This document discusses environmental business and provides examples. It defines environmental business as activities that conserve natural resources, protect environmental diversity, and encourage more sustainable practices. Environmental business can be practiced across all industries and involves using environmental knowledge in company activities or enabling others to do so. Examples include reducing waste and emissions, sustainable products/services, recycling/reuse, and advisory services. The document encourages companies to develop environmental business plans and cites benefits companies have gained from more sustainable practices.

1. Environmental business can thrive in
all sectors
Esimerkkejä
Ympäristöliiketoiminnasta
Examples
of environmental business

2. ”We must make the act of saving
the world a viable business model.”
”Co-operation is strength.”
”There is no business to be done on a
dead planet.”
Esko Aho
Piia Nurmi, Group Leader, Sustainable development
and Corporate Responsibility,
Turku University of Applied Sciences
David Brower, Patagonia
1

3. Environmental business is
viable business
This brochure aims to give you an under-
standing of what environmental business
can be and what it already is. Furthermo-
re, we set out to provide examples of the
sort of benefits companies can gain by
taking environmental considerations into
account across all their operations. Abo-
ve all, this brochure is designed to be as
practical and useful as possible. We want
to provide an accessible yet inspiring rea-
ding experience, for entrepreneurs in the
small and medium-sized enterprise (SME)
sector in particular.
Environmental business is expected to
become one of the fastest growing in-
dustries in the world. The environmental
business sector will be offering a range of
huge opportunities based on both new
insights and conscious decision-making
that will allow you to improve your busi-
ness performance while making efficient
use of natural resources and reducing the
burden on the environment. Here, envi-
ronmental know-how is not seen merely
as a prevailing trend but as a series of
practical actions that may prove highly
significant in the future. The choices we
make and the solutions we adopt can
have a direct impact on both the health
of our environment and the development
of our businesses, whilst offering positive
outcomes for both. Environmental busi-
ness is both economically and ecologically
viable.
This brochure was compiled as part of
the eGreenNet project in cooperation
with companies that have been innova-
tors in the environmental business sector
and who wish to promote environmen-
tal know-how by acting as an example
and case study for others. The aim of the
brochure is to offer an introductory glimp-
se into the world of environmental busi-
ness and environmental know-how and
to help remove any barriers that may cur-
rently prevent you from considering the
environmental competencies within your
own company as well as the opportunities
available to you in the environmental bu-
siness industry.
If you have any questions, please do not
hesitate get in touch.
Piia Nurmi
Project Manager
+358 40 355 0931
piia.nurmi@turkuamk.fi
Jenni Suominen
Project Co-ordinator
+358 40 355 0936
jenni.suominen@turkuamk.fi
Authors:
Essi Hillgren, Ria Jussilainen, Jenni Suominen, Piia Nurmi, Nina Aarras, Jaani Kuusela, Tiina Jaatinen
References: www.ymparistoosaaminen.fi; Taipalinen & Toivio 2004, 15; Sarkkinen 2006; Suominen 2010;
eGreenNet-project
2

4. Encouraging staff, partners
and clients to adopt
environmentally friendly
working practices
Reducing and making
more efficient use of
materials, energy
and water
Taking account of the
environmental impact
of goods and services
across their entire life
cycle
Carrying out
environmental
assessments on
their suppliers
and stakeholders
Designing
environmentally friendly
products and production
processes
Choosing
environmentally friendly
products and services
Consistently taking
environmental
considerations into
account in their
activities
Reducing waste by
recycling and re-using
Generating
innovations
SMEs can act with environmental
conscience by:
3

5. Environmental know-how within the bu-
siness sector includes activities that:
• conserve natural resources for future
generations
• protect environmental diversity
• encourage consumers to adopt more
environmentally friendly practices
through example setting and provide
accurate and up-to-date information on
the issue.
Environmental know-how should not
just be seen as a current trend but as
a series of actions that can continue to
have an impact far into the future.
In order to fully implement environmen-
tal responsibility policies, businesses
must possess environmental know-how
that allows them to protect ecological
diversity, make efficient use of natural
resources and develop production met-
hods and processes that are as eco-fri-
endly as possible and help to slow down
climate change.
At its best, environmental know-how is
more than just a series of minor actions
implemented by businesses to create
an environmentally responsible reputa-
tion for themselves and their activities.
The choices we make and solutions we
adopt can have a direct impact on both
the health of our environment and the
development of our businesses, whilst
offering positive outcomes for both. Ul-
timately, carefully drafted and actioned
environmental activities will benefit bu-
sinesses and the environment alike.
Environmental know-how must be a ful-
ly integrated part of the business plan,
product or service.
What is environmental know-how?
Environmental business
Company implements
environmentally relevant
know-how across all of its
activities
Company supports and
facilitates other businesses’
efforts to achieve environmental
know-how
References: Taipalinen & Toivio 2004, 15.; Sarkkinen 2006; Suominen 2010.; eGreenNet-project
4

