Ohjauskeinoja kotitalouksien kulutuksen hiilijalanjäljen pienentämiseen

In Finland’s medium-term climate plan, consumers are encouraged to halve their carbon footprints. The present study has developed policy mixes to support climate policy targeted at household consumption (housing, mobility, food, other goods and services). In addition to emission reductions, evaluations were made concerning acceptability, implementation, legal aspects and costs. The scientific community was engaged in the evaluation using the Delphi method.

The climate footprint of household consumption was calculated using an environmentally extended input-output model (ENVIMAT). In the present study, the model was developed further and the status of carbon dioxide emissions from Finland’s national economy (public consumption, households, investments) in 2019 was calculated, as well as a time series for consumption in 2000-2021. Moreover, the baseline carbon footprint of household consumption under current policies was calculated for the year 2035 using the ENVIMAT model.

When combining the current policy baseline and a policy mix that enhances emission reductions, the carbon footprint from household consumption can be almost cut in half between 2016 and 2035. This requires additional policy measures to reduce transport needs, change transport modes and target electrification; to support dietary changes; to extend product lifetimes and to decarbonize goods and services.