Sustainability
Helsinki Expo and Convention Centre is committed to promoting sustainable development in the events industry through our events and operations. We take responsibility for our environmental impact, our people, and economic sustainability.
Helsinki Expo and Convention Centre is an environmentally certified event venue, and our environmental management system has been ISO 14001 certified since 2009. We report on our sustainability work in line with the ESG framework and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Our sustainability partners are Live Foundation, HelsinkiMissio and the Finnish Red Cross.
We are proud to be a Sustainable Travel Finland certified company and a climate partner of the City of Helsinki.
Our sustainability themes for 2026
1. Safe events
Together with our customers and partners, we create attractive and safe events that bring people together and enable meaningful encounters.
2. Sustainable events
Our goal is to reduce the environmental impacts of events. Helsinki Expo and Convention Centre’s environmental management system has been ISO 14001 certified since 2009.
3. Employee wellbeing
Our goal is to promote the wellbeing of employees and partners, foster a safe working environment, and advance diversity, equality and inclusion within the workplace.
Helsinki Expo and Convention Centre is an environmentally certified venue
Our environmental system has been ISO 14001-certified since 2009. We are committed to achieving the goals of the UN’s sustainable development action programme, Agenda 2030. In accordance with the programme, we aim for sustainable development, which takes the environment, economy and people into account equally.
Solar power from our rooftops
We own a rooftop solar power plant, with the first solar panels installed in 2019. The panels generate 533 MWh of electricity annually. The share of solar power in our total electricity consumption is expected to increase to approximately 5-6%, when additional panels at the solar power plant of the new event venue, Messukeskus Solar, are brought into operation in autumn 2027.
Did you know that you too can become a solar electricity producer by renting your own nameplate from our solar power plant?
Energy-efficient solutions
We utilise a range of energy-efficient technologies across our property, including geothermal heating, district cooling, heat recovery systems and LED technology. As a result of long-term and systematic efforts, we have reduced our heat consumption by 20% and our electricity consumption by 15% compared with 2014 levels (reference period 2014-2024).
We participate in Motiva’s Energy Efficiency Agreement for the 2026-2035 period and are committed to reducing our energy consumption by 10% from the 2024 level by 2035.
We recycle and sort waste
Recycling facilities are available throughout the venue. Collection points in the exhibition halls are used to sort paper and cardboard, bio-waste, wood, glass, plastics, metal waste and carpets. During build-up and dismantling periods, exhibitors and event organisers are supported by a roaming environmental supervisor, who provides practical guidance on waste sorting and environmental practices.
Are you one of our customers? Explore the certified environmental labels featured in our product catalogue. These labels indicate products with a lower carbon footprint or a high level of recycled content.
Social responsibility is built through collaboration
The encounters at the heart of our business are also the starting point for our collaboration with partners. Through long-term collaboration with our non-profit partners, we help strengthen communities, reduce loneliness and create opportunities for learning.
Finnish Red Cross
We have teamed up with the Finnish Red Cross in a responsibility partnership aimed at promoting social responsibility and supporting the valuable work of the Red Cross. Through its activities, the Red Cross brings joy, gives hope, and strengthens people’s trust in each other.
Helsinki Missio
The goal of the Centre is to create growth through encounters, and the collaboration with HelsinkiMissio supports this goal, particularly in the area of social responsibility. The aim of the collaboration is to promote social responsibility and support HelsinkiMissio’s valuable work in reducing loneliness and increasing community spirit.
Live Vocational College
We offer a unique learning environment for Live Vocational College students. Students can do cleaning and maintenance work, support the experience of our exhibitors as booth attendants and handle customer service duties during events.
The Finnish Fair Foundation
Our largest shareholder supports Finnish expertise and business by awarding grants, scholarships and recognition awards worth approximately EUR 500,000 each year. Through its funding, the Foundation seeks to address some of the most significant challenges of our time related to the environment, technology and digitalisation, demographic change, the economy and urbanisation.
Sustainability
Economic impact and employment in the Helsinki Metropolitan Area
The economic impact of events held at Helsinki Expo and Convention Centre is reflected in a significant increase in demand for services throughout the Helsinki metropolitan area. In 2025, the economic impact of Helsinki Expo and Convention Centre amounted to EUR 304 million, while its employment impact was equivalent to 4,140 person-years.
Reduce the environmental impact of your visit
Here are some practical tips to help reduce resource consumption and emissions during your visit:
Use a reusable bottle
Bring a reusable bottle and refill it at our water stations.
Recycle your waste
Use our recycling bins provided in public areas to sort your waste.
Choose vegetarian
Explore the vegetarian options in our restaurants.
Travel sustainably
Choose public transport, walking or cycling whenever possible.
Stay at our hotel
Stay at our partner hotel, just a one-minute walk from the venue
Go digital
Check the event programme and information online.
Reusable tableware
Choose reusable tableware and coffee cups in our restaurants.
Sharing is caring
Inspire others to reduce their environmental impact.
Accessible venue
We are an accessible venue for all our guests. All our entrances are accessible, all parts of the building are accessible by elevator, and there are accessible toilets on all floors. Parking with disabled tags is free, and the assistant of a disabled person can enter the events organized by the Centre free of charge.
- Entry and passage from one space to another are barrier-free
- All floors are accessible by elevator
- Disabled parking free of charge
- The assistant of a disabled person can attend the events free of charge
- EU disability card destination
/ Hearing-impaired customer
I was taken by how accessible the hearing environment is. The induction loop in the seminar room worked like a dream. It was easy and quick to connect to it with your own device, the sound quality and audibility was excellent. This level of service is rarely found in Finland. I really appreciate this!”—
Sustainable events
More sustainable choices for exhibition stands and events
How can you make sustainable choices for your exhibition stand? And how can you organise a meeting, conference or corporate event with sustainability in mind? Read our tips on reducing the environmental impact of your visit or event.
Give us some ideas!
Do you want to ask more about our actions for sustainable events? Or do you maybe have new ideas for us?