6. The wider definition of environmental
business comprises all investments and
products relating to the climate, waste
management, clean energy, energy effi-
ciency and energy saving. Environmental
business can be practised across all in-
dustries.
The key elements
• The prevention, mitigation, removal
and repair of negative environmental ef-
fects
• Supporting activities, including training,
research, consulting, funding, benchmar-
king, monitoring and certification
• The business can be based on systems,
machinery, equipment, products and ser-
vices
• Environmental business can be con-
ducted across all industries
• Awareness of both business objectives
and sustainability considerations
• The business must be economically
viable
Environmental business aims to reduce
the use of natural resources, limit pollu-
tion, prevent waste and emissions and
reduce risks associated with environmen-
tal accidents.
Environmental business is practisced by
enterprises that make use of environ-
mental know-how in their own activities
or enable others to do so.
What is environmental business
Ecodemand is a form of market demand
generated by the need to prevent
or slow down environmental pollution
or the depletion of natural resources.
Environmental business
capitalises on commercial opportunities
arising through ecodemand.
References: Hernesniemi & Sundquist 2007.; eGreenNet-project
5

7. Examples of environmental business
Saving and
carefully selecting
energy sources and
raw materials
Reducing waste
and emissions
Advisory and
consultancy
services
Benchmarking,
forward planning and
monitoring
Recycling and
re-use
Containment
and clean-up of
contaminants,
de-contamination
Sustainable products
and services
6
activities include

8. The eGreenNet business plan development is designed to help companies identify
their potential within the environmental business sector and to develop their activi-
ties. The business plan development fee is EUR 150. For an idea of how the business
plan is put together, see below:
Contact information:
Piia Nurmi
Project Manager
+358 40 355 0931
piia.nurmi@turkuamk.fi
So don’t set out to achieve everything at once.
First steps: draw up a development plan!
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
The development plan
will be reviewed together
with the company
“Matching” – where relevant,
the company will get help for
establishing links with
suitable partners and other
contacts to allow the
company to implement
the business plan.
Develop a clear picture of
the circumstances of
the company in full
consultation
with the company
Draw up a plan of
the competitive
advantages
of the company
Hold a one-day intensive
consultation event
attended by
two or three experts
The development plan will
be sparred with a relevant
expert organisation
6.
Even the smallest step can be a huge leap forward.
Let’s take it one step at a time!
7

9. “Green choices deliver
financial savings.”
“A commitment to environmental
sustainability is a key characteristic
“All environmental business starts with
one good idea – yours, but don’t forget to
listen to other people’s opinions too. You
might find you’re not an expert in every
single field.”
Kimmo Lähtinen, K-Supermarket, Lieto
Harri Kerminen, Kemira Ltd
Aki Honkanen, Biota Tech Ltd
8
shared by all successful businesses.”

10. Environmental business in pictures (pictures: eGreenNet)
9

11. ”The project has given
answers to many questions, helped
us make connections with other
businesses and inspired us to give
broader consideration to how we can
communicate environmental
issues going forward.”
”For us, taking part in the material
efficiency assessment was a no-brainer,
as sustainability has been a key Flowpark
value from the very beginning and we aim
to take the environment into consideration
in all our activities.”
”We don’t make money out of the
environment, we make money for the
environment, to support
sustainable development.”
Olli Suominen, Leipomo Verainen
Janne Kalhama, Flowpark
Jussi Mälkiä, MeriAura
10

