V Biosphere Reserve Networks for Tourism

Home , Kuhmo

Paths to sustainability for rural tourism businesses EFFICIENCY TIPS FOR SMEs AND RURAL-BASED TOURISM ACCOMMODATION FACILITIES

Authors: Daisy Silvennoinen, Vilma Lehtovaara, Anne Holma & Timo J. Hokkanen

Contact authors: [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]

Photos: VisitKarelia/Harri Tarvainen, Alpo Hassinen, Eija Hiltunen, North Karelia BR

THIS PUBLICATION is produced in CBC NatureBeST project (Green Nature Based Solutions in Tourism to reduce negative impact on the environment). CBC NatureBeST project (KA5041) is a part of ENI Karelia CBC programme financed by the European Union, the Russian Federation and the Republic of Finland.

The project focuses on the tourism sector in the Finnish and Russian project areas, identifying problems and obstacles in this sector and developing instruments to reduce the negative impact on the environment with economically sound solutions.

North Karelian activities of the project are part of sustainability co-operation within North Karelia Biosphere Reserve, which belongs to UNESCO’s global Man and the Biosphere network (MaB). The global biosphere reserve network consists of over 700 sites devoted to fostering of nature and enhancing sustainability in co-operation with local communities.

Paths to sustainability for rural tourism businesses EFFICIENCY TIPS FOR SMEs AND RURAL-BASED TOURISM ACCOMMODATION FACILITIES

This booklet provides insights for Tourism Understanding and valuing energy- Well designed, supply side solutions to Accommodation Facility (TAF) managers efficiency, eco-efficiency of water, issues such as power surges/outages and and owners seeking to adopt eco-friendly wastewater treatment and solid waste is solid waste structures, and onside practices or to invest in eco technologies important for the overall supply chain solutions at facility such as eco-friendly for energy, water, wastewater, and solid performance of tourism accommodation investments, soft-solutions for energy- waste purposes. The insights are based on facilities. water usage, and waste sorting, can common challenges and needs mentioned impact positively accommodation during the interviews with owners and enterprises' eco-efficiency, image and managers of facilities, and subsequent long-term savings analysis of the common barriers to improving eco-efficiency and their impacts on the Tourism Accommodation Facilities’ sustainable supply chain performance.

Contents

FIND RELEVANT INFO QUICKLY …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 5 I INTRODUCTION ...... 6 II INTERVIEW OUTCOMES ON BARRIERS AND NEEDS TO IMPROVING ECO-EFFICIENCY ...... 8 III. ECO SOLUTIONS FOR ENERGY, WATER, WASTEWATER AND SOLID WASTE ...... 11 A. Energy supply ...... 12 B. Water supply solutions...... 19 C. Solutions to wastewater management/treatment ...... 22 D. Solid waste management ...... 27 IV. CONCLUSIONS AND HINTS FOR FURTHER ACTIONS ...... 31 V. BIOSPHERE RESERVE NETWORKS FOR TOURISM ...... 34 VI. AKNOWLEDGEMENTS ...... 38 Literature used ...... 40

FIND RELEVANT INFO QUICKLY

1. Choose the topic of your interest here (energy supply, water supply, wastewater or solid waste) or from the contents and click it to get onto the chosen page. 2. Explore the items from the tables 3. Find the savings and improvements 4. Get additional information from the links instantaneously (ctrl+click).

If you are reading a hardcopy version of the booklet, please use the web-link provided here to reach the electronic version with live links.

I INTRODUCTION treatment systems and waste recycling, as The owners of the tourism accommodation well as the challenges they have facilities stated their interest in Nature and outdoor tourism grow globally encountered with existing systems and information on available soft solutions and by about 20-30% per year with visitors their future investment plans. complementary/supplementary eco- increasingly seeking guesthouses, camp technologies that could solve existing and other accommodation facilities Over 30 accommodation companies from challenges such as limited or lack of waste located in natural surroundings. These North Karelia and Kainuu (Kuhmo) regions sorting stations, and/or supplement or facilities are usually located close to of Finland were interviewed. The main substitute supply-side and climate induced forests, lakes, rivers, and in some cases challenges that came up during interviews problems such as outages and power within protected areas. were in facilities partly connected to surges. municipal networks. On the other hand, tourist accommodation providers, campsite owners and personnel Main supply-side needs were solutions to do not usually have in use eco-efficient power outages/surges that affect eco- solutions to manage tourist related efficiency of facilities, support for eco- pressures like water, waste, and energy. friendly investments mainly concerning Businesses can incur financial problems by energy, and solution to inadequacy or lack ignoring the environment, or by investing of waste sorting structures vital in in wrong technologies. improving the accommodation enterprises’ eco-efficiency actions. Still, most Ecologically sound and well thought challenges originated from the demand solutions can be easy to use, positively side i.e. at the facilities. impact accommodation facilities’ image, attract spending and enhance long-term Analysis show that owners are eager to savings for businesses. Visitors are improve eco-efficiency at their increasingly interested in ecological travel accommodation facilities. This is evident Back to Contents and have begun to demand facilities and in their actions, and most importantly on services that offer ecologically sustainable choices in use and intended investments options. for energy, heating, and water, and wastewater management. In most cases Karelia CBC NatureBeST project however, practices do not directly affect interviewed tourism accommodation economic performance, but can improve it facilities (TAFs) in both sides of the indirectly by saving e.g. energy or water or Finnish-Russian border on their existing by making it more attractive for visitors energy-and water supplies, wastewater interested in ecological facilities. 4

