Sustainability

Sustainability|

At Vuokatti Sport, we believe that tourism should be as responsible as possible. This is why we are committed to implementing various practices and methods that promote sustainability in our operations and within our region. Our goal for 2024 is to achieve both the Green Key certification and the Sustainable Travel Finland label. These esteemed recognitions are important to us as they demonstrate our commitment to sustainable tourism and environmental responsibility.

In addition, we are part of the Urheiluopistot ry’s (Sports Institutes Association) sustainability program, and as a certified sports institute, we also have the responsibility to implement the anti-doping program developed for sports institutes and training centers in collaboration with the Finnish Center for Integrity in Sports (SUEK).

We are continuously striving to improve our operations and to meet the increasingly stringent sustainability standards, so we can offer our guests an even more responsible experience. Below, we have provided more information on our sustainability actions and goals, as well as guidance on arriving by public transport. Join us on our journey toward more sustainable tourism!

Green Key- certification

As recognition for our efforts in sustainability, our company was awarded the Green Key certification in September 2024.

The Green Key certification granted to us covers the buildings within our accommodation offerings, as well as our restaurant and sauna services. Among the accommodation buildings, the certification includes the Sport Resort rooms, Standard rooms, and the Sports Apartments. Additionally, the lakeside saunas are covered by the certification.

At this time, the Green Key certification does not cover the Chalets apartments, as these are privately owned, and we need a positive decision from the Chalets’ board before including them in the certification. Furthermore, all sports facilities we maintain are excluded from the Green Key certification.

As a Green Key-certified company, we are committed to continuously improving our sustainability practices and reporting on them each year as part of the renewal application. Compliance with the criteria is verified through regular on-site audits. The certification is granted by an external, independent Green Key jury.

Green Key is an international sustainability certification for the tourism sector, which has been achieved by over 5,300 companies in 68 countries worldwide. The certification criteria are based on the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals and include requirements related to reducing environmental impact, increasing social benefits, and supporting the local economy. The criteria are practical and effectively take into account the unique characteristics of the tourism industry.

Green Key is also a sustainability program: participating companies commit to the continuous development of their operations and report on their progress in the annual renewal application. The program offers participants personalized advice, as well as training and communication materials. The quality of operations is ensured through regular on-site audits. The certification is awarded by an external, independent Green Key jury.

Our journey toward Green Key certification began in 2023, and in the fall of 2024, we finally achieved the certification. To obtain the certification, we implemented practical, concrete actions, some of which are listed below:

  • We installed flow restrictors on taps and showers to reduce water flow.
  • We replaced our lighting with LED bulbs.
  • We installed a food waste tracker in our restaurant to encourage the reduction of food waste.

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Sustainable Travel Finland – label

Visit Finland has developed the Sustainable Travel Finland program and the Sustainable Travel Finland label for tourism businesses and regions, enabling the tourism industry to meet evolving demand and continue growing in the future. The Sustainable Travel Finland label is a recognition of valuable and long-term efforts in promoting sustainable tourism. Businesses that receive the label have addressed ecological, social, cultural, and economic sustainability in their operations. The label signifies a company’s responsibility and the ongoing work being done to enhance sustainability.

The objectives of the STF label include:

  • Promoting sustainable tourism in Finland.
  • Simplifying and standardizing communication.
  • Making it easier for travelers to make sustainable choices.
  • Fostering collaboration among different stakeholders to promote sustainable tourism.

Our goal is to achieve the STF label by 2024, and we are actively working toward this objective. To receive the STF label, a company must have another environmental certification approved by the program, and our choice is Green Key, which you can read more about below.

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Responsible Vuokatti – Together Towards Sustainable Tourism

Sustainability is a widely discussed topic, but together with other tourism companies in Vuokatti, we want to do more than just talk—we want to take responsible action.

The strength of Vuokatti as a travel destination lies in its diverse nature across the four seasons, and preserving these four seasons requires concrete actions.

 

We are committed to developing and promoting sustainable tourism, and the goal for the Vuokatti region is to become a Sustainable Travel Finland (STF) certified destination by 2025. Achieving this requires a commitment to responsible operations from the area’s tourism companies, and additionally, at least 51% of the companies engaged in international tourism must complete the STF pathway and obtain the certification.

 

Why? Awareness among consumers and potential employees is growing all the time, which means companies can no longer afford to miss this train.

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