Latvia: Sustainability Updates No.39

Moving Towards a Greener Future: Heat Pumps as a Sustainable Solution

Heat pumps have become a popular choice for households, offering high energy efficiency and eco-friendly operation. These innovative technologies use natural resources—air, ground, or water—to maintain a comfortable temperature year-round. Energy-efficient and versatile, heat pumps not only help reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions but also provide long-term savings and comfort.

Additionally, heat pumps eliminate the need for fuel purchase and storage, reducing risks associated with smoke leaks and fires. With low operating costs and easy maintenance, these systems operate automatically, requiring no constant supervision.

To promote the use of renewable energy resources, the Consumer Rights Protection Centre (PTAC) encourages exploring the benefits of heat pumps and applying for a funded project competition by December 31, 2024. This initiative supports the acquisition of heat production equipment, ensuring carbon dioxide emission reduction in households. Source: https://lvportals.lv/dienaskartiba/365516-siltumsukni-ir-kluvusi-par-popularu-izveli-majas-apkures-un-dzesesanas-sistemam-to-augstas-energoefektivitates-un-videi-draudzigas-darbibas-del-2024

Latvia Prepares Updated National Energy and Climate Plan

Latvia, like other EU countries, will soon submit the final version of its updated National Energy and Climate Plan (NECP), aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030 and achieve climate neutrality by 2050.

The organization Green Liberty has reviewed the latest NECP version, highlighting both improvements and shortcomings. Key positive elements include:

• 100% renewable energy target by 2030: Ambitious measures for transitioning to renewable electricity.
• Ending fossil fuel subsidies by 2028: Ending subsidies for natural gas cogeneration plants.
• Energy efficiency in buildings: Supporting neighborhood approaches, prefabricated panels, and easier decision-making for renovations.
• Heat transition: Moving to low-emission solutions, reducing forest biomass use in energy.
• Transport sector improvements: Emphasizing public transport, electrification, and micromobility.

However, there are significant concerns:

• Lack of ambition in land use and forestry: Insufficient measures for emission reduction, with potential negative impacts on biodiversity.
• Forestry intensity: Fails to address unsustainable logging practices.
• Agricultural sector changes: Lacks focus on reducing emissions from livestock and promoting climate-friendly practices.
• Energy efficiency shortcomings: Needs more ambitious building renovation targets.
• Unclear roadmap for phasing out natural gas: Lacks comprehensive plans across all sectors.
• Transport sector challenges: Ambitious renewable energy targets may be difficult to achieve by 2030.

The NECP includes a Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA), currently under public consultation, which has been criticized for its low quality and lack of thorough impact analysis. Source: https://www.zalabriviba.lv/jaunaka-nacionala-energetikas-un-klimata-plana-versija-kopuma-ar-ieverojamiem-uzlabojumiem/

Liepāja and Lübeck Sign Memorandum to Boost Sustainability

On July 11th, Liepāja and Lübeck signed a cooperation memorandum with two primary goals: reducing CO2 emissions and developing infrastructure for efficient and sustainable port operations. This includes accommodating larger ships to lower CO2 emissions per cargo unit. The memorandum was signed by the leaders of both municipalities and port authorities.

Liepāja Mayor Gunārs Ansi?? highlighted that this agreement aligns with Europe's green economy goals, turning the historic Liepāja-Lübeck maritime route into an eco-friendly shipping corridor. The plan includes reconstructing Liepāja Port's berth 46 to handle larger ferries, enhancing the Liepāja-Travemünde route's competitiveness.

In recent years, the ferry line's cargo volume has doubled, with significant increases in both cargo and passenger traffic. The memorandum aims to continue this growth sustainably, showcasing how infrastructure investment can boost cargo turnover and environmental friendliness. Source: https://www.db.lv/zinas/liepaja-un-libeka-paraksta-sadarbibas-memorandu-517177

LBTU in Jelgava to Test Advanced Steel Fiber Reinforced Concrete

On June 27th, LBTU in Jelgava will conduct a full-scale test to compare the performance of traditional steel fiber concrete and PrīmX steel fiber reinforced self-stressing concrete. The test, organized by Primekss, aims to assess the durability and load-bearing capacity of these innovative materials under various conditions.

The test involves installing concrete slabs with 400 meters of optical fiber cables for precise monitoring. This study is crucial for understanding the advantages of PrīmX technology, which offers significant reductions in CO2 emissions, costs, and construction time.

Mārti?? Suta, PrīmX Design Department Head, emphasizes that this innovative concrete technology, by allowing thinner layers and reducing material use, can cut global CO2 emissions by up to 4%. This project is supported by Primekss and the Competence Centre of Smart Materials and Technologies, in collaboration with multiple universities. Source: https://www.lbtu.lv/lv/raksts/2024-06-25/lbtu-testes-tradicionala-terauda-isskiedru-un-primx-terauda-skiedru-pastiprinatu

Rimi Reduces Plastic Use with New Meat Packaging

In a significant move to reduce daily plastic consumption, Rimi stores will now package two types of minced meat from their Rimi Smart private label in plastic bags instead of traditional plastic trays. This change will save up to 13,460 kg of plastic and 1,260 kg of paper annually, reducing overall plastic use by 82%, equivalent to the weight of 12 cars.

