Lahti

Finland

Mission city Pilot city
Finland National Platform
Lahti Mission City Label
Population 120k
City Area 28.3 km²
City active since June 2022

Lahti is a mid-size city with ca. 120 000 inhabitants located in inland Southern Finland, making it the 9thbiggest city in Finland. The city area covers 135 km2 with most inhabitants living within 5 km from the city center. Eastern parts of the municipality are mostly forest and farming land with large water bodies around the city area.

 

Since the 1950s the city grew significantly around increasing industry. The fast industrialisation did not happen without costs to local environment and since the 1970s the city has worked hard to take care of its environment with all stakeholders involved. As proof of Lahti’s significant efforts in climate and environmental work, we were appointed as the European Green Capital for 2021.

 

Lahti has for long been the frontrunner in climate work among European cities, and climate-neutrality became a goal in the city strategy of Lahti in 2009 when the first emission reduction targets were placed. To highlight the importance of carbon-neutrality and ensure its realization in best possible way, it is integrated to other strategic goals of Lahti, such as vitality, public health, and biodiversity conservation through strong cross-sectoral programme work. The European Green Capital Year 2021 left a strong political legacy for the work ahead and has already proven that ambitious climate politics can attract new business, increase the vitality of the city, and improve the quality of life.

Key Learnings

NBS case study Lahti

Climate and Biodiversity: synergies for Urban Transformation - A Common Ground for Collaboration between NetZeroCities and NetworkNature

Driving Sustainable Commuting Practices in Lahti

In Lahti, mobility remains a key challenge. Therefore, the city focuses on shifting commuting habits toward walking, cycling, and public transport usage through a co-creation process with local organisations. More specifically, Lahti developed and tested a Sustainable Mobility Agreement with local companies, focusing on collaborative actions to reduce commuting-related emissions.

“Mission Cities striving for sustainable urban logistics” webinar

“Mission Cities striving for sustainable urban logistics” 3 September 13:00-15:00 CEST Gain inspiration and practical insights to tackle urban logistics effectively! Join Lahti and Helsinki to learn from their experience and explore key questions for more sustainable urban logistics: How can cities plan sustainable urban logistics in the most effective way? What are the most impactful measures that cities can implement? What roles can cities play in driving the transition toward sustainability? Who needs to be involved in preparing and implementing these measures? Agenda: 13.00 Welcome to the webinar! 13.05 How is it going in Enabling City Transformation projects of City of Lahti and City of Helsinki? 13.20 City of Paris on the development of their City Logistics plan, challenges they faced and decisions they took 13.40 City of Baerum on their successful approach for sustainable urban logistics 14.00 City of Amsterdam, City of Oslo and City of Gävle on their approach to sustainable urban logistics 14.30 Break-out sessions for discussion 14.50 Sharing from breakouts in plenary and wrap-up Presentations: Webinar slide deck City of Paris presentation
View all Lahti Resources

Latest updates from the city

Pilot project spotlight
Read Lahti Climate City Contract Jerusalem City Profile (Twin City) Reykjavík City Profile (Twin City)

External projects

City involvement in related European initiatives