Climate Pilots in Kalmar

by Par Wallin

To reach the goal of fossil fuel free community by 2030, Kalmar needs help from local inhabitants. To decrease greenhouse gas emissions citizens must contribute by changing their habits and choosing climate-smart goods and services. The Municipality has recently started projects to help the citizens. The Climate Pilot project is about coaching 12 households to make smart choices as concerns energy, transportation and consumption of goods and services. In August 2007 an assessment resulting in "greenhouse gas profile" of existing patterns of consumption for 12 households was conducted. There were given 12 objectives intended to help them to improve their household profile and decrease emissions generated by the goods and services they consume. The households have varying backgrounds, some have had an interest in environmental concerns and others have not. They are families with children, retired, singles, people in rural and urban areas, self-employed or employed. What they have in common is that they are all motivated to change their lifestyles. The greenhouse gas profile is based on a database of 320 of the most common goods and services. In the so called "life-cycle assessment", emissions are shown in kilograms per crown spent. This database is not exact but it provides adequate information for evaluation purposes. The first assessment of the greenhouse gas profile revealed the lowest emissions as being 2,7 tons annually per person and household as compared to the highest emissions at 11 tons. The first challenge was to decrease emissions caused by food. The Climate Pilots were assembled at a restaurant school and given advice by a chef on what to buy, how to get to the shops and finally how to cook in a climate-smart way. They were given a vegetarian cook book, cooking guidelines and the opportunity to consult experts. Cooperating with a local food chain they were given discounts on ecological products. The next few challenges dealt with effective energy use, eco-driving etc. After 12 months and 12 challenges a new assessment showed much lower emissions. The results confirm the success and value of the project. Climate Pilots have become now positive role models for others.