07.05.2024
Today, the Green Forum, organized by Estonia's largest transport companies, took place at the Cruise Terminal, bringing together over 160 experts in their field. The conference, which was led by Rail Baltic Estonia, Estonian Railways, Tallinn Airport and Tallinn Port, was opened by the Secretary General of the Ministry of Climate Keith Kasemets with the latest developments in climate law, and during the day the focus was on sustainable transport connections from the perspective of the environment, the economy and people.
The conference opened with environmental topics and a discussion roundtable on circular economy in construction and services. Technical Director of Estonian Railways Arvo Smiltinš pointed out in his presentation that the renovations of railway station tracks are, as a whole, inherently conducive to economical and sustainable thinking and management. “Large railway projects can be built in an environmentally friendly way. One of our largest renovations of the past year – the Tapa sorting park – used 80% recycled materials. This is a good example of how sustainability and historical value can be combined with recycling,” said Smiltinš.
Rail Baltic Estonia pointed out that every change affects not only the environment but also people. “Rail Baltica plays a key role in creating sustainable transport connections. The project will bring several important benefits, including a faster, safer and more environmentally friendly transport connection to Europe. This in turn will encourage more people to use trains, thereby reducing dependence on both personal vehicles and fossil fuels as a whole,” said Rail Baltic Estonia’s Head of Railway Operations and Safety Heigo Saare.
Tallinn Airport spoke about belonging to associations and supporting sustainability through the community. “We have invested a lot in the green transition in recent years. Last year, we made a strategic decision to achieve CO2 neutrality five years earlier than planned, i.e. by 2025. This decision gives us the opportunity to be a good example both in Estonia and beyond. We are pleased that our partners in the aviation sector and the wider transport sector have decided to embark on a journey of creating a more sustainable environment with us,” said the Chairman of the Board of Tallinn Airport Riivo Tuvike.
Chairman of the Board of Port of Tallinn Valdo Kalm shared the opinion of investors that companies in the transport sector have an important role in achieving the climate goals of Europe and Estonia. “Investing in sustainable development should not be seen as an additional cost, but rather as a competitive advantage and the opening of new business opportunities. For example, in the case of ports, we may see the emergence of new trade flows and an increase in ship calls in connection with the bunkering of alternative fuels, servicing offshore wind farms and the creation of new energy sources for storage, warehousing or production centers,” said Kalm.
The Transport Sector Green Forum was organized for the third time. In a rapidly changing world, sustainability and responsible entrepreneurship are more important than ever. Estonian transport sector companies have therefore decided to join forces and, by acting together, contribute to achieving both carbon and climate neutrality.
View the event gallery FROM HERE.
The day was moderated by Urmas Vaino.
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