Sustainability
Helsinki Expo and Convention Centre is committed to promoting sustainable development in the events industry through our own operations. We take responsibility for our environmental impact, our people, and economic sustainability.
We report on our sustainability work in line with the ESG framework and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). We support organisations and initiatives that advance important societal objectives.
Our partners include Live Foundation, HelsinkiMissio and the Finnish Red Cross.
Our sustainability themes for 2026
1. Safeevents
We organise attractive and safe events that bring people together in collaboration with our customers.
2. Sustainable events
Our goal is to reduce the environmental impacts of events. Our environmental responsibility work is based on an ISO 14001-certified environmental management system.
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
Helsinki Expo and Convention Centre owns the solar power plant located on the roof of its property. The first solar panels were installed in 2019, and ownership of the plant was transferred to the Centre in spring 2026. The panels generate 533 MWh of electricity annually. The share of solar power in the Centre’s total electricity consumption is expected to increase to approximately 5-6% in autumn 2027, when additional panels at the solar power plant of the new event venue, Messukeskus Solar, are brought into operation.
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).
Helsinki Expo and Convention Centre participates in Motiva’s Energy Efficiency Agreement for the 2026-2035 period and is committed to reducing its energy consumption by 10% from the 2024 level by 2035.
99% of waste recycled or recovered for energy
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.
Sustainability
Economic impact and employment in the Helsinki Metropolitan Area
Helsinki Expo and Convention Centre aims for sustainable development, where the environment, economy and people are taken into account equally.
Reduce the environmental impact of your visit
Here are some practical tips to help reduce resource consumption and emissions during your visit:
Clean tap water
Finland has the cleanest tap water – no need to use bottled water
Recycle
Use our recycling bins provided in public areas to sort your waste
Choose vegetarian
Choose a vegetarian option instead of a meat-based meal,
Travel sustainably
Choose public transport, walking or cycling whenever possible
Stay nearby
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
Set an example and inspire others to reduce their environmental impact
Accessible venue
Helsinki Expo and Convention Centre is an accessible venue for all its 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!”—
Together we can do more
Our sustainability partner: 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.
Our sustainability partner: 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.
The Finnish Fair Foundation: widely involved
The Finnish Fair Foundation supports Finnish know-how by rewarding successful and developing projects. The foundation annually distributes around 400,000 euros worth of scholarships, grants and recognition and incentive awards to experts in various fields. The foundation is one of our company’s shareholders.
Support for learning
Helsinki Expo and Convention Centre offers a unique learning environment for Ammattiopisto Live students. Students can do cleaning and maintenance work, support the experience of our exhibitors as booth attendants and handle customer service duties during events.
Sustainable events
This is how you create a carbon-smart stand, meeting or event
How do you take care of sustainability at the exhibition stand? How do you organise a meeting, conference or business event responsibly? Check out our tips for a sustainable event and visit!
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?