There are many positive developments in environmental matters in Riihimäki.

The Riihimäki Environmental Report annually examines the implementation of the city's environmental policy and the achievement of goals using several indicators. The 2024 Environmental Report reveals good progress, especially in terms of mobility and consumption.

The reduction in greenhouse gas emissions is still slow, although the direction is right. The number of nature reserves increased again, which promotes biodiversity.

"The environmental report gives us concise information about developments in many different sectors. Annual monitoring allows us to target measures to impact areas so that we can achieve change in line with the strategy," describes environmental expert Jenni Takala.

The number of cars is not increasing – the popularity of public transport is increasing

The growth in the number of cars in Riihimäki seems to have stopped. The growth that had been going on for several years stopped in 2021. During 2022–2024, there have been only minor changes in the number of cars. At the same time, the popularity of public transport has started to grow more strongly than before.

The number of customers at the recycling center and the number of products sold increased to a new record last year.

“The growth figures are a gratifying indication of the city's residents' desire to utilize used products and their appreciation for the recycling center's operations,” Takala says.

The amount of mixed waste has decreased

The amount of mixed waste produced by city residents has decreased. The amount of mixed waste has probably decreased due to improved sorting options, such as the expansion of plastic collection. The expansion of biowaste collection to every property in urban areas is not yet reflected in last year's monitoring figures, as it began in Riihimäki in November 2024.

Paper consumption in the city's industries has been declining sharply for about ten years due to digital tools. Now paper consumption appears to have leveled off.

Several nature reserves on private lands

The area of ​​protected areas in Riihimäki is 3 percent of the city's land area. The city's goal is 4 percent of the area. The new private nature reserves established in 2024 are Kolisevanmaa 8,4, which is 2 hectares in size, and Myllybacka, which is 0,3 hectares in size.

Private landowners have established most of the nature reserves in Riihimäki. Of the 24 nature reserves in Riihimäki, 16 are on private landowners' land. The city owns six nature reserves, including the Vahteristo Nature Reserve, which is by far the largest in terms of area. The state owns two reserves.

You can read Riihimäki's environmental report 2024 Resource-wise on the Riihimäki website.