Low-carbon Water Sector in Finland – the Roadmap (Vesihuki 3)

  • Duration: 2024 - 2025
  • Status: Ongoing

The aim of the project is to promote the achievement of carbon neutrality targets in the water supply sector and to support the effective and impactful targeting of emission reduction measures. To support this goal, a national low carbon roadmap will be developed in cooperation with key stakeholders. The roadmap will define the emission reduction target for the water supply sector as well as the measures needed to achieve it.

Project management
Vuokko Laukka
Project team
Suvi Lehtoranta, Kiia Mölsä, Johanna Herttuainen, Seija Rantonen (Syke)
Financiers
Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Ministry of the Environment, Water Utilities Development Fund, Helsinki Region Environmental Services Authority (HSY), Kymen Vesi Oy, Tampereen Vesi Oy and Turun seudun puhdistamo Oy
Partners
Ministry of Social Affairs and Health, Finnish Water Utilities Association, Association of Finnish Local and Regional Authorities
Subject area
Climate

Background 

This project is a continuation of the Vesihuki 2 project, in which the life cycle greenhouse gas emissions of Finland’s water sector were calculated, and emission reduction analyses were carried out using three scenarios. One of the key recommendations of the project was to further define the carbon neutrality target for the water sector and its scope, as well as to implement a national roadmap to support the refinement and achievement of this target. 

Objective 

The objective of the Vesihuki 3 project is to promote the realization of carbon neutrality goals in the water sector and to support the effective and impactful targeting of emission reduction measures. 

To support the achievement of this objective, a national low carbon roadmap will be developed in cooperation with key stakeholders. The roadmap will define the emission reduction target for the water sector and the measures required to achieve it. 

Vesihuki Network 

The Vesihuki Network is a shared forum for water utilities and other actors in the sector, where issues related to climate change mitigation in the water sector are discussed. The network enables participants to share information, gain peer support, and find new ideas for their operations. Actors from across Finland are encouraged to take part in the network’s activities. 

The Roadmap

Low-carbon water sector 2035 : Roadmap for reducing emissions in Finland - Valto

Water sector’s GHG emissions at national level in Finland 

Climate change impacts of municipal water sector and mitigation pathways: A national scale analysis and perspectives to carbon neutrality - ScienceDirect

Further information

Principal researcher Vuokko Laukka, Finnish Environment Institute (Syke) 
etunimi.sukunimi@syke.fi 

Published 3.10.2025