Turku wants to use the circular economy to become a resource-wise city by no later than 2040. An important milestone on the way is 2029, which is when Turku aims to be carbon neutral. Resource wisdom refers to the sustainable use of natural resources without generating waste or emissions.
The work to achieve this goal is guided by the Circular Turku roadmap. The roadmap allows the city to take measures to use natural resources more efficiently and reduce waste. The promotion of resource wisdom goes hand in hand with the promotion of climate action and biodiversity in Turku.
Resource-wise actions
Turku is building a resource-wise future by focusing on five things that have the greatest impact on emissions and the consumption of natural resources. With their resource-wise development, we can preserve nature and reduce emissions.
The focus areas of resource wisdom are energy, food, water, mobility and construction.
The roadmap defines specific concrete objectives for each of the five areas. Examples of resource-wise changes by Turku:
- ENERGY: We increase the share of non-combustion energy production, reduce energy waste, recover waste heat and develop heat storage.
- FOOD: We balance soil nutrient cycles, shorten food chains and develop the market for resource-wise food.
- WATER: We use water more efficiently, increase its recycling and ensure its cleanness. We recover dissolved materials and energy and put them back to use.
- MOBILITY: For mobility and transport, the goal is efficiency, flexibility and zero emissions. Our urban planning supports walking, cycling and sustainable urban life.
- CONSTRUCTION: We extend the lifecycle of the built environment. We design buildings in a resource-wise way. We favour recycling and reusing materials in construction. We repair old buildings and reuse materials.
Some of the best circular economy examples from Turku have been compiled into a publication series: Operationalizing regional circularity: Best practices from Turku.
Together towards resource wisdom
The city has great responsibility in promoting circular economy, but the efforts of companies, residents, educational institutions and organisations are also necessary. Fortunately, the city already has many companies and other actors that promote circular economy.
Turku as a trailblazer
Turku promotes cooperation between regional actors to allow development in sustainable business models and value chains. The city cooperates to promote the circular economy in Finland and internationally.
| Planner | Public procurer | Government agency | Enabler | Messenger |
| Urban planning and infrastructure development support resource wisdom | Public procurements in line with the principles of circular economy | Local regulation and planning enable the transition to a circular economy | The city supports actors who want to engage in circular economy | Turku facilitates cooperation between different actors with the help of shared platforms. |
The development of resource wisdom among companies is essential in achieving goals. The development of innovations into finished products requires expertise, investments and the creation of networks.
In the resource-wise Turku of the future, residents are offered more and more circular economy solutions, sustainable services and opportunities for influencing and participation. Circular economy and resource wisdom are taught to children and young people at all levels of education.