Sustainability
Industrial cultural heritage is part of our history, and its responsible preservation is also a contribution to the future. Although industry inherently burdens the environment, current industrial heritage sites have taken concrete steps toward more sustainable practices and are actively participating in the dialogue on sustainable development. The preservation of architectural heritage is a cross-cutting theme, with these sites setting an example for the construction industry, which is responsible for 40% of global carbon dioxide emissions.
Highlights from our site’s sustainability actions
Ecological Sustainability
Ahlström’s Noormarkku ironworks has received the international GreenKey environmental certification, aimed at the tourism industry. A site with a GreenKey certification is committed to increasing environmental awareness among staff and customers, improving energy and water usage, and reducing the environmental impact of accommodation operations. The Noormarkku ironworks also holds the Sustainable Travel Finland label from Visit Finland and the WWF Green Office certification.
Environmental friendliness is visible at Ahlström’s ironworks through offerings of local and seasonal vegetarian food. Game is processed in the ironworks’ own slaughterhouse, and the fruits from its orchards and herb gardens flavor the dishes at the restaurant.
The ironworks generates energy at the Makkarakoski power plant, its own wood chip heating plant, and hundreds of solar panels.
Read more about Ahlström Ironworks’ sustainability efforts here!
UPM Verla Mill Museum has been awarded the Sustainable Travel Finland label by Visit Finland for its esteemed and long-term efforts in sustainable tourism in 2021.
Verla is committed to the principles of sustainable tourism established in 2016 by UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Finland and Forest Ministry’s’ nature services, which are considered in all of its operations and collaborations with tourism entrepreneurs.
The goal at Verla is to use as low-emission energy as possible. The museum’s heating system uses wood pellets, and since 2020, its electricity comes from the clean hydropower generated at Verla’s own hydroelectric plant.
UPM has made several significant investments to support the long-term preservation of the site. Buildings, structures, and the surrounding environment are maintained in a long-term and planned manner.
Read more about the sustainability efforts at Verla Mill Museum here!
Cultural sustainability
Cultural sustainability is one of the dimensions of sustainable development. It refers to the preservation of cultural elements such as languages, traditions, and customs.
At Nuutajärvi Glass Village, intangible cultural heritage related to glassblowing is preserved. The craftsmanship involved in handmade glass was added to UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage List in 2023. The knowledge of glassmaking is thousands of years old and remains highly vibrant today.
Glassworking is a craft and living intangible cultural heritage, but the resulting glass objects are also tangible heritage and design. Finnish glass design is already well-known, and UNESCO’s recognition further supports the appreciation of both traditional craftsmen and Finnish glass worldwide.
Read more about Nuutajärvi’s sustainability efforts here!
The Forssa Museum and Pattern Center has made special efforts to preserve and make Finnish textile heritage accessible. In an immersive exhibition, visitors can explore the world of fabric printing. In 2024, the museum processed approximately 200 shelf meters of the Finlayson factories’ archives from 1930-1990. The materials were cataloged to make them more accessible to both researchers and those interested in Finnish textile heritage.
The Forssa Museum also brings textiles to the public through engaging international themes. The museum’s Forssa Textile Week highlights quality design, sustainable production, and textile art. The goal is to promote the role of design and sustainable textiles in society and to serve as a current arena for textiles.
Read more about Forssa Textile Week here!
Social Sustainability
Social sustainability is one of the key areas of sustainable development. Its goal is to ensure that all people have equal opportunities to live well, achieve basic rights, and secure the fundamental necessities of life, as well as the ability to participate in decision-making processes both in their own country and globally.
The Varkaus Museum Center Konsti‘s new exhibition, “Teollisuuden tekijät” (Industrial Makers), showcases the history of the Varkaus region through the community and its industrial knowledge and contributors.
Konsti aims to be a museum for the people of Varkaus, providing not only a traditional museum experience but also opportunities for local involvement in both tangible and intangible cultural heritage. It offers volunteer opportunities and channels for civic engagement while supporting citizen activism.
Read more about the activities of the Varkaus Museum Center Konsti here!
Enabling cultural experiences for everyone equally is also part of the responsibility actions of many of our member sites.
At Strömfors Ironworks, a focus is placed on organizing free events to ensure everyone has the opportunity to participate in cultural activities. The entrepreneurs’ association raises funds through its activities, which are used to provide immersive programs without ticket fees. Examples include free pony rides for children and large event spectacles like Strömfors’ biggest event, Strömfors’ Kekri.
The Ironworks also maintains a free entry art exhibition, which serves as an accessible place for people to explore art, and organizes an art biennale every two years, where visitors are also encouraged to participate in creating art, such as through workshops.
Read more about Strömfors Ironworks’ events here!