12. Responding to global challenges
New recycling ventures and resource efficiency improvements have come about in res-
ponse to ever-increasing global demand driven by rising commodity and energy prices
and tighter regulatory oversight.
Recycling sector businesses generate new commercial opportunities from surplus ma-
terials rejected by others
Recycling sector businesses generate new commercial opportunities from surplus ma-
terials rejected by others, taking an environmentally conscious and no-nonsense ap-
proach to capitalise on the waste and side streams generated by other companies.
Recycling businesses offer an entirely new range of products, services and know-how
and specialise in turning surplus materials from a burden into an asset, processing them
into new raw materials and energy.
Resource efficiency – a competitive advantage
Resource efficiency is a term used to describe the most efficient possible use of materi-
als, the commercial exploitation of waste and side streams as well as closed substance
cycles. Resource efficiency offers a competitive advantage that can generate cost sa-
vings, procurement efficiencies and completely new business ventures.
Laitilan Wirvoitusjuomatehdas Ltd.
Laitilan Wirvoitusjuomatehdas Ltd. is the
fourth largest brewery in Finland. The
company’s entire product range is manu-
factured in premises that have been ex-
tended on eight separate occasions, using
traditional methods and state-of-the-art
technology. The company’s product port-
folio comprises the Kukko and Kievari la-
gers, Oiva cider and sparkling wine, Into
“long drink” and traditional fizzy drinks.
Laitila has invested heavily in sustainab-
le technologies in order to position itself
well for the challenges ahead. All electri-
city consumed by the production facility
has been generated through wind power
since 2001. The company makes use of
the latest brewing technology, generating
energy savings of 70% in comparison with
traditional technologies.
Environmental business activity:
energy and resource efficiency
Sector: Soft drinks and brewery
products, wholesale
Location: Laitila
Founded: 1995
Turnover: approx. EUR 22 million
(2012)
Staff: approx. 48
www.laitilan.fi
Regional strengths: resource
11

13. e efficiency and recycling
Laitilan Wirvoitusjuomatehdas, resource efficiency and
traditional drinks industry side streams:
Thermal energy
- The majority of the heat required at
the plant is derived from a 100% wood-
fuelled district heating facility
- Surplus heat is captured and recycled
further, mainly for use within the plant
Waste water
- Some 2.8 litres of waste water is
generated per 1 litre of finished product
- Heat is recycled back into use.
Wood, cardboard, glass, aluminium
and plastic is sorted and recycled
- Wood waste is supplied to another
business for heating purposes
- Glass bottles are mainly recycled, a
small proportion is retained and used
to create recycled drinking glasses
- Waste aluminium is used to create
new cans
- Plastic waste is collected and passed
on for re-use
Filter waste
- Used to improve soil
Malt and yeast waste
- 100% is used as livestock feed at a
local farm
- In addition, the fermented mash
that is used to brew the Kukko lager is
supplied to the Laitilan Leipä bakery,
where it is used to make their malted
loaf.
CO2
- During the plant growth phase,
CO2 binds to the fruit and is released
during fermentation
- In future, all CO2 will be collected
and used as part of the company’s
own manufacturing processes or sold
on.
12

14. Environmental business
Veraisen Leipomo Ltd.
Communicating about green issues pays off
PS Processing Ltd.
Recycling conserves natural resources and
reduces waste
Ceramic artist Eero Kaarnisto
Environmental awareness is needed across the
entire business sector
Finess Energy Ltd.
Cost efficiency through energy efficiency
Verso Globe Ltd.
Don’t forget to communicate your successes
and best practices
PG Quality Ltd.
Environmental and quality management systems
enhancing organisational transparency
Nereus Ltd.
Energy efficiency through solar and thermal
combi system
Green Carpet Turku Ltd.
Competitive advantage through green credentials
Sybimar Ltd.
Reducing waste and increasing materials efficiency
through closed substance systems
Lindtrothin Puutarha
Reducing energy use, minimising water consuption
and re-use waterEnergy and water efficiency
Perjantai Markkinointiviestintä Ltd.
Doing the right thing? Share it!
13
Finnfoam Ltd.
Energy efficiency by ecological insulation
Hunajayhtymä
Promoting Finnish honey production
Flowpark Ltd.
Materials matter
Strandbo Group
Sustainable travel
NaNi Design
Environmentally friendly materials, supply chain
transparency, Finnish brand identity
Herrankukkaro Ltd.
A green meeting venue and holiday destination

