sustainability at tampere hall

Tampere Hall’s energy and environmental work began in the early 1990s. We have improved the building’s energy efficiency step by step and transitioned to renewable energy.

Tampere Hall uses renewable electricity and heat, district cooling that utilises water from Lake Näsijärvi, and solar power generated on the roof.

Tampere-talo Group calculates the carbon footprint of its operations at Tampere Hall annually in accordance with the GHG Protocol. The calculation covers direct emissions from our own operations, indirect emissions from purchased energy and selected value chain emissions, including purchases, waste generated in operations and business travel.

We use the calculation to monitor the development of emissions and identify measures to reduce them. Based on the calculation, we also fund carbon sequestration through Tampere-talo Group’s carbon sequestration project.

From 2019 to 2026, Tampere Hall applied a carbon neutrality model based on offsetting. Following changes in the regulation of environmental claims, we now communicate the emissions from our operations and separately funded carbon sequestration as separate information.

Tampere Hall is a Nordic Swan Ecolabelled congress centre. Tampere Hall was first awarded the Nordic Swan Ecolabel in 2014. In 2022, Tampere Hall became the first congress centre in the Nordic countries to be approved under the updated criteria.

The Nordic Swan Ecolabel is the official Nordic environmental label. A Nordic Swan Ecolabelled congress centre is required, among other things, to:

• monitor energy and water consumption and implement measures to reduce them
• offer plant-based options and organic products
• prevent food waste
• sort waste and limit the use of single-use products
• use ecolabelled cleaning and washing products
• consider ecolabelled products and services in procurement
• train staff in environmental matters

The Nordic Swan Ecolabel criteria are updated regularly. Maintaining the label requires documentation of compliance with the requirements, annual monitoring and inspections.

Tampere Hall is at level five of the Steps to Organic programme. This means that our kitchen continuously uses at least 20 significant ingredients as organic products. We also use other organic products according to availability.

Steps to Organic is a programme for professional kitchens in which the use of organic products is increased gradually and verified according to the programme’s criteria.

Tampere Hall holds the Sustainable Travel Finland (STF) label, which was awarded in April 2021.

Visit Finland’s STF programme includes a seven-step development path. The programme examines the ecological, social, cultural and economic impacts of operations.

Receiving the label requires completion of the programme tasks, documentation of compliance with the criteria and an external review of the application. The label is renewed regularly, and development work continues after the label has been awarded.

Four bee colonies live on the roof of Tampere Hall. The first colonies arrived in May 2018, with two more added the following year. Each colony has around 20,000 bees, and together the colonies can grow to as many as 200,000 bees during the summer.

Our bees collect nectar within a radius of approximately two to three kilometres around Tampere Hall. One hive usually produces around 30 kilograms of honey, with particularly good yields coming from the lime trees in the Kalevankangas area. Our beehives are cared for by beekeeper Teemu Aittamaa from Korpikuusikon Hunaja.

Did you know?

Bees are important pollinators. As they collect nectar and pollen, they carry pollen from one flower to another, helping many plants reproduce and produce seeds, fruit and berries.

In addition to bees, many wild insects contribute to pollination, including bumblebees, solitary bees, hoverflies and butterflies. A diverse and sufficient population of pollinators supports the reproduction of wild plants as well as the yield of many cultivated crops.

Tampere Hall’s bee colonies contribute to the pollination of flowering plants within their foraging area. They are one of the nature-related initiatives located in Tampere Hall’s immediate surroundings.

Tampere-talo Group has carried out afforestation projects in cooperation with Puuni Oy since 2020. Trees are planted in areas where comparable tree growth would not occur without afforestation measures.

Tampere-talo Group calculates the carbon footprint of its operations at Tampere Hall annually in accordance with the GHG Protocol. The result is used to determine the amount of carbon sequestration that the Group funds through a separate afforestation project carried out in cooperation between Tampere-talo Group and Puuni Oy. Carbon sequestration takes place as the trees grow over the monitoring period defined for the project.

An event-specific carbon footprint calculation can also be prepared for corporate events held at Tampere Hall. The calculation estimates emissions generated by the event within an agreed scope. Carbon sequestration corresponding to the calculated amount of emissions can be supported by planting saplings as part of Tampere-talo Group’s afforestation project.

The amount of carbon sequestration is estimated on the basis of tree growth and the monitoring period defined for the project. Tree growth and permanence are monitored in accordance with long-term agreements.

Kovalansuo, Mikkeli

Tampere-talo Group launched a new afforestation project at Kovalansuo in Mikkeli in 2025. Downy birch and pine are being planted on the former peat production site in cooperation with Puuni Oy.

