Skip to content

Sustainability

Sustainability at Kotatieva

At Kotatieva Winter Leisure Park, nestled deep in the peaceful forests of Lapland, sustainability is not just a goal — it is part of our everyday operations and values. We are proud holders of both the Biosphere Certificate and the Sustainable Travel Finland (STF) label, internationally recognized symbols of responsible tourism.

Our commitment to sustainability covers environmental, social, and economic responsibilities, ensuring that our park, our community, and the surrounding nature can thrive for generations to come.

Environmental Responsibility

Living and operating in the heart of the forest means that nature is at the center of everything we do. We are committed to minimizing our environmental footprint in every aspect of our operations.

Our key practices include:

  • Using renewable energy sources such as wind and solar power.
  • Providing recycling stations for customers — including proper disposal for waste like cigarette butts, chewing gum, and hand warmers.
  • Avoiding disposable items and prioritizing reusable and sustainable materials.
  • Using eco-toilets to reