentration of expertise and an innovative environment, as well as the connection of the region's operators to international RDI networks and value chains. With the help of the project, a close cooperation network of innovation activities will be developed. The project will increase the city-oriented effectiveness of research, development and innovation activities.

17.5.2022 - 31.5.2024

City of Lappeenranta

Co-funded by the European Union, Innovation and Skills in Finland 2021–2027 – EU regional and structural policy programme, European Regional Development Fund (ERDF)

The project is a water protection project to improve the water quality of lake Ruoholampi, which is located in the Lake Pien-Saimaa catchment area. The goals of the project are to improve environmental runoff management, obtain research information of the water quality in Ruoholampi catchment area, reduce water pollution and increase environmental awareness. The means of the project are planning, tracking, construction and communication. 
The key measures in the project are:  

1. Catchment area and ditch water survey 
2. Water quality monitoring 
3. General plan for the management of ditch runoff water in catchment area 
4. Design and construction of one water protection structure 
5. Residential cooperation and counselling and common project communication to residents 

1.4.2022 - 31.12.2023

City of Lappeenranta, Greenreality services

City of Lappeenranta 50%, Centre for Economic Development, Transport and the Environment 50%.

The project is a water protection project to improve the water quality of lake Myllylampi, which is located in the Lake Pien-Saimaa catchment area. The main goal of the project is to improve the management of runoff water flowing into lake Myllylampi. Other goals are to reduce the solid matter and nutrient load flow towards Myllylampi and small lake Saimaa.  The key measures in the project are:  1. Catchment area survey, localization of load sources, potential locations for water protection structures and implementation of general and building plans 2. To improve the water quality of Myllylampi and small lake Saimaa, bind nutrients and solids into the catchment area 3. Implementation of a water protection structure(s) 4. Safeguarding the diversity of the natural state marsh area next to lake Myllylampi 5. Business cooperation with industrial operators located in lake Myllylampi´s catchment area 6. Resident cooperation and communication 

1.4.2022 - 31.12.2023

City of Lappeenranta , Greenreality Services, Pien-Saimaan suojeluyhdistys ry

City of Lappeenranta and the South-East Centre for Economic Development, Transport and the Environment Implementation agency.

The project is a piloting and research project. The project includes the study and piloting of biochar and woodchip use in water filtration. Secondly the project includes restoration and maintenance of wetlands in the lake Pien-Saimaa catchment area. Thirdly water quality study of Asinsaari and Talanlahti area and reporting of the flow study in Asinsaari bridge area. 
The key measures in the project are:  1. Biochar and woodchip reactor piloting 2. Renovation and maintenance of constructed wetlands in the Pien-Saimaa catchment area 3. Survey of the water quality of Talanlahti and Asinsaari area 4. Preliminary survey work for improving the water circulation of the Asinsaari bridge 5. Events, information and training 

1.1.2022 - 31.12.2023

City of Lappeenranta Greenreality Services, Pien-Saimaan suojeluyhdistys ry

Etelä-Karjalan säästöpankkisäätiö

The project is a water-related info display screen at Lappeenranta harbour. The screen shows water information about Saimaa, such as water quality, organism in water and ways to improve lake Saimaa water quality. The key measures in the project are: 1. Share information about lake Saimaa and actions towards cleaner water 2. Communication 3. Education 

1.1.2019 - 31.12.2030

City of Lappeenranta Greenreality Services

UPM Kymmene

CANEMURE - Towards carbon neutral municipalities and regions is a six-year (2018-2024) project for implementing Finnish climate policy, funded by the EU Life programme. The project brings into practice in particular policies of the National Energy and Climate Strategy (EIS) and the Medium-term Climate Change Policy Plan (KAISU). In the project city of Lappeenranta is implementing a regional cooperation group in South-Karelia and is piloting a heat accumulator in a district heating network. See also: www.hiilineutraalisuomi.fi/en-US/Canemure.

Contact person: Petri Kero, 040 653 0508 

1.11.2018 - 31.10.2024

Consortium of 21 partners coordinated by Finnish Environmental Institute SYKE.

Largest of the 15 co-financiers of the project is EU Life programme.

South Karelia's energy councelling increases awareness of energy efficiency and renewable energy. The target group of the regional energy consultation is consumers, municipalities and SMEs. The energy advisor provides unbiased information on ways to increase energy efficiency and renewable energy. Regional energy counseling brings the energy counselor closer to the target groups in each province. 

Thermal cameras are also borrowed from Lappeenranta City Hall's Wink and Imatra City Hall's customer service. 

1.5.2018 - 1.1.2026

City of Lappeenranta, Environmental action of the Lappeenranta region

Energy Authority

CIRCWASTE is a seven-year LIFE IP project that promotes efficient use of material flows, waste prevention and new waste and resource management concepts.  The project is implemented during the years 2016–2023. All actions contribute to implementing the national waste management plan and directing Finland towards a circular economy. CIRCWASTE is a creation of 20 partners and 10 funding organisations. The project is coordinated by the Finnish Environment Institute. CIRCWASTE is funded in large part by the EU LIFE programme.  Check out also: www.materiaalitkiertoon.fi/en-US 

Contact person: Anna Vuori, 040 570 1044 

1.1.2017 - 1.1.2024

City of Lappeenranta, Greenreality services, principal project manager Finnish Environment Institute

EU LIFE IP

Project aims to bring positive change into the current situation in environmental awareness and circular economy. Aim is to change the current situation in environmental education and create educational material for kindergartens, schools and holiday homes. 

Also, to research environmental awareness of the citizens and to organise international workshops, seminars and training events to increase the awareness of environmental protection, climate change mitigation and sustainable lifestyle. 

In the field of circular economy, aim is to have cross border cooperation, share knowledge and make a road map for transition to the circular economy. In addition, the aim is to boost public opinion of products made of recycled materials, to show they are high-quality and exchange ideas of new products and services. 

1.1.2021 - 30.11.2022

City of Lappeenranta and City of Lahti (cooperation with St. Petersburg Foundation for Small and Medium-sized Enterprise Development and St. Petersburg State Geological Unitary Enterprise ended on March 25 2022 based on Ukraina situation)

SEFR-CBC Programme 2014-2020

Carbon Neutral Municipalities! -project seeks and creates good practices for low-carbon daily life in rural areas to be shared as a model for others. Pilots are being developed in the project, which enable the emergence of a new type of low-carbon economic activity to increase the vitality of the countryside. 

1.3.2020 - 1.1.2023

Environmental action of the Imatra region and Lappeenranta region

European agricultural fund for rural development

In the project, the Greenreality thinking and operating model that creates a sustainable future, which Lappeenranta is committed to, will be taken to schools and from schools, with the help of students, to students' homes and to brick-and-mortar businesses in the city center. Ecological thinking and responsible choices become part of everyday life in homes and businesses. At the same time, energy and environmental companies are introduced to schoolchildren, their parents and other residents.

1.8.2018 - 31.12.2020

City of Lappeenranta and LUT University

The main financier was the European Regional Development Fund.