Smart Energy and Innovative Environmental Technologies
Adapting to climate change is essential for Riga’s development—reducing carbon emissions, improving urban air quality and energy efficiency, and enabling the deployment of environmentally friendly solutions. A clean environment, green spaces, and energy-efficient infrastructure contribute to healthier living conditions for all residents.
Riga is actively developing solutions to make the city greener, more energy-efficient, and better prepared for the impacts of climate change. Public lighting systems are already being modernised, energy-efficient infrastructure is expanding, and digital tools are being introduced to support climate data analysis. To reduce flood risks, the city is implementing innovative rainwater management and filtration systems.
Waste management processes are becoming smarter, with real-time data on sorting and recycling supporting the shift toward a circular economy. At the same time, digital tools are being developed to predict and manage environmental risks—enabling timely adaptation to environmental changes and ensuring a safe and sustainable urban environment for residents.
Looking ahead, Riga will enhance climate data forecasting and deploy digital solutions for environmental risk management. IoT sensors will provide real-time environmental monitoring, while urban infrastructure will become more efficient and climate-resilient. Energy consumption monitoring and control will be further improved to minimise losses and ensure more efficient resource use.
The city also plans to expand green areas and implement smart solutions to improve air quality, helping to mitigate the impacts of climate change.
Riga remains committed to implementing measures that will enable the city to reach climate neutrality by 2030.
Focus areas
Urban environmental quality monitoring (air, water, noise, light)
Energy efficiency and sustainable resource management
Waste management and the circular economy
Environmental sustainability and urban development Projects
Riga is gradually upgrading its street lighting system by replacing outdated sodium lamps with energy-efficient LED lights equipped with smart controllers. These solutions allow the brightness to be adjusted based on actual needs, helping to reduce electricity consumption and environmental impact. The Significance of the Project for Riga Many streetlights in Riga are outdated and […]
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An expanded air quality monitoring network operates in Riga, providing a broader and more detailed dataset on urban air pollution levels. Before the project, air quality monitoring was limited to only a few stations, which did not offer a complete picture of pollution distribution and variations across different areas. By expanding the system with additional sensors, […]
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Climate change has significant impacts on the environment, public health, well-being, and overall quality of life. In Europe, including the Boreal region, which encompasses Scandinavia and the Baltic states, rising temperatures and precipitation levels, increased rainfall and river flows, shrinking snow and ice cover, and the spread of pests are already being observed. The AURORA […]
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EnergyGuard is developing and enhancing a network of artificial intelligence (AI) testing and experimentation facilities to evaluate AI solutions in the energy sector – including electricity grids, energy supply, renewable energy sources, energy communities, and energy efficiency. By testing and assessing these solutions, the project promotes the development of effective, sustainable, and reliable products and […]
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The ENABLE DHC project promotes the modernization and expansion of Riga’s district heating and cooling system by analyzing decarbonization scenarios. In cooperation with JSC “Rīgas Siltums,” the project seeks new solutions to develop low-temperature heating systems and ensure more efficient resource use. The Significance of the Project for Riga Like other major European cities, Riga […]
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The Riga Energy Agency, in cooperation with SIA “Rīgas Ūdens,” is participating in the international EMPEREST project to enhance water quality and reduce PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) pollution. The project aims to develop solutions for PFAS monitoring and elimination, including testing new technologies at the Daugavgrīva wastewater treatment plant. The Significance of the Project […]
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SUPERSHINE is an ambitious project aimed at addressing the challenges of an ageing residential building stock in Riga. Many buildings are in poor technical condition, have low energy efficiency, and suffer from high heat losses, which lead to costly heating bills and increased burden on residents. The project introduces a new approach focusing on energy-efficient […]
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The CURE+ project supports Riga in improving household construction waste management and promoting the implementation of circular economy principles. The sustainable solutions developed within the project aim to reduce waste, encourage material reuse, and strengthen the local economy. The Significance of the Project for Riga Construction waste is one of the largest waste streams in […]
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The project applies the Doughnut Economics approach to address both environmental and social challenges simultaneously. To reduce carbon emissions and build a sustainable, people-friendly city, an integrated and intelligent approach is needed—one that combines sustainability, innovation, and public engagement. This framework allows the city to analyse decarbonisation measures within a broader context, considering both environmental […]
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CommitClimate is an international project that helps municipalities reduce carbon emissions and develop sustainable energy solutions. The digital planning and analysis tool developed within the project allows local governments to forecast energy consumption trends, assess emission reduction potential, and design effective strategies to achieve climate neutrality. The Significance of the Project for Riga Riga faces […]
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