II INTERVIEW OUTCOMES ON BARRIERS AND NEEDS TO IMPROVING ECO-EFFICIENCY IN FINNISH TAFs

PROBLEM/ CAUSE Supply User Climate POTENTIAL SOLUTIONS POTENTIAL SOLUTIONS side side induced (Supply side=supplier, User (Supply side) (Demand/ user side) side=at facility)

A. ENERGY SUPPLY

Electricity supply

Facilities attached to communal networks

Power surges/ outages * * ● Reliable energy supply; underground ● Alternative power supply cables ● Supplementary power sources ● Backup power source ● Backup power source/ uninterruptible ● Renewable energy investment support power supplies - UPS

Occasional overloadburnt * * ● More stable network ● Better technologies/ electricity fuses ● Higher fuse capacity stabilizers ● Information on available technologies ● Scheduled use of energy consuming appliances

Electric transfer cost * ● Government support ● Soft solutions; onsite energy saving features/ measures, onsite supplementary/ complementary energy production

Heat supply

Instability of hot water * ● Reliable energy supply ● Mix of various heat sources (communal network)

Malfunctioning of * ● More stable network ● Supplementary/ complementary heat electricity dependant source hydronic heater (communal network)

Too large water heater * ● Expert help pre-purchase: too large ● Expert advice, planning to choose water heater adds to energy costs suitable equipment type and size (continuous heating of unnecessary capacity means additional heating costs).

Old windows * ● Investment support ● Investing in energy efficient windows

Old heaters * ● Investment support ● Investing in better technology

B. WATER SUPPLY

Old water pump * - ● Investing in better technology

Dry well in summer * * - ● Alternative water source ● Supplementary water supply

Low pressure interruptions * - ● Expert advice, planning of cold water (old ● Investing in better technology technology)

Cold water due to power * * ● Reliable energy supply ● Complementary/ supplementary water surge (communal network) supply

C. WASTEWATER SUPPLY AND MANAGEMENT

Biostation malfunction * - ● Keep the treatment plant up and running within specification limits to allow discharge. The system cannot be overloaded/ exceed capacity with either (a) volume of water or (b)the load of BOD/ COD of the pollutant that the system is designed to remove ● Remember regular maintenance

Accidental toilet blockages * - ● Informing visitors of good practices during check-in ● Visitor awareness ● Better technologies

Freezing sewage pipes * * * - ● Expert advice, planning

D. SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT

Only mixed waste * ● Trucks with compartments for different ● Preventing/ reducing waste e.g. by collection/ no waste waste types for companies far from choosing products with less packaging, sorting possibilities services e.g. reception terminals maximising use of reusable/ easily (waste company/ government) recyclable packages

Distance to waste * ● Closer reception terminals ● Info awareness to visitors reception terminal ● Support systems that enhance waste ● Preventing waste generation sorting (waste company/ government) ● Maximizing onsite recycling ● Info awareness on aims of waste management and role managers can play in preventing waste generation and/ or maximizing onsite recycling.

Food waste ● Sorting trucks with compartments for ● Onsite biowaste container (demand side different waste types solution) or compost can help reduce proportion of mixed waste

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III ECO SOLUTIONS FOR ENERGY, WATER, WASTEWATER AND SOLID WASTE

A. Energy supply Electricity and Considerations Profitability Effect on eco- Links: click for more heating solutions efficiency information

Joining electricity -Availability of grid Savings: tendering of service -Tendering for PK:n sähkö (ENG, FIN) network (grid) providers renewable -Asking offers and comparing every Fortum (ENG, FIN) electricity two years Kajave, Kuhmo (FIN) -Check existing consumer rights e.g. Tendering for electricity (FIN) ability to change supplier without cost depending on contract type

