FISU – Finnish sustainable communities
Published on 29 March 2019
Finland
Etelä-Suomi
This is the good practice's implementation level. It can be national, regional or local.
About this good practice
The Fisu network is a competence community of resource-smart pioneer cities and municipalities.The Fisu network consists of 11 municipalities: Forssa, Hyvinkää, Ii, Joensuu, Jyväskylä, Kuopio, Lahti, Lappeenranta, Riihimäki, Turku and Vaasa. The Fisu communities strive to have no greenhouse gas emissions by leaning on renewable energy, low carbon solutions and energy efficiency. The target is to minimase the amount of waste by operating in a circular economy where all materials and their value stay in the economy as long as possible and services and smart solutions create added value for products. They also aim to curb overconsumption by sustainable use of natural resources. The regional FISU process consist of five steps:
1. Preparation
2. Mapping the present status
3. Making the Fisu roadmap
4. Implementing the roadmap
5. Follow up and reporting.
The process starts with mapping the present status. The Finnish Environment Institute (SYKE) calculates the starting level for each city, including greenhouse gas emissions, amount of household waste and recycling rate per capita. The communities then start conducting the roadmap by targeting five main themes to advance:
- Energy production and consumption
- Transportation and logistics
- Consumption and material flows
- Food production and consumption
- Water use and natural waters.
Learning from each other, peer support and pressure are among the key elements of the communal goal for better future.
1. Preparation
2. Mapping the present status
3. Making the Fisu roadmap
4. Implementing the roadmap
5. Follow up and reporting.
The process starts with mapping the present status. The Finnish Environment Institute (SYKE) calculates the starting level for each city, including greenhouse gas emissions, amount of household waste and recycling rate per capita. The communities then start conducting the roadmap by targeting five main themes to advance:
- Energy production and consumption
- Transportation and logistics
- Consumption and material flows
- Food production and consumption
- Water use and natural waters.
Learning from each other, peer support and pressure are among the key elements of the communal goal for better future.
Resources needed
Commitment from the local communities, business, operators and the municipality in the creation and implementation process of the roadmap. Open information and communication about the municipal and commercial material flows.
Evidence of success
The greenhouse gas emissions have decreased all together in the Fisu communities 30 % in CO2 equivalent between the years 2007-2016. The community started with four communities and now there are 11 communities involved. During the next few years, companies and other organizations operating in the municipal area can join the network.
Potential for learning or transfer
The Fisu practice has great potential for learning and transfer for other regions. The practice is transferable for any town or community that is willing to be more sustainable by working towards becoming carbon neutral and waste-free and curbing overconsumption.
Further information
Website
Good practice owner
Organisation
Finnish Environment Institute SYKE and Motiva Ltd
Finland
Etelä-Suomi
Contact
Project Manager