We have considered the impact of our activities on society, the environment and the event participants in the organisation of the Finnish Red Cross’ events. Our activities comply with the Finnish Red Cross’ environmental sustainability policy. You will learn more about this policy at the Helpers in Aulanko event.  

We are striving to make Helpers in Aulanko as sustainable and environmentally-friendly as possible. We have considered the environmental impacts of the event in its planning and execution and aim to reduce these impacts. The main causes of the event’s environmental impacts are transportation to the event location, food and drink, programme materials and the energy and material consumed by the event location.

We are promoting the responsible and sustainable organisation of the event by: 

• Holding the traditional triennial training event for volunteers on shore instead of spending the weekend on a cruise liner.
• Offering the option to participate in the event remotely.
• Avoiding unnecessary use of paper by providing the event materials primarily in electronic format. 
• Taking the lifecycle approach to all event activities. Prioritising reusable or recyclable materials.
• Offering nutritious and varied (mostly) vegetarian food. 
• Arranging free bus transport between the city centre of Hämeenlinna and conference and spa hotel Scandic Aulanko before and after event activities. The bus will also stop at Hämeenlinna railway station.
• Cooperating with responsible partners that are developing responsible and sustainable event production with us.
• Ensuring that everything you need will be available in one place or nearby the event location. You do not have to travel from one place to another throughout the day. 

Environmental education and sustainable development are the event’s key themes. You will have the opportunity to participate in workshops, where you can learn more about your impact on environment, sustainable living and organising responsible and sustainable activities.

 We want to encourage every single participant to make responsible and sustainable choices: 

• If possible, travel to the event location by public transport or share a ride with other participants. Enquire with your district about arranging a shared ride to the event.
• When you register for the event, you are requested to choose whether you want to receive the event materials in electronic or physical format. If possible, choose the electronic option. We are trying to reduce the use of paper. 
• You may choose accommodation other than the hotel. There is a camping site within walking distance of the event location. You can also spend the night outdoors, as long as you follow the principles of public access rights.
• Making sustainable decisions at the event location is also important. Please avoid unnecessary food waste and water consumption. 

Sustainability is one of the key values of conference and spa hotel Scandic Aulanko. The hotel has worked consistently towards reducing its environmental impact. Learn more about Scandic’s sustainability here.  

It is part of our responsibility agenda to ensure the event is accessible and safe for everyone and that the participants are happy and treated equally. Learn more about the event’s accessibility here.  

Please contact the event organisers if you want to discuss or learn more about sustainability at the event. We are also happy to hear your sustainable choices in terms of accommodation or transport, for example. If possible, we will help you make the arrangements. Do not hesitate to contact us at vapaaehtoistapahtuma@redcross.fi.