Smart electricity -Using energy saving lighting, Savings: up to 40% saving -Up to 40 % lower Smart solutions for heating and heating, and air conditioning possible with digitally managed consumption cooling (ENG, FIN) features system

Solar panels -Easy access to project developer Return on investment: average -Depends on quality Solar panel funding for and financier: make use of available 10-15 years and positioning of companies (ENG, FIN) support e.g. business Finland/ ELY panels Make use of available funding Investment and other support: centre e.g. 20% for companies by -Excess electricity Business Finland (ENG, FIN), -Easy access to the necessary Business Finland storage/ sell back to ELY-Centre (FIN), Leader project authority permits grid (FIN) Savings: Depends on market -Quality of product: better savings prices, transfer costs and own -Company can Photovoltaic profitability long-term energy production volume communicate its calculator (FIN)

-Accurate calculations of the size Less greenhouse gases from values and Solar actors in Finland (ENG, needed; not too big or too small energy production responsible choice FIN)

-On grid: grid connection and access Energy amounts produced and to the electricity buyer including prices in Finland per panel type

necessary permissions/ restrictions (ENG, FIN) from existing operators Cost-benefit analysis and real -Easy access to maintenance and case study examples (FIN) guarantee (average 25yrs)

Solar heat -Potential: additional heat for Return on investment: very - Depends on Investment and other support: collector domestic water or facility profitable for warm water (in quality and Business Finland (ENG,FIN), ELY- combination with central positioning of Centre (FIN), Leader project -Space: collectors can produce heating, or wood). Positioning panels (FIN) energy from lesser surface coverage and type of panels can also compared to solar panels -Energy storage Opportunities for solar contribute additional savings and collectors (ENG) -Efficiency: glazing of collectors can faster return on investments increase the number of production Solar actors in Finland (ENG, Cost saving: DIY possibility hours when thermal energy is most FIN) valuable Energy amounts produced and prices in Finland per panel type (FIN)

Cost-benefit analysis and real case study examples (FIN)

DIY solar collector (FI)

Heat pump (air -Carefully calculate the required heat Return on investment: low -If complemented Heat pumps technologies, and/ or water) output and annual amount of energy investment cost, lower life cycle with renewable installation process (ENG, FIN) before making an investment costs electricity, Suitability for different building decision combined with types (FIN) bioenergy (wood -Profitability of heat pumps are fuel) Investment and other support: dependent on the price of fuels, Business Finland (ENG, FIN), electricity and district heating. ELY-Centre (FIN), Leader project (FIN)

Cost benefit analysis of common heat pumps by real case study comparisons (ENG)

Geothermal heat -Consider offers and that price Long-term profitability: High -Very good Investment and other support: package consists e.g. a geothermal initial investment cost (12,000- Business Finland (ENG, FIN), heat pump, well drilling, installation 25,000 €), but very profitable in ELY-Centre (FIN), Leader project and connection to a heat distribution long term. (FIN) network, and possible demolition of Cost savings: Energy costs are Suitability for different building old heating equipment. more predictable. In Finland case types (FIN) -Make use of available investment sites report savings of 65-80% Geothermal energy potential of opportunities e.g. ELY-centre, onwards North Karelia (FIN) Business Finland Reliable: offers a competitive Cost benefit analysis of heat -Check restrictions, e.g. if the alternative to district heating pump investment Finland (ENG) property is in a groundwater area

-Space and optimal efficiency: important to measure the bedrock to know how much energy exists and what type system is best (e.g. no. of wells needed/ to be drilled).

Wood fuel -Secure and economic way of Cost for purchase is low. -Cost: eco-efficient Wood heating (FIN) producing main and extra heat when combined Savings: profitable as reduces Hints for efficient wood heating especially during the cold winter with other sources heating costs if burnt correctly (ENG) months of heating (e.g. Reliable: locally available solar) and/ or Hints for efficient wood heating -Wood burned with poor technique technologies (e.g. (FIN) and technology lowers the water radiators) or efficiency, increases carbon used to replace oil monoxide emissions and other emissions such as particulate matter -Choice of equipment, e.g. size -Needs an onsite rain shelter storage and low-emission space boiler saves fuel -May increase manual work

Natural gas -Local production or distribution Cost: 20% cheaper compared to -Natural gas is eco- Natural gas specifications network and suitable infra: Facility’s oil or electricity efficient when it is Finland (FIN) distance from the source used to replace Natural gas market Finland other fossil fuels -Very limited use in Finland: The (ENG) natural gas grid in Finland covers the southern and south-eastern parts of Finland.