15. In the following section, we will be showcasing a selection Finnish companies that have
implemented environmental know-how across their operations and are supporting
other businesses to achieve the same. Some of the featured businesses are involved in
the eGreenNet -project.
Veraisen Leipomo Ltd.
Green Carpet Turku Ltd.
Leipomo Verainen is committed to
pursuing sustainability across its entire
operation. The company’s staff come
from the local area and every effort is
also made to use local produce where-
ver possible. All energy is generated
from renewable resources (wind/hyd-
ro).
All products are made using only Finnish
wheat and rye flour. Leipomo Verainen’s
organic range is one of the bakery’s key
product groups. At Verainen, they are
now keen to communicate their sustai-
nable practices to an external audience,
including consumers and retailers.
Green Carpet is responsible for develo-
ping Finland’s first mobile laundry service,
the carpet cleaner on wheels. The mobile
unit cleans and dries rugs and carpets on
site. The finished product is back on the
floor often within the hour. The cleaning
agents, developed especially with a mo-
bile laundry service in mind, are environ-
mentally friendly and all waste water is
delivered directly to a water treatment fa-
cility. As the cleaning process is powered
by the van engine, the entire cleaning and
drying process is highly energy-efficient.
Indeed, efficiency is the cornerstone of all
of Green Carpet’s operations, in terms of
time, money and the environment. In fu-
ture, the company plans to stand out from
the competition through its nature-friend-
ly values. To ensure that this message is
communicated effectively, the company
intends to sharpen up its marketing stra-
tegy in the near future, with a firm focus
on green issues.
Environmental business: Locally
produced and organic products
Sector: Bakery
Location: Mynämäki
Founded: 1952
Turnover: EUR 5.1 million
Staff: approx. 40
www.leipomoverainen.fi
Environmental business: Water
and energy-efficient rug and carpet
cleaning
Sector: Carpet cleaning service
Location: Western Finland
Founded: 2012
Staff: 3–5
www.greencarpet.fi
14

16. Flowpark Ltd.
Flowpark is an ecological adventure park,
where visitors of all ages can test their
skills on a series of trails graded according
to difficulty. The trails have been built on
living trees using construction methods
designed with tree welfare in mind. As
the company operates in a natural setting,
choosing the right materials is particular-
ly important. Flowpark has carried out a
MIPS calculation to identify the company’s
level of material consumption. The MIPS
calculation was used to identify current
material usage levels and the results have
been used to identify ways of implemen-
ting more sustainable solutions. The MIPS
outcome can often seem a fairly minor
matter in terms of an entire business ope-
ration, but the findings may often lead you
to identify genuine savings and efficien-
cies. Flowpark is pleased with the results
and the company has already used the
MIPS calculation in its own external com-
munications.
Hunajayhtymä packages Finnish honey
and offers the widest range of beekee-
ping supplies in Finland. The company’s
aim is to ensure the continued supply of
high-quality Finnish honey by promoting
honey sales and continuing to offer a wide
range of beekeeping supplies. Hunajayhty-
mä buys the honey it packages from cont-
racted producers and sells it on to whole-
salers. The origins of the honey must be
traceable, even though a single jar might
contain honey from a number of different
producers.
Hunajayhtymä has calculated the carbon
footprint of floral honey and adopted the
CO2e symbol, a measure of the green-
house emissions generated during the
product’s journey from field to shop shelf.
Bees play a significant role in promoting
ecological diversity as pollination drives
plant reproduction and improves crop
yields and quality. The net value of pollina-
tion undertaken by bees in Finland alone is
calculated at EUR 60 million, which far ex-
ceeds the value of the annual honey crop.
Environmental business: Ecological
adventure park
Sector: Amusement park, leisure
Location: Turku and Lappeenranta
Founded: 2009 (launched in 2010)
Turnover: approx. EUR 500,000
Staff: : 2–3 permanent staff, approx.
20 seasonal staff
www.flowpark.fi
Environmental business:
Promoting Finnish honey
production
Sector: Foodstuffs / honey
Location: Loimaa
Founded: 1995
Turnover: EUR 3.3 million (2012)
Staff: 8
www.hunaja.fi
Hunajayhtymä Ltd.
15

