My wake-up call to climate issues occurred in the 1980s. Global environmental threats made the young schoolgirl think – ozone depletion, acid rain and climate change, which was referred to as the greenhouse effect. Ozone depletion and acidification have been effectively controlled by international agreements and legislation, but climate change continues to accelerate.
Climate change affects distribution networks in multiple ways. Uninterrupted electricity distribution must be guaranteed as production shifts to renewable, weather-dependent sources and extreme weather conditions increase. By studying the facts about the impact of our activities on the climate and the impact of climate change on our activities, our activities can be developed in a more climate-friendly direction.
We were the first in the industry to calculate our carbon footprint so that it covered not only our own emissions but also the most substantial emissions from our procurement and supply chain. In total, Caruna's carbon footprint in 2018 is equivalent to the annual carbon footprint of approximately 19,000 average Finns.
More than a quarter of the carbon footprint comes from our own operations – mainly from distribution and conversion losses on the electricity network. However, most of the carbon footprint is generated in our procurement and supply chain, and the materials used to build the network represent 40 percent of our carbon footprint.
To calculate our carbon handprint, we identified ways in which we have a positive impact on the climate and selected the most interesting ones for closer examination.
Our most significant carbon handprint comes from the connection of renewable energy to the electricity network. In 2018, approximately 3,600 GWh of renewable electricity was produced into Caruna's network, accounting for 11% of all renewable electricity production in Finland. This is equivalent to the annual carbon footprint of approximately 46,000 average Finns.
At our online marketplace, we provide customers with alternative energy solutions and enable the comparison and competitive tendering of solutions. Customers can also reduce their carbon footprint through their own choices regarding small-scale production, heating, moving, home automation and consumption control.
A carbon-neutral energy system is created through cooperation between different actors. Companies play a key role by providing our customers with cost-effective and climate-friendly options that help the smooth running of everyday life. Everyone's input is needed to increase the carbon handprint.
What worried the little schoolgirl in the 1980s has not changed. But the way we can all influence things has gathered strength. That makes me happy.
Piia Häkkinen, HSE Manager
piia.hakkinen@caruna.fi