Towards Carbon Neutral Second Home Living

There is a need for energy efficiency measures and the pursuit of carbon neutrality in second home living in South Savo, as the region – one of the most popular second home areas in Finland – has approximately the same number of second homes as permanent residences, around 45 000. The most common forms of heating in second homes are wood and electric heating, and slightly under 25 % of second-homers utilize renewable energy sources. The average carbon footprint of a Finnish second home is 2313 kg CO2e (Finnish Environment Institute 2023). The majority of energy consumption in second homes comes from heating. Year-round use is increasing, as is the size and level of amenities in second homes, which in turn raises energy consumption. The carbon balance of second homes can be improved by increasing their occupancy rates and improving their condition.

The HINEE project will produce a report on carbon-neutral models and solutions for second home living and compile a carbon neutrality guide for second-homers. Energy efficiency and the use of renewable energy sources will be promoted through energy advice, knowledge-based guidance, and communication. Local businesses are coached on the changing service needs of second-homers and the business opportunities that lie in improving energy efficiency and increasing the use of renewable energy. The project also promotes the rental of private cottages as well as the adoption of sharing and circular economy practices in second home living.

As a result of the project, the energy efficiency of second homes in the region will improve and the use of renewable energy will increase. The outputs will include a report on operational models and solutions for achieving carbon neutrality in second home living, as well as a carbon neutrality guide for second-homers. Local businesses will increasingly take second-homers into account in their service offerings. Cottage occupancy and the rental of private cottages will increase. Sharing and circular economy solutions will be embedded into second home culture, and a pilot trial in a selected municipality will advance the implementation of equipment rental points. The region’s reputation as a promoter of sustainable second home living in Finland will be strengthened. Second-homers’ knowledge and understanding of the importance of energy-efficient and carbon-neutral second home living will grow.

For communication and knowledge-based guidance, existing Laiturilla.fi webpages and social media channels targeted at second-homers will be used.