In 2021, Lahti earned the title of European Green Capital for its ambitious environmental work and forward-looking vision. Five years later, a new follow-up report demonstrates that Lahti has transformed this recognition into lasting impact. The city continues to lead Finland’s green transition, advancing climate action, circular economy and nature protection while improving quality of life for residents.
Highlights at a glance
- Climate neutrality by 2028: Emissions down 64%, coal phased out, and heating now largely fossil-free.
- EU recognition: Lahti was selected for the EU Cities Mission in 2022 and awarded the Mission Label in 2024.
- Consistent accolades: The city has been on CDP A-List city for four consecutive years, named Best Sustainable Destination in Europe 2022 and ranked top five in the Sustainable Cities Index (2022-2023).
- Nature-positive by 2030: Lahti is among the first cities to calculate a nature footprint, with a target approved in 2024.
- UNESCO Geopark: Salpausselkä Geopark was recognised in 2022 for sustainable tourism and education.
- Zero waste goal: Less than 0.5% of municipal waste goes to landfill, with a target of zero waste by 2050.
Reducing transport emissions remains Lahti’s biggest challenge. The Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan (SUMP) aims for over half of all trips to be made by sustainable modes, while the local bus fleet is rapidly transitioning to electric and alternative-fuel vehicles. Already, 75% of Lahti’s buses use cleaner energy, with full conversion expected by 2026. The city’s 500 electric Mankeli bikes and 570 kilometres of cycling and walking paths further encourage zero- and low-emission mobility.
In construction and urban planning, Lahti is breaking new ground. The city integrates circular economy principles into its ‘Master Plan 2035’, the first in Finland to include ecological compensation and recycled material cycles. Its carbon-neutral construction initiatives focus on renewable energy, energy efficiency and low-carbon building practices.
Lahti is also working to become nature-positive by 2030. With 50 protected areas and 7 000 hectares of forest, the city ensures that biodiversity remains central to its climate strategy. New urban greening and conservation plans support this vision, helping forests stay resilient and rich in species.
As Lahti’s latest report shows, the city’s commitment to sustainability did not end with its Green Capital year. On the contrary, Lahti has proven that its motto, ‘Once a Green Capital, always a Green Capital’, is more than a slogan. It’s a long-term promise to its people and to the planet.
Read more
For those interested in diving deeper into Lahti’s sustainability journey, several related resources are worth exploring. Read more about Lahti’s application and presentation, as well as the EGCA Technical Assessment Synopsis Report for the 2021 award cycle. Additionally, the Lahti 1-Year Report and Lahti 5-Year Report are available for further insights.
