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As the concept for circular economy gains traction in the world and the EU pushes for the transition from a linear economy to a circular economy model, the role of waste-toenergy is crucial in a circular economy as it is the last chance to extract value out of material at the same time as providing an alternative energy source, henceforth bringing together a closed-loop system. A functioning circular economy will also have minimal waste generated which is sync with the idea of zero-waste. How all these aspects really work together is the focal point of this Master’s thesis where the aim is to see how the three factors of waste-to-energy, the circular economy and a zero-waste goal work together in accomplishing their respective objectives and to access their performance and potential in Finland using other Nordic countries as benchmarks. A qualitative research method of four semi-structured interviews with experts in Finland involved in various circular economy was supported by secondary sourced data on the other Nordic countries and if found that WtE has additional benefits to Nordics compared to other countries due to district heating utilization of excess steam that provides heat during the long winter months so henceforth offers higher energy efficiency. The state of the circular economy in Finland was harder to ascertain with the difficulty in showing concrete examples of a CE due to misunderstanding of the relatively new theoretical term and the many related terms. The overall conclusion for Finland was that a zero-waste goal was not the correct aim to have as this could still mean high incineration, instead Finland should look at the exemplarily example of Denmark which aims to be incineration free in the future. There would still be a role for WtE, only to a less extent, dealing with hazardous and residual waste. The role of recycling will grow in line with a true CE model which means that energy sourced from WtE will decline, As a result Finland should plan accordingly and invest less in WtE infrastructure and more in other alternative energy sources.

As the concept for circular economy gains traction in the world and the EU pushes for the transition from a linear economy to a circular economy model, the role of waste-toenergy is crucial in a circular economy as it is the last chance to extract value out of material at the same time as providing an alternative energy source, henceforth bringing together a closed-loop system. A functioning circular economy will also have minimal waste generated which is sync with the idea of zero-waste. How all these aspects really work together is the focal point of this Master’s thesis where the aim is to see how the three factors of waste-to-energy, the circular economy and a zero-waste goal work together in accomplishing their respective objectives and to access their performance and potential in Finland using other Nordic countries as benchmarks. A qualitative research method of four semi-structured interviews with experts in Finland involved in various circular economy was supported by secondary sourced data on the other Nordic countries and if found that WtE has additional benefits to Nordics compared to other countries due to district heating utilization of excess steam that provides heat during the long winter months so henceforth offers higher energy efficiency. The state of the circular economy in Finland was harder to ascertain with the difficulty in showing concrete examples of a CE due to misunderstanding of the relatively new theoretical term and the many related terms. The overall conclusion for Finland was that a zero-waste goal was not the correct aim to have as this could still mean high incineration, instead Finland should look at the exemplarily example of Denmark which aims to be incineration free in the future. There would still be a role for WtE, only to a less extent, dealing with hazardous and residual waste. The role of recycling will grow in line with a true CE model which means that energy sourced from WtE will decline, As a result Finland should plan accordingly and invest less in WtE infrastructure and more in other alternative energy sources.

The global forest carbon (C) stock is estimated at 662 Gt of which 45% is in soil organic matter. Thus, comprehensive understanding of the effects of forest management practices on forest soil C stock and greenhouse gas (GHG) fluxes is needed for the development of effective forest-based climate change mitigation strategies. To improve this understanding, we synthesized peer-reviewed literature on forest management practices that can mitigate climate change by increasing soil C stocks and reducing GHG emissions. We further identified soil processes that affect soil GHG balance and discussed how models represent forest management effects on soil in GHG inventories and scenario analyses to address forest climate change mitigation potential.Forest management effects depend strongly on the specific practice and land type. Intensive timber harvesting with removal of harvest residues/stumps results in a reduction in soil C stock, while high stocking density and enhanced productivity by fertilization or dominance of coniferous species increase soil C stock. Nitrogen fertilization increases the soil C stock and N2O emissions while decreasing the CH4 sink. Peatland hydrology management is a major driver of the GHG emissions of the peatland forests, with lower water level corresponding to higher CO2 emissions. Furthermore, the global warming potential of all GHG emissions (CO2, CH4 and N2O) together can be ten-fold higher after clear-cutting than in peatlands with standing trees.The climate change mitigation potential of forest soils, as estimated by modelling approaches, accounts for stand biomass driven effects and climate factors that affect the decomposition rate. A future challenge is to account for the effects of soil preparation and other management that affects soil processes by changing soil temperature, soil moisture, soil nutrient balance, microbial community structure , processes, hydrology and soil oxygen concentration in the models. We recommend that soil monitoring and modelling focus on linking processes of soil C stabilization with the functioning of soil microbiota. Peer reviewed

The global forest carbon (C) stock is estimated at 662 Gt of which 45% is in soil organic matter. Thus, comprehensive understanding of the effects of forest management practices on forest soil C stock and greenhouse gas (GHG) fluxes is needed for the development of effective forest-based climate change mitigation strategies. To improve this understanding, we synthesized peer-reviewed literature on forest management practices that can mitigate climate change by increasing soil C stocks and reducing GHG emissions. We further identified soil processes that affect soil GHG balance and discussed how models represent forest management effects on soil in GHG inventories and scenario analyses to address forest climate change mitigation potential.Forest management effects depend strongly on the specific practice and land type. Intensive timber harvesting with removal of harvest residues/stumps results in a reduction in soil C stock, while high stocking density and enhanced productivity by fertilization or dominance of coniferous species increase soil C stock. Nitrogen fertilization increases the soil C stock and N2O emissions while decreasing the CH4 sink. Peatland hydrology management is a major driver of the GHG emissions of the peatland forests, with lower water level corresponding to higher CO2 emissions. Furthermore, the global warming potential of all GHG emissions (CO2, CH4 and N2O) together can be ten-fold higher after clear-cutting than in peatlands with standing trees.The climate change mitigation potential of forest soils, as estimated by modelling approaches, accounts for stand biomass driven effects and climate factors that affect the decomposition rate. A future challenge is to account for the effects of soil preparation and other management that affects soil processes by changing soil temperature, soil moisture, soil nutrient balance, microbial community structure , processes, hydrology and soil oxygen concentration in the models. We recommend that soil monitoring and modelling focus on linking processes of soil C stabilization with the functioning of soil microbiota. Peer reviewed

This reports outlines D8.6 High Impact Communication of the GreenCharge project and covers the main results of the communication activities that were executed during the project. At the beginning of the project, these activities were defined in the D8.1. Communication Strategy and plan. This plan defined quantitative and qualitative targets to assess and measure communication impact. This deliverable explains the results of the targets. This deliverable reports on the impact of GreenCharge’s main communication activities. Focus is on high impact communication and covers website, social media, newsletters and publications, conferences, workshops, lectures to students and animation. As such it gives not only a valuable overview of how GreenCharge results have been communicated, but also presents their impact on interested stakeholders. Evaluation of Communication activities is also reported. The deliverable describes the results of the GreenCharge project, which was shared with the public and the stakeholder groups the consortium. All communication actions were realised with the purpose to achieve these following goals: • Establishing the GreenCharge “Brand” within the EU: It concerns not a brand in the sense of a consumer product, but rather a widely-known “household name” associated with a widely-supported positive goal. The GreenCharge brand could act as a reference for smart charging and Energy Smart Neighbourhoods (ESNs) in the European Union. • Synchronisation with EC Communication Activities: To co-operate actively in events and initiatives organised by the European Commission for promotion of H2020 activities. The goal is to become a highly visible showcase project for H2020. • High public visibility: While GreenCharge addresses specialist and technical audiences, there will also be a major emphasis on addressing policy makers and cities. • Political inspiration by leading examples: GreenCharge aims to provide an easy to reference political example supported by implementing objectives of the EU Transport White Paper and the Urban Mobility Package (SUMP). • Increased reputation of EU funded projects: The aim of the communication strategy is to reach out to society as a whole, while demonstrating how EU funding is used to tackle societal challenges while generating business for (local) entrepreneurs. GreenCharge establishes these goals by publications and seeking media attention. GreenCharge uses several communication channels for reaching out different stakeholder groups, including citizens. This deliverable is of interest to all communication colleagues on the GreenCharge project and to its sister H2020 projects, to demonstrator city and uptake city representatives and to EU and EU agency staff and the wider H2020 EV Charging community. The deliverable helps them to identify impact of the communication activities on interested stakeholders and provide a basis for developing communication activities on other similar projects, but also in other GreenCharge project activities such as the demos and their further exploitation.

This reports outlines D8.6 High Impact Communication of the GreenCharge project and covers the main results of the communication activities that were executed during the project. At the beginning of the project, these activities were defined in the D8.1. Communication Strategy and plan. This plan defined quantitative and qualitative targets to assess and measure communication impact. This deliverable explains the results of the targets. This deliverable reports on the impact of GreenCharge’s main communication activities. Focus is on high impact communication and covers website, social media, newsletters and publications, conferences, workshops, lectures to students and animation. As such it gives not only a valuable overview of how GreenCharge results have been communicated, but also presents their impact on interested stakeholders. Evaluation of Communication activities is also reported. The deliverable describes the results of the GreenCharge project, which was shared with the public and the stakeholder groups the consortium. All communication actions were realised with the purpose to achieve these following goals: • Establishing the GreenCharge “Brand” within the EU: It concerns not a brand in the sense of a consumer product, but rather a widely-known “household name” associated with a widely-supported positive goal. The GreenCharge brand could act as a reference for smart charging and Energy Smart Neighbourhoods (ESNs) in the European Union. • Synchronisation with EC Communication Activities: To co-operate actively in events and initiatives organised by the European Commission for promotion of H2020 activities. The goal is to become a highly visible showcase project for H2020. • High public visibility: While GreenCharge addresses specialist and technical audiences, there will also be a major emphasis on addressing policy makers and cities. • Political inspiration by leading examples: GreenCharge aims to provide an easy to reference political example supported by implementing objectives of the EU Transport White Paper and the Urban Mobility Package (SUMP). • Increased reputation of EU funded projects: The aim of the communication strategy is to reach out to society as a whole, while demonstrating how EU funding is used to tackle societal challenges while generating business for (local) entrepreneurs. GreenCharge establishes these goals by publications and seeking media attention. GreenCharge uses several communication channels for reaching out different stakeholder groups, including citizens. This deliverable is of interest to all communication colleagues on the GreenCharge project and to its sister H2020 projects, to demonstrator city and uptake city representatives and to EU and EU agency staff and the wider H2020 EV Charging community. The deliverable helps them to identify impact of the communication activities on interested stakeholders and provide a basis for developing communication activities on other similar projects, but also in other GreenCharge project activities such as the demos and their further exploitation.

