Carbon footprint calculated for the first time

The association's executive director participated in four climate workshops for tourism companies during the spring, forming a comprehensive programme that progresses from the basics of carbon footprint calculation to concrete emission reduction measures and climate-smarter business practices. The workshops were implemented as part of the EU-funded CliNeDest project and are part of a pilot developing and testing climate tools for businesses. The workshops were facilitated and expert support provided by Taigawise Oy. The carbon footprint was calculated on Sustainable Travel Finland's HIILIKURI platform.

The carbon footprint of the entire association was calculated carefully, but it always involves uncertainties, and some figures have been obtained based on best estimates. Water and electricity consumption are available as precise figures, but for example the amount of mixed waste and cardboard still needs to be estimated based on the emptying frequency and volume of collection containers. Their footprint has likely been calculated on the high side, as has, for example, the footprint of goods purchases, which has been calculated based on emissions estimated by the calculator per kilogram, without accounting for, for example, circular economy practices. The carbon footprint was estimated at 62,189 t CO2e. The most significant emissions arise from premises and properties as well as procurement. By far the largest single source of emissions is district heating, whose energy sources the association cannot influence. The greatest emission reductions can be achieved by paying particular attention to food procurement.

The sustainability plan with its indicators has just been updated with the 2025 results.

The sustainable tourism responsibility targets at the camp centre were largely achieved. The share of vegetarian and vegan food in meals prepared for groups continued to grow: already 63% was vegetarian food, of which 41% was vegan. The proportion of red meat among proteins remained at 6%. Water consumption decreased slightly by reducing shower water pressure and due to fewer overnight stays compared to the previous year, but electricity consumption increased slightly. The average length of stay extended to exactly 2 overnight stays.

Customer satisfaction indicators showed positive development. The NPS (Net Promoter Score) was 79 and the eNPS measuring staff satisfaction was 69. The staff satisfaction survey yielded an overall score of 4.6 / 5, compared to 4.3 / 5 in the previous season. The number of camp schools and overnight stays grew, and the number of guidance events and participants in nature and environmental schools increased significantly.

The majority of the camp centre's significant purchases focused on the circular economy; bed linen was purchased made from 100% recycled materials and new sofa furniture was sourced second-hand.

The sustainability plan will be developed so that it is more strongly linked in the future to the association's organisational activities as well (projects, training and guidelines, membership requirements, communications, etc.). A few new indicators will also be introduced. The strategy will be updated with sustainability as a more clearly cross-cutting theme. In addition, an equality plan will be drawn up.

Explore the updated sustainability plan with its indicators HERE.

"Sustainability is the cornerstone of everything we do and the choices we make, and we want to be pioneers in both implementing it and communicating about our sustainability. Everything that is done should be done sustainably – there would be no sense in anything else."

‍– Petra Miessmer-
Executive Director

‍