Sustainability and Resbonsibility

We in the Hotel and Restaurant Museum have paid attention to sustainability in many ways. We continuously assess and improve our performance to achieve our sustainability goals. We have been recently awarded the Good Travel Seal certificate for sustainability and responsibility and are on our way to the Visit Finland Sustainable Travel Finland label.

Environmental responsibility

Our venuu is located in the Cable Factory, which is part of the Eco-Compass scheme and is implementing the Carbon Neutral Helsinki 2035 action plan. The electricity used at the Cable Factory is certified wind power.

In our own operations, we prevent the generation of unnecessary waste. We use recyclable packaging and storage materials in the collection work. We also sort the waste we generate as efficiently as possible.

For exhibitions and public engagement, we make use of existing structures, furniture and equipment. When we build new, we recycle old materials and structures as much as possible. We avoid unnecessary painting of walls and use energy-saving LED lighting.

We try to buy second-hand and when buying new equipment we pay attention to longevity, environmental friendliness and localness. We also pay attention to the use of paper.

We encourage our customers to arrive at the museum preferably by public transport, on foot or by bike. We support our staff’s use of public transport with the HSL commuter benefit. For longer work trips, we prefer rail transport. For transfers of collections, we aim to minimise the number of transports.

Responsibility in our food and drink offerings

We serve Fairtrade organic coffee, tea, oat milk and primarily plant-based ingredients. We always ask our customers about any special diets and food allergies and serve our customers accordingly.

We minimise food and beverage waste and the use of disposable tableware. We pay attention to the responsibility of our service providers and suppliers. We prioritise local, proximity-based small businesses wherever possible. Another criterion for our selection is domesticity.

Social responsibility

Our museum premises are accessible. We do not discriminate against our customers. Our staff are trained in diversity issues.

We have developed a Safer Space Policy, which is displayed both on our premises and on our website. We treat our employees equally and equitably. We want to be a workplace free from discrimination and harassment.

We have reduced admission fees for students, the unemployed and pensioners, as well as free days and free events. Admission is free for under 18s. Self-guided visits by various rehabilitation and integration groups are also free of charge. We also regularly offer internships for students in various fields.

We are part of the Culture Kids Program in Helsinki. We offer free events for children born in 2022. We are also part of the Kulttuurikaverit program of the City of Helsinki.

Cultural responsibility

Cultural heritage, its preservation and promotion are at the heart of our activities. We record and preserve the cultural heritage of food and drink culture and the hospitality industry. We showcase and promote the importance of cultural heritage through exhibitions and events. We foster access to and accessibility of common cultural heritage through our communication and information services.

We will only store and exhibit historical objects where ownership is legally protected and known to us. We also respect copyright and personal data protection when exhibiting. We do not resell museum objects.

Employee wellbeing

We support staff wellbeing by providing, among other things, comprehensive health care, a regular chance to exercise during working hours, recreational afternoons and counselling sessions with the manager. Work life balance is fostered with flexible working hours and the possibility of partial remote work. We encourage employees to take breaks during the working day and to balance working hours. We also encourage lifelong learning and monitor job satisfaction on an annual basis.

Health and Safety

Our activities do not pose any health or safety risks to our employees or customers. We regularly identify risks to the work of our employees together with our staff and take the necessary measures to improve safety.

When necessary, we follow guidance from health authorities to prevent the spread of communicable diseases. Our staff do not come to the workplace when sick to prevent the spread of possible communicable diseases.

We take many steps to ensure the safety of our staff and our customers. Our staff have up-to-date first aid training. Our premises are stocked with first aid supplies and first fire extinguishing equipment. The nearest defibrillator is located at the ticket office in the Glass Courtyard. We have an automatic fire detection system and camera surveillance on our premises.

Quality

We collect feedback from our customers to ensure quality. We review feedback regularly and improve our operations if necessary based on the feedback we receive.

We are happy to answer any questions about sustainability and responsibility in our operations. You can contact: the Museum Director Anni Pelkonen, +358 447474107, anni.pelkonen(at)hoteljaravintolamuseo.fi.