02.05.2024
02. MAY 2024
The Green Forum, organized by Estonia's largest transport companies, examines what sustainable transport connections are from the perspective of the environment, the economy, and people. Tallinn Airport, Tallinn Port, Estonian Railways ja Rail Baltic Estonia The Green Forum will take place on May 7th, starting at 10:00 AM at the Cruise Terminal.
Estonian transport sector companies have decided to join forces and contribute to achieving both carbon and climate neutrality. The focus of this year's Green Forum is sustainability in the transport sector from the perspective of the environment, people and the economy.
The forum will be opened by the Secretary General of the Ministry of Climate Change Keith Kasemets with the latest developments in climate law. During the day, representatives of various Estonian transport sector companies will provide an overview of their contributions to date, as well as future prospects for implementing sustainable practices and finding solutions to reduce the environmental footprint and promote a sustainable transport system.
A discussion group on environmental issues will be held on the circular economy in construction and services, with the participation of: Kadi Kenk From the City of Tallinn and Kaur Sarv Scania from Estonia.
Technical Director of Estonian Railways Arvo Smiltinš presents the success story of the environmentally friendly construction of Tapa Station, which showed how sustainability and historical value can be combined with reuse.
Every change affects not only the environment but also people. At this level, a representative of Rail Baltic Estonia analyzes Heigo Saare the impact of local stops on communities and is being discussed by a member of the Riigikogu Hanah Lahe and DHL Estonia board member Kristina Laaneotsa A conversation about the expectations of the green generation.
In today's world, the increasing importance of belonging to communities and supporting sustainability through community is discussed by Anneli Turkin From Tallinn Airport and member of the VEF board Katrin Bats.
Representatives of the Bank of Estonia and the Climate Council discuss the economic perspective Kaspar Oja ja Rene Pärt From the Port of Tallinn, how both business and the economy can and must be in line with climate goals.
What is the investor view on sustainability from the perspective of transportation, real estate, fuels and energy? You can hear from the CEO of Eften Capital. Viljar Arakas and Alexela's driver Marti's Voice in a discussion circle.
The conference is led by Urmas Vaino.
Additional information:
More about the Transport Sector Green Forum
Launched by AS Tallinna Lennujaam in 2022, the Green Forum was joined in 2023 by AS Tallinna Sadam, AS Eesti Raudtee and OÜ Rail Baltic Estonia. In a rapidly changing world, sustainability and responsible entrepreneurship have not lost their place. On the contrary, they are more important than ever. By working together, Estonian transport sector companies contribute to achieving both carbon and climate neutrality.
Tallinn Airport has taken major steps towards reducing its environmental footprint in recent years. Tallinn Airport aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2025. To support the achievement of this goal, the company has joined the independent ACA, or Airport Carbon Accreditation, program for airports. Since 2018, the airport’s carbon footprint has gradually decreased – the change has been largely achieved thanks to district heating, renewable energy and the transition to paraffin fuel produced from renewable raw materials, prioritizing tangible practical changes rather than taking the easier path of resistance through carbon credits. On the other hand, we cannot forget our partners in our activities, with whom we set common goals and move towards them with an action plan. To this end, AS Tallinna Lennujaam has launched Green Mornings, where sustainability-related activities are agreed upon and community events are organized annually, such as participation in World Cleanup Day.
Rail Baltic Estonia (RBE) is a holding company that coordinates the development and construction of the Rail Baltica project in Estonia. One of the main goals of Rail Baltica is to reduce air pollution in the transport sector by offering the opportunity to move the flow of goods and passengers currently moving on roads to electrified railways. In light of today's discussions on global warming, Rail Baltica makes a significant contribution to reducing CO2 emissions. "The construction of the Rail Baltica route is a mega-project that cannot be done alone - we need the help and cooperation of many different institutions to implement the project in a way that minimizes its environmental impact," notes Anvar Salomets, head of RBE.
Tallinna Sadam has consistently contributed to reducing the negative impact of its business and development activities on the environment. In ensuring the sustainable development of the company, an important emphasis is placed on environmental priorities and striving for climate neutrality by 2050 at the latest. We proceed from the knowledge that our home sea – the Baltic Sea – is one of the seas with the most sensitive ecosystem in the world, and clean air is an important indicator of quality of life to ensure the continuation of our business and development activities near residential areas. Along with environmental priorities, the company also monitors goals related to economic and social impact in its activities. As the largest sea gateway to Estonia, we are responsible for the image of Estonia as a maritime country. Therefore, our priority is to create a high-quality public space for both Estonian guests and all city residents. It is also important to contribute to regional development through ferry traffic by providing vital and high-quality services to residents and visitors of large islands. As an innovative company, we use science-based and digital solutions to increase competitiveness. We ensure the company's profitability and stable owner income for our shareholders by implementing a dividend policy and adhering to modern management principles through the company's core values.
Estonian Railways is a railway infrastructure company with over 700 employees across Estonia. The company's clients are both freight and passenger railway undertakings, and through its activities it creates opportunities for the movement of people and goods, employment and sustainable transport. To develop innovative solutions, it collaborates with many companies, educational institutions and research centres, and increasingly modern IT solutions are integrated into infrastructure management. Estonian Railways is a member of several organisations promoting responsible management, and the company has been awarded the Responsible Business Gold Label since 2019. The largest projects in the coming years are related to the electrification of railway traffic, increasing the safety and quality level of infrastructure, and increasing speeds on the railway.
Cruise terminal as an environmentally friendly event venue
International environmental label Green Key The cruise terminal has been designed with the environment and sustainability in mind. Energy is produced by solar panels adapted to the Nordic climate, and the building is heated and cooled by sea energy with the help of a heat pump. Wood produced with a low carbon footprint has been used in the interior architecture, and live plants equipped with an automatic watering system create a mood. The 850 m long promenade built on the roof of the cruise terminal opens up the seaside to the city's residents for leisure activities and creates an indelible first impression for guests arriving from the sea.
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