17. Sybimar Ltd.
Sybimar Ltd. leads the way in sustai-
nable energy production. The company
turns food manufacturing side streams
into biodiesel. Originally, the company’s
vision was to offer opportunities for ex-
ploiting food manufacturing side stre-
ams but as the concept expanded, Sy-
bimar went on to develop an innovative
biodiesel process. The resulting biofuel
is suitable for both heating and vehi-
cular use. In addition, Sybimar builds
installations for the food manufactu-
ring industry and bioenergy generati-
on. Sybimar’s closed substance system
concept incorporates fish farms, green-
houses, biogas installations, generators,
wind farms and biodiesel plants. The
closed substance system can be imple-
mented anywhere in the world for local
energy and food production purposes.
It also promotes self-sufficiency among
local communities and creates jobs.
Environmental business: Biodiesel
and closed substance systems
Sector: Biodiesel and closed
substance systems
Location: Uusikaupunki
Founded: 2005
Turnover: EUR 600,000
Staff: 11
www.sybimar.fi
Nereus Ltd.
Nereusspecialisesintheplanning,installa-
tion and marketing of water-based under-
floor heating systems. It has been awar-
ded the Association for Finnish Work’s Key
Flag symbol. The company’s key innova-
tions are to combine solar and geothermal
energy sources and an iPhone app that al-
lows users to control their heating system.
The Nereus system is also perfect for use
as part of a variety of frostfree solutions.
These heating systems are becoming inc-
reasingly common and are often used to
facilitate the winter maintenance of pave-
ments, loading docks and roads. Nereus is
active in the Finnish as well as the Estoni-
an and Russian markets, which the com-
pany will target for growth in the future.
Environmental business:
Combining solar and geothermal
energy for water-based underfloor
heating solutions.
Sector: Construction
Location: Head office in
Uusikaupunki. Sales offices in Turku
and Oulu complemented by a
nationwide retail network
Founded: 1989
Turnover: EUR 3–5 million
Staff: 14
www.nereus.fi
16

18. Founded in 2006, PG Quality designs, de-
velops and maintains a range of quality,
environmental and management systems.
The company also provides expert support
for clients undergoing certification. In ad-
dition, PG Quality carries out audits, con-
cept testing and offers project manage-
ment services. PG Quality’s clients operate
in a wide variety of industries, including
metal and timber processing, pharma-
ceuticals and diagnostics, research and
development as well as client services. The
company operates nationwide. PG Quality
complies with the following standards: ISO
9001, ISO 14001, OHSAS 18001, ISO 13485
and ISO 17025.
Environmental business: Quality
and environmental system design
construction, development and
maintenance
Sector: Management and system
consultancy
Location: Masku / nationwide
Founded: 2006
Turnover: < EUR 200,000
Staff: 2 (1 full-time + several part-
time)
www.pg-quality.fi
PG Quality Ltd.
Finess Energy Ltd.
Finess Energy Ltd. is an energy efficiency
and energy solutions expert offering ser-
vices to heavy industry and local authority
and other public bodies. The company’s
product range includes heat pumps, coo-
ling units and energy production. Heat
pumps can reduce delivered energy de-
mand by up to 80%. The energy that is
saved is replaced with carbon neutral re-
newable energy. Finess’s cooling units
use natural and environmentally friend-
ly refrigerants, such as NH3 and CO2.
Refrigeration system efficiency can be
substantially improved by heat recovery
integration. Heat recovery systems can
significantly improve energy efficiency
and reduce emissions. Modern techno-
logies offer a range of possibilities for in-
house power generation, including the
conversion of waste heat into electricity.
Environmental business: Energy
efficiency, renewables
Sector: Energy expertise
Location: Turku
Founded: 2011
Products and services: Energy
solutions: industrial heat pumps,
cooling units, energy generation
www.finess.fi
17

