Helen updates its climate targets and shifts to pursuing net zero emissions
Helen has updated its climate targets and now aims to achieve net zero emissions by 2040. The updated targets are based on science-based climate targets approved by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) in spring 2026. At the same time, the company remains committed to its goal of phasing out combustion-based energy production by 2040.
The updated targets tighten Helen’s long-term emissions reduction ambition. The company is committed to reducing emissions from energy production by 97% by 2040 compared with 2019 levels. In addition, it aims to achieve a 77% reduction by 2030.
As part of the update, Helen is discontinuing its previous carbon neutrality target. The net zero target places greater emphasis on actual emissions reductions and limits the use of offsets to permanent carbon removal methods only. Helen will continue to focus its resources primarily on reducing emissions and developing a flexible energy system.
Helen has significantly reduced its emissions in recent years by phasing out coal and investing in heat pumps, electric boilers and bioenergy. In 2025, the company’s direct greenhouse gas emissions totalled 0.6 million tonnes of CO2-eq, representing a 56% decrease compared with the previous year. In the longer term, Helen is also exploring the potential of small nuclear reactors as a means of phasing out combustion-based energy production.
The updated targets are aligned with the City of Helsinki’s climate objectives. The city is also aiming to achieve net zero emissions by 2040.