Latvia: Sustainability Updates No.40
Riga Airport Aims for Net Zero Emissions by 2035
Riga Airport has set an ambitious goal to achieve net-zero carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by 2035, a full 15 years ahead of the initial target set by European airport authorities. This accelerated timeline reflects the airport's commitment to combating climate change, as emphasized by Board Chair Laila Odi?a. The strategy includes reducing emissions from energy consumption and fuel use, and implementing CO2 capture technologies for emissions that cannot be eliminated.
Key initiatives involve increasing the purchase of renewable energy by 10% annually, with solar energy expected to cover 14% of the airport's electricity needs by 2026. Additionally, diesel-powered buses will be replaced with electric ones, and fossil diesel will be phased out entirely by 2035, starting with a shift to synthetic fuels in 2025. Riga Airport is also participating in international projects to explore hydrogen technology and sustainable aviation fuels.
Olaines Municipality Invests Over €1.2 Million in Cultural Center Energy Efficiency Upgrade
On July 26, Olaines Municipality signed an agreement with the Central Finance and Contracting Agency to implement the project "Energy Efficiency Improvement of Jaunolaine Cultural Center," with a total budget of €1,242,363.37. The Recovery Fund will cover €984,262.59 of these costs. The project involves extensive renovations, including insulation, window and roof replacement, and the installation of a new lightning protection system and additional rainwater drainage networks.
These upgrades aim to significantly reduce heat loss and energy consumption, cutting annual primary energy use by 184.31 megawatt-hours and lowering CO2 emissions by 42.82 tons. The improvements will enhance the building’s durability, technical condition, and overall appearance, while also creating a better indoor climate and air quality.
This project is part of the EU’s Recovery and Resilience Facility, specifically targeting energy efficiency improvements in municipal buildings and infrastructure.
Latvia’s Unsustainable Peat Extraction: A Global Leader at the Expense of the Environment
Over the past seven years, peat extraction in Latvia has significantly outpaced its natural accumulation rate. From 2019 to 2023, Latvia led the world in peat and peat product exports, with ~95% of its extracted peat being exported. In 2022, the peat industry was responsible for 10.7% of Latvia’s total greenhouse gas emissions, excluding peat used for energy.
Peatlands store twice as much carbon as forests globally, making them crucial for climate regulation. Despite this, peat extraction continues to rise, driven by its use in soil substrates and energy production. Latvia is one of the few EU countries still using peat for energy, although its consumption has decreased by 97.1% since 1990. The country plans to phase out peat for energy by 2030.
Alternatives to peat for soil substrates are emerging, but require further research and supportive policies to reduce the environmental impact. Additionally, the restoration of former peat extraction sites is critical to prevent further CO2 emissions, with re-wetting of peatlands being the most effective strategy.
Limba?i Municipality Slashes Energy Use with LED Streetlight Upgrade
In an effort to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, Limba?i Municipality is replacing 475 sodium gas-discharge streetlights with energy-efficient LED fixtures. This upgrade aims to cut energy use by 386.55 MWh annually and reduce CO2 emissions by 42.13 tons per year. The new LED lights, which have already been installed on 415 streets, will be fully operational by late September to early October, complete with controllers that adjust lighting levels based on street classifications.
LED lighting offers significant benefits over older systems, including longer lifespan without bulb replacements and enhanced energy efficiency, especially when regulated by controllers. The project not only improves environmental quality but also lowers municipal costs for street lighting. The work is being carried out by SIA VIZULO Solutions.
EU Project CELLFIL Aims to Revolutionize Textile Industry with Sustainable Lyocell Fibers
A consortium of 15 leading European research institutions and industry partners from eight countries, including global brands like Adidas and academic leaders like Aalto University, is spearheading a project under the EU's Horizon Europe program to develop and promote sustainable lyocell fiber production. The CELLFIL project focuses on creating environmentally friendly textiles from bio-based lyocell, a green alternative to synthetic fossil-based fibers dominating the textile industry today.
Led by the Lenzing Group, a pioneer in cellulose fiber technology, the project aims to transform the fragmented and inefficient textile production chain over the next four years. By producing lyocell from sustainably sourced wood, agricultural by-products, and recycled cellulose, the consortium seeks to set new standards for circular textile production in Europe.
Riga Technical University (RTU) plays a key role in developing prototypes and evaluating their performance across various sectors, including functional clothing and automotive textiles. The project, backed by €6.8 million from the EU, also plans to raise awareness of sustainable textile practices through an international design competition involving students from the arts and design fields.
Free Seminars Promote Sustainable Wood Construction and Forest Management in Latvia
In August and September, a series of free educational seminars will be held across Latvia to promote the use of wood in public building construction. Organized by UrbanComm in collaboration with the Latvian Association of Local and Regional Governments and the Latvian Wood Construction Cluster, the seminars will focus on sustainable construction practices, CO2 sequestration through wood use, and effective municipal forest management.
The seminars, supported by the Ministry of Economics and the Latvian Standard, will take place in Liepāja, Cēsis, Krāslava, and Ogre. Attendees will explore two key themes: "Wood in Public Building Construction" and "Municipal Forest Management," with a focus on sustainable building solutions and forest stewardship. Participants will earn professional credits from the Latvian Association of Civil Engineers and the Latvian Association of Architects.
