Sustainable development
Helsinki is committed to reporting on the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Read the latest report on the Sustainable Helsinki website(Link leads to external service).
Environmental policy
The City of Helsinki’s environmental policy (2012) defines the 2020 and 2050 objectives for the different areas of environmental protection. The long-term and medium-term objectives of environmental protection are currently being updated.
Climate protection
Helsinki aims to be carbon neutral by 2030 and it is adapting to the changing climate. Follow Helsinki's climate work on the Helsinki’s climate actions website(Link leads to external service).
Air quality
Helsinki’s air quality has improved over the past decades and stands international comparison quite well. However, traffic emissions, street dust and emissions from wood burning in home fireplaces still cause harm to people’s health and comfort. Air quality protection is promoted with the help of the air quality plan that entered into force in Helsinki in 2017.
The City of Helsinki’s Air Quality Plan 2017–2024 (pdf in Finnish, not accessible)
Check the current air quality on the HSY website.(Link leads to external service)
Noise control
The measures of the Noise Abatement Action Plan decrease the adverse impacts of traffic noise by reducing noise pollution, preventing noise from spreading, and protecting noise-sensitive sites. We are currently updating the Noise Abatement Action Plan.
Water protection
In 2007, the cities of Helsinki and Turku committed themselves to take action to help the Baltic Sea. Named the Baltic Sea Challenge, the programme lists more than a hundred measures the cities will take to improve the condition of the Baltic Sea. The Baltic Sea Challenge is open to all organisations interested in water protection and the Baltic Sea. Learn more on the Baltic Sea Challenge website(Link leads to external service).
Nature conservation
The City of Helsinki’s Nature Conservation Programme for 2015–2024 includes 47 new nature conservation areas which are to be established between 2015 and 2024. We have started preparing the next Nature Conservation Programme. Read the Nature Conservation Programme (pdf in Finnish).
The measures used to protect and promote biodiversity have been compiled in the City of Helsinki’s Biodiversity Action Plan (LUMO programme). You can follow up on our progress using the LUMO tracker (in Finnish)(Link leads to external service).
Together with the Nature Conservation Programme and the LUMO Programme, our nature management policy determines the principles of the conservation, management and use of nature in Helsinki. We are currently updating the nature management policy.
Circular and sharing economy
By transitioning to the circular economy, we can preserve our diminishing natural resources and prevent the generation of waste. The circular economy is also an effective way to combat climate change. Helsinki is moving towards the circular economy with the Circular and Sharing Economy Action Plan. The focus areas of the plan are construction, procurement, environmental awareness and sustainable consumption. You can monitor the progress of the action plan using the Circular Economy Watch (in Finnish)(Link leads to external service).
Littering
In Helsinki, littering is a significant problem that has a detrimental effect on health and the environment, makes urban areas less pleasant and attractive, and has a negative impact on the image of the city. We are striving to decrease littering with the Litter Management Action Plan (pdf in Finnish).