Skaftskärr, the energy-efficient neighbourhood in Porvoo

Skaftkärr is a newbuild area in Porvoo, on the south coast of Finland. During the development of the area, several expert organisations and national actors were involved in elaborating a model for energy-efficient town planning. After the development/experimental part of the project was over, the model for energy-efficient town planning was integrated into local town planning; energy efficiency has been made part of the overall city strategy and its business development strategy. Several permanent structures were also retained after the experiment: for example, a permanent working group for different branches of the local administration and stakeholders like the energy, water and waste companies, a system of requirements and incentives for developers purchasing municipal land (including a discount for developers committing to stringent energy targets), smart metering, and a scheme for issuing permits to single-family home self-builders, where builders are offered intensive training in energy efficiency (anticipatory energy efficiency advice).