Finland’s ninth-largest city is, with its modest population of just 120,00 inhabitants, not used to being a capital.
But this year is different.
Lahti, situated 100 kilometres north-east of the capital Helsinki, is the European Green Capital 2021, recognition from Brussels for cities that have impressive environmental records. The city has pocketed €350,000 and is Europe s green ambassador for the year.
In just four years, Lahti is aiming to be carbon neutral. To put that in perspective Finland s national target is 2035 and the EU s 2050.
So what can the rest of Europe learn from Lahti? Here are six environmentally friendly initiatives that other cities could try.