OVERVIEW
2020 was an extraordinary and challenging year globally but despite the COVID-19 pandemic, CLC has been very active and expanded its membership base and influence.
Climate Leadership Coalition is the largest non-profit climate business network in Europe.
On 31.12.2020 CLC had 82 organizational members: 54 companies, 8 universities, 7 trade organizations, 6 cities, 5 research institutions, 1 foundation and 1 trade union confederation. CLC has also accepted 40 personal members.
CLC’s members employ globally more than 500 000 people and represent around 70 % of the market cap of the OMX Nasdaq Helsinki stock exchange.
CLC was founded in 2014 by Finnish companies Fortum, Kone, Neste, St1, Outotec, Caverion and Sitra, the Finnish Innovation Fund.
CLC believes that profound transition to a sustainable world can be economically beneficial, viable and financeable. Our members strive to be among the leaders of their respective fields in terms of climate change mitigation ambition. Together we aim to make a significant positive climate impact through business solutions. Protecting the climate can and should be an economic stimulus and early adapters can benefit and become more profitable.
CLC organizes regular theme group meetings for its members and makes policy proposals for governments and other stakeholders. CLC encourages decision makers to speed up the green transition and the green recovery by attracting investments via predictable and ambitious policies and systemic market-driven solutions.
We help our members become even stronger climate leaders by identifying and introducing the best global company practices, policy approaches and strategies and actively participating in climate policy development on a Nordic, EU and Global level.
PURPOSE
The purpose of the Coalition is to affect the overall competitiveness and ability of businesses and research organisations to respond to the threats posed by climate change and the scarcity of natural resources, as well as to improve their ability to capitalise on the business opportunities created these threats. The Coalition promotes international best practices and their implementation. The Coalition’s basic approach is that profitable, sustainable business is the most effective way to respond to global environmental challenges.
In order to implement its purpose, the Coalition
- brings together organisations and private persons who promote the Coalition’s objectives
- collects and shares information with its members on global environment-related trends and compares best practices implemented in other countries
- initiates development projects that support the Coalition’s purpose
- makes proposals to ministries and public organisations on developing the innovation system and research programmes
- organises seminars and events to raise awareness and to identify new business opportunities
- operates as a collaborative body between its members and represents its members in international cooperation organisations
- strives to identify know-how to serve as a model for effective mitigation of climate change and communicates this on international fora.
CHANGES IN THE OPERATING ENVIRONMENT
With respect to climate change the year 2020 was on the one hand a reminder of the need for urgency with mitigation actions but also a year of hope with several pledges for long term net zero targets.
According to WMO the global mean temperature for 2020[1] was 1.2 ± 0.1 °C above the 1850–1900 baseline, used as an approximation of pre-industrial levels. Year 2020 is likely to be one of the three warmest years on record globally. With 2020 on course to be one of the three warmest years on record, the past six years, 2015–2020, are likely to be the six warmest on record. As well, the last five-year (2016–2020) and 10-year (2011–2020) averages are also the warmest on record.
Average carbon dioxide levels breached of 410 parts per million in 2019 and the rise continued in 2020 despite COVID-19 lockdown. The temporary reduction in emissions in 2020 related to measures taken in response to COVID-19 is likely to lead to only a slight decrease in the annual growth rate of CO2 concentration in the atmosphere, which will be practically indistinguishable from the natural interannual variability driven largely by the terrestrial biosphere.
From European perspective the year began with the EU Green Deal initiatives European Investment Plan, Just Transition Mechanism and the European Climate Law followed by several strategies and action plans (Industrial Strategy, Circular Economy Action Plan, Farm to Fork strategy and the EU Energy System Integration and Hydrogen strategy). In September, the European Union proposed increasing its 2030 target from 40% to at least 55% reduction below 1990 levels in order to meet the net zero by 2050 target it adopted in 2019.
Shortly after that, President Xi Jinping announced that China would “aim to achieve carbon neutrality before 2060”, the first time China has acknowledged the need to reach anything close to zero CO2 emissions by mid-century. This was soon followed by both Japan and South Korea who announced net zero GHG goals for 2050. By the end of the year totally 126 countries covering 51 per cent of global GHG emissions had net-zero goals that were formally adopted, announced or under consideration.
With the Biden-Harris administration’s net zero election pledge the coverage increased to 63% of global GHG’s. However, according to UN’s Emissions Gap Report 2020 there is considerable need to strengthen the current short-term mitigation policies, they are not consistent with the net-zero goals and seriously inadequate to achieve the climate goals of the Paris Agreement.
Just a few weeks before the end of the year, the EU agreed its increased 55% target for 2030. The coming initiatives under the Green Deal will be aligned with the increased target. The most important of these, to be published in summer 2021, will be Emission Trading Directive, Renewable Energy Directive and the LULUCF Regulation.
In addition to governments, a growing number of companies started to pay increased attention to their climate related performance and risks. By mid-December almost 1600 companies, including nearly 60% of the world’s 100 largest public companies, supported TCFD recommendations.
