Jussi J. Knuuttila (Finland)
Lahti - European Green Capital 2021
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Jussi works as the Environmental Producer in Lahti – European Green Capital 2021. As the Green Capital, we highlight the best European environmental solutions, support the climate goals of Lahti and the whole of Finland and start ambitious cooperation projects. My work consists of coordinating several projects and upcoming international events of the year. Throughout the year, I work closely with tens of shareholder groups. The utmost importance of the project is that the added value of the Green Capital year has continuation and longevity among the city of Lahti and the over 100 shareholder groups. My educational background lies in the fields of sustainable development, and globalization and social change. I have a Bachelor’s degree in Natural Resources, and I hold a Master’s degree of Arts in Physical Geography from the Stockholm University, Sweden. I am passionate about videography and in Lahti – European Green Capital 2021, I have now happily combined my interest in environmental studies with content production and video work.

Presenter of 1 Presentation

 Conference Calendar

CREATIVE SOLUTIONS FOR SOCIALLY INCLUSIVE AND SUSTAINABLE CITIES: EXPERIENCES FROM THE MOST NORTHERN EUROPEAN GREEN CAPITAL

Session Name
0520 - Academic Sessions - Circular 07: Participatory & co-creating urban transformations (ID 75)
Session Type
Academic Sessions
Date
02/24/2022
Session Time
11:30 AM - 12:40 PM
Room

Hall B

Presenter
Lecture Time
11:40 AM - 11:50 AM

Abstract

Abstract Body

Lahti is the European Green Capital in 2021. The award is a tribute to Lahti’s long history of environmental action and to the transformation from a traditional industrial town into a modern green city that aims to be carbon neutral by 2025. Lahti now has an excellent opportunity to showcase the best Finnish and European environmental solutions and green innovation. Ensuring the continuity and the value of the projects and actions established during the theme year is of utmost importance.

Lahti answers this challenge by working closely with local universities, businesses, and the community while involving everyone right from the start. The Green Capital year is managed by a temporary and independent team of 10 people, working remotely from our own homes. How do we do this?

The organization outlined four thematic large-scale projects for the Green Capital year that hold a significant effect in the local area - projects all of which are guaranteed to have true ownership and continuity from 2022 onwards. These include the establishment of The Development Centre for Low-carbon Construction to reduce the city’s carbon footprint of construction, a concept to facilitate dialogue between the youth and the city officials to co-produce local policies, an electronic mobility cluster to advance smart mobility in the city, and the development of a multidisciplinary research plan that studies the health benefits of nature to public health.

We see real benefits of managing a massive thematic year with a small organization that works together with the city officials while also retaining its independent status. We can be bold when contacting stakeholders and planning future actions. We also dare to experiment with new agile ways. Most of the Green Capital projects have successfully started of necessity and completely from scratch.

Lahti Green Capital year has only just begun. In the Ecocity World Summit 2021, we would demonstrate our creative solutions in managing the European Green Capital year, explore what we have learned from the project so far and discuss our strategies with fellow cities and organizations.

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