In the tranquil forests surrounding Billnäs, Finland, the concept of sustainability comes into sharp focus. Guided by master forager and chef Sami Tallberg, visitors can experience firsthand the sustainable practices that define Finnish culture. As Tallberg searches beneath the spruce and silver birch trees for chanterelles, woolly milkcaps, and penny buns, he reflects on the cyclical nature of the forest. “These mushrooms are here for us now, and they will be here for us next year,” he says. “They’re the essence of sustainability.”
Helsinki, Finland’s capital, is on a mission to become the world’s most sustainable destination. The city has ambitious goals to achieve carbon neutrality and eventually become carbon-negative within a generation. But beyond the official presentations and plans, the real proof of Helsinki’s commitment to sustainability is evident in experiences like foraging with Tallberg, staying at eco-conscious hotels, and visiting restored historic sites like Billnäs Gård.
### Billnäs Gård: A Model of Sustainable Restoration
Located about an hour east of Helsinki, Billnäs Gård is a six-room boutique hotel that tells a remarkable story of sustainability. Founded by Taina and Chris Snellman-Langenskiöld, the hotel is housed in a restored Art Deco villa designed by architect Waldemar Aspelin in 1910. The couple spent over two years meticulously restoring the building, replacing rotting timber, repairing decaying floors, and upgrading the heating system to a geothermal one. They also prioritized using natural materials and recycled items, such as old doors and spare parts, in the renovation.
Taina, a designer with a passion for antique furniture, was drawn to sustainability long before it became a mainstream concept. “When I started at university, there was no sustainability as such that you could study — all we had was environmental management,” she recalls. Her husband, Chris, focused on wellness, transforming the villa’s cellar into a spa and sauna and designing a garden with a pool. Their restaurant emphasizes seasonality and local ingredients, sourced from nearby farms with a preference for organic produce.
The couple’s vision for Billnäs Gård is to create a retreat that feels like a faraway escape, even though it’s close to home. By encouraging locals to vacation nearby, they hope to reduce the carbon footprint associated with long-distance travel.
### Hotel Maria: Breathing New Life into Historic Buildings
Helsinki’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond the countryside. In the heart of the city, Hotel Maria is another example of how old buildings can be repurposed for modern, eco-friendly use. The hotel is comprised of four buildings constructed between 1885 and 1930, which once served as offices and military quarters. The extensive renovation included updating the buildings to meet Finnish sustainability regulations, such as improving insulation and implementing a recycling program.
But Hotel Maria didn’t stop there. The hotel features advanced systems for energy and water conservation, including state-of-the-art heating control and food waste monitoring. It has earned a Green Key certificate and approval from the Finnish Heritage Agency for its refurbishment. Additionally, over 40% of its wine list comes from organically farmed grapes, and the restaurant sources local produce.
The hotel’s sustainability efforts are seamlessly integrated into the guest experience. While visitors may not immediately notice the absence of single-use plastics or the energy-saving technology, these features are quietly working behind the scenes to minimize the hotel’s environmental impact. “We didn’t want to lecture our guests about sustainability,” says Heli Mende, Hotel Maria’s director of business development. “We wanted to make it easy to be green.”
### Helsinki’s Ambitious Sustainability Goals
Helsinki’s aspirations to be the world’s most sustainable city are not just talk. The city is currently working toward the top spot in the Global Destination Sustainability Index (GDSI), which ranks cities based on factors like air pollution, cycling paths, and eco-friendly accommodations. “Every year, we do better,” says Jukka Punamäki, Helsinki’s senior advisor for tourism. “I think maybe next year we’ll get there.”
In fact, shortly after this interview, Helsinki did achieve the number one ranking on the GDSI list.
Helsinki’s sustainability efforts are comprehensive, encompassing social, ecological, economic, and cultural dimensions. The city is working to reduce traffic and emissions, with a goal of becoming carbon-neutral by 2030. While these initiatives may not be the primary reason tourists visit Helsinki, they certainly add to the city’s appeal, especially for eco-conscious travelers.
### Foraging and Finland’s Unique Approach to Sustainability
Back in the forests of Billnäs, Tallberg speaks of a different kind of sustainability — one deeply rooted in Finnish culture. Finland’s “Everyman’s Right” (Jokaisenoikeus) allows people to freely roam the forests to forage for berries and mushrooms, regardless of land ownership. This legal right fosters a sense of responsibility toward the environment, ensuring that the forests will continue to provide for future generations.
“Jokaisenoikeus gives us a balance,” Tallberg explains. “It’s about finding harmony with nature, and that’s how we are sustainable.”
Helsinki’s approach to sustainability is as diverse as the mushrooms hidden in its forests. It’s about preserving historic buildings, embracing cutting-edge green technology, and honoring age-old traditions like foraging. While the city still has work to do, it’s clear that Helsinki is making steady progress toward its sustainability goals.
In the end, Helsinki’s journey toward becoming the world’s most sustainable destination is not just about meeting targets or earning certifications. It’s about creating a harmonious relationship between people and nature, ensuring that both can thrive for generations to come.
Source: forbes.com