Environmental responsibility

• An environmental plan or system is drawn up for the event to manage key environmental impacts and a contact person appointed who is responsible for environmental issues.  Good tips for taking environmental issues into account can be found in NEAT EVENT! Environmental guide for event organisers (in Finnish).
• The event carbon footprint calculator is already employed in the planning phase of the event so that the climate impacts of the event can be reduced. Link to the event footprint calculato(Link leads to external service)r.
• With the EcoCompass certificate, you can get a 30% discount on the area rent for event venues rented by the City of Helsinki’s Urban Environment Division.  Link to EcoCompass(Link leads to external service)
• The event organiser commits partners and subcontractors to act responsibly, for example by taking this into account already in the competitive tendering phase.

• An easy to reach, accessible place is selected as the event venue which is as suitable as possible from the point of view of the necessary infrastructure, noise, waste management and wear and tear of nature.
• Renewable energy or renewable fuels are used in vehicles, machines and equipment, for example, during the construction and dismantling of the event as well as during the event. 
• Visitors are encouraged to arrive on foot, by bike or by public transport.  This is also taken into account when planning the event with regard to public transport schedules and supervised bike parks, for example.
• The event organiser takes care of the cleanliness of the venue, taking into account that the effects of the event probably will extend beyond the official venue.
• Residents and businesses in the event area will be informed in advance about the event and noise schedules.

• Sustainably and ethically produced products and services are preferred in the event procurement. 
• If the event has its own electricity contract, 100% renewable solar or wind electricity or EKOenergia labelled electricity will be used. 
• The event uses reusable, multiannual and recycled materials (e.g. exhibition carpets, banners, workwear). Equipment is also rented. 
• The event avoids handing out extra goods or ancillary products, such as brochures, promotional shirts or baseball caps.

• The event serves a wide range of vegan and vegetarian food options, as well as responsibly produced local food. 
• The caterers of the event primarily prefer reusable dishes and cutlery. If the use of single-use dishes is necessary, biodegradable alternatives are preferred (EN13432 standard). 
• The event has a return system for bottles, cans and pints.
• Food waste is reduced with good planning. 
• Leftover portions can, for example, be sold at a reduced price at the end of the event day. You should also find out the possibilities of donating leftover food to food aid.
• There is an opportunity to fill your own water bottle at the event. 

• The event organiser finds out about their noise notification obligation in good time (recommendation at least 60 days before the event) and submits a possible noise notification to the city’s environmental protection authority no later than 30 days before the event. 
• The generation of waste is minimised. For outdoor events with more than 500 people, a waste management plan is also submitted to the city’s environmental services no later than 30 days before the event. Read more detailed instructions from the city’s website.
• Sorting is made easy for visitors with clear signs and the placement of litter bins.  Good practical tips for implementing sustainable waste management can be found in the Roskat Riviin! guide (in Finnish).

Carbon footprint calculator for events

Order a carbon footprint calculator and manual(Link leads to external service)

The City of Helsinki has created a carbon footprint calculator for events, which is suitable for gatherings of different sizes and types from outdoor events to congresses, hybrid and virtual events.

You don't need special expertise in carbon footprint calculation to use the calculator. The purpose of the calculator is to help event organisers identify the main sources of emissions from events. Identifying the main sources of emissions makes it easier to plan more climate-friendly events.

The carbon footprint of an event describes its impact on global warming. The global warming effect is measured by greenhouse gas emissions, the most important of which are carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O).

The calculation of the carbon footprint consists of six sub-areas identified as the most significant emission factors of events These sub-areas are:

• traffic and transport
• energy consumption
• food
• waste
• procurements

• accommodation

  The calculator has been devised by Sitowise Oy and is based on the principles of life cycle assessment and the commonly used Greenhouse Gas Protocol guidelines.

  The City of Helsinki will ask organisations that have subscribed to the carbon footprint calculator for events about their experiences. Based on feedback from users, the calculator will be further developed. By filling in the form that opens from the link, you will receive the calculator (Excel file) and a manual on how to use it (PDF file) by email.

You can read our privacy policy here (pdf in Finnish)