Picture
Laura Sivonen and Miika Heiniluoto holding hands.
Laura Sivonen and Miika Heiniluoto.

A couple from Taipalsaare joined the climate pioneers and changed their oil heating to geothermal heat

Release
27.11.2020 14:07
Laura Sivonen and Miika Heiniluoto from Taipalsaari became climate pioneers this autumn. As climate advocates, they receive tips and advice to reduce their own carbon footprint.

What exactly can I do to slow down climate change?

That's what Taipalsaari people do Laura Sivonen ja Miika Heiniluoto have thought often. Answers have been found, but in order to find more, they became climate pioneers in the fall.

Climate pioneers are volunteers piloted by the Hinkua Etelä-Kareliaan project, people living in rural areas who want to be involved in creating new models for low-carbon living in the countryside.

During their trial period, they receive guidance and tips on what can be done differently in housing and life to minimize emissions. The experiences are used to compile tips for others interested in the subject.

Oil heating changed to geothermal heat

Sivose and Heiniluodo are familiar with climate issues, as both have been interested in the subject for a long time. That's how they feel that they can always learn something new and also do better.

- We live in Rehula, Taipalasaari, in a 45-year-old detached house. Living in a detached house was familiar to both of us from childhood, but in adulthood we have only lived in apartment buildings before this move. As climate pioneers, we get more information about what we can take into account in single-family housing, says Sivonen.

They have had a few meetings with the project's experts, where general issues have been reviewed and a plan has been made for what the couple could do during the climate pioneer period.

- We have discussed, among other things, self-reliance, driving, and tourism and thought about how
the emissions caused by them could be reduced. In addition, we calculated our carbon footprint with an online calculator. The carbon footprint is calculated again at the end of the trial period, so we can see what kind of impact our measures have had.

The first concrete change was made shortly after the start of climate change, when Sivonen and Heiniluoto changed the old oil heating to geothermal heat.

- We would have done it anyway, but the project sped up the process a bit. Is interesting
to see how the change affects the carbon footprint. We are also looking forward to what the effects will be on costs, Sivonen thinks.

You can become a climate activist at any time

Visiting the air conditioner has taken the couple a few hours in total.

- So this doesn't require much, but in return you get a lot of information. We find that we get more excited about the topic with the project! I believe that especially people who are not very familiar with climate matters will benefit from the project. However, the content is tailored to suit each participant, so even those more familiar with the subject can participate.

You can become a climate worker for a few months or longer.

- We have initially talked about being involved for half a year. In that time, you can already see a little what kind of effect, for example, the transition to geothermal heat has had, Sivonen reflects.

You can become a rural climate pioneer at any time. Read more information on the website of the Hinkua Etelä Karjalaan project from this link An open webinar series on low-carbon everyday life will be organized for visitors to Ilmastoide. The next webinar will be held on January 20.1.2021, 18 at XNUMX p.m.

 

Go to South Karelia! - the project is implemented by the Imatra regional environmental agency and the Lappeenranta regional environmental agency. The project implementation period is March 1.3.2020, 31.12.2022–December 350, 000. The project's budget is €XNUMX and it is financed by the Rural Development Program of Mainland Finland of the Southeast Finland ELY Center.

 

For more information:

Project leader Anna-Maija Wikström, anna-maija.wikstromatimatra.fi (anna-maija[dot]wikstrom[at]imatra[dot]fi), 020 617 4320

Climate activist Laura Sivonen, katarina sivonenlauraatgmail.com (sivonenlaurakatariina[at]gmail[dot]com)