A 100-year agreement has been made to secure the afforestation of the site and the permanence of the trees. The long agreement period enables tree growth and carbon sequestration to be monitored over several decades.

Saplings are planted at Kovalansuo on the basis of both Tampere-talo Group’s annual carbon footprint calculation and event-specific carbon footprint calculations for corporate clients.

First afforestation project in Lempäälä

Tampere Hall’s first afforestation project was established in 2020 at Mesikämmenpuisto in Kulju, Lempäälä.

A total of 2,660 saplings – black alder, pine and silver birch – were planted across an area of approximately 1.9 hectares. The planting was carried out in cooperation with Puuni Oy.

The project reached its planting target in 2025. The permanence of the trees is secured through a 100-year agreement with the Municipality of Lempäälä. The planted trees will continue to grow and sequester carbon after the planting target has been reached.

Daily cleaning at Tampere Hall is carried out by SOL Palvelut.

Nordic Swan Ecolabelled cleaning products and reusable cleaning equipment are used. Product dosage and cleaning methods are selected according to the space, surface material and intended use.

Reusable sacks and mop bags containing recycled plastic are also used. Discarded plastic bottles have been used in their manufacture.

Tampere-talo Ltd has participated in work based on the City of Tampere’s energy efficiency agreements since 2007. From 2017 to 2025, the City of Tampere participated in the municipal energy efficiency agreement, KETS. Under the new agreement period that began in 2026, Tampere Hall continues this work as part of the City of Tampere under the public-sector energy efficiency agreement, JETS. The new agreement period runs until 2035.

The purpose of energy efficiency agreements is to improve the efficiency of energy use and promote long-term energy-saving measures.

Energy consumption at Tampere Hall is monitored regularly. Over the years, energy efficiency has been improved through measures including upgrades to building technology, ventilation, lighting and heat recovery. The replacement of lighting in event and public spaces with energy-efficient LED lighting began in 2017.

Renovations completed in 2019 improved Tampere Hall’s energy performance rating from E to C. Between 1991 and 2025, district heating consumption decreased by approximately 38%, even though the floor area of Tampere Hall increased during the same period.
(Source: Tampere Hall energy consumption data for 1991 and 2025.)

Our energy efficiency work involves identifying new opportunities to improve energy use, implementing suitable measures and monitoring their impacts.

Tampere Hall has installed a total of eleven insect hotels in Sorsapuisto Park together with children from local nurseries.

The first five insect hotels were installed in summer 2022. Six more were added to the park in summer 2025.

The insect hotels provide nesting and sheltering places, particularly for solitary insects that naturally use cavities in dead wood and similar habitats. In urban environments, fewer of these natural nesting places may be available.

Through the project, children have the opportunity to learn about urban nature, insects and the importance of pollination.

Eleven nest boxes designed for common swifts were installed on the roof of Tampere Hall in spring 2026. The boxes were made in-house using surplus plywood from the woodworking workshop and repurposed finger-jointed panel boards that had previously formed part of an exhibition counter.

Common swifts naturally nest high up on buildings. The boxes were installed before the birds’ spring migration so that they would be ready when the swifts returned in May.

Expert advice was provided by the Pirkanmaa Ornithological Society, which worked with Tampere Hall to assess the building and site and identify a suitable location for the nest boxes. Detailed construction guidance provided by the society was also used when building the boxes.

Safety and suitability for the species are key considerations when positioning common swift nest boxes. The area in front of the entrance hole must remain open, the box must be positioned high enough, and the location must not expose the nest to excessive heat. On south-facing walls in particular, high temperatures can pose a risk to nesting during hot summers.

Common swifts tend to return to previous nesting sites, so it may take time for them to discover new boxes. The boxes may remain unoccupied during the first few years. Tampere Hall’s sustainability team will monitor the situation annually, and if the boxes are occupied, additional nesting sites may be added in future where possible.

The project was carried out as part of the City of Tampere’s LUMO programme.

Tampere Hall’s restaurant ventilation system uses ozone treatment in its grease ducts.

Ozonation breaks down grease carried in the exhaust air and reduces its accumulation in ventilation ducts. Reducing the amount of grease in the exhaust air enables heat to be recovered from the restaurant’s exhaust air.

The system reduces the need for grease duct cleaning, odours in exhaust air and the fire risk associated with grease accumulation.

Recovered heat can be used as part of the building’s energy system instead of allowing all of the warm exhaust air to be released outside.

