At Original Sokos Hotel Vaakuna Kouvola, we are committed to taking the well-being of the climate and the environment into account in our operations.

What is Green Key?

What is STF?

How is sustainability reflected in our hotel?

We continuously strive to make our operations more sustainable. Local themes are showcased throughout our hotel rooms, which are inspired by Tykkimäki, Repovesi National Park, and Anu Pentik, who originates from Kuusankoski, Kouvola.

Here are a few examples of how sustainability is visible in our daily operations:

• We actively recommend local services to our customers, including local restaurants, museums, theaters, Tykkimäki amusement park, nature trails, Repovesi National Park, sporting events, and more.
• We encourage guests to explore our city on foot or by bicycle. Hotel guests can borrow bicycles free of charge.
• Our selection includes local products.
• We place a strong emphasis on recycling and recycle a significant amount of our waste.
• The district heating and electricity we use are 100% renewable energy. Additionally, we have our own solar power plant. We also have our own solar power plant, which generates approximately 27 MWh of electricity annually. This covers at least the yearly electricity consumption of our meeting facilities, reception area, offices, and gym.
• We provide guests with information on how they can make environmentally friendly choices during their stay, such as reducing water and energy consumption and sorting their waste correctly.
• We engage in annual charity work: We donate annually to the Pink Ribbon campaign. Last year, we organized a chocolate collection before Christmas in collaboration with Original Sokos Hotel Seurahuone Kotka, which was entirely donated to the children's ward of Kymenlaakso Central Hospital to bring Christmas cheer to young patients. Last year, we also donated experiential gift cards for our hotel services through the local Hope ry.
• We collaborate with local educational institutions and often have interns in our house.

Sustainability tips:

• Drink clean tap water. There are glasses in the rooms and water is served in carafes in our restaurants.

• Prefer local food in the restaurant and at breakfast. Even if the standing table is overflowing with delicacies, put a smaller amount on the plate first and take more if you still can.

• Give as a gift and experience the experiences yourself. Instead of traditional gifts of goods, prefer gift cards, restaurant dinners and pampering weekends.

• Hop on a bike or use public transport and see Kouvola with new eyes. Get to know Kouvola's wonderful cultural and natural sites, enjoy live music and visit brick-and-mortar stores and craft shops.

• Take a hike in the nearby destinations. Local tourism is now in, and in our city you can find wonderful hiking destinations near and far. The hotel reception has a folder with recommendations for the best nearby destinations. Remember to always collect your own trash.

Find more tips on how you can travel while minimizing climate and environmental impacts here.