Sustainability

Environmental measurements at the Market

Renewable energy and electricity consumption

• The event is powered by 100% EKOenergy-certified renewable wind power.
• The amount of electricity available at the market is limited, which in itself restricts the number and use of electrical devices on site. Only equipment and technical infrastructure essential to organising the event are brought to the Market Square.
• The decorative string lights that create atmosphere in the public areas use LED bulbs.

Waste and waste management

• Waste management at the event is carried out in accordance with a statutory waste management plan. The plan is submitted to the Environmental Monitoring and Control Unit of the City of Helsinki’s Urban Environment Division.
• The market provides the number of waste sorting bins specified in the waste management plan for use by both visitors and event operators, covering different types of waste.
• The waste collection point in the production area is fenced off to prevent litter from spreading across the event site or entering the sea. Cleaning services have also been arranged for the event.
• Vendors participating in the market have access to a wide range of recycling facilities on site and receive comprehensive waste sorting instructions.

Carbon footprint

• We calculated the Helsinki Baltic Herring Market’s total carbon footprint in 2023 and 2024 and commissioned the Helsinki Metropolitan Area Reuse Centre to independently validate our calculations. Since then, we have continued to monitor changes in the event’s carbon footprint. We use the City of Helsinki’s event carbon footprint calculator for these calculations and ongoing monitoring.

Food and drink

• Only fish and vegetarian dishes are sold at the event.
• The traditional sailing ships and restaurants providing catering services use tableware and cutlery suitable for biowaste collection or recycling, or reusable tableware.

Logistics and transport

• Production logistics are planned to avoid unnecessary journeys.
• All event operators are encouraged to organise their logistics efficiently, transport only full loads to the event site and avoid leaving vehicles idling.
• Visitors are encouraged to arrive on foot, by bicycle or by public transport.

Procurement

• We reuse existing supplies and structures. Where possible, these are also used at other events organised by the Helsinki Events Foundation.
• We favour renting equipment over purchasing new items. Examples of rented equipment include market stalls, the restaurant tent, tables and benches, and decorative string lights.

A market for everyone

Safer space principles

• Respect everyone’s personal space and right to self-determination.
• Do not make assumptions about others based on their appearance or other characteristics. Do not belittle, discriminate against or ridicule anyone through your words, behaviour or actions.
• Give everyone the opportunity to speak and participate in discussions. Listen to others and learn from different perspectives.
• If you witness inappropriate behaviour, intervene whenever possible. Give and receive feedback constructively.
• Apologise if you have offended someone, whether intentionally or unintentionally.

What can you do?