Sustainability
We are pioneers in responsibility
Forum Shopping Centre is owned by Sponda, whose vision is to be Finland’s leading real estate investment company. For Sponda, being a pioneer means responsibility: in the 2024 global GRESB assessment, Sponda shares first place as the most responsible real estate company in its category. The owner’s goals and actions are reflected in the Shopping Centre’s daily commitment to sustainability, which we share more about on this page.
We strive to provide our tenants with the framework and opportunities for responsible operations within our property. We offer diverse waste sorting options and consultation on waste management. Our tenants, like the entire Shopping Centre, use emission-free wind power for electricity consumption. Additionally, we are a BREEAM-certified property, continuously working to maintain and enhance our certification to an even higher level. We take pride in the fact that since 2022, our Shopping Centre has operated its own solar power plant on the roof, and Forum is 100% carbon-neutral in terms of operational energy consumption.
We are committed to social responsibility by organizing free events and enabling charity collections and campaigns in collaboration with various organizations.
As the Shopping Centre Director, responsibility and Forum are matters close to my heart.
Mervi Jäntti, Forum Shopping Centre Director
Energy efficiency and carbon neutrality
Forum is entirely carbon-neutral in its operational energy consumption. The Shopping Centre uses 100% emission-free and renewable wind energy. Additionally, heating and cooling are powered by 100% renewable district heating and emission-free district cooling (produced with 97% nuclear electricity). The origin of the energy is verified through guarantees of origin.
The solar panels on Forum’s rooftop generated over 56,000 kWh of electricity for the Shopping Centre in 2024. This amount of solar energy could cover the annual energy consumption of two to three electrically heated single-family homes.
In addition to using renewable energy sources, our energy efficiency program aims to reduce the energy consumption of our properties by 20% by 2030, compared to the 2016–2018 average.
Forum is also committed to our science-based emission reduction targets (Science Based Targets). These targets not only consider the property’s emissions but also take into account value chain emissions, such as those generated from property maintenance and space renovations.
Water
The Shopping Centre’s water consumption is continuously monitored. Our green procurement guidelines ensure that we prioritize low-consumption water fixtures in all acquisitions. The condition of water fixtures is regularly inspected, with additional focus placed on them during annual energy audits.
In the event of water leaks, the property management and maintenance teams receive automatic alerts, enabling a swift and efficient response to any issues.
Environment and well-being
Forum has been awarded the internationally recognized BREEAM In-Use environmental certification at the Excellent level. Environmental certifications are used to measure and demonstrate the environmental friendliness, healthiness, and functionality of a building. Specifically, this involves assessing the building’s energy and water consumption, material choices, greenhouse gas emissions, indoor air quality and comfort, as well as the accessibility of transportation links at the building location.
The materials used in Forum emphasize indoor air quality and safety. In minor repairs and tenant modifications, low-emission M1-classified materials and other environmentally friendly alternatives are prioritized.
Recycling and waste sorting
At Forum, we focus on providing comprehensive recycling opportunities, and the Shopping Centre’s recycling rate is monitored monthly in collaboration with our waste management partner. The property features recycling points for energy waste, organic waste, glass, metal, paper, cardboard, and clear plastic film.
At the end of 2024, the Shopping Centre’s recycling rate was 53%, meaning that more than half of the waste is recycled and reused. The remaining portion is used for energy production. The more accurately each visitor or employee sorts their waste into the appropriate bins, the better the waste can be utilized for recycling and reuse.
Collaboration with Kierrätyskeskus
In floor P in Forum, there are two Boksi recycling boxes by Kierrätyskeskus, where one can donate intact and usable items for reuse. This helps conserve valuable natural resources and supports the circular economy. Donations shall be packed in a durable bag, plastic sack, or similar packaging to keep the items in good condition during transport.
One can donate items such as clothing, shoes, bags, accessories, jewelry, home textiles like towels, bed sheets, and tablecloths, as well as books, recordings, toys, games, craft, sewing and DIY materials, small tools and renovation supplies, storage containers, utensils, and other non-breakable household products.
Our tenants provide recycling opportunities
In addition to the Shopping Centre’s recycling facilities, our tenants also provide various recycling options. For example, small electronic devices can be brought to Gigantti for recycling. Our eyewear stores, Synsam and Silmäasema, accept used glasses, and several clothing stores provide recycling bins for textile waste.
Social responsibility
Forum Shopping Centre prominently hosts various campaigns and charity events, such as Earth Hour, Helsinki Pride, Baltic Sea Day, and the Joulupuu donation drive. Additionally, pop-up events and free concerts are organized, which are accessible to all visitors at no cost.
All of our activities and interactions with stakeholders are based on our ethical Code of Conduct, which covers topics such as respect for human rights, environmental protection, health and well-being, as well as safety and comfort within our properties. Our stakeholders are guided by the same principles through the Code of Business Conduct.
Our stakeholders can report any unethical behavior observed within the Shopping Centre through an anonymous Whistleblowing channel.
Principles of a safer space
All activities and events at the Shopping Centre follow the principles of a safer space. The goals of open interaction, learning, and connection are better achieved when everyone is treated as their true self, and no one has to fear discrimination or harassment. Therefore, we ask all our visitors to follow these principles.
Recognize your assumptions
Respect everyone’s right to self-identification. Avoid assuming things like others’ gender, background, or opinions. Pay attention to your word choices and be mindful of people’s diversity.
Listen and learn
Treat every person, situation, and encounter as an opportunity to learn and grow. Be open to the feedback given to you and try to adjust your actions accordingly.
Give and make space
Recognize the role and position you hold in different situations. Be actively present and enable others to participate with your actions.
Take action
If you witness or hear any harassment or inappropriate behavior, please contact the Shopping Centre’s security at +358 9 694 8521.
Remember humanity
Making mistakes and asking questions is allowed. You don’t need to know everything or have all the answers.
More information
Would you like to read more or explore the actions that guide sustainability efforts in Sponda’s properties? Visit Sponda’s website for further details. There, you can also find Sponda’s annual Sustainability Report, which provides more information on Sponda’s goals and progress in sustainability.
Get in touch
The Forum Shopping Centre team is eager to hear your thoughts, ideas, and initiatives regarding sustainability. Feel free to reach out directly or use the contact form. Contact details and the form can be found here.