Reducing transport emissions plays a significant role in achieving Helsinki’s climate and environmental targets. This requires the promotion of the electrification of transport in the City’s own procurement processes as well.
Helsinki has updated its environmental criteria for vehicle and transport procurements for 2026–2030. The update of the environmental criteria involved consulting industry experts and analysing the market. The updated guidelines provide even stronger guidance towards a transition in transport driving powers. They will come into force immediately.
The environmental criteria comply with the requirements set out in the act on clean vehicles (Laki ajoneuvo- ja liikennepalveluhankintojen ympäristö- ja energiatehokkuusvaatimuksista (740/2021)) and are stricter than those laid down in legislation. The criteria also support the achievement of the objectives of zero-emission construction sites in the Green Deal for emission-free worksites.
City vehicles primarily procured as fully electric models
The electrification of transport is progressing faster in the Helsinki region than in the rest of the country. The shift towards electric passenger cars and vans is already well under way, and the electrification of heavy vehicles has also begun.
Helsinki is gradually phasing out vehicles powered by internal combustion engines. The City will now only purchase fully electric passenger cars, and in the future, delivery vans and minibuses will also be purchased as fully electric vehicles. By the end of 2025, 30 per cent of passenger cars and 13 per cent of vans registered to the City of Helsinki were fully electric.
As for heavy vehicles, which are being electrified at a slower pace, other low-emission solutions will also be utilised during the transition phase. Where available, heavy vehicles will be procured primarily as electric, hydrogen or biogas-powered vehicles.
This autumn, Stara will receive three biogas-powered lorries. The City has so far purchased a few electric lorries.
Criteria also being tightened for transport services
Transport services that utilise passenger cars, such as taxi services, will be required to use a fully electric fleet in the future. In van deliveries, the proportion of electric vehicles in the service provision must be at least 50 per cent.
For lorry and coach transport, the minimum requirement is the use of renewable diesel. Depending on market conditions, vehicles powered by electricity, hydrogen or biogas may be required. Internal combustion engine vehicles are being phased out, and renewable diesel serves as a transitional solution. Helsinki will phase it out as soon as zero-emission alternatives become widely available.
It is also recommended that the new criteria be applied to procurements where transport forms part of the procurement, such as the procurement of rental mats and furniture.
These criteria are binding on the City Executive Office, all of the City’s divisions, and the Stara and Palvelukeskus Helsinki enterprises. Furthermore, it is recommended that the organisations within the Helsinki City Group adhere to the guidelines set out in the criteria in their operations and promote their objectives within the framework of the corporate law applied to them.