Micro hydropower -Best for remote areas lacking power Material costs: emergency -Not a risk for fish Considerations, planning and system/generator or detached from grid (e.g. cottages) power can limit loss and and does not affect benefits (FIN) additional costs e.g. waste of the water -Check tax exemptions and other Investment and other support: frozen produce/ foods in ecosystem requirements Business Finland (ENG, FIN), refrigerator during power ELY-Centre (FIN), Leader project -Make use of available investment outage/ surge (FIN) funding: small hydroelectric power projects, 15–20% (Business Finland) Tax exemptions (FIN)

-Angle of the spiral blades Costs: Reduces maintenance costs e.g. for lines if facility is far from grid supplier

Profitable: when its capacity is more than 1MW, and the head at least 5m

Biomeiler -Requires larger volumes of material Cost: Heating costs - Reduction in pick- Specifications and use (FIN) (80-100% wood chips and straw and up/ transportation (harnessing heat Extra income: by-product can be Specifications and use (ENG) no more than 20% manure works for savings from waste from compost) used as gardening material 1,5 years and produces hot water management taxes DIY biomeiler (ENG) between 1000-2000 litres at 55-70 -Replacing fossil fuel degrees) with a renewable -Takes lot more space to be realised source for hot water (Best for farms with accommodation production → enterprises/ greenhouses, or in economic savings cooperation between multiple and reduction of air companies) pollution

-Horse and hen manure are the best but others work too

Certificates, -If company's energy costs exceed Income/ gain: Better company -Setting of targets Soft solutions by Motiva Oy benchmarking, 50,000€ a year, facility should have image as result of commitment and bench marking (ENG, FIN) audits an energy audit done for appropriate to greener processes (certificates), BUT Energy aids for companies energy saving. …eco-efficiency is a operating in Finland (ENG, FIN) moving target! -State subsidies for surveys/ audits Climate Joensuu Partnership of up to 40-50% of the cost of the -Good if Network (ENG, FIN) work (for SMEs). development and improving of

processes and Renewable energy in Finland setting targets is a (ENG) permanent way of management

Good practices -Energy saving lightbulbs Planning and design of spaces: -Setting of Easy to use smart solutions for targets…eco- heating and cooling (ENG, FIN) -Energy saving machines Saves costs and time if thought efficiency is a from planning to end of supply Lighting solutions, efficiency, -Positioning of machines in the moving target! chain. and recycling advice (ENG) facility

Keeping to recommendations: Lighting solutions, efficiency, -Remote monitoring applications and recycling advice (FIN) (heating, cooling, lighting) Heating for different spaces; the recommended eco-efficient Energy saving by positioning of -Design solutions e.g. colours and temperature for living spaces are machines in the facility (FIN) lighting for different spaces within as follows: the facility (common places, Case studies of energy solutions bedrooms, etc) ✔ common living areas 20- showing cost benefit analysis 21 ºC (ENG, FIN)

✔ sleeping areas 18-20 ºC Measuring gadgets borrowing, ✔ block building staircase educational videos, interior corridors 17-18 °C design, and lighting solutions by ✔ Storage area 12 ºC illuminating Engineering Society ✔ Garage 5 ºC of Finland (FIN)

Example from North Karelia Biosphere Reserve partner (ENG,

FIN)

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III ECO SOLUTIONS FOR ENERGY, WATER, WASTEWATER AND SOLID WASTE

B. Water supply solutions

Water supply Considerations Links: click for more information solutions

Joining the -Closeness of facility to network Joining the communal networks: municipal/ - The care and maintenance needed for the equipment/ technology and the entrepreneur's Joensuu and Tuupovaara (FIN) village network ability to respond; joining a sewerage network is the best option for water protection if Ilomantsi (FIN) network is near facility, and facility has necessary infrastructure/ amenities Lieksa (FIN) - Pressurized water increases water consumption and the amount of wastewater generated (good to adopt water saving features) Kuhmo (FIN)

Planning and measures, Kuhmo (FIN)

Profitability/ Effect on eco-efficiency: Example of smart water solutions; North Karelia Biosphere Reserve partner (ENG, -Time saving FIN) -Cost saving: if clean water and wastewater are within a single network- and/ or combined with good onsite practices and smart solutions

Simple water - Water use should be managed according to availability Water quality testing; North Karelia, well Kuhmo (FIN) -Depth of the well need be enough Temporary clean water supply for -Location of the facility (e.g. flood prone area) facilities with e.g. water quality problems, -Using water from the well produces small amount of wastewater. In this case, the under renovation; North Karelia (FIN) wastewater can be sucked into, for example "drain field".