NUMBER OF MEMBERS, OPERATIONS AND FINANCES
At year-end 2020, the Coalition had 82 organisational members and 40 personal members. In 2020, 19 new organisational members and 16 personal members joined CLC.
CEO team and board members introduced CLC to several interested organizations between April and Novermber 2020. As a result, Akava, Atria, Caruna, Elenia, Electrolux, Elo, Finnish Bus and Coach Association, Gasgrid Finland, Kesko, Natural Resources Institute Finland, Posti, Remeo, Tampere University, Tiina and Antti Herlin Foundation, Tornator, University of Oulu, University of Vaasa, Valio and Vestas, joined CLC in 2020.
The new personal members joined in 2020 are Aila Aho, Alviina Alametsä, Mirva Antila, Antti Herlin, Jaakko Hirvola, Simo Honkanen, Jukka Honkaniemi, Hannu Korhonen, Jaakko Mustakallio, Kai Mykkänen, Pekka Pesonen, Hannele Pokka, Karl-Henrik Sundström, Nils Torvalds, Esko Valtaoja and Marcus Wallenberg.
CLC held two statutory meetings in 2020. The Coalition’s statutory spring meeting was held on 20 May 2020 and the statutory autumn meeting on 16 September 2020. The autumn meeting elected the former CEO of Stora Enso Karl-Henrik Sundström as the Chairman of the Board and Sitra’s President Jyrki Katainen as the Vice-Chairman. The autumn meeting elected also two new members to the Board: Mikko Helander, President and CEO of Kesko and Antti Vasara, CEO of VTT. Risto Murto (CEO of Varma), Jukka Mäkelä (Mayor of Espoo) and Kati ter Horst (SVP of Stora Enso) continued as members.
CLC’s operations were financed primarily by membership fees. Income from membership fees, grants and other sources in 2020 amounted to EUR 750,798.00.
ACTION PLAN TARGETS AND THEIR ACHIEVEMENT
FLAGSHIP PROJECTS
In 2020, CLC had two flagship projects: 1) Effective carbon pricing and 2) A holistic strategy for EU land use, bioeconomy and biodiversity.
EFFECTIVE CARBON PRICING
CLC strives to encourage the EU to develop a more systematic solution to emissions trading by, for example, extending and strengthening the emissions trading system (ETS) while achieving a more long-term approach and improving the predictability of the system to support and encourage major investments in decarbonisation. In 2019, CLC, together with its counterparts in Sweden, Norway and Denmark, drafted a call-out to the EU for a more ambitious climate policy. The call-out details three key objectives for EU leaders:
- Set a target for achieving net-zero emissions at the latest by 2050 or earlier taking the IPCC findings into account.
- Agree on a binding carbon budget for GHG emissions.
- Revise and align the 2030 and 2040 targets with the net-zero target.
In the spring of 2020 CLC published a proposal on how to speed up low-carbon investments through systemic market-based policies. Our proposals received the EU’s attention and in May, we presented the proposals to Frans Timmermans, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission, who welcomed our views. We were pleased to see that many of the issues highlighted by CLC were included in the EU Commission’s 2030 Climate Target Plan.
In July, CLC presented its proposals to the EU Parliament Intergroup emphasising the importance of the “carbon budget”. In October, the concept was supported by the European Parliament.
In December, ahead of the Climate Ambition Summit — the 5th anniversary of the Paris Agreement, CLC proposed a worldwide coalition for carbon pricing. The idea gained support from European Commission President von der Leyen, who, in her speech, mentioned that the EU wants to work with all those who agree that we must put a price on carbon and that the EU is ready for more ambitious commitments with like-minded countries. The next steps for CLC, our members and partners will be to boost momentum for this and seek to have the topic on the agenda of the climate summit of the world’s major economies to be hosted by the US in spring 2021 and in G7 and COP meetings.
A HOLISTIC STRATEGY FOR EU LAND-USE, BIOECONOMY AND BIODIVERSITY
In 2020 CLC decided that we will also focus on developing and promoting a holistic strategy for EU land use, bioeconomy and biodiversity before new legislation is proposed for emissions trading, effort sharing, land use, land use change and forestry (LULUCF) in the summer of 2021. Land use and the bioeconomy will have a major role in climate mitigation during this century, delivering about one fifth of the total reduction of emissions today, and three quarters between 2050-2100.
OTHER NOTABLE ACTIVITIES
In November, CLC launched a pre-engagement study on industrial-scale Power-to-Fuel project with its members Fortum, Gasum, Neste, Stora Enso, Stl and Wärtsilä, with Afry and LUT as experts.
CEO Jouni Keronen was chosen in 2020 as the Vice Chair of the Finnish Government’s Climate Policy Round Table chaired by Prime Minister Sanna Marin. The group met five times in 2020 and discussed sustainable recovery plans, emission reductions and the role of energy taxation in reaching climate neutrality by 2035, fossil-free transport and the Climate Change Act. In November, CLC representatives and Prime Minister Sanna Marin met in November and discussed the climate policy of Finland and the EU, and the role of businesses in the implementation of climate solutions.
