Towards sustainable Jyvaskya

by Mervi Saukko

Jyvaskyla is attaining the commitment of the staff towards Environmental Management System (EMS). This is evaluated through questionnaires for personnel. Another important step has been taken in centralizing purchases and city contracts taking into use the green products and services.

Building the EMS for the city has taken nearly ten years. After the environmental impacts of the city's operational activities were identified, programs were drawn up to reduce them. In 2008 the city council will approve an updated environmental policy program. In the field of centralised purchases and city contracts green products and services (green electricity, carpets, eco-cassettes) have been taken into use. In certain product groups there is also a possibility to choose green products (cleaning products, household papers).

The climate change is the environmental priority topic for the year 2008. For example, in construction services (architects, building surveyors) the knowledge of low energy houses can be improved, as well as the knowledge of energy saving techniques and effective use of energy.

In educational services the "Pupuhuhta" elementary school received Environmental Certificate of Schools and Educational Establishments last year. Our goal is to have more schools equipped with the Green Flag -label and environmental certificates in the future. In 2008, environmental groups are working in every sector of the city.