Water well -Planning the positioning of equipment for easy pumping and maintenance Water quality testing; North Karelia, with a pump Kuhmo (FIN) -Depth of the well need be enough Temporary clean water supply for facilities with e.g. water quality problems, under renovation; North Karelia (FIN)

Simple septic -Water supply system should be drained for the winter or effectively insulated, and pipeline Water quality testing (North Karelia, tank heating and centralization of the equipment and water points and their local heating should Kuhmo) be organised Temporary clean water supply for facilities with e.g. water quality problems, under renovation; North Karelia (FIN)

Good practices -Water saving machines e.g. low flush toilets/ dry toilets Water saving hints; onsite solutions (ENG, FIN) -Water saving faucets and shower solutions Rural women advisory organization (ENG, -Monitoring solutions e.g. for leakages FIN) - Preventing the use of wastewater for watering flower beds North Karelia Biosphere Reserve sustainability partnership (ENG, FIN)

Profitability/ Effect on eco-efficiency:

- Cost savings: Prevention of leakages to natural environments/ extra costs of renovation (with use of quality/ smart technologies)

-Reduction of costs e.g. energy and water bills

- Preventing the nutrient content of nutrient-rich soils, which will very likely end up in waterways or groundwater.

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III ECO SOLUTIONS FOR ENERGY, WATER, WASTEWATER AND SOLID WASTE

C. Solutions to wastewater management/treatment

▪ Law: If the cottage has pressurized water, a wastewater treatment system is required, even if water is only used slightly and the cottage has in use a dry toilet

▪ Treatment method: Must be selected taking into account the characteristics and the application of the equipment and/or technology in use

▪ Weather: The suitability of the chosen equipment/ technology for different seasons. Wastewater drains freeze easily in winter, especially in areas where snow cover (eg yard and roads) is cleared from the ground.

Solutions: Considerations Profitability/ effect on eco- Links: click for more wastewater efficiency information management/ treatment

Village/ -The care and maintenance needed for the equipment/ -Time saving Joining a network: municipal technology and the entrepreneur's ability to respond; joining a -Cost saving (if water and Network connection; network sewerage network is best option for water protection if network wastewater within single Joensuu and Tuupovaara is near facility, and facility has necessary infrastructure/ network) (FIN) amenities. Network connection; -Determine the need for insulation and heating of water pipes Ilomantsi(FIN) and sewers Network connection; Lieksa -Checking the depth of installation and insulation of pipe (FIN) (wastewater drains freeze easily in winter, especially in areas where snow cover on the yard is cleared from the ground since

sewage drain is usually installed closer to the ground than the Network connection; water pipe) Kuhmo (FIN)

-Choosing right equipment for the site. e.g. freeze free systems

Simple septic -Transportation/ collection distance and pricing; reducing the -Lesser distance for Maintenance; North Karelia tank amount of waste/ sludge transportation saves costs region (FIN)

-If the facility does not produce any wastewater in winter, it is -Longer lifespan of equipment Maintenance; Kuhmo (FIN) advisable to empty the pressure sewer -Incorporating water saving Government Decree on - It is advisable to pump the tank once every three to five years. features Treating Domestic Doing so clears the waste within, including grey water that might Wastewater in Areas

otherwise freeze Outside Sewer Networks (ENG) -In harsh winter location; purchase insulation blankets for the tank/ consider insulation during planning phase Government Decree on Treating Domestic -Major factors that influence frequency of septic pumping: Wastewater in Areas ✔ Occupancy rate Outside Sewer Networks ✔ Total wastewater generated (FIN) ✔ Volume of solids in wastewater ✔ Septic tank size

-Check need to upgrade to cope with the waste peaks e.g. in cases of increased visitor amounts

Biostation -Organize water use according to availability (well/ surface -The lesser the water Common Problems with water), keeping wastewater at reasonable levels and ensuring consumption, the lower the costs Biological Wastewater proper treatment. Treatment Systems and How to Avoid Them (ENG) -Keep the treatment plant up and running within specification limits to allow discharge. The system cannot be overloaded/

exceed capacity with either (a) volume of water or (b)the load of Government Decree on BOD/ COD of the pollutant that the system is designed to remove Treating Domestic Wastewater in Areas Outside Sewer Networks (ENG)

Government Decree on Treating Domestic Wastewater in Areas Outside Sewer Networks (FIN)

Septic well -Transportation/ collection distance and pricing; reducing the -Lesser distance for Maintenance; Kuhmo (FIN) amount of waste/ sludge transportation saves costs Maintenance; Kuhmo (FIN) -Water use should be organized according to availability, keeping Water quality checks; North wastewater at reasonable level, and ensuring proper treatment Karelia, Kuhmo (FIN) of wastewater Government Decree on -Check cracks or holes to make sure the seal is intact and tightly Treating Domestic secured Wastewater in Areas Outside Sewer Networks (ENG)