In 2020 CLC filed the following proposals and statements to the EU:
- Statement to the EU Commission’s roadmap consultation on the new Forest Strategy (04.12.2020)
- Statement to the EU Commission’s roadmap consultation on the update of the LULUCF Regulation (26.11.2020)
- Statement to the EU Commission’s roadmap consultation on the update of the Effort Sharing Regulation (ESR) (26.11.2020)
- Statement to the EU Commission’s roadmap consultation on the update of the EUETS (26.11.2020)
- View on EU Commissions Sustainable product initiative (16.11.2020)
- Statement to the EU Commission’s communication on the 2030 Climate target plan and the carbon budget proposal by the European Parliament’s ENVI Committee (25.9.2020)
- Statement to the Commissions strategy on sector integration (8.6.2020)
- Proposal for ambitious long-term climate goals and a systemic, market-driven solution (6.5.2020)
- Statement to EU Border Carbon Adjustment mechanism (1.4. 2020)
- CLC welcomes the commission’s proposal for EU Climate Law and presents some remarks (23.3.2020)
- View on EU Farm-To-Fork Strategy (16.3.2020)
- Comments to the commission communication on the European Green Deal (24.2.2020)
In 2020 CLC filed the proposals and statements to the Finnish government:
- Statement to the Environment Committee on government report VNS3/2020 vp, Government report on sustainable development plan Agenda2030 Towards carbon neutral society (2.12.2020)
- Statement to the Finance Committee on annual climate report 2020 (22.10.2020)
- Statement to the Finance committee on Government brief to the Parliament on the framework for achieving climate neutrality and amending Regulation (EU) 2018/1999 (European Climate Law) (22.5.2020)
- Statement to the Grand committee E 61/2019 vp Government report: Communication from the Commission: The European Green Deal; E 61/2019 vp (1.4.2020)
- Statement to the Environment committee on Communication from the Commission: The European Green Deal; E 61/2019 vp (3.3.2020)
- Statement to the Finance committee on Green Deal Financing; Sustainable Europe – investment plan (26.2.2020).
- Statement to the Finance committee on the Communication from the Commission: The European Green Deal; and on the Basic memorandum by the Prime Minister’s office 1.2020 (20.2.2020)
THEME GROUPS
In 2020, CLC had 13 theme groups: Agriculture, Carbon Footprint and Handprint, Circular Economy, Civic Engagement, Climate Policy, Communication, Construction, Energy, Finance, Forest, HR, ICT and Transportation. The theme groups provide members with opportunities to network and learn from each other and featuring visiting experts.
In 2020 theme groups held 30 meetings and 17 webinars, many of which have been at an international level. Keynote speakers have included Laszlo Varro, Chief Economist of International Energy Agency; Elina Kamenitzer, Head of the Climate Office of the European Investment Bank; Ola Alterå, Chief Executive of the Swedish Climate Policy Council; Catherine Tubb, Senior Analyst, RethinkX, Antonio Lopez-Nicolas, Dorector of European Commission, DG Clima, Tassos Haniotis, Director of European Commission DG Agriculture and several other representatives from the European Commission. The full list of CLC’s meetings and webinars in 2020 is included at the bottom of this document.
AGRICULTURE THEME GROUP
The objectives of the Agriculture and Food theme group is to reduce emissions in the Agricultural & Food sector as well as improving the carbon sinks, via carbon farming and promoting climate friendly diets, and new potential low-carbon food production methods. The groups chair in 2020 was Matti Rihko from University of Turku, and Minttu Liuhto is the new facilitator in the theme group.
In 2020 the group held 2 meetings and 1 webinar. The main results achieved in 2020 included position paper on land use and bioeconomy where CLC will write a proposal on land use with key people in the sector. In addition, the theme group held a Webinar 10.9 on Farm To Fork strategy (Dir Haniotis, EC/Dir Pesonen, CopaCogeca), as well as a Disruption webinar on Rethinking Food and Agriculture.
The participants in the meetings were from the following CLC member organizations: Aalto Yliopisto, Atria, AFRY, Demos Helsinki, Gaia, Helsingin Yliopisto, Ilmarinen, Kesko, Luke, MTK, Nordea, S-Ryhmä, SEB, Sitra, Turun Yliopisto, VTT, Valio, SYKE, Neste, Fazer.
In 2021, the main actions for the theme group will focus into:
- Emission reduction in Agriculture (carbon farming, agroforestry)
- Climate impacts on diets
- New ways to produce food (low carbon animal protein production and alternative protein sources)
CARBON FOOTPRINT AND HANDPRINT THEME GROUP
The objective of the Carbon Handprint and Footprint theme group is to follow national and international programmes/initiatives to decrease carbon emissions and to contribute and share good practices quantification, mitigation and communication. The group’s facilitator in 2020 was Tiina Pajula from VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland.