Abstract The state of, and changes to, altitudinal and polar treeline ecosystems and their services in selected mountain regions in Europe were analyzed using the drivers-pressures-state-impacts-responses (DPSIR) framework. The analysis was based on 45 responses of experts from 19 countries to 2 semi-structured questionnaires on treeline ecosystem services (ESs), stakeholders and the DPSIR factors, and 11 case study descriptions of best management practices. The experts recognized climate and land-use changes as the main drivers, resulting in various pressures that contrasted among the regions. The impacts of the pressures were mainly considered as negative (e.g. loss of biodiversity, root rot diseases, moth and bark beetle outbreaks, wild fires, decrease of (sub)alpine grasslands, browsing), but also as positive (e.g. increase in forested area). The influence of climate warming, altered precipitation regimes, a longer growing season, annual variation in winter climate and increased ground-level ozone concentrations were considered less critical for recent treeline dynamics than land abandonment, increased tourism and livestock pressure. Current policy responses to emerging pressures and stakeholder demands were considered insufficient and incoherent. Mitigation, adaptation and restoration actions were rare and with no evident long-term impact. We conclude that (1) locally-specific human−environment interactions have greater influence on treeline dynamics than global warming; (2) ecological and social sustainability of the treeline areas can be enhanced by simultaneously promoting traditional land use and regulating tourism development; (3) ES users should look for new opportunities arising from environmental change rather than trying to sustain current levels of ESs indefinitely; and (4) to safeguard the unique ecological and social values of treeline areas, more coherent and proactive policies are needed.

Abstract The state of, and changes to, altitudinal and polar treeline ecosystems and their services in selected mountain regions in Europe were analyzed using the drivers-pressures-state-impacts-responses (DPSIR) framework. The analysis was based on 45 responses of experts from 19 countries to 2 semi-structured questionnaires on treeline ecosystem services (ESs), stakeholders and the DPSIR factors, and 11 case study descriptions of best management practices. The experts recognized climate and land-use changes as the main drivers, resulting in various pressures that contrasted among the regions. The impacts of the pressures were mainly considered as negative (e.g. loss of biodiversity, root rot diseases, moth and bark beetle outbreaks, wild fires, decrease of (sub)alpine grasslands, browsing), but also as positive (e.g. increase in forested area). The influence of climate warming, altered precipitation regimes, a longer growing season, annual variation in winter climate and increased ground-level ozone concentrations were considered less critical for recent treeline dynamics than land abandonment, increased tourism and livestock pressure. Current policy responses to emerging pressures and stakeholder demands were considered insufficient and incoherent. Mitigation, adaptation and restoration actions were rare and with no evident long-term impact. We conclude that (1) locally-specific human−environment interactions have greater influence on treeline dynamics than global warming; (2) ecological and social sustainability of the treeline areas can be enhanced by simultaneously promoting traditional land use and regulating tourism development; (3) ES users should look for new opportunities arising from environmental change rather than trying to sustain current levels of ESs indefinitely; and (4) to safeguard the unique ecological and social values of treeline areas, more coherent and proactive policies are needed.

This study is a follow-up on the the implementation of a business model, which was created in a co-creation process between two universities and an established SME specialized in monitoring municipal and industrial water distribution systems.. A shared collaboration sustainability innovation project between two universities and SME company on research, development and innovation context results was analyzed. A product was innovated for water systems monitoring service's needs and generated from two universities and SMEs shared RDI pilot. Authors elaborate findings for commercialization possibilities success factors and challenges for the co-creation concept. Evaluation criteria used are implementation feasibility and environmental & economical value. InTo tool is utilized for after commercialization phase to evaluate business model in this case study. Literature review focuses on collaboration enhanced sustainability innovations, which is used as comparison frame. Authors suggest efficient actions for collaborative innovation and hurdles to stay away for smooth environmental area innovation commercialization.