Sustainability

Our environment and its preservation are our topmost priorities, especially because we are located by Lake Saimaa, in proximity of the Linnansaari National Park.

Nature. Forest. Lake. Peace. Relaxation.

Our environment and its preservation are our topmost priorities, especially because we are located by Lake Saimaa, in proximity of the Linnansaari National Park. We take special care to preserve the biodiversity of nature, for example, by keeping surrounding areas in their natural state.

Sustainable actions in Kuru

Kuru is involved in Business Finland’s Sustainable Travel Finland program which aims to provide travel businesses and destinations with a model for sustainable tourism development. The program facilitates the systematic adoption of responsible practices.

 

Environmental friendliness is present in everyday life at Kuru and Järvisydän, even though it’s not always visible to the outside world. Our main building is heated by geothermal energy and 100% of the electricity consumed by us is produced from renewable sources. Both the main building and all the rooms feature a green roof that retains heat in the winter and has a cooling effect in the summer.

 

We use eco-labeled cleaning products and recycle our waste. Food served at our restaurant is mainly locally sourced and we tell our customers about the origin of the main ingredients while presenting the menus. The vitality of our home region and respect for local culture is of utmost importance to us. We want to uphold this region as a good place to live and visit – now and in the future.

 

Our staff is trained in environmentally friendly practices, and they are involved in the transition towards increasingly sustainable operations.

 

Everyone is welcome to Kuru, regardless of gender, nationality, ethnicity, sexual orientation, physical disability, religion, or political opinions. Our main building at Kuru is fully accessible.

Green Key Certificate

As recognition of our sustainability efforts, our company has been awarded the Green Key certificate in 2024. Green Key is an international sustainability program for the tourism industry, with criteria based on the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.

As a Green Key-certified company, we are committed to continuously improving our sustainability practices and reporting on them annually in connection with the renewal application process. Compliance with the criteria is verified through regular on-site audits. The certificate is granted by an independent, external Green Key jury.

Practical measures are taken in the following areas, among others:

  • ENERGY and WATER EFFICIENT USE
  • REDUCING, SORTING, and RECYCLING WASTE
  • Daily use of environmentally labeled CLEANING PRODUCTS, TISSUE PAPER, and OFFICE PAPER
  • FAVORING SUSTAINABLY PRODUCED FOOD and reducing FOOD WASTE
  • Developing the RESPONSIBILITY COMPETENCE of staff, customers, and other stakeholders”

Read more about the Green Key sustainability program.

 

Your contribution as a customer is also important!

You can participate in sustainability efforts by, for example, avoiding unnecessary water and electricity usage, minimizing food waste, recycling, and using only the necessary amount of chemicals.

VACATION ENERGY-EFFICIENTLY: Avoid unnecessary water use, conserve electricity, and close windows when heating. At Kuru, every tap is calibrated to save water. The largest electricity consumer for Finns is an electric sauna heater that is overheated or left on unnecessarily. Smart sauna habits can save significant electricity. Even on vacation, heat the sauna to a maximum of 70–80 degrees Celsius and only keep it on while in use. Avoid unnecessary climate impact, such as washing towels after a single use. By hanging your towel on a hook, you let housekeeping know you will use it again.

MAKE WISE CHOICES: Opt for low-emission transportation, such as activities powered by muscle strength. The surrounding nature offers year-round maintained hiking and cycling trails. From the Safari House, you can rent bikes, snowshoes, SUP boards, canoes, and kayaks. Even a boat trip to the national park is a low-emission choice.

ENSURE A CLEAN JOURNEY: Waste sorting is also crucial for a circular economy, as we live in a cycle of overconsumption and natural resources are finite. Waste holds the potential for a new beginning, and sorting is the only way to recycle it. If your room lacks a bin for a specific type of waste, you can leave such items on your room’s table for housekeeping or bring them to the reception.

Strive for zero waste while outdoors. Anything you can carry with you on the way there, you can bring back to the nearest waste collection point – including cigarette butts, which never decompose and turn into microplastics. In Linnansaari National Park, all waste must be carried out. Biowaste can be composted in the island’s composting toilets.

Refusing single-use culture is the easiest way to reduce waste. Swap plastic bags for reusable totes or backpacks, pack food in reusable containers, and choose dining at restaurants instead of takeaway. Food waste is also waste, so take only as much food as you can eat.

CHOOSE LOCAL FOOD: By favoring local and seasonal products, both businesses and individuals can significantly reduce the harmful effects of food production, transportation emissions, and support local producers. Reducing meat and dairy consumption and replacing them with plant-based alternatives are among the most impactful climate actions a Finn can take. Even omnivores can make more sustainable choices by selecting free-range options instead of intensively farmed meat.

GIVE FEEDBACK: As a traveler, your most important tool is customer feedback. Is the company excelling in certain areas? Did you notice issues during your trip that need immediate attention? After your stay, you will receive a feedback survey where you can share your thoughts about your visit. You can also provide feedback directly to the reception, especially for urgent matters.

Remember that you can also promote responsible tourism by influencing other travelers. Lead by example and kindly guide others if you notice irresponsible behavior.

 

Welcome to Kuru and Järvisydän, in the heart of Lakeland!