19. PS Processing Ltd.
PS Processing’s core function is the wide-
ranging collection, handling and proces-
sing of styrofoam carried out in a sus-
tainable and cost-efficient manner. The
company offers Styrofoam, EPS and PS
waste recovery services tailored to client
needs on the basis of waste volume, for-
mat and level of pre-sorting. In addition,
PS Processing Ltd. plans to launch a servi-
ce for recycling empty canisters as well as
hay and fodder bales. Real-time CDR mo-
nitoring and reporting is also available.
Environmental business: Styrofoam
recycling
Sector: Sorted waste recycling
Location: Laitila
Founded: 2011
www.ps-processing.fi
Eero Kaarnisto, ceramic artist
Ceramic artist Eero Kaarnisto’s key pro-
duct is a biodegradable clay urn. The urn’s
excellent biodegradability is the result
of long-standing product development
activity and complies with the strictest
environmental regulations. The urns are
hand-made using Finnish clay, which
is left to dry at room temperature wit-
hout the need for kiln firing. In 2009, the
company’s urn design received recogniti-
on in the 2009 YMPÄRISTÖTEKO Awards.
The honourable mention reflects the
high quality of the product and it is ho-
ped that it will serve to increase environ-
mental awareness in the funeral sector.
The TIERRA urns have undergone testing
by VTT, the Technical Research Centre of
Finland, and have been awarded the VTT
Certificate. Eero Kaarnisto is now looking
to expand into international markets and
has set his sights on Germany and Swe-
den. Making headway in a new market
can be challenging and careful planning
and implementation are vital. Eero Kaar-
nisto is involved in the Globaaliohjelma
programme, in which a consultant has
been appointed to carry out research on
the Swedish market. Public sector funding
has been made available to cover the cost
of the market research.
Environmental business:
Biodegradable clay urns for
humans and pets
Sector: Ceramics manufacturing
and sales with a specialist interest
in burial urns
Location: Turku
Founded: 1988 (urns since 1996)
Staff: 1 (+ 3 seasonal staff)
www.eerokaarnisto.fi
18

20. Herrankukkaro Ltd.
Located in Naantali on Finland’s southern
coast, and enjoying a stunning location
sheltered by 41,000 islands, Herrankukka-
ro is a unique, distinctive and fascinating
destination built on the site of an old fis-
hing village that offers meeting, training
and recreational services for groups. Over
the years, Herrankukkaro has become kno-
wn for its quirkiness, including birdhouse
accommodation, the largest “smoke sau-
na” in the world as well as the eco-friendly
seaside Kaislikko Spa. In 2010, Herrankuk-
karo was voted Finland’s Best Tourist Des-
tination. According to the company, natu-
re is their “best friend”. Only renewable
energy, from wind and wood, is used on
the island. In addition, plastic is avoided
wherever possible and water is treated on
site. The majority of the construction work
on the island has been carried out using
reclaimed wood. More than 80% of all
food served on the island is wild or locally
sourced. The company also takes pride in
its close working relationship with the Pidä
Saaristo Siistinä conservation body.
Herrankukkaro – you’ll never want to lea-
ve!
Environmental business:
Environmentally friendly meeting
venue and holiday destination
Sector: Event and recreational
services
Location: Rymättylä/Naantali
Founded: 1984
Turnover: approx. EUR 1.3 million
Staff: 15
www.herrankukkaro.fi
19

21. NaNi Design
NaNi is a Finnish business specialising
in small dog apparel. The company’s
core aim is to serve the needs of small
dogs and its products are designed to
be comfortable without compromising
on style. The products are suitable for
all dogs weighing 6 kg and under, re-
gardless of breed. We aim to manufac-
ture all products locally, allowing us to
have control over the entire process.
Our higher manufacturing costs are ref-
lected in our retail prices but, in return,
our customers
can be assured that what they are pur-
chasing is a high-quality product where
each stage of production is fully tra-
ceable. NaNi has been awarded the
Association for Finnish Work’s Key Flag
symbol in recognition of its Finnish cre-
dentials. The company would like to do
what it can to ensure that Finnish con-
sumers can choose Finnish products
from highly-skilled Finnish producers
now and into the future and to raise the
profile of Finnish goods.
Environmental business: Sustainable
materials, production chain
transparency, Finnish identity
Sector: Textiles/small dog apparel
Location: Turku
Founded: 2012
Staff: 1 + a trainee
www.nani.fi
Lindrothin puutarha
Lindrothin Puutarha Deliverde is a fami-
lyrun farm that grows high-quality lettu-
ce, vegetables and herbs. At Lindrothin
Puutarha the focus is firmly on delivering
high-quality, clean and fresh produce.
Lindrothin Puutarha’s lettuces are grown
using traditional methods and harvesting
only takes place once the produce is ful-
ly ripened and has reached the right size.
Thanks to a highly efficient distribution
function, the produce is quickly made
available to consumers. As a company,
Lindrothin Puutarha is highly aware of
environmental considerations. The instal-
lation of a heat generation facility has
delivered improved energy efficiency and
reduced fuel costs by approximately 60%
in the first year. In addition, the company
has joined forces with a local waste ma-
nagement company to devise a bespoke
recycling and waste management system.
The company’s greenhouses are also fitted
with a highly efficient irrigation system.
Environmental business: Increasing
energy efficiency, minimising water
usage and promoting water re-use
Sector: Vegetable growing
Location: Turku
Founded: 1996
Turnover: EUR 1.1 million (2012)
Staff: 4 + 20 seasonal workers
www.deliverde.fi
20

