Digital environmental measurement networks in the KIP area are being developed jointly

A comprehensive digital environmental monitoring network is being built in Kokkola Industrial Park (KIP) to support sustainable development and increase transparency. The development of the network is based on close cooperation between companies, authorities, and research organizations in the area.

On Friday, the AamukaffIT event once again brought together environmental actors in Kokkola to listen and discuss the digital environmental measurement networks being built in Kokkola Industrial Park. The broad-based cooperation network takes into account the views of all parties in the development of digital measurement networks.

The group of environmental experts, which began its work in 2022, meets 1–2 times a year. The participants represent a diverse range of Kokkola's large-scale industry and regional associations, as well as authorities from the City of Kokkola and the ELY Centre. The group promotes cooperation and raises awareness of digital environmental measurements.

“The AamukaffIT concept is good and effective. The strength of the network lies in the fact that it also includes actors from the authorities and not just from the KIP area,” says Virve Heikkinen, Environmental Manager at KIP Infra, who considers the activities important for the KIP area.

Digital environmental measurement network under development

Under the leadership of the University Center, several different environmental monitoring networks are currently being developed to produce real-time measurement data from multiple points. This will strengthen the monitoring of the extensive Kokkola industrial area from different parts of the region and provide an overall picture of various parameters. A dust measurement network, groundwater measurement network, and weather network are already in operation in the KIP area. In addition, snow depth and precipitation are measured at several points. In the future, a noise measurement network will also be built in the area.

"The sensor network in the KIP area has developed significantly during environmental projects, and the views of the operators have been taken into account in the development work," Heikkinen praises.

Measurements are taken continuously using small digital devices. The devices and data transmission consume very little energy, and many devices run on batteries alone. The measurement data is transmitted via a radio network (LoRaWAN) to the university center's database, where network operators can view the results through a graphical user interface. The LoRA base station network built in the KIP area enables secure data transfer within its own communications network.

AamukaffIT – encounters and discussion

AamukaffIT is an event organized by the Information Technology Unit of the Kokkola University Consortium Chydenius for companies and public actors. The meetings provide an opportunity to discuss current topics related to digitalization and exchange ideas over breakfast. The themes vary, but the goal is always the same: to increase knowledge and strengthen cooperation.