Well maintenance and quality check; North Karelia (FIN)

Well emptying; North Karelia region (FIN)

Septic well with -Organize water use according to availability, keeping -Time saving i.e. time that would Guide to installation and drain field wastewater at reasonable levels and ensuring proper treatment have gone to organizing treatment (FIN) of wastewater collection Well maintenance and -Transportation/ collection distance and pricing; reducing the quality check; North Karelia, amount of waste/ sludge Kuhmo (FIN)

-Frozen ground/ freezing temperatures can severely damage the Government Decree on septic tank; add two to three-inch (~ 5 - 7,5 cm) layer of mulch or Treating Domestic straw over the drainage field/ consider other insulation Wastewater in Areas Outside Sewer Networks (ENG)

Government Decree on Treating Domestic Wastewater in Areas Outside Sewer Networks (FIN)

Dry toilet/ -Replacing water toilet with dry toilet; Dry toilet saves water, -No water bills Why dry toilets? (ENG, FIN) Outhouse facilitates wastewater treatment, is self-installing and low -Very low maintenance costs Finnish dry toilets (ENG, maintenance, reliable in frost, collects nutrients, protects lakes, FIN) and does not pollute groundwater. Finnish dry toilets (Other -Property type and intended uses limits the freedom of choice: languages incl. RUS) need inside a new/ old residential building, or in a separate outbuilding? Other important issues are (a) onsite composting Product range and price and utilization of compost, (b) separation and utilization of urine, options (FIN) (c) operating and maintaining the system. Use and maintenance (FIN) -Choice of solution: Keeping in mind intended uses, and personnel Experiences from users (FIN)

DIY toilet (FIN)

Good practices -Awareness for customers on good practices and their actions - Cost savings from wastewater Jassi wastewater advice impact on wastewater may change their actions towards more efficiency; the amount of (FIN) cautious wastewater is positively related Jassi wastewater advice to amount of water use. Increase -Taking into use water saving features (RUS) in water use, means increase in -Grey wastewater from washing and washing dishes should be the costs associated with Treatment of grey water treated before discharge to prevent eutrophication and potential wastewater (FIN) contamination of surface and groundwater from nutrients and -Income; Clean nature near Wastewater testing; North bacteria facility is important. Clean Karelia, Kuhmo (FIN) -Dry toilet or separate low-flush toilet combined with grey surrounding gives a positive wastewater treatment is cost-effective and environmentally image and attracts visitors friendly

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III ECO SOLUTIONS FOR ENERGY, WATER, WASTEWATER AND SOLID WASTE

D. Solid waste management

Solid waste Considerations Profitability/ effect on eco-efficiency Links: click for more managemen information t

Sorting at -Contacting waste management company can help them -Cost, time, and energy efficiency: By Puhas Oy customer service; property design/ offer better solutions/ needed services contacting waste handling operators, Joensuu, Ilomantsi, Liperi, offering ideas/ asking for solutions at the Kontiolahti, Polvijärvi (FIN, -Tendering for waste management: note that the cheapest is facility. ENG) not necessarily the best for the environment. Start with Materiaalitori service or take contact to waste companies -Consider sharing waste recycling facilities Jätekukko customer with other small business(es) located service; Lieksa, Juuka, -Preventing waste whenever necessary e.g. packaging nearby. Nurmes (FIN) -If waste cannot be prevented, opting for reusable/ -Cost and material efficiency: recyclable options Ekokymppi, Kuhmo (FIN) ✔ helps manage/ reduce waste -Waste Law prohibits burning of waste at facilities. Exception Joensuun Kierrätys- limits/ reduces frequency of is use of untreated waste wood. Treated wood of any type ✔ Kuljetus Oy, North Karelia driving to reception terminal e.g. by pressure or surface treated, plastic-coated, wood- (FIN) based panels are strictly prohibited. If not sure, the best ✔ reuse of untreated wood for heating wood sauna/ fireplace Jätehuolto Teuvo thing to do is to contact authorities for advice on nearest Lehikoinen Ky, Lieksa (FIN) (according to law; see reception terminal or for collection possibility from property. considerations) Tendering waste collection (FIN)

Gathered information for entrepreneurs (FIN)

Handling -Contacting waste management company: It is highly -Contacting waste management companies Encore environmental recyclables- recommended to first check possibility of collection from services, Joensuu (FIN) taking -It is more affordable to take the recycled recyclables to the waste operators’ waste to the 27 designated facility; only small amounts of packaging waste can be facilities/ terminals if driving is combined Reception terminals for reception transported by own transport with other visits to city wooden packaging waste terminals (ENG, FIN) -Waste prevention is costs and time saving: Reception terminals for ▪ less frequent visits to the reception metal packaging waste terminal focus on other issues e.g. (ENG, FIN) better services Reception terminals for carton packaging waste (ENG, FIN)

