Responsible operating procedures

The Helsinki Events Foundation is continuously developing its practices to reduce environmental impacts and make its events more equitable and inclusive. We recognise that change can sometimes take time, which is why we regularly assess and improve the way we work.

We take environmental impacts and equality into account when planning and delivering our events. This includes monitoring the carbon footprint of our events, improving accessibility and following safer space principles.

We are committed to being a fair partner and employer, and we expect everyone we work with to act responsibly as well. Our teams, performers, subcontractors and partners are therefore required to follow our responsible practices, and these requirements are also incorporated into our agreements.

The Helsinki Events Foundation uses the EcoCompass environmental management system and has been awarded EcoCompass certification. This means that our events have their own environmental programmes with defined targets and measures, and that their implementation is assessed by an external expert.

As part of the City of Helsinki Group, we are also committed to contributing to the City of Helsinki’s ambitious emissions reduction targets.

We began calculating the carbon footprint of our events in 2023, when the City of Helsinki completed its own carbon footprint calculator. Since its launch, we have also contributed to developing the calculator further, and we use it to monitor changes in our carbon footprint from year to year.

In our event production, we pay particular attention to energy use, waste, procurement, transport and logistics, as well as food, beverage and accommodation services.

Achieving our environmental and climate targets – and reporting on our progress – requires everyone involved in event production to play their part. When requested, all our partners, vendors and performers are required to provide the information needed to calculate an event’s carbon footprint after the event. This reporting requirement currently applies to Lux Helsinki, Helsinki Festival’s Huvila, the Baltic Herring Market and the Christmas Market.

What we do:
– Our event venues can be reached by public transport. More information about getting to each event is available on The Helsinki Events Foundation’s website: eventshelsinki.fi.
– We use only EKOenergy-certified wind power or other 100% renewable grid electricity at our events.
– We monitor the amount of waste generated at our events and ensure that it is collected and sorted appropriately.
– We keep our own purchases to a minimum and reuse everything we can. We also aim to create opportunities for subcontractors and other operators to share equipment and machinery.
– We provide only vegetarian or fish-based meals for our own staff and event staff.
– We do our best to choose accessible venues for our events. However, some established venues, such as Helsinki Market Square, are not fully accessible. More information about accessibility is available on each The Helsinki Events Foundation’s website: eventshelsinki.fi.

What we expect from our partners:
– After an event, partners must provide the information required for carbon footprint calculations when requested. Instructions on the information required will be provided in advance.
– Events should be delivered using equipment and methods that are as energy-efficient as possible.
– The use of generators should be avoided. If a generator is necessary, it must use renewable diesel.
– Everyone working at event sites, including during set-up and dismantling, must sort their waste into the appropriate waste containers.
– Logistics must be planned to minimise transport and avoid unnecessary or overlapping journeys. Vehicle capacity should be used as efficiently as possible, and vehicles should be appropriately sized for the load. Where possible, lower-emission alternatives such as electric vehicles or vehicles running on biodiesel should be used.

We are committed to creating events that are safe for everyone and to following practices that promote equality, diversity and inclusion across the events sector. Our events should be safe places for everyone, whether they are there to work or enjoy their free time.

We have established a set of guidelines for the events we produce, and we expect our partners to commit to them as well. Read more.

We follow safer space principles at all our events and aim to ensure that our events are free from discrimination and harassment. We expect our staff, performers, partners, subcontractors and visitors to treat others with respect.

Our safer space principles:

– Respect everyone’s personal space and right to self-determination.
– Do not make assumptions about others based, for example, on their appearance. Do not demean, discriminate against or ridicule anyone through your words, behaviour or actions.
– Give everyone the opportunity to speak and take part in the conversation. Listen to others and be open to learning from different perspectives.
– If possible, intervene if you witness inappropriate behaviour. Give and receive feedback constructively.
– Apologise if you have intentionally or unintentionally offended or hurt someone.

If you experience or witness discrimination, harassment or other inappropriate behaviour, please report it immediately to the nearest security steward or contact the Helsinki Events Foundation:

Emails are read by CEO Sami Ylisaari, while reports submitted through the form are handled by Head of Administration Piia Lääveri.

We treat our partners fairly and expect our partners and subcontractors, as well as our artists and performers, to commit to the values that guide our work.

Our partners are required to fulfil all statutory obligations relating to their employees.