Lahti, one of the main economic hubs of Finland has introduced a reward program for its inhabitants to encourage a lower-carbon lifestyle.
The EU-funded “CitiCap” project rewards individuals in the town with bus tickets or free food if they cut car use to reduce their allocated carbon allowance.
The project allows individuals to track their carbon emissions as they move around, using an app that detects whether they are in a car, on public transport, walking or cycling. Anyone who uses up less than their allocated carbon allowance each week earns “virtual euros”, which can be to earn benefits such as swimming or bus tickets, as well as free bike lights or a slice of cake and a coffee at a cafe.
Lahti is still a very car-dependent city and our goal is that by 2030 more than 50 percent of all trips are made by sustainable transport modes,” Project Manager Anna Huttunen said adding that “CitiCap has gained a lot of interest all over the world, not only in Europe but also in the US and Canada.”
The concept is modeled on the EU’s carbon trading scheme, under which companies and governments are allocated carbon credits, and must pay to pollute more than this amount, or can sell off any surplus if they emit less.
Lesser driving, Better rewards
The CitiCap app gives each participant a weekly carbon “budget” based on their personal circumstances.
The average person in Lahti emits 21 kilos (46 pounds) of CO2 equivalent a week. The app challenges users to reduce this by a quarter, meaning on average replacing 20 km (12 miles) of driving with public transport or cycling.
So far, 2,000 residents have downloaded the app, with up to 200 active users at a time. “People find it very interesting to see their own emissions,” Huttunen said.
