Consumption and public procurement

The objective of the Society’s Commitment to Sustainable Development is to create sustainable and safe communities where there are viable rural and urban areas, less need for transport, and strong community spirit and participation. The aim is to contribute to bringing the global consumption of natural resources on a level that is environmentally sustainable.

Reaching the objectives depends on changes in the technologies as well as adapting the society to a more resource-wise and lower-emission economy. The global ecological footprint of consumers and companies must be reduced. At the same time the export of sustainable Finnish solutions may increase our positive carbon handprint. Consumer choices that conserve natural resources in housing, transport and food must be as easy and profitable as possible. The public sector should serve as a facilitator and example in this. 

Indicators chosen by the network of experts

  1. Carbon footprint of consumption
  2. Consumption of vegetable, meat and fish based foods
  3. Average carbon dioxide emissions of cars and vans registered for the first time
  4. Trends in municipal waste

Linkage to the objectives of Society’s Commitment to Sustainable Development

Sustainable society and local communities
Lifestyles respectful of the carrying capacity of nature
Decision-making respectful of nature

Private consumption 2021
 Carbon footprint of consumption in Finland has remained too high

13.1.2022 13.39
Kuvituskuva artikkelliin. Kuvassa pojat keräävät mustikoista metsässä.
Consumption in its present form will not produce wellbeing for people in an environmentally and socially sustainable manner. The environmental load caused by housing, transport and food must be significantly reduced from the current level in both private and public consumption. At the same time, the wellbeing of people must be ensured, and people must be given fair opportunities to satisfy their needs both in Finland and globally.

Consumption and public procurement 2020
 No progress in reducing the carbon footprint from consumption by Finns in the 2000s

12.4.2021 9.49
Consumption in its present form will not produce wellbeing for people in a sustainable manner. Environmental damage caused by housing, transport and food must be significantly reduced from the current level in both private and public consumption. At the same time, the well-being of people must be ensured, and people must be given fair opportunities to satisfy their needs.

Consumption and public procurements 2019
 Climate emissions resulting from consumption have taken an upward turn

6.3.2020 15.23
Consumption in its present form will not produce well-being for people in a sustainable manner. Environmental damage caused by housing, transport and food must be significantly reduced from the current level in both private and public consumption. At the same time, the well-being of people must be ensured, and people must be given fair opportunities to satisfy their needs.

Consumption and public procurements 2017
 The carbon footprint of private consumption has not increased even though people have more euros at their disposal

18.6.2018 11.18
In Finland, public consumption and private consumption are undergoing a transformation. An increasing amount of attention is paid to the environmental impacts of measures and solutions. In addition to personal choices made by organisations and citizens, changes such as those concerning technology and energy systems have reduced the carbon footprint of housing and reversed the growth in emissions caused by passenger car traffic.