The roof of Tampere Hall has more than 7,000 square metres of Icopal Noxite photocatalytic roofing membranes. The surface granules contain titanium dioxide, which is activated by ultraviolet radiation from sunlight. In the reaction, nitrogen oxides are converted into nitrates, which are washed off the roof by rainwater.

The roofing membranes have formed part of Tampere Hall’s environmental solutions for several years.

We use the Nordic Swan Ecolabelled probiotic cleaner Kiilto Pro Universal Probio (2023).

The cleaner contains microbes that remain on surfaces after cleaning and break down organic dirt through enzymatic processes. The aim is to make surfaces easier to keep clean between scheduled cleaning sessions.

Food waste in Tampere Hall’s restaurants is monitored using the Biovaaka Pro system.

Food waste generated in the kitchen and during service is weighed and recorded in the system. Reports generated by the system are reviewed regularly, and the data is used in planning purchases, menus and serving quantities.

Reducing food waste begins when ingredients are ordered. We aim to match serving quantities to the number of participants, and consumption of different dishes is monitored to support the planning of future catering.

Unused food that can be safely donated is delivered to food aid organisations. Reducing food waste also lowers costs related to food purchases and waste management.

Tampere Hall’s energy solutions have been developed step by step over the years.

In 2012, Tampere Hall switched to renewable locally generated electricity produced at Tammerkoski.

In 2015, Tampere Hall introduced district cooling that uses cold water from the depths of Lake Näsijärvi. District cooling makes it possible to cool the building without property-specific compressor cooling equipment.

In 2019, Tampere Hall switched to district heating produced using wood-based fuels.

In 2026, the production source of purchased electricity changed from Tammerkoski hydropower to wind power. Today, Tampere Hall uses purchased wind-generated electricity verified by Guarantees of Origin, as well as electricity generated by its own solar power plants.

Energy consumption is monitored regularly, and the building’s technical solutions are developed as part of ongoing property management and energy efficiency work.

A rooftop garden consisting of raised growing beds and an approximately 20-square-metre greenhouse was established at Tampere Hall in 2016.

The garden is used to grow vegetables, berries, herbs and other edible plants, which are used in Tampere Hall’s restaurants according to the season and availability.

The greenhouse, built in cooperation with Hämeen Lasitoimi, was constructed using insulated glass elements. The greenhouse’s air-source heat pump uses solar power generated at Tampere Hall, enabling the growing season to be extended from spring to autumn.

The rooftop garden was created in cooperation with ISKU, Alasen Rakennus Oy, Timgrey Oy, Sika Finland, KV-Group Oy, Biolan and Hämeen Lasitoimi Oy.

The rooftop garden has remained part of Tampere Hall’s rooftop environment since 2016.

Tampere Hall has three rooftop solar power plants, completed in 2017, 2019 and 2021. Together, they comprise 514 solar panels.

The electricity generated by the panels is used at Tampere Hall. Solar power reduces the need for electricity purchased from the grid and complements the renewable electricity purchased by Tampere Hall. Solar power is also used by the air-source heat pump in the rooftop garden greenhouse.

The output of the solar power plants is monitored annually. Up-to-date figures on production and its calculated impacts are published in Tampere Hall Group’s annual sustainability report.

Tampere Hall uses Metsä Tissue products whose wood raw material is, according to the manufacturer, from certified or controlled sources.

The products we use carry the Nordic Swan Ecolabel. Its requirements cover areas including the origin of raw materials, chemicals used in production, energy consumption and production emissions.

Waste generated at Tampere Hall is sorted in accordance with waste management guidelines. Waste fractions include biowaste, cardboard, paper, glass, metal, plastic and mixed waste.

Materials suitable for recycling are sent for material recovery. Combustible waste may be used for energy production. Biowaste is sent to the waste management company for treatment.

Waste management for events is planned according to the size of the event, catering arrangements and other practical requirements. We aim to prevent waste from being generated already at the procurement, catering and event production planning stages.

Annual waste volumes and recycling and recovery rates are published in Tampere Hall Group’s sustainability report.

Visitors can refill their own water bottles at designated water points around Tampere Hall. Water points are located, for example, in the building’s toilet facilities. Water dispensers are also available in public areas and foyers.

Tampere Hall uses technical solutions designed to reduce water consumption, including waterless urinals, flow-restricting valves and electronic taps.

Water consumption is monitored annually. Efficient water use is also one of the requirements of Tampere Hall’s Nordic Swan Ecolabel.

All our meeting and public spaces are accessible. Our staff are trained to assist and guide customers with mobility and sensory impairments in particular, so that everyone can feel welcome and well served.

