The City of Vaasa invites companies and organisations to join its climate action efforts

The Vaasa Climate Commitment is an initiative that strengthens collaboration between companies, organisations, and the city to achieve climate goals. Partners involved in the commitment will have the opportunity to showcase their sustainability efforts, reduce their environmental impact, and contribute to joint climate action. 

Organisations joining the commitment will set their own annual targets and make them publicly available on the city’s website. They will also share their successes and challenges, enhancing transparency for residents. 

Every contribution counts 

Climate actions may include enhancing recycling, promoting the circular economy, improving energy efficiency, developing sustainability reporting, or encouraging employees to engage in sustainable mobility.  

– The initiative is aimed at both forerunners and companies and organisations that are just beginning their climate action journey. Together, we can create a significant impact. Organisations already involved include Westenergy, Danfoss, Wärtsilä, VEO, the Port of Vaasa, Stormossen, and Visit Vaasa, says Johanna Punkari, Energy and Climate Specialist with the City of Vaasa. 

Organisations can join the commitment by registering on the city’s website or by contacting either Project Manager Hanna Malkamäki at VASEK, or Johanna Punkari at the City of Vaasa. 

– It’s easy to get involved. Every action, even a small one, helps reduce emissions and make Vaasa a more sustainable city, says Malkamäki. 

Support from the network and local students

The Vaasa Climate Commitment is a partnership agreement designed to benefit both parties. By becoming climate partners, organisations gain opportunities to network and share ideas. Sustainable solutions may inspire others to follow suit and bring economic benefits, while the environment benefits and life in Vaasa is made even better. 

VASEK, the University of Vaasa, and the Vaasa University of Applied Sciences are all involved in the initiative, with their students supporting organisations in setting goals and bringing fresh expertise to the table. 

– This is an excellent opportunity for students to engage hands-on with real-world challenges, while companies receive support from students in their climate efforts. In practice, students will work on group projects and theses tailored to the needs of the partner companies, explains Mirja Andersson, Lecturer at VAMK  

– At the University of Vaasa, we are researching models for contractual agreements and climate budgeting that can be used to develop more impactful and equitable climate solutions tailored to the needs of cities. We believe that data-driven methods play a crucial role as we work together to build a more sustainable future in Vaasa, says Taina Tukiainen, Research Director with the University of Vaasa. 

The initiative supports Vaasa’s carbon neutrality goal 

Vaasa wants to achieve carbon neutrality before the end of the 2020s, but reaching this goal requires collaboration from businesses, residents, and other stakeholders. Transportation, heating, electricity consumption, and waste management are the largest contributors to emissions. Although the city is working actively to reduce emissions from these sources, the solutions ultimately depend on the daily choices made by residents and businesses, particularly in areas such as transport, consumption, and recycling. 

The city is continuously developing the local business environment in collaboration with regional actors. The Vaasa energy technology cluster is an excellent example of ecosystem-based collaboration that strengthens both the competitiveness of businesses and the advancement of sustainable development and technology.