Tartu has a population of 100,000 over an area of 38.8 km2. It is the second largest city in Estonia, located 185 km south of Tallinn. Tartu is the centre of South Estonia and known as a green, innovative and environmentally friendly city.
The basis of development for Tartu city is sustainable development, meaning that measures planned must not reduce the quality of life for future generations. These principles are set by the Tartu Agenda 21 strategy, which was initiated by the City Government and approved by the City Council.
Tartu city also joins the International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives (ICLEI) – Local Governments for Sustainability and the Aalborg Commitments. Preparatory work to compile a Sustainable Energy Action Plan (SEAP) for Tartu has already started and this is planned to be submitted in 2014. The Covenant of Mayors is due to be signed in 2013.
Targets
· Average 15-20% reduction of energy consumption in buildings
· At least 50% of city busses using biogas by 2017
· Achieve a 50% environmentally friendly public transport fleet
· 20-25% of all journeys made by bicycle
Examples of local initiatives
· Tartu has developed areas concerning waste sorting and recycling, street lighting, and energy efficiency in buildings and public transport
· International emissions trading system (Kyoto Protocol) integrated in 2010
· Reduction of energy losses in production, distribution networks and end-users, thanks to Tartu Agenda 21
· New technological solutions applied for the storage and re-use of heat energy released from wastewater treatment plants in winter thanks to Vision Tartu 2030 , for instance, a biogas plant near the water company is currently under construction
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