Visitors can provide feedback on accessibility and safety through our feedback surveys or website. We take feedback into account and investigate any incidents that may occur.

Equality is important to us across our operations. We consider equality in programme planning and monitor the gender distribution of performers.

Our equality and non-discrimination plan has been developed collaboratively, and we monitor its implementation together with our employees. Everyone in our organisation can contribute to developing the plan and to ensuring that people are treated equally.

We do not accept any form of harassment, discrimination or inappropriate treatment. Everyone is welcome at Tampere Hall and at Tampere Hall Group events as they are.

The principles of equality apply to Tampere Hall employees, partners, performers and event participants alike.

Read our Safer Space Principles here.

We promise – will you?

• Give everyone the opportunity to speak and be heard.
• Respect everyone’s personal physical and mental space and privacy.
• Avoid making assumptions based on a person’s appearance or behaviour.
• Listen and learn by approaching new topics, people and perspectives with an open mind.
• Apologise if you intentionally or unintentionally cause offence to others.

At Tampere Hall, safety is always a priority. We hold a security sector business licence issued by the National Police Board of Finland, and all our ushers on duty have received training as either security guards or stewards.

Safety is maintained through trained staff, established operating procedures and safety planning.

At Tampere Hall, we want to offer cultural and event experiences to a wide range of audiences, and taking different customer groups into account is an important part of our operations. We therefore offer discounted ticket categories that support equal opportunities to participate.

Discounts for specific groups

We offer discounts for groups including students, pensioners, unemployed people, conscripts and veterans. Veterans are particularly important to us, and we show our appreciation by offering discounts or free admission to selected events. Event-specific information is available on our ticket sales pages.

Tampere Hall supports the local community and charitable activities in a number of ways. It is important to us to give back to our community and support local initiatives.

We donate tickets to various charitable organisations to give more people the opportunity to experience culture and events.

We also provide spaces at Tampere Hall for charitable use twice a year. This enables organisations and communities to hold their own events and raise funds for important causes without venue hire costs.

Loneliness affects an increasing number of people, but shared cultural experiences can provide a way to connect with others. Tampere Hall, LähiTapiola Pirkanmaa and TampereMissio have joined forces to make the wellbeing benefits of culture accessible to more people.

Through the Culture Companion initiative, TampereMissio’s clients and volunteers can experience Tampere Hall concerts together, free of charge. LähiTapiola Pirkanmaa supports the initiative by providing tickets for both the participant and their Culture Companion, while Tampere Hall contributes concerts and cultural experiences that can support a sense of belonging and wellbeing.

The partnership is based on the idea that culture can provide strength, support a sense of belonging and bring joy to everyday life. The initiative offers shared experiences both for people looking for companionship and for volunteers who want to give their time and support to others.

Would you like to become a Culture Companion or are you looking for support with loneliness? Find out more on the TampereMissio website.

The Toilet Card helps people living with certain medical conditions that can cause functional bowel or bladder disorders. These conditions may involve a frequent and urgent need to use a toilet.

A person showing the card has a medical condition that means they may need quick access to a toilet, for example by being allowed to bypass a queue. Thank you for taking this into consideration.

Together with our partners, we organise around one hundred free and low-threshold events each year.

For example, the annual Park Concert attracts thousands of visitors, while the free Lobby Club provides a stage for discussions, matinee concerts, dance performances and a wide range of cultural content. The Winter Garden art exhibitions also invite visitors to explore changing exhibitions free of charge.

Tampere Hall joined the LGBTQ+ friendly We Speak Gay community in May 2022. The community aims to help build a more inclusive, safer and more empathetic society for LGBTQ+ people in Finland.

By joining the We Speak Gay community, we have committed to year-round LGBTQ+ inclusive communication, both internally and externally. Our staff have also received training on sexual and gender diversity.

Tampere Hall is committed to providing employment opportunities for different groups. For more than 15 years, we have employed people with intellectual disabilities, and this has become part of our organisational culture.

Responsible employment practices are a tangible part of our daily operations and support diversity and inclusion in the workplace.

According to a study by the Advisory Board for the Arts, Tampere Hall has an annual regional income impact of approximately EUR 98 million in the Tampere economic region.

This economic impact is generated, among other things, through event visitors’ spending on accommodation, restaurants, transport and other services.

We employ a wide range of freelancers in the cultural sector, artists and other creative professionals who contribute to our events.

Our partnerships also create employment opportunities in other sectors, including restaurant services, cleaning and event technology.

We also offer work experience and internship opportunities for students and school pupils, giving them the opportunity to gain practical experience in the cultural sector and event production.