In 2020, the group held 2 meetings and a seminar. The main results achieved in 2020 included a Joint event with Business Finland, Case study of Nokia Bell Labs liquid-cooled base station, European Green Deal, Carbon handprint challenge as well as Member organisations using handprint – Neste, L&T, Metso Outotec etc.
The participants in the meetings were from the following CLC member organizations: ABB, Afry, Atea, Caruna, Elisa, Fortum, Helsingin yliopisto, Kone, Korkia, Luke, LUT, Oulun yliopisto, Sanoma, Stora Enso, Teknologiateollisuus, Telia, Tornator, Uponor, VR, VTT, YIT
In 2021, the main actions for the theme group are:
- Expanding the handprint in Finland, Nordics and in EU (together with Business Finland, Orgalime, SBT)
- Nordic Project with Haga Initiative and Skift Norge
- Policy brief with interested parties
- Carbon footprint in consumer products in Europe (Eurocommerce, together with the Retail group)
- Carbon handprint presentation to TCFD, SBT and GHG Protocol developers
- Proactive policy proposals for EU sustainable product policy initiative
- Policy brief with interested parties (Carbon footprint)
CIRCULAR ECONOMY THEME GROUP
The Circular Economy (CE) theme group has the main objective of circular economy solutions solving over-use of natural resources, biodiversity loss and climate crisis. The groups chairs in 2020 were Marleena Ahonen and Riku Sinervo and the facilitator was Kari Mokko.
In 2020, the group held 3 meetings and the main results achieved in 2020 were re-thinking packaging with Aalto University, re-thinking ownership, as well as joint meeting with ICT theme group with aim to improve circular economy in the ICT sector.
The participants in the meetings were from the following CLC member organizations: Sitra, Fortum, Telia, YIT, Afry, Uponor, Demos, VTT, City of Lahti, University of Oulu, University of Helsinki, Lahti, Gaia, Ensto, Atea, Aalto University, Energy Industries of Finland, SEB, Micropolis Ii, Fiskars, Vaisala, City of Pori.
In 2021, the main objectives for the theme group are:
- Increase knowledge and understanding about EU’s CE related strategies (eg. Circular EconomyAction Plan) and discuss them from members’ perspectives.
- Cocreate suggestions for financial instruments and incentives that support the scaling of circulareconomy business models. (Possible policy briefs)
- Collaboration with ICT-theme group to provide climate friendly digital circular economysolutions. Possible insights on CE for other theme groups. (Possible policy briefs)
- Offer new insights about circular economy and provide networking possibilities for theme groupmembers
CIVIC ENGAGEMENT THEME GROUP
The objective of the Civic Engagement theme group is to encourage citizens to Enable and incentivise climate friendly consumer choices. Sari Siitonen from CLC served as the group’s facilitator and Ari Nissinen at the Finnish Environment Institute (SYKE) was the chair of the group.
In 2020 the group held 2 meetings. The main results achieved in 2020 were Promoting the use of Climate Diet by SYKE and Lifestyle Test by Sitra, Sharing information on European Green Deal and Carbon footprints and eco-lables on barcode database & Korean Green Card.
The participants in the meetings were from the following CLC member organizations: Afry, Akava, Alexander Incentives, Atea, Elisa, Finanssiala ry, Fortum, Gaia, Helen, IBM, Lahden kaupunki, Nordea, OP, SYKE, Teknologiateollisuus, Tornator, Valio, Varma, VTT, Kesko, S Group.
In 2021, the main objectives in the theme group are:
- Promoting faster implementation of carbon footprints and eco-labels of products, e.g. by presenting in barcode databases
- Develop the incentives for climate friendly consumer choices (using bonus and credit cards, customer engagment programs etc.)
- Clarify the role of compensations (MMM, IIF, Mark Carney, possible policy brief) (Jointly with Agriculture and Forest groups)
- Widen the Zero Emissions Day participation in Nordics and EU
CLIMATE POLICY THEME GROUP
The main objective in the Policy theme group is Proactive preparation of CLC policy proposals and statements for the EU and its member states. In 2020 Juha Turkki from CLC acted both the chair and facilitator of the group.
In 2020, the group held 3 meetings. The main results achieved in 2020 included Consultations to several EU Green Deal initiatives and to the Finnish parliament, Webinar on Sector integration and hydrogen strategy (Dir Lopez/Nicholas, EC/Dir Röttgen, Fortum, Dir Chatzimarkakis/Hydrogen Europe). In addition, CLC has finalized over 11 statements and proposals for initiatives of the EU Commission and several for the Finnish parliament and the government. Participants were mainly the representtaives of the organisations in the CLC board and for some topics all CLC members were invited to give comments.
In 2021, the main objectives for the group are:
- Follow the development of the EU legislative package (reviews for EU ETS & RES & Energy Efficiency directives and Effort Sharing & LULUCF regulations)
- Policy briefs and statements for the EU legislative package, EU Green Deal initiatives and Finnish climate strategy
- Development of market-based policies to enhance low carbon development in different sectors
- Call on Carbon –initiative and workshops relating to the carbon price
COMMUNICATIONS THEME GROUP
The main objective for the Communications theme group is to develop the ‘How to share best practices’ – concept regarding communication. In 2020 Kari Mokko from CLC acted both the chair and facilitator of the group.