22. Finnfoam Ltd.
Finnfoam Ltd. is a Finnish thermal insu-
lation manufacturer. Finnfoam thermal
insulation boards are suitable for use in
building insulation as well as road, railway
and airport foundations.
Thanks to new production technology de-
veloped in-house, Finnfoam has been the
first XPS manufacturer in the world to be
able to discontinue the use of HCFCs. In
addition, Finnfoam makes use of carbon
dioxide generated at other industrial faci-
lities, making its own manufacturing pro-
cess more environmentally friendly. At
the company’s premises, great care has
been taken to ensure maximum energy
efficiency. A new cooling system devised
in-house allows Finnfoam to capture was-
te heat effectively and use it to heat the
building. This has significantly reduced
the company’s oil use. Lighting design can
also be used to achieve energy savings.
During the day, the amount of natural
light is maximised through roof windows
and electric lighting is controlled through
twilight switches to optimise light levels
at all times.
Environmental business: Energy
and material efficiency
Sector: Insulation
Location: Salo
Founded: 1982
Turnover: EUR 51.3 million (2010)
Staff: 56
www.finnfoam.fi
The Strandbo Group is a travel specialist
offering year-round island holidays. The
company is committed to the princip-
les of sustainable travel. The company
owns three hotels and a number of ren-
tal cottages and villas with restaurants,
activities and other tourist services of-
fered alongiside the accommodation.
The company’s four restaurants all aim
to create their dishes from foraged or lo-
cally sourced ingredients and is aware of
the vast opportunities for visitors and lo-
cals alike offered by its island setting. In
addition to recreation and tourism servi-
ces, the company also offers a range of
corporate meeting venues with full-ser-
vice packages also available. Thanks to
Strandbo’s exciting range of activities on
offer, visitors can make the most of the
stunning location all year round.
Environmental business:
Sustainable travel
Sector: Food and travel
Location: Parainen, Nauvo, Airisto
Founded: 1998
Turnover: EUR 4.5 million
Staff: 25
www.strandbo.fi
Strandbo Group
20

23. Verso Globe Ltd.
It is Verso’s belief that the prevailing dis-
course on responsible business practi-
ces can be challenged and that the good
work carried out by many companies is
an excellent resource that has not been
fully tapped thus far. Verso Globe wants
to encourage businesses to make their
communications more open and acces-
sible. Verso helps businesses to make the
most of the good work they do and the
best practices they implement by offering
first rate corporate responsibility experti-
se and state-of-the-art communications
tools as part of a single interface. Verso
offers clients both a highly practical ap-
proach and platform, which businesses
can use to communicate their responsible
business practices to consumers, partners
and other interested parties. With the
help of Verso, any business can commu-
nicate their CSR achievements to ordinary
people. One way of doing this is the Verso
profiles. They are a highly accessible way
of communicating responsibility issues
and a way of conveying good business
practices and successes in clear, straight-
forward language. A typical Verso Globe
interface user is a company that already
has or wishes to establish itself as a lea-
der in its field and wants to communicate
the best practices it employs using state-
of-the-art methods, allowing it to engage
in a dialogue with stakeholders and con-
tinue to evolve its organisation and ope-
rations.
Environmental business: CSR
communications
Sector: Communications and
information management
Location: Turku, Helsinki, Munich,
Vienna
Founded: 2010
Staff: 8
http://verso.info
Perjantai is a communiations agency
with services spanning marketing com-
munications, training and sales support
services. Perjantai specialises in respon-
sible business performance: “If you’re
doing the right thing, make sure others
know about it.”
Environmental business:
CSR consultancy, training and
communications
Sector: Marketing communications
Location: Turku, Helsinki, Tampere
Founded: 2004
Turnover: EUR 2 million
Staff: 30
www.perjantai.fi
Perjantai Markkinointiviestintä Ltd.
21

24. Piia Nurmi
Project Manager
+358 40 335 0931
piia.nurmi@turkuamk.fi
Jenni Suominen
Project Co-ordinator
+358 40 355 0936
jenni.suominen@turkuamk.fi
www.egreennet.fi
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