HSL invests 1.7 million euros to reduce emissions from buses

HSL’s environmental bonus scheme helps to cut carbon emissions from bus services procured by HSL and reduce nitrogen oxides and fine particulate levels in the Helsinki region.

In 2019, HSL will pay 1.7 million euros in environmental bonuses to bus operators who cut their particulate and carbon emissions. HSL awards bonuses for using biodiesel, bioethanol and biogas as well as for exhaust gas after-treatment.

HSL has conducted bidding rounds for environmental bonuses since 2012. In this bidding round, four bus operators submitted a total of 65 bids. The bids were ranked by cost-effectiveness.

Use of biodiesel, bioethanol, biogas and exhaust gas after-treatment will help to reduce carbon emission from buses by 18.6 tons, nitrogen oxides by 20.2 tons and fine particles by 530 kilos a year.

HSL’s goal is to reduce nitrogen oxide, fine particle and carbon emissions affecting air quality by more than 90 percent from 2010 levels by 2025.

“Our goal s to improve air quality in the Helsinki region and to reduce greenhouse gases as quickly as possible. Environmental bonuses allow us to compensate the operators for costs incurred by measures to reduce emissions," says Tero Anttila, HSL’s Director of Public Transport Department.