Circular Economy Green Deal
The City of Kuopio is committed to the national Circular Economy Green Deal.
The Circular Economy Green Deal is a strategic commitment based on voluntary action. The Green Deal supports the objectives concerning natural resources laid down in the Circular Economy Programme. The aim is to reduce the consumption of non-renewable natural resources and double the circular economy rate of resources and materials by 2035. Companies, industry associations, municipalities and regions can join the Circular Economy Green Deal.
Kuopio’s commitment focuses on the development of resource-wise built environments and a sustainable food system.
Resource-wise built environment
Kuopio is committed to resource efficiency in construction. The life cycle of buildings used by the city’s service production is extended by renovating them. Preserving the existing building stock is always considered the primary option instead of demolishing and building new ones. When new buildings are built, they are designed to be multi-purpose and adaptable.
Kuopio is also developing climate impact assessments in planning and construction projects. The use of recycled materials will be increased in infrastructure construction sites and other construction. The circulation of soil and other materials will be developed by improving planning and cooperation. For example, recycled materials will be used primarily in the renovation of streets and roads, which will be taken into account in the criteria for contract procurement.
Renewing food system
The carbon footprint of food in schools and daycare centers will be reduced by increasing the number of vegetarian and fish dishes. Nutritionally complete vegetarian dishes will increasingly be made entirely plant-based, which also reduces the need for dishes for special diets. The use of domestic fish in the city’s food services will be increased. The perspectives of climate and nature’s carrying capacity will be taken into account in the service agreement with binding targets.
Servica, which provides the city’s food services, is committed to minimizing food loss and food waste. Surplus food is sold at the locations and the flow of information and the emergency food system are being developed. The aim is to reduce the amount of food waste by 70% from the 2022 reference level. The appreciation and attractiveness of school food will be improved in cooperation with students and by developing quality.
Circular economy is implemented in cooperation
The measures of the Green Deal commitment are implemented by the Kuopio urban environment service area, facility services, growth and learning service area, as well as Kiertokukko, Kuopion Energia, Kuopion Student Housing, Kuopion Vesi, Mestar Kuopio, Niiralan Kulma and Servica.
The goals are in line with the climate and resource wisdom program, Viksu Kuopio, which implements the city strategy. Strengthening the circular economy curbs the overconsumption of natural resources, creates a sustainable economy and operating environment, and reduces the climate and environmental damage caused by operations.
