Hawkhill’s 2023 Climate Action Plan: bringing all our sustainability efforts together

At Hawkhill, we know that every small step matters when it comes to safeguarding our planet. Whether it’s crafting bug hotels or upcycling haystack poles, our commitment to sustainability runs deep – just just like the forests surrounding our cabins in Nuuksio National Park.

Our mission is simple: to ensure that our operations leave the world a little better than we found it. That’s why we’ve put together our first comprehensive Climate Action Plan, which not only outlines our sustainability efforts but also reaffirms our commitment to the Glasgow Declaration on Climate Action in Tourism. Here’s a snapshot of our journey toward a more sustainable future. For more details, you can download the full report.

1) Measuring our impact

Four years ago, we embarked on a new path by calculating our carbon footprint for the first time. This year, we’ve particularly focused on fine-tuning our calculations for the optional, indirect emissions (SCOPE 3) which also includes our largest source of emissions, food.

Even though including SCOPE 3 emissions inevitably increases a company’s carbon footprint and might therefore look less impressive on the surface, we feel it that it is the responsible and transparent choice.

In 2023, we have also measured reductions in energy use as well as water and firewood consumption.

2) Decarbonising our operations

Our decarbonisation efforts touch every part of our business. We have reduced our electricity consumption (by 2% compared to 2022) as well as reduced emissions from logistics, improved waste sorting and ensured our construction and procurement are done sustainably.

Although not every action can be quantified, they all still have a positive impact. Last year, we’ve for example upcycled haystack poles into ramp rails for accessibility, added new electric car charging stations at our villas and swapped out single-use sauna seat covers for 100% Finnish linen from Lapuan Kankurit.

We moved from buffet to plated service, which cut our food waste by a remarkable 30%. We’ve focused particularly on reducing the emissions related to food. For example, we’ve reduced the amount of game (all the meat we serve is game) and increased the portion of freshwater fish and vegetables. These are just a few of the ways we’re lightening our footprint.

3) Regenerating our environment

Regenerative travel is more than a buzzword: it is a progressive way to approach sustainability and hopefully something that will become a permanent part of the industry. Regeneration work is, however, always based on an extensive understanding of the biodiversity in the area. This is why we conducted a biodiversity assessment of our lands in 2023. Listing all the habitats within our estate, it has helped us organise our regeneration work.

For our meadow, we expanded the area grazed by sheep and, in partnership with Metsähallitus, turned 6 hectares of the Haukansuo bog into a thriving carbon sink. Our commitment to regenerative tourism is also growing, with new regenerative travel programmes that give back 10% of profits to local food aid.

4) Collaborating for a sustainable future

Our business has been operating in the village of Tervalampi for over 60 years, and we plan to continue for at least another 60 years. We’re proud to support local initiatives, from renting out the village hall kitchen to participating in sustainability collaborations.

In 2023, we participated in twelve different events related to sustainability, either as a speaker or panel discussion participant. Our efforts were recognised when Hawkhill’s Annu Huotari was named Visit Finland’s first Sustainability Ambassador due to the company’s carbon-smart operations and Annu’s work to share sustainable best practices:

5) Responsible finance and fair treatment

As a family-owned business, we’re in it for the long haul. We prioritise sustainable, long-term growth over quick profits. We ensure that our partners are treated fairly – paying them promptly and supporting local providers whenever we can.

All owners, management, and employees of the company are committed to our sustainability work, and our objectives on the front have been communicated to all staff. Employees are being trained to implement it and operate in accordance with our values.

Discover more and see what’s next

Hawkhill’s 2023 Climate Action Plan is a testament to our ongoing commitment to sustainable tourism and environmental care. For a deeper dive into our initiatives and to see our 2024 objectives, we invite you to download the full report (PDF).