Joint carbon footprint calculation of the water supply companies in the Turku region
The water supply companies in the Turku region carried out the carbon footprint calculation and the development of the reporting system in cooperation with Sweco. The project enables the joint calculation and reporting of the carbon footprint of Turun Seudun Vesi Oy, Turun Vesihuolto Oy and Turun seudun puhdistamo Oy, supporting the region’s environmental goals.
Underlying the desire to harmonise calculations
The need for carbon footprint calculation arose from the desire of water utilities to harmonise and improve the calculations. Previous calculations were varied and based on different emission calculation methods. Sweco provided the water utilities with expertise and technical know-how, and the aim of the project was to harmonise reporting, avoid errors, improve environmental reporting and assess the carbon footprint of water services at the regional and consumer level.
Greenhouse Gas Protocol Standards Calculator
Sweco implemented the carbon footprint calculator in accordance with the Greenhouse Gas Protocol standards. The Excel-based calculation tool takes into account direct and indirect emissions as well as emissions to be avoided from the perspective of the circular economy, such as the utilisation of fractions. Sweco helped water utilities collect and compile emission factors that are relevant to their operations.
Sweco’s experts recommended that water utilities take further measures to develop the calculations and update the carbon footprint calculator in the future, such as uniform calculation limits by scope to enable better comparability of the results and updating the emission factors to produce up-to-date calculations.
Uniform carbon footprint monitoring at the core of the strategy
Continuous, uniform carbon footprint monitoring and reporting are now at the core of the operating strategy of water utilities. With Sweco, the companies commit to transparency and continuous improvement in the management of environmental impacts. The tool provides key figures that help to assess the carbon footprint of water services at both the consumer and regional levels. The circular economy perspective helps to report the avoided emissions, which enhances awareness and marketing.
The carbon footprint calculation project of the water supply companies in the Turku region is an example of cooperation with Sweco to promote environmental responsibility and sustainable development in the area.