Greening the EPH Conference

EPH Conference is committed to reducing the environmental impact of the conference and finding ways to be more environmentally responsible. These are our initiatives we have taken together with Finlandia Hall, venue of the EPH Conference 2025, to minimize the impact of the conference on the environment.

Finlandia Hall

Finlandia Hall has been the City of Helsinki’s climate partner since 2019 and implements social responsibility in accordance with the carbon neutrality goals set by the City and its certifications.

Finlandia Hall invests in energy efficiency, increasing use of renewable energy, waste reduction and low-emission carbon neutrality to achieve the goal of being carbon neutral in 2035. It operates in a socio-culturally and economically responsible manner. It brings well-being to the community by engaging and interacting with the local population. They buy products and services locally, supporting other companies with their operations. Their management system is certified according to ISO 14001 quality audit. 

During the Conference we have chosen a variety of healthy options to be provided throughout the event:

  • Fresh vegetables and fruit are the basis of all our meals. Finlandia Hall takes care to ensure that all their products are eco-friendly. The vast majority of the food produce is locally sourced. This ensures meals are fresh and in season whilst also supporting local farmers.  
  • We encourage the choice for vegetarian lunch and dinner options.
  • We have chosen leaner meats (chicken) and sea food, we do not serve pork or beef meat. 
  • We do not offer alcohol at the conference. Water from water dispensers is available throughout Finlandia Hall. 

Reduced material use

We have adopted eco-friendly practices in communicating with delegates:

  • Abstract submission, registration and invoicing are fully web-based. The full programme is available in the EPH Conference App.
  • Printouts of conference materials are avoided. By switching to ePosters printing of poster materials by delegates is avoided.

Sustainability, diversity, equity, inclusion

Finlandia Hall has been committed to the values of sustainability and diversity for a long time. The same criteria are also binding on our entire service chain. We commit our key partners to comply with our quality criteria. We maintain a continuous dialogue in matters of responsibility and sustainable development. We treat everyone with respect and fairness. We are committed to treating all our employees, guests and residents equally regardless of gender, race, colour, age, nationality or sexual orientation. We take people’s special needs into account in our operations. We guide and encourage our personnel, customers and guests to act responsibly.

Recycling and waste management

Finlandia Hall recycles paper, cardboard, plastic, glass, electrical wiring, metal, batteries, lamps and ink cartridges. 

They sort and recycle waste efficiently and guide customers in sorting their own waste. Regular monitoring and measuring their waste types. They also recycle porcelain for reuse.

Electricity and water

Their enterprise resource planning system guides the ventilation, heating and cooling of our facilities. They use electricity generated in CO2 free hydroelectric power stations This saves on water consumption.

Public transport

Finlandia Hall is conveniently located in the city of Helsinki, offering a vast variety of public transport. We actively promote the use of train, metro and bus by our delegates Finlandia Hall can also be reached by more eco-friendly individual transport, such as rented bikes.

Local produce

We prefer to work directly with local suppliers and agencies, in order to support the local community and economy, contributing also to reducing the impact of transport and the use of fossil energy.

Food served at the Finlandia Hall is mostly sourced locally, using eco-labelled products. There is a programme in place, via the catering partner, to donate food that is not consumed to local charities. 		  

Sustainable travel

We encourage our delegates to reduce the climate impact of their flight by flying CO2 neutral with the CO2 Impact Programme of their airline.

EUPHA's Green Club

EPH Conference Foundation is advised by EUPHA's Green Club in its efforts to reduce the environmental impact of the conference. The Green Club is a EUPHA working group of environmental experts and environment-conscious colleagues. The Green Club meets annually at the EPH Conference.