Helsinki has produced environmental programmes for specific areas of operations and invested in building sustainability through both consumer guidance and corporate collaborations. The EcoCompass run by the Helsinki Climateinfo desk is a management tool for small and medium enterprises that companies can use to reduce their carbon footprint. EcoCompass Event is a lighter environmental management system for events.

Helsinki offers many opportunities for travelers who appreciate the environment and environmental protection. Most of the hotels in Helsinki have been granted an eco certificate: more than 75% of the hotel rooms in Helsinki are certified as environmentally friendly. Even the hotels that don’t have an official eco certificate, do have an environmental plan regarding food, water, cleaning, laundry, waste management and energy consumption. Some hotels also offer carbon footprint calculators which measure the climate impacts of hotel stays and tell you what you can do to reduce it.

Scandic has been working actively on sustainability initiatives aimed at minimizing the environmental footprint for years. In 1993, Scandic decided to become a leader in sustainability and drive the development of sustainability in the hotel sector - all the Scandic Hotels in Helsinki have the Swan Ecolabel. Sokos Hotels, a local hotel operator, and Nordic Choice Hotels also rank high in the Sustainable Brand Index, conducted annually in the Nordic countries: hotels operated by Sokos have a Green Key label and Clarion hotels are ISO 14001 certified. All 10 hotels in the Kämp Collection hotel group also have the Green Key certification - showing that 5-star hotels can combine luxury with sustainability.

All major conference venues in Helsinki have an environmental certificate and a strong commitment to a sustainable society. Finlandia Hall follows the ISO 14001 environmental management system in all its operations. There are 180 solar panels on the roof of the venue: the electricity provided by the system is estimated to cover on the sunniest summer days a maximum of 20-25 percent of Finlandia Hall’s total monthly energy consumption. The venue also meets the criteria of the WWF’s Green Office environmental initiative. Messukeskus Helsinki, Expo & Convention Center has also been granted the ISO 14001 environmental management certification. They work hard to minimise the negative environmental impacts of operations: key environmental goals are cutting energy consumption, reducing the amount of waste and recycling 100% of the waste generated within the premises. The venue also supports people with disabilities to help them participate events as easily as possible. Paasitorni’s ISO 14001 environmental certificate is a strong sign of the responsible approach to environmental issues in a historic, architecturally unique and culturally significant building. They also pay attention to guests with reduced mobility.

Tips for sustainable meetings in Helsinki

It is important think about sustainability already at the early stages of planning - and make the delegates contribute to a sustainable meeting. In Helsinki, the organisers are encouraged to favour conference venues that have implemented an environmental programme, and that are easy to reach by public transport - and to choose hotels certified with recognized environmental management system. It is also important to spread the word by informing participants and guest speakers about the environmental measures that have been taken for the meeting.

The quality of tap water in Helsinki is excellent and has even been found to be superior to bottled water in many cases. Event organisers are therefore encouraged to serve tap water to participants instead of bottled water. Organic, vegetarian and seasonal food and fair trade products should be favoured and food waste should be minimized.

It is important to reduce waste & recycle, minimize the use of environmentally harmful materials, and have a plan for leftover material. The use of recycled materials wherever possible, is recommended. Why not also consider ways to give back to the community while having a meeting in Helsinki?

Looking for ways to give back to the community while having a congress in Helsinki?

Are you looking for co-operation with a local charity organization or a NGO but don't know where to start? Let us help you. We collaborate with many organizations in Helsinki and can help you find the most appropriate ways to include a strong legacy component in your conference programme.

There are many activities available to enhance the congress experience for you and the participants. For example running events are a great way to raise money for charity or a good cause. Engaging students is a good way to encourage the future generation of thought leaders and future members of your association.

Congress delegates also have the chance to contribute to the urban environment by engaging in volunteer work to help clean up garbage along the shores of Helsinki or remove invasive plant species. Helsinki Convention Bureau can assist in making sustainable choices during the congress and already during the planning phase.

Make sure to share your initiatives and tell the world about your legacy goals and impact on the local community.

Remember also other outreach activities:

• Press releases to raise awareness of the subject of your congress
• Open days & open lectures at the congress venue
• Connecting with local talents and entrepreneurs
• Educational outreach activities e.g. for schools, universities or the general public

GDS Index and ICCA Scandinavian chapter

The Scandinavian chapter of ICCA has signed an accord creating the world’s first sustainable meetings region. The accord outlines 10 specific actions that all signatories commit to in order to advance sustainable development within the meetings and events industry. Helsinki was among the first cities to sign the accord in 2012.

Helsinki is a forerunner also in the meetings industry in terms of sustainable development. The Global Destination Sustainability Index measures the environmental deeds of cities and the performance of their local convention bureaus, in our case Helsinki Marketing, as well as the commitment of service providers to sustainability. According to the latest global GDS Index rankings Helsinki is ranked in 5th position (2018).

A city of open democracy

Helsinki is also a city that strongly encourages transparency and open democracy. An open interface provides free access to the information concerning the city’s decision-making, procurements and invoices.

Sustainability and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in Helsinki