Rinki Oy sorting guidelines for companies and reception of packaging waste at terminals (ENG, FIN)

Biowaste -Opting an onsite biowaste can reduce frequency of emptying -Cost effective; composting reduces the Food waste prevention & the waste bins; meaning also the cost of collection proportion of mixed waste collected, consumption efficiency meaning a reduction on the frequency of (ENG, FIN) -One can produce own soil which can be used in the property collection and overall cost e.g. for greenhouse, plants, garden Composting advice/ -Material efficiency gives a positive image instructions for biowaste -Preventing food waste whenever necessary for visitors (ENG, FIN, RUS)

-Onsite soil production e.g. for garden and Bokashi-indoor compost flowerbeds. (ENG)

Bokashi-indoor compost (FIN)

Plastic -Preventing plastic packaging waste as much as possible by -Preventing unnecessary waste generation Reception terminals for packaging opting e.g. unpackaged groceries/ products, reusable saves the owner of facility time, which can plastic packaging waste waste shopping bags, rethinking supplementary options for plastic be used in doing other tasks (ENG, FIN) (non-plastic packages) -Sorting plastic waste reduces proportion of mixed waste and frequency of collection/

-Plastic waste is bulky and amounts reflects on the frequency drive to reception terminal thereby saving Info on sorting and of collection/ drive to reception terminal and on cost costs collection of packaging waste (ENG, FIN) -In instances that plastic waste cannot be prevented, opting - Changes in consumption is also needed easily recyclable package types

-Informing customers how to sort their waste while at the facility

Beverage -Preventing waste whenever necessary by offering -Limiting single-use containers (material Bottle, aluminium containers alternatives (e.g. beverage on tap) over single-use beverage efficiency) offers a positive image for beverage containers containers visitors and attracts spending recycling information (ENG, FIN) -If waste cannot be prevented, opt reusable containers, if -Reuse/ recycling beverage containers impossible, consider recyclable options (PALPA marked) reduces the amount of mixed waste and Packaging waste reception overall costs for collection terminal and collection for -Used PALPA marked containers are taken to PALPA reception non-marked containers terminals. If a facility has a specific beverage supplier, pick- (ENG, FIN) up of used containers could be arranged with the supplier. For unmarked containers refer to “Sorting at property” or “Handling recyclables”.

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IV CONCLUSIONS AND HINTS FOR FURTHER ACTIONS

A tourism accommodation facility (TAF) is output with minimal resources. This is Eco-efficiency is a useful concept in eco-friendly when it takes into account the achieved, for example, by using structuring actions towards sustainability. current and future environmental impacts sustainable, renewable and recyclable In addition to environmental of its business activities. This means materials at lowest possible quantities, sustainability, the long-term economic following the ecotourism principles, and reducing water and energy consumption, sustainability can also be achieved. Eco- continuously improving eco-efficiency in reduction and avoiding use of hazardous efficiency commitments can improve the daily business practices. Eco-efficiency materials, minimizing waste, maximizing attractiveness of an accommodation is in the end crucial for long-term the use of recycled materials, improving facility, as visibility ofresponsible actions environmental and economic recycling and waste sorting, and opting for helps also attract the segment of visitors sustainability. durable products. seeking sustainability as additional value to travel.

There are various ways tourism accommodation facilities can enhance sustainable actions within the facilities and reduce ecological footprints. For example, companies can seek for research & development and financial support from local authorities and in co-operation with research institutions, for example for development fund projects.

There are also regional dedicated websites showcasing real case study examples on cost savings and investment return periods for example concerning heat, electricity and water if using different technologies, or/ and other soft solutions. Eco-efficient renovations information for facilities can

also be sourced via regional dedicated In simple words, an eco-friendly tourism websites. business maximizes its product and service 33

For accommodation facilities situated close to or within protected areas such as nature reserves, nationalparks and hiking areas, there exists responsible tourism guides from Metsähallitus. For sustainability related research and development, company visibility and networking assistance, companies can access help from vast network of actors across Finland and globally through help from North Karelia Biosphere Reserve.

