The climate challenges we face necessitate replacing current technologies with next-generation solutions. However, technology alone won’t suffice; cities and citizens must also be engaged
Tough Targets Mean Immediate Actions
In 2023, the EU adopted a set of proposals to align its climate, energy, transport, and taxation policies with the goal of reducing net greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030, compared to 1990 levels. The EU aims to become the first climate-neutral continent by 2050.
The climate challenges we face mean that many existing technologies need to be replaced by new, next-generation technologies, solutions, services, and products. Taking significant leaps towards carbon neutrality is essential. However, technology alone won't solve the problem; we must also consider what is required from cities and citizens to get them on board.
Citizens' Engagement: A Digital Twin Initiative in Tampere
Citizen engagement will likely occur through digitalization. This involves monitoring personal energy consumption, choosing renewable over non-renewable energy sources, participating in the circular economy, and favoring public transport. It is crucial for cities to involve citizens in building a sustainable environment.
A great example of this comes from Tampere. The city of 350,000 people is planning a lounge and park area in the city center and is gathering citizen wishes and ideas through a digital twin of the proposed area. This close collaboration ensures that the new area will meet community needs. What a clever idea from Tampere!
Collaborative Efforts: A Shared Responsibility
One key point highlighted by almost every speaker at the event was the importance of collaboration. Achieving these targets involves smooth and active cooperation among various stakeholders, including the EU, countries, cities, citizens, and service and product providers. Even the best technologies alone cannot solve the problem. We need new ideas, innovations, and open-minded thinking. Success also requires continuous measurement of results and sharing that information with all stakeholders. As John Kotter and Holger Rathgeber teach in their famous book “Our Iceberg is Melting”: make people understand the approach, communicate successes, and strive towards your vision until it becomes a reality.
To sum up the day; it was fantastic to see the partners' engagement in the joint goals and the launch of solutions accelerating the green transition.
We at Tietoevry are developing the next-generation energy solutions for the energy industry. For further information, please visit www.tietoevry.com/energy and contact us.
The Nordic Superblocks as Decarbonization Catalysts (NSDC) initiative, sponsored by Business Finland through NextGeneration EU funding, is launched by Skanska, KONE, Tietoevry, Granlund, JIS-Automation (Integrio), Synocus, and Tampere University, will accelerate the transition towards zero-emission buildings and carbon-neutral living. NSDC supports sustainable urban planning and development as well as building life-cycle management through breakthrough research. The first phase of the NSDC collaboration will run until the end of 2025.