Each seminar includes both theoretical and practical sessions, including site visits to showcase best practices in wood construction. The program aims to equip construction professionals with the knowledge to integrate sustainable wood solutions into their projects, contributing to Latvia’s climate neutrality goals.
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Agrofirma Tērvete Pioneers Closed-Loop Renewable Energy Production
Agrofirma Tērvete, a diversified Latvian agricultural company, has established a fully sustainable and energy-independent production cycle. Following the installation of a solar panel park and the recent launch of a biogas plant, the company now produces biogas from manure using solar-generated electricity, which is then converted into biomethane for export to Germany.
The farm also utilizes the heat generated from biogas production to warm the local village of Kro?auce and supply steam to its brewery. By using digestate—a byproduct of biogas production—as fertilizer, the farm replaces approximately 70% of its mineral fertilizer needs, enhancing soil health and reducing environmental impact.
Plans are underway to capture CO2 from the biomethane purification process, further closing the loop on the farm’s renewable energy cycle. Agrofirma Tērvete’s innovative approach showcases the potential for agricultural operations to achieve energy independence and contribute to climate neutrality.
Surge in Electric Vehicle Adoption in Latvia Amid Expanding Infrastructure and Increased Support
Latvia is witnessing a rapid rise in electric vehicle (EV) adoption, with 7,798 EVs registered by July 1, 2024—a 19% increase in just six months. This growth is fueled by expanding charging infrastructure and enhanced government support for environmentally friendly vehicles.
The benefits of switching to an EV are numerous: lower maintenance costs, free parking in Riga, and the ability to use bus lanes, reducing commute times. Financially, EV owners save on fuel and maintenance, with the government offering increased subsidies. For instance, support for used EVs has risen by €1,100, now totaling €3,350. Families with multiple children can receive up to €9,000 for a new seven-seater EV.
Latvia’s charging network is also expanding, with nearly 650 public charging points, making EV ownership more convenient. With growing incentives and infrastructure, now may be the ideal time to consider making the switch to an electric vehicle.
Vir?i-A to Launch €15 Million Biomethane Plant in 2025, Expanding Green Energy Portfolio
Latvian energy company Vir?i-A plans to begin biomethane production in the second half of 2025 at a new facility in the Vidzeme region. The plant, developed in partnership with other stakeholders, will be funded with €12 million from the European Energy Efficiency Fund, with total costs reaching approximately €15 million.
Vir?i-A CEO Jānis Vība highlighted three key reasons for the project: strong financial returns from exporting biomethane to European markets, the strategic location near large farms that will supply manure for biogas production, and the opportunity to diversify the company’s business model by reducing reliance on fossil fuels. The plant is expected to produce 60 GWh of biomethane annually, replacing up to 5.6 million cubic meters of natural gas.
The new facility, operated by the joint venture Livland Biomethane, will use advanced anaerobic fermentation technology. This project aligns with Vir?i-A’s broader strategy to expand its green energy offerings, including compressed natural gas and electric vehicle charging stations.
Sustainability Takes Center Stage in Public IT Procurement
In public sector procurement, particularly for critical IT infrastructure and software development, price often dominates decision-making. However, the cheapest option can prove costly in the long run. To create IT systems that truly serve end-users and adapt to technological advancements, it's essential to consider not only cost but also the developer's experience, reviews, and sustainability.
Sustainability is becoming a crucial component in procurement, focusing on reducing environmental impacts and ensuring systems are cost-effective to maintain over time. Incorporating green practices, such as energy efficiency and the use of renewable resources, is increasingly common. This approach not only minimizes the environmental footprint but also reduces long-term costs.
The old adage "buy cheap, pay twice" applies here—choosing the lowest bid often leads to higher expenses later due to poor quality or outdated technology. A balanced evaluation of technical solutions, environmental impact, and developer credibility is key to securing sustainable and adaptable IT systems for the future.
Source: https://ir.lv/2024/08/07/kapec-ilgtspejai-jabut-vienam-no-obligatajiem-kriterijam-iepirkumos/
Lindstrom Generates 24% of Its Energy Needs with Solar Power, Saving €21,000 Annually
Lindstrom has reported significant energy savings after installing solar panels on its Pi??i service center, generating 193,000 kWh of electricity in one year. This output covers 24% of the company’s annual energy consumption, leading to a cost reduction of approximately €21,000. The company initially estimated producing 29% of its energy needs, with actual results being just 5% below this target.
With 655 solar panels installed over 2000 m2, the system can generate up to 42% of the required electricity during sunnier months, balancing the lower production in darker periods. Lindstrom utilizes around 70% of the generated energy on-site, selling the excess back to the grid.
This initiative is part of Lindstrom’s broader strategy to enhance sustainability and reduce environmental impact, aligning with their commitment to offering eco-friendly textile solutions. The project, which cost €260,000, was partially funded by the Recovery Fund’s energy efficiency program, marking Lindstrom Latvia as a pioneer in large-scale solar energy projects within the Nordics and Baltics.