International CLIBUS project supports Imatra towards carbon neutrality

The climate program prepared in 2018 has led to concrete actions that have significantly reduced emissions in the city of Imatra. Cooperation in the international CLIBUS project led by LAB University of Applied Sciences will further accelerate the work, as the project will provide good practices to support companies in energy efficiency and climate action.

In recent years, the city of Imatra has focused on replacing fossil fuels with renewable energy sources. Many Imatra residents have switched away from oil heating with the help of investment support.

– Improving energy efficiency is a continuous effort, and SMEs play a key role in reducing emissions, says the environmental manager Sanna Hämäläinen From the Imatra region's environmental initiative.

CLIBUS brings new tools for climate work

The CLIBUS project offers Imatra a window into European expertise and ideas to support climate work. RDI expert at the Technology Unit of LAB University of Applied Sciences Elisha Puntila says that the project will develop regional policy measures that support SMEs in promoting energy efficiency and sustainable solutions. 

– Through interregional information exchange, Imatra's success stories in climate action are taken to the world. At the same time, new ideas and tips on cooperation between cities and companies in sustainability measures are obtained to be utilized in the implementation of the Imatra City Strategy. Supporting Imatra's regional development is part of the activities of LAB University of Applied Sciences.

LAB University of Applied Sciences' strategy emphasizes the green transition and climate goals as part of regional development.

– It is also important for us to support small and medium-sized enterprises in energy efficiency and reducing climate emissions, which is what the policy development carried out in the CLIBUS project aims to achieve, Punttila continues.

Local measures to promote the green transition

The City of Imatra has listed concrete measures for 2025 that support the green transition. 

Environmental Manager Hämäläinen highlights the city's decision to designate a plot of land for a clean energy refueling station as one measure. 

– This concrete solution supports the conditions for sustainable mobility in Imatra and promotes the transition to low-emission modes of transport. In addition, a natural breeding area has been planned for Voimapuro to strengthen the trout population, which supports local biodiversity. 

As a third measure, the city will reserve and acquire land for climate-friendly investments, such as energy storage, hydrogen plants and solar power plants.

– Only the people of Imatra can protect the nature of Imatra, meaning that climate change can only be adapted locally, Hämäläinen reminds us.

International partnership supports local development

The CLIBUS project involves seven partners from five European countries. The aim is to involve stakeholders relevant to policy development from the early stages of the project, as they play a significant role in the project. The interregional exchange of information will kick off in earnest on 11–13.11 November in Imatra, when international partners will come to learn about good practices in the region.

– In addition to project staff, representatives of stakeholder groups from across Europe will also be invited to the visit, says Punttila.

The CLIBUS project receives funding from the European Union through the Interreg Europe program.

CLIBUS in brief

The City of Imatra and LAB University of Applied Sciences are jointly participating in the international CLIBUS project, which aims to accelerate the transition of cities and municipalities towards carbon neutrality. LAB acts as the main implementer of the project. The project focuses in particular on strengthening the role of SMEs in climate action. The CLIBUS project is part of the European Union's Interreg Europe program, and its total budget is 1,42 million euros.

CLIBUS participating cities by country:

• Finland: LAB University of Applied Sciences (main implementer) and the City of Imatra
• Denmark: Hillerød Municipality
• Greece: Centre for Research and Technology Hellas (CERTH) and Thessaly Region
• Netherlands: City of Eindhoven
• Ukraine: Executive Committee of the Rivne City Council

For more information:

The city of Imatra:
Tea Laitimo, Head of International Affairs, CLIBUS Project Business Expert, tel. 020 617 2212, teaimatra.fi (tea[dot]laitimo[at]imatra[dot]fi)
Tytti Lankinen, CLIBUS project manager, tel. 020 617 1122, girl. lankinenimatra.fi (tytti[dot]lankinen[at]imatra[dot]fi)

LAB University of Applied Sciences:
Eliisa Punttila, RDI expert, CLIBUS project manager, 044 708 5172, eliisa.puntilalab.fi (eliisa[dot]punttila[at]lab[dot]fi)