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V BIOSPHERE RESERVE NETWORKS FOR TOURISM

Biosphere Reserves As Biosphere Reserves than 700 sites around the globe. These Lewis Downs in Great Britain). In all cases (BRs) are the test and model areas of sites include the finest nature sites in the tourism is important in maintaining the sustainable development and information world, such as the holy mountain of Uluru social structures and livelihoods of the hubs, they have a key role in spreading the in Australia, Galapagos Islands in Ecuador, sites. good practises within the region. Here are Yellowstone in USA, Camarque bird Biosphere reserves’ co-operation and some examples of sustainable and sanctuary in France, Cape West Coast in information network consists of local, responsible nature tourism. These South Africa, Pechoro-Ilychskiy primary regional, national, and international operators are part of the North Karelia forests in Russia etc. The common actors, networks & partners. Openness and biosphere reserve sustainable partner denominator of the areas is that nature impartiality together with local network. and sustainability are valued in BR participation and scientific approach make activities! BRs belong to UNESCO’s global Man and the biosphere reserves strong in mediating Biosphere (MaB) programme. BR network is Many BR’s are located in remote areas, but local conflicts and finding good solutions the world’s leading learning and testing there are also many sites close to major for challenging problems. The same joint action for sustainability with its more population centres (such as Brighton and features also help finding partners and

36 funding opportunities and spread the sustainability rules and monitoring results. United Nation’s World Tourism principles of World heritage sites. Organisation is also deeply committed to Metsähallitus is considered as one of the sustainability in practise and in various best in the world in management of development efforts. protected its areas and structures.

Metsähallitus is North Karelian Biosphere Reserve partner and has been an active member in BR steering committee from the very beginning. Read more on Metsähallitus sustainability co-operation in nature reserves:

▪ Principles of Sustainable Tourism - National Parks, nature historic sites, & ▪ World Heritage sites

GreenStar Hotel chain is originating from Metsähallitus is responsible for state ▪ Sustainable tourism in protected areas- guides for tourism companies Joensuu, North Karelia. Hotel GreenStar forest lands nature reserves. Metsähallitus Joensuu is a budget hotel, which has been also takes care of hiking routes and the built on sustainability from the very services in the reserves (e.g., nature trails beginning. and fireplaces, waste management and accommodation & cooking facilities). It’s a well thought combination of features Metsähallitus and its partner companies making it easy to live comfortably and eco- working within the reserves and using the efficiently (e.g., water consumption, sites for tourism business follow the strict energy usage, moving in the city) in the middle of the city. GreenStar has a long 37 time been biosphere reserve sustainability (depending on the season) from a one of the major rock festivals in Finland, partner. guesthouse to another. still run by an association while all others are run by businesses. It’s also the oldest ▪ See Hotel GreenStar key sustainability assets festival in Finland having been owned and All the entrepreneurs are very operated all the time by the same environmentally conscious women! They association. have various sustainability strengths in A rock festival can be a sustainability their businesses. The group is also – as the trendsetter. The organisers understand first in North Karelia - getting ready for the that a rock act is not the most eco-friendly new Sustainable Tourism Finland of acts, but they make it as much so as recognition. The network is extending to possible – together with the customers and the southern part of the province. their partners. It’s and as much as possibly ▪ Äksyt Ämmät sustainability ethics, awards, wasteless, using green energy and enterprises compensating its carbon emissions by

nature protection campaigns. Guesthouse to Guesthouse –concept is a long-term effort by a group of tourism ▪ Ilosaarirock has received European Green Festival awards entrepreneurs from the northern part of ▪ Video produced in SHAPE project about Green festival development North Karelia province. The customers come mainly from abroad. To minimise the carbon emissions per trip they spend in the area several days. Only muscle power is used when trekking/canoeing/biking/skiing Ilosaarirock festival is a sustainability champion in the field of rock festivals. It’s 38

River Koitajoki area - Case SLOW triathlon. Entrepreneurs in Koitajoki area are networking for developing sustainable nature tourism in Ilomantsi. The activities are located around river Koitajoki and surrounding land areas consisting of eskers, mires and forests. Verstile nature activities in the area combined with local food and Karelian hospitality has created a tourism product “Koitajoki Nature triathlon” (also called “Koitajoki Slow triathlon”). This triathlon is not a competition but enjoying nature on own pace. Added with first class services the product has already proved having potential for a success story.

▪ Info on success as a product available for visitors ▪ More information on development of

Koitajoki Nature Triathlon

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VI AKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Our sincere thanks go to the entrepreneurs/ managers of tourism booklet helps source information on the various eco-efficiency accommodation facilities from North Karelia and Kuhmo regions options and solutions faster. who took part in the interviews. This booklet has been funded by the CBC NatureBeST project. The Due to time constrains, small businesses face difficulty sourcing project is part of ENI Karelia CBC programme financed by the information on European Union, the Russian Federation, and the Republic of various solutions regarding energy and waste supply, wastewater Finland. treatment, and solid waste management. We hope that this guide

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