Comprehensive carbon footprint calculation supports Pirkanmaan Voimia’s sustainability goals

Pirkanmaan Voimia is committed to sustainability and contributes to the City of Tampere’s goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2030. The company has its own environmental roadmap and has operated responsibly for years—its operations are guided by standards such as the Nordic Swan Ecolabel for cleaning services and the EcoCompass environmental management system.

The biggest challenge of the project was calculating the carbon footprint of food, which required specialized expertise. Since Pirkanmaan Voimia provides 14 million meals annually, food emissions form a significant part of the company’s total emissions.

Etteplan conducted the food emissions calculation with exceptional precision, considering the diversity of raw materials used. A comprehensive emissions database was utilized, enabling detailed analysis of the environmental impact of different food categories.

The carbon footprint calculation was carried out with an activity-based breakdown, giving Pirkanmaan Voimia a clear picture of where emissions originate. This enables targeted reduction measures and effective development work.

The calculation covered all company operations—from meal services to cleaning services, and logistics to real estate. This holistic approach provides a realistic view of the company’s actual environmental impact.

Through the project, Pirkanmaan Voimia gained a detailed understanding of its organizational carbon footprint and a comprehensive report to support decision-making and reduce environmental impacts. Especially regarding food, the company received valuable insights into the environmental impact of different raw materials, supporting sustainable procurement decisions in the future.

“During data collection and calculation, we worked closely together to enhance both parties’ expertise and understanding. Collaboration with Etteplan was rewarding, smooth, and straightforward,” comments Saija Lehtonen.