As a European forerunner in tackling environmental issues, the City of Lahti leads by example and calls for Finnish municipalities and other actors and stakeholders to join forces in climate action.

Businesses, higher education institutes, and associations are launching 19 new green projects in the Päijät-Häme region. A total of 58 applicants and their partners sought funding from the Green Capital project in the second applications round.

Lahti, the European Green Capital 2021, has granted funding for 16 environmental projects from the Päijät-Häme region. The city received funding applications from 53 projects in the first round of applications. The selected projects highlight the participation of children and young people.

Lahti – European Green Capital 2021, known for its environmental solutions, is introducing “Rouhesieppari” granule collectors to be installed in storm water wells in cooperation with the city’s water supply company Lahti Aqua. The granule collectors prevent the rubber granules from artificial turf fields from ending up in waterways with rain. The first granule collectors were installed at the Lahden Kisapuisto artificial turf field.

Päijät-Häme Waste Management Ltd (PHJ), which is responsible for waste management in Lahti, utilises a staggering 99 % of municipal waste. The recycling rate is 46 %, and 52 % of household waste is utilised as energy.

The European Green Capital Lahti enables the implementation of environmental innovations and projects in the Päijät-Häme region. With funding, actors from all over the region are invited to make a shared Green Capital.

The internationally renowned magazine National Geographic featured Lahti as the only Nordic city in its article about innovative, green-minded cities. The magazine highlighted Lahti’s carbon neutrality goal, personal transport-related carbon trading scheme for residents, circular economy solutions, and water conservation efforts.  

The joint European Go Green Routes project, with a funding of EUR 10 million, aims to improve the accessibility of recreational areas and to promote nature-based entrepreneurship. 

Former EU Commissioner Erkki Liikanen was elected Chairperson of the Board, and Laura Leppänen, Region Mayor at Regional Council of Päijät-Häme, was elected Vice Chairperson.