In 2020, the group held one theme group meeting and the CLC team met representatives of the main Finnish media companies. Every CLC organsation member has been asked to send a representative in the Communications group.
In 2021, the main objectives for the group are:
- Improve the quality and widen the scope of the climate articles
- New and old members present their sustainability plans and initiatives
- “What’s next for climate reporting in 2021”-series with international media outlets
- Climate change mitigation training for journalists with Sitra
CONSTRUCTION THEME GROUP
The Construction theme group focuses on new solutions and assessment methods for low-carbon construction. In 2020, the group’s facilitator was Henrik Suikkanen from Demos Helsinki and will continue as the chair of the group in 2021, and Senni Raunio will work as the facilitator in the group. The mission of the group is promoting Renovation wave & carbon neutrality and capture in buildings.
The group’s most important outcomes over the past five years have been studying the carbon footprint assessment method of buildings developed by the Finnish Ministry of the Environment and sharing information with group members. In 2020 the group study the Construction industry’s low carbon roadmap made by the Finnish Government, the legislation on low carbon construction and the EU Taxonomy as well as the Renowation wave. The group met four times in 2020.
The participants in the group were from these member organisations: Aalto-yliopisto, Afry, Demos Helsinki, Ensto, Gaia, Helsingin yliopisto, Kesko, KONE, Korkia, Lahden kaupunki, L&T, Nordea, Oulun yliopisto, OP, Teknologiateollisuus, Telia Company, Uponor, Valio, VTT, YIT
The Construction theme group’s objectives for 2021 are:
- Promoting the Renowation wave and possible policy briefs, e.g. relating to material substitutions
- Sharing knowledge on EU Taxonomy and its effect on construction sector
- Promoting the use of carbon footprint -concept in building
- Initiate the development of new design criterias for changing climate conditions
ENERGY THEME GROUP
The Energy theme group focuses on developing a smart, flexible and low-carbon solutions to the energy market. The group’s chair and facilitator was Juha Turkki in 2020 and he will continue the work also in 2021.
In 2020, the group held several webinars to increase the understanding of the low carbon solutions in Nordic and European Energy markets, as well as webinar on EU ETS and speeding up the climate solutions. As part of the Disruption webinar series, the Energy group organised Rethinking Energy webinar.
The group organized 7 webinars in 2020. The participants in the group were from these member organisations: Aalto Yliopisto, Atea, Iin Micropolis, Korkia, LUT, Tampereen Yliopisto, Telia, VTT, YIT, Alexander Incentives, Elisa, Energiateollisuus, Finanssiala ry, Gaia, Gasum, Helsingin Yliopisto, Kesko, Nordea, Pori, SEB, Stora Enso, SYKE, Teknologiateollisuus, Turun Yliopisto, VTT, Åbo Akademi, Oulun Yliopisto, Fortum, Finnair, Espoon Kaupunki, Tampereen Kaupunki, St1, Sitra
The theme group’s objectives for 2021 are:
- Power-to-Fuel pre-engagement study with some CLC members to accelerate development of synthetic fuels in Finland
- Develop smart energy system solutions for the Nordic markets and identify other emerging business opportunities
- Accelerate development of CCS/CCU solutions
- Identify solutions for energy storages and security of supply
- Initiate pre-study on energy transmission networks in the carbon neutral society
FINANCE THEME GROUP
Finance theme group’s mission is to promote the use of carbon price and to understand and manage climate-related risks and opportunities. In 2020 The facilitator and chair of the Finance theme group was Timo Tyrväinen, Chief Economist of CLC. He will continue in the role in 2021.
In 2020 the group promoted TCFD and launched the CLC TCFD Challenge. Green recovery proposal for EU was made and it was presented to EVP Timmermans in May. The group initiated a project to model a budget for a climate neutral state: Case Finland. The group also discussed the EU’s Taxonomy Regulation, planned incentived for citizens climate friendly choices and benchmarking with Korean Green Card, together with the Civic engagement group. Finance theme group also co-organized corporate responsibility reporting competition in 2019 and webinar in 2020, and published a proposal for worldwide carbon pricing coalition. The group met 6 times during 2020.
