How Helsinki supports congress sustainability goals
Helsinki is a renowned and compelling choice for global congresses, meetings, and events that want to make more sustainable actions. For international congress organisers, Helsinki’s ecosystem offers comprehensive expertise that’s helped the city gain top rankings for sustainable progress internationally.
Are you eager about hitting your congress sustainability goals? By organising your congress in Helsinki, you can benefit from top-ranking supply chains (GDS-Index 2026) that support environmental and social sustainability. Helsinki supports congress sustainability from different aspects: let’s explore event infrastructure, transport, and accommodation.
Infrastructure that makes everything work
All of Helsinki’s main congress venues hold environmental certifications: for example, Finlandia Hall, Helsinki Congress Paasitorni and Helsinki Expo and Convention Centre have the ISO 14001:2015 certificate.
In practice, venues such as Helsinki Expo and Convention Centre provide congresses with renewable energy, energy-efficient solutions, waste recycling, and accessible spaces.
Helsinki is well-equipped to cater to every occasion. The numerous venues, each with its unique charm and up-to-date facilities, provide organisers with technical assistance, turn-key services and predictable budgeting.
With venues ranging from the timeless House of Culture to the newest openings such as Dance House Helsinki, even the events with the most demanding needs fall neatly into place.
Low-emission transport is easy in Helsinki
Time is precious, and we in Helsinki really focus on minimising travel and maximising experiences: You’ll be surprised to see that key venues, hotels, and attractions are just a stone’s throw away from each other.
For example, within a 1-kilometre radius from the Central Railway Station, there are 50+ hotels, 550+ restaurants and cafés, and 60+ museums or attractions (Data Appeal, 2026) – and getting to all of these takes about 10 minutes on public transport or 15 minutes on foot.
Helsinki’s layout enables low-emission transfer by foot, city bike, or public transport. Combined with its international flight and ferry connections, Helsinki is a hub that almost can’t be avoided.
Eco-certified accommodation in Helsinki
Rest is paramount after a day of learning, brainstorming and networking. But you can also rest assured that your accommodator is thinking of the environment too: At Strawberry hotels, for example, resource efficiency, energy use, chemicals and waste management are managed according to the Nordic Swan ecolabel. And at the Ekokompassi-labelled Lapland Hotels Bulevardi, they use only 100% fossil-free electricity, grow their own herbs, and grow oyster mushrooms from coffee grounds instead of dumping it to food waste.
Helsinki promises an experience tailored to every preference and budget. From the architectural marvel of Scandic Grand Central to quirky concepts such as Hobo Hotel, Helsinki offers accommodations that blend history, design, and luxury.
Sustainability in Meetings – Helsinki Guidelines
The Sustainability in Meetings – Helsinki Guidelines is a practical tool for event organisers. They set out concrete steps to reduce the environmental impact of your event, from venue and catering choices to travel and waste.
Sustainability data for congresses and events
Green Destinations GSTC certificate
Helsinki has earned the Green Destinations GSTC certificate (2025–2028).
Certified hotels
99% of hotel rooms in Helsinki – in hotels with 50 or more rooms – hold third-party environmental certifications such as Green Key or the Nordic Swan Ecolabel.
Certified venues
All major congress venues hold environmental certifications such as ISO 14001 or Nordic Swan.
Integrated into city strategy
Sustainability is central in the strategy and action plans of the city of Helsinki, treated as part of all actions and not separate from the “real strategy”.
Carbon-neutral electricity
96% of Finland’s electricity is generated from carbon-neutral sources (share of renewables 56% and nuclear 40%).
UN’s Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development
The City of Helsinki invests strongly in ecological, social, cultural and economic sustainability and we are committed to realising the goals of the UN’s Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development.
Supply chain commitment
Helsinki scores 99% in the supply chain assessment, which “addresses the sustainability commitment and performance of the local meetings’ industry supply chain, including airports, events agencies, hotels, venues, and restaurants.”
Contact Helsinki Convention Bureau
No matter your event type, Helsinki Convention Bureau can connect you to the right people at the right time. From bid books to venue selection, we’re here to help you make confident, informed decisions every step of the way, ready to support your success in the Nordics’ top destination.