Sustainability

Responsibility is important for Espoo tourism companies and the entire city. An innovative sustainable actor, Espoo welcomes responsible, environmentally-aware visitors.

 

Espoo tourism companies are sustainability leaders

Espoo tourism companies and organisations have long been leaders in eco-tourism, with eco-credentials including:

• 2004: Scandic Espoo was Finland’s second hotel ever to receive the Nordic Swan Eco Label.
• 2004: Dipoli Congress Centre was Finland’s first conference venue to receive WWF Green Office certification.
• 2013: April Jazz festival was one of Finland’s first events to receive an EcoCompass certificate.
• 2013: Haltia – the Finnish Nature Centre opened with its state-of-the-art heating and cooling system.
• 2015: Sello Shopping Centre was Europe’s first shopping centre to receive LEED EB PLATINUM green building certification.
• 2018: Global Destination Sustainability Index international benchmarking ranked Espoo the world’s ninth most sustainable conference and congress city.

Espoo is Europe’s most sustainable city

An international benchmark study carried out in spring 2016 & 2017 of more than 140 cities, ranks Espoo as the most sustainable city in Europe based on economic, socio-cultural and ecological factors. Espoo aims for a sustainable future. 

Espoo was also the first city in Finland to join Society’s Commitment to Sustainable Development, which aims at ensuring nature’s carrying capacity to safeguard a prosperous globally responsible Finland.

Espoo is a Fairtrade City

In 2009, Espoo was among the first cities in Finland to be awarded the status of Fairtrade City. Visitors can enjoy Fairtrade gastronomic delights in Espoo restaurants and cafés committed to Fairtrade.

Tips for responsible tourism and greener meetings in Espoo 

• Stay at eco-accredited hotels or holiday homes:
• Ecocompass: Hanaholmen
• Green Key: GLO Hotel Sello, Original Sokos Hotel Tapiola Garden, Radisson Blu Espoo, Hotel Korpilampi
• Laatutonni Green Start: Hawkhill Nature, Magic of Nuuksio
• Nordic Swan Eco Label: Scandic Espoo
• Eat and drink Fairtrade products in Espoo Fairtrade restaurants and cafés.
• Borrow a bike from your hotel or use a city bike.
• Use public transport.
• Hold greener meetings to save the environment and money. Neat Event - Environmental Guide for Event Organisers
• Use programme service companies committed to Metsähallitus Parks and Wildlife Finland’s principles of sustainable tourism.
• Read more about sustainable tourism.