Rimi aims for all private label food packaging to be made from recyclable plastic by 2025. The switch in minced meat packaging is a crucial step toward achieving this sustainability goal.

"Our customers can contribute to environmental health while still enjoying high-quality products and convenient shopping. The new packaging will not affect the quality or shelf life of Rimi Smart minced meat. The transparent material allows visual inspection before purchase, and the lightweight, space-saving design reduces CO2 emissions during transport," said Inga Bite, Rimi Latvia's Head of Public Relations.

This transition is part of Rimi's broader sustainability vision, which has already led to significant reductions in CO2 emissions, plastic, paper, and food waste. By eliminating free plastic bags, Rimi has saved 30 tons of plastic annually, and the new meat packaging adds nearly 14 tons to this saving. In 2023, CO2 emissions were reduced by 7% compared to 2022, and food waste was cut by 20%. Digital receipts at self-checkout kiosks have reduced waste by 17 tons. Additionally, the new system for deposit returns, which avoids paper coupons, will save another 800 kg of paper.

Rimi plans to extend sustainable packaging to other private label products, including I Love Eco, Rimi Greatlife, Rimi FreeFrom, Rimi Planet, Rimi Express, and ICA. Source: https://www.rimi.lv/jaunumi/rimi-ievies-jaunu-iepakojumu-kas-palidzes-ietaupit-lidz-pat-82-plastmasas

Rail Baltica Included in European Transport Corridor with Ukraine

Rail Baltica has been included in the unified European transport corridor with Ukraine, as announced by RB Rail. This follows the revised European Transport Network (TEN-T) regulation, which aims to enhance connectivity, efficiency, resilience, and sustainability in Europe’s transport infrastructure.

Rail Baltica is now part of both the North Sea-Baltic and the Baltic Sea-Black Sea-Aegean Sea corridors. This inclusion underscores the project's strategic importance, facilitating future support and funding.

The TEN-T regulation outlines gradual implementation timelines: core network by 2030, extended core by 2040, and comprehensive network by 2050. It supports EU goals to reduce carbon emissions and promote economic growth through multimodal transport and digitalization.

The regulation will increase EU funding availability for rail projects, ensuring compliance with standards like the European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS) by 2030. Rail Baltica aims to cut emissions, improve travel times, shift traffic to rail, and boost regional economies.

Currently, Rail Baltica collaborates with Ukraine on infrastructure development, sharing expertise and practical experiences. This cooperation is vital for regional security and economic integration, as noted by officials from both countries. Source: https://www.apollo.lv/8061757/rail-baltica-ieklauj-vienota-eiropas-transporta-koridora-ar-ukrainu

Latvia Increases Support for Electric and Hybrid Vehicle Purchases

The government has enhanced the support program for purchasing electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles, increasing aid for used electric cars and new plug-in hybrids, especially for large families.

A summer 2023 survey showed high interest among large families in eco-friendly vehicles, with 54% willing to buy one if additional support was provided. Families can now receive €6,750 for a five-seater electric or new plug-in hybrid, and €5,000 for a used electric car. For seven-seaters, the support rises to €9,000 for new and €6,750 for used vehicles.

Families must have a "Latvian Honorary Family" certificate to qualify. Additional €2,000 is offered for scrapping old internal combustion cars, doubling the previous amount.

Since March 2022, the program has supported 1,815 eco-friendly vehicle purchases. However, some groups criticize it as inefficient, suggesting funds be directed toward more impactful solutions like electric cargo bikes. Source: https://kursors.lv/2024/07/16/valdiba-pieskir-papildus-finansejumu-elektroauto-iegades-atbalsta-programmai/comment-page-1/

Latvian Central Bank’s Student Competition Highlights Sustainability Research

The Latvian Central Bank announced the winners of its 22nd Annual Student Research Competition, focusing heavily on sustainability topics.

1st Place: Awarded for research on using neural networks to forecast inflation and output gaps in the Eurozone, showcasing innovative approaches to economic modeling.

2nd Place:

• A study on the impact of African climate shocks on the EU, highlighting the interconnectedness of global climate events and economic stability.
• Analysis of minimum wage increases on income disparities in Latvia, emphasizing social sustainability and economic equity.

3rd Place:

• Research on the EU's ability to replace Chinese imports during the COVID-19 pandemic, stressing the importance of resilient supply chains.
• Investigation into factors affecting investment yields in the Baltic commercial real estate market, focusing on sustainable economic growth.
• Assessment of the EU Emissions Trading Scheme's impact on firm performance, illustrating the role of regulatory measures in promoting sustainability.

Encouragement Prizes: Recognized for exploring asset tokenization, long-term unemployment solutions, and private equity's influence on sustainable financial practices. Source: https://www.bank.lv/aktualitates-banklv/zinas-un-raksti/jaunumi/16958-apbalvoti-latvijas-bankas-studentu-zinatniski-petniecisko-darbu-konkursa-uzvaretaji-2