• Our goal is to reduce energy consumption in our operations and increase the share of renewable energy.
• Villa Elba is committed to increasing environmental awareness among our staff and guests, improving energy and water efficiency, and reducing the environmental impact of our accommodation services.
• We encourage our guests to save energy by keeping external doors and windows closed when appropriate and switching off lights when leaving their accommodation.
• We encourage our guests to use water responsibly and avoid unnecessary water consumption.
• During longer camps and stays, towels are changed only when necessary or upon request.
• We participate in the Motiva Energy Efficiency Agreement to improve our energy efficiency and continue to explore opportunities to increase the use of renewable energy.
• We measure our carbon footprint and are committed to taking action to mitigate climate change.
• We cooperate with other Finnish youth centres to develop carbon footprint calculation practices suitable for youth centre operations. Our environmental actions are incorporated into our annual Green Key objectives and Villa Elba’s annual planning.

WASTE MANAGEMENT AND RECYCLING

• We aim to minimise the amount of waste we generate and increase the proportion of waste that is recycled.
• We ensure that waste is properly sorted in accordance with Finnish legislation and local waste management regulations.
• We provide our guests with guidance on correct waste sorting and recycling.
• We develop and implement initiatives and training that promote waste sorting among our staff, volunteers and guests.

RESPONSIBLE AND ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY PROCUREMENT

• We favour certified, environmentally friendly and sustainable products and services whenever possible.
• We aim to purchase second-hand furniture or refurbish existing furniture whenever possible.
• As part of the City of Kokkola Group, we follow the City of Kokkola’s procurement guidelines and comply with Finnish procurement legislation.
• In smaller purchases, our decisions are based not only on price but, whenever possible, also on factors such as local sourcing and recognised sustainability certifications.
• We cooperate with local businesses and provide opportunities for local craftspeople and artists to sell their products at Villa Elba.

RESPONSIBLE FOOD PRACTICES AND REDUCING FOOD WASTE

• We favour local, organic and responsibly produced food whenever possible.
• We offer a vegetarian option at lunch every day.
• We work to minimise food waste and continuously develop more sustainable food preparation practices. We encourage our guests to take only as much food as they are able to eat and remind them that they are always welcome to take more.
• Food is prepared according to bookings and expected guest numbers to avoid unnecessary waste.
• Our kitchen monitors and records food waste and uses the results to identify opportunities for reducing waste.
• Surplus food is made available to consumers at an affordable price through the ResQ food rescue service whenever possible.

CLIMATE-FRIENDLY TRANSPORT

• We encourage sustainable ways of travelling, such as cycling and walking. Villa Elba is a cyclist-friendly destination and a member of the Bikeland network. Cyclists can access basic bicycle maintenance facilities, and we are happy to provide information about local cycling routes and services. We also provide charging and storage facilities for electric bicycles.
• We provide our staff and guests with information about public transport and encourage them to choose sustainable ways of travelling whenever possible.
• Electric vehicle charging points are available to our guests and staff.

ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION

• Environmental education is an important and long-established part of our work. We provide young people and other guests with information and experiences that encourage sustainable lifestyles and environmental responsibility.
• We strengthen nature and environmental education through programmes, training and activities that increase awareness of biodiversity and sustainable development.
• We encourage our guests to follow good outdoor etiquette and to enjoy the surrounding nature responsibly.

CONTINUOUS DEVELOPMENT THROUGH ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRAMMES

• We continuously develop our activities in accordance with the Green Key programme and its criteria.
• We are also involved in other sustainability programmes, including Sustainable Travel Finland and Portaat Luomuun (Steps to Organic).

Huom: muutin tässä alkuperäisen otsikon “Vihreiden sertifikaattien vahvistaminen”, koska Sustainable Travel Finland ei ole teillä vielä saavutettu merkki ja Portaat Luomuun on ohjelma. Siksi “Continuous development through environmental programmes” on turvallisempi.

RESPONSIBLE MARKETING AND COMMUNICATION

• We develop our marketing and communications to make Villa Elba’s environmental and sustainability work visible in a clear and transparent way.
• We make effective use of digital communication channels and aim to reduce the need for printed materials.
• We cooperate with Visit Kokkola as part of the Sustainable Travel Finland development process.
• Villa Elba is part of Kokkola National Urban Park. We also cooperate with the City of Kokkola, for example in developing signage for nature trails in the Villa Elba area.

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

• We encourage our guests, staff and volunteers to take part in achieving our environmental and sustainability goals.
• Our staff receive training on environmentally responsible practices, and we work together to continuously reduce the environmental impact of our operations.
• We organise community events, campaigns and activities that promote environmental awareness.
• We also organise events for the local community, including Elba’s Christmas Elf Trail for early childhood education groups and Elba Winter Day in cooperation with local associations and organisations.

SAFETY

• We comply with applicable legislation and maintain up-to-date risk assessments, an emergency and rescue plan, safety guidelines for camps and groups, and safety instructions for our guests.
• Our staff and management regularly review safety matters, and occupational health and safety issues are assessed together with our occupational safety representatives.
• Employees receive safety training as part of their induction and on a regular basis. Our staff also participate in training such as first aid and fire safety training.
• We work to ensure a physically, psychologically and socially safe environment for all our guests and staff.

ETHICAL RESPONSIBILITY, EQUALITY AND INCLUSION

• Our approach to safety includes both physical and psychological safety. Villa Elba is a Discrimination-Free Zone.
• The Discrimination-Free Zone initiative promotes equality and opposes discrimination, bullying and harassment. By taking part, organisations demonstrate their commitment to the principle of non-discrimination.
• Being a Discrimination-Free Zone means opposing discrimination, intervening when it occurs and recognising the equality of all people.
• We have shared guidelines for our staff, codes of conduct for visitors and an equality plan.
• We are committed to acting against corruption.
• We continuously develop the accessibility of our facilities, services and communications and regularly assess opportunities for further improvement.

ECONOMIC RESPONSIBILITY

• We aim to maintain financially sustainable operations that ensure the long-term continuity and development of Villa Elba.
• We purchase local products and services and cooperate with local businesses whenever possible.
• Through our business activities, we generate resources that can be directed towards the development of youth work.