The participants in the group were from these member organisations: Aalto yliopisto, Afry, Akava, Alexander Incentives, Atea, Elisa, Finanssiala ry, Fortum, Gaia, Gasum, Helen, Helsingin yliopisto, Iin Micropolis, Kone, Korkia, Lahden kaupunki, Neste, Nordea, OP, SEB, S Group, Syke, Teknologiateollisuus, Telia, City of Turku, Turun yliopisto, Valio, Vaisala, Varma, VTT, Wärtsilä
The theme group supports the design of CLC’s systematic solution. In 2021, the group’s main objectives are:
- Initiate a Call for worldwide carbon pricing based on the CLC proposal
- Develop concepts for EU and global carbon pricing architecture in possible co-operation with the Coalition of Finance Ministers for Climate Action
- Promote TCFD in Finland and the Nordics
- Arrange an event in February for chairmen of the board and CEOs with the Ownership steering unit of the State of Finland and later a similar event in Sweden
- Co-organize corporate responsibility reporting competition in 2021
- Going through the EU Taxonomy with other theme groups – statements and proposals to EU if needed
- Analyse the impacts of Green Deal in relation to technology driven disruptions – food, energy transport, material, ICT – and identify how to speed up the change
FOREST THEME GROUP
Set up in 2019, the Forest theme group focuses on driving the development of forest-based carbon sequestration and substitution and accelerating the development of the forest carbon measurement and accounting platform (Biocarbon Monitoring Platform). Other focus areas include forest offsets and related market-based instruments, as well as sustainability and consumer/end-user perspectives. The group’s facilitator was Petteri Pihlajamäki from AFRY Management Consulting. In 2021, he will continue as the chair of the group and Minttu Liuhto is working as the group facilitator.
In 2020 the group discussed the role of forestry in European Green Deal, climate impact verification and the EU Green deal from LULUCF perspective. In 2020, the group met three times.
The participants in the group were from these member organisations: Afry, Gaia, Helen, Helsingin Yliopisto, Korkia, Nordea, OP, Palta, St1, Stora, Enso, VTT, Demos Helsinki, Fortum, L&T, Oulun Yliopisto, Telia, Tornator, IBM, Sitra, KONE, Åbo Akademi.
The theme group’s objectives for 2021:
- Drive the development of carbon sink measurements
- Drive the development of biocarbon monitoring platform
- Drive the development of proposal for material substitution rewarding
HR THEME GROUP
The objective of the group is to expand the use of climate friendly elements in employment benefits and compensation schemes. In addition, HR theme group discusses and shares HR policies among the member organizations. In 2020 Rauha Bato-Liukkonen from Helen was the facilitator of the group and will continue as the chair in the group in 2021. Senni Raunio is the facilitator of the group in 2021.
In 2020 the group shared best practices on rewarding between the organizations as well as the rewarding practices on management and employees on climate targets. The group also discussed the supporting of the employees and the tax benefit on cycling to work. The group met twice during 2020.
The participants in the group were from these member organisations: ABB, Alexander Incentives, Atea, Demos Helsinki, Finnair, Fortum, IBM, Helen, Huhtamäki, Kesko, Kojamo, Kone, Korkia, Neste, Metso Outotec, OP, St1, Telia Company, Tornator, Varma, VTT
In 2021 the objectives of the HR group are:
- Gather experiences and develop solutions for climate related rewarding
- Organise reward and competence meeting for HR/Strategy directors
- Benchmark and gather experiences and solutions for climate-related compensation and benefits
- Motivation behind sustainable choices
ICT THEME GROUP
The objective of the ICT theme group is to understand and develop ICT-based carbon handprint and to decrease carbon footprint as well as improving ICT solutions for circular economy. The group started in spring 2019, when it was chaired by Virpi Hyytiä from IBM. At the end of the year, chairmanship was divided between Hyytiä and Vesa Siitari from Atea. In 2020, Vesa Siitari continued as the facilitator of the ICT theme group, and in 2021 he will be the theme group chair. Mirva Antila will chair the ICT think tank and Jouni Keronen will facilitate the group.
In 2020 the group met and discussed on the needs to develop an operating system of circular economy, on ICT in the EU Green deal and the new climate and environment ICT-strategy for Finland. The group met three times.
The participants in the group were from these member organisations: Afry, Atea, Demos Helsinki, Gaia, IBM, Helsingin yliopisto, L&T, Palta, Teknologiateollisuus, Telia, VTT
The theme group’s objectives for 2021 are:
- Develop tangible examples how organizations can reduce CO2-emission within ICT
- Define and calculate handprint possibilities for current v. pre-Corona remote work methods
- Arrange webinar on ICT disruption (8.2.)
- Study ICT elements of the EU Green Deal and do proposal for EU how Finland can meet the targets
- Propose a project for ICT applications in the Industrial roadmaps (possible policy brief)
- Identify and develop at least one new circular economy possibility that can be implemented with support from ICT capabilities (CLC cross-theme group activity)
TRANSPORTATION THEME GROUP
The objective of the Transport theme group is to help CLC members to jointly develop and offer solutions for reducing carbon emissions from transport and traffic. Together with the Finnish Innovation Fund Sitra and the Smart & Clean Foundation among others, the group has designed the Helsinki Metropolitan Area BioSata project, where buses, heavy equipment and trucks in the Helsinki Metropolitan Area will transition to using biofuels based on waste and residues.
In 2020, the group discussed the European Green Deal on low-carbon heavy traffic and logistis, and the Power-to-X opportunities. The Transport Roadmap prepared by the Finnish Government was discussed and commented by the group. The group organised one Disruption webinar, Rethinking Transport sector together with the University of Tampere. The group also facilitated a meeting with the Californian Air and Resource Institute CARB in November 2020. Heikki Liimatainen worked as the facilitator of the group and will continue as the chair in 2021. Minttu Liuhto will work as the facilitator of the group. The group met four times.
The participants were from these member organisations: Helen, IBM, Korkia, OP, Stora Enso, Teknologiateollisuus, Telia, Tampereen Yliopisto, Nordea, Valio, Porvoon Kaupunki, Palta, Neste, VTT, Oulun Yliopisto
The theme group’s objectives for 2021 are:
- Power to fuel – pre engagement study to acccelerate with the Energy theme group
- Make proposals and develop solutions for electric transport and its infrastructure integration jointly with the Energy theme group
- Initiate competence center for climate neutral marine transport
- Initiate a development project for low carbon solutions for aviation
- Learn and propose solutions for market mechanisms (ETS etc) to accelerate development of low carbon transport sector
- Developing the “CLC walk the talk” -pledge for fossil-free/carbon neutral commuting and company cars
BY-LAWS AND MEMBERS
BY-LAWS
The Coalition’s by-laws can be found in Appendix 1.
MEMBERS
In 2020, 19 new organisational and 16 personal members joined CLC. At the end of the year, the Coalition had 82 organisational members and 40 personal members.
As of 31 December 2020, the Coalition’s organisation members were:
Aalto University
Akava
Alexander Incentives
ABB
Atea Finland
Atria
Bank of Åland
Caruna
Castren & Snellman
Caverion
Central Union of Agricultural Producers and Forest Owners (MTK)
City of Espoo
City of Lahti
City of Pori
City of Porvoo
City of Tampere
City of Turku
Demos Effect
Elenia
Electrolux
Elisa
Elo
Ensto
Fazer
Finance Finland (FFI)
Finnair
Finnish Bus and Coach Association
Finnish Commerce Federation
Finnish Energy
Finnish Environment Institute (Syke)
Finnish Innovation Fund Sitra
Fiskars
Fortum
Gaia
Gasgrid Finland
Gasum
Helen
Huhtamäki
IBM Finland
Iin Micropolis
Ilmarinen
Kesko
Kojamo
KONE
Korkia
L & T
LUT University
Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke)
Neste
Nordea
Outotec
OP Ryhmä
Porvoon Energia
Posti
Pöyry
Remeo
Sanoma
SEB
Service Sector Employers Palta
S Group
St1
Stora Enso
Tampere University
Technology Industries of Finland
Telia Company
Tiina and Antti Herlin Foundation
Tornator
Turku Energia
University of Helsinki
University of Oulu
University of Turku
University of Vaasa
Uponor
Vaisala
Varma
VR Group
VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland
Valio
Vestas
Wärtsilä
YIT
Åbo Akademi University
As of 31, December 2020 there were 40 private members:
Aila Aho, Esko Aho, Alviina Alametsä, Mirva Antila, Ben Banerjee, Louis Blumberg, Ian Dunlop, Henrik Ehrnrooth, Juhani Eskola, Antti Herlin, Allen Hershkowitz, Jaakko Hirvola, Simo Honkanen, Jukka Honkaniemi, Jaana Husu-Kallio, Tapio Kanninen, Cary Krosinsky, Hannu Korhonen, Pertti Korhonen, Markku Kulmala, Miapetra Kumpula-Natri, Jaakko Mustakallio, Kari Mäkinen, Kai Mylkkänen, Jorma Ollila, Anneli Pauli, Pekka Pesonen, Sirpa Pietikäinen, Hannele Pokka, Matti Rihko, Raimo Sailas, Leo Stranius, Karl-Henrik Sundström, Petteri Taalas, Nils Torvalds, Timo Tyrväinen, Esko Valtaoja, Risto Volanen, Veikko Välilä, Marcus Wallenberg and Anders Wijkman.
ORGANISATION
The Coalition’s statutory annual meeting was held on 16 September 2020. The autumn meeting elected fthe ormer CEO of Stora Enso Karl-Henrik Sundström as the Chairman of the Board and Sitra’s President Jyrki Katainen as the Vice-Chairman. The autumn meeting elected also two new members to the Board: Mikko Helander, President and CEO of Kesko and Antti Vasara, CEO of VTT. Risto Murto (CEO of Varma), Jukka Mäkelä (Mayor of Espoo) and Kati ter Horst (SVP of Stora Enso) continued as members.
In 2021, the composition of the Board is as follows:
Karl-Henrik Sundström (Chairman)
Jyrki Katainen (Vice Chairman)
Risto Murto
Kati ter Horst
Jukka Mäkelä
Mikko Helander
Antti Vasara
Deputy members:
Minna Aila (SVP of Neste)
Tuuli Kaskinen (Director of Demos Helsinki)
Merja Kivelä (Attorney of Castren&Snellman)
Mari Pantsar was elected secretary to the Board. Jouni Keronen continued as Executive Director and from 27 August 2020 as CEO.
CLC added four full time staff members in 2020. Juha Turkki, Development Director, Systemic Climate Solutions and Kari Mokko, Development Director, Networks and Communications started in March. Coordinator Senni Raunio started in September and Coordinator Minttu Liuhto in November.
DECISION-MAKING PROCESS
The Coalition’s statutory spring meeting was held on 20 May 2020 and the autumn meeting on 16 September 2020.
The autumn meeting adopted the action plan, income and expenditure estimates, and the amounts of joining and membership fees for the following calendar year. New members will not be charged a fee for joining. Membership fees from the beginning of 2021 are:
- EUR 11,000.00 for large organisations (net sales of EUR 50m or more)
- EUR 5,500.00 for small organisations (net sales of less than EUR 50m)
- EUR 5,500.00 for small associations (with less than 20 persons)
- EUR 2,500.00 for foundations and startups
- EUR 11.00 for private members
FINANCIAL REVIEW
CLC’s operations were mostly financed by membership fees. Income from membership fees, grants and other sources amounted to EUR 750,798.00 (2019: EUR 530,190.00) and expenses were EUR 424,877.81 (EUR 529,023.79) in 2020. The profit/loss for 2020 was EUR 134,027.72 (EUR 1,143.94). The Coalition’s equity at the balance sheet date was EUR 122,036.69 (EUR -11,991.03). Approved 2020 budget for member incomes in fall 2019 was EUR 637,500.00.
Due to COVID-19-pamdemia the costs were smaller than planned.
The autumn meeting estimated income for 2021 at EUR 789,798.00 and expenses at EUR 785,700.00.
INTERNAL ADMINISTRATION
The Board held 11 meetings in 2020, one meeting in person, four meetings were Teams-meetings and six of which were per capsulum. The Coalition’s auditors are PricewaterhouseCoopers Oy. The principal auditor is Jukka Paunonen, Authorised Public Accountant, and the deputy auditor is Heini Laine, Authorised Public Accountant.
MINIMIZING THE CARBON FOOTPRINT
In 2020 CLC’s employees flew a total of 1651 kilometers within Europe, no intercontinental flights were flown. The emissions (about 138 kg/CO2) were offset approximately 7 times of their amount by UN Climate Neutral Now in a Gold Standard certified project: GHG abatement through Solar Power Generation at Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, India. All theme group meetings 2020 were via video connection.
COMMUNICATIONS
In terms of communications, 2020 was very challenging as the COVID-19 pandemic decresead the reporting on climate change mitigation in Finland and internationally. CLC remained nevertheless active communications-wise and CLC’s expertise gained more favourability.
During the course of the year, CLC systematically built and strengthened its media relations. CLC has now a list of 40 Finnish journalists that are directly and regularly approached for background discussions and briefed on CLC’s current affairs issues.
Jouni Keronen, Kari Mokko and Antti Herlin had in November a joint meeting with Editor’s in Chiefs of YLE, Helsingin Sanomat, Kauppalehti, Talouselämä, Maaseudun Tulevaisuus, STT and MTV and discussed about the possibilities to organize climate change mitigation -related training for journalists. CLC’s management also encouraged representatives of Helsingin Sanomat, Maaseudun Tulevaisuus and MTV to attend CLC’s events as they are allowed to do so due to the membership of Sanoma Corp, Telia and MTK.
CLC emails an electronic newsletter about current affairs and activities to its members about once a month. All news about membership and current events is published regularly in Finnish and English on CLC’s own website and circulated widely through social media channels. As the number of members continued to grow, members’ own communication channels increased and diversified the opportunities to disseminate information about CLC’s work.
Under the guidance of Development Director Kari Mokko, a significant reform was also a revamped website www.clc.fi, which now has English and Finnish version and clearly improved and added functionalities.
CLC’s Twitter presence was upgraded in December and CLC has now 1300 followers. CLC’s LinkedIn account is to be added in January 2021.
In 2020 CLC published a total of 29 news releases on its website. The publications can be found from this link: https://clc.fi/news/
In 2020 CLC published in Finnish the following five press releases on STT Press Services:
- “Karl-Henrik Sundström and Jyrki Katainen to chair CLC’s board” (17.9.2020)
- “CLC proposes a tighter climate law for EU” (23.3.2020)
- “CLC wants a green recovery programme for the EU and member states” (14.4.2020)
- “CLC invites citizens and companies to celebrate Zero Emissions Day” (17.9.2020)
- “CLC’s members number grows strongly, Juha Turkki and Kari Mokko appointed as Development Directors” (6.2.2020)
AFTERWORD
The Board’s assessment of the year is that the Coalition reached and clearly exceeded its targets in 2020. Prioritised flagship projects exceeded the plan, the number of members grew by more than planned and the Coalition expanded both on a Nordic level and internationally. CLC’s Board is very pleased with how the Coalition has developed and grown during the abnormal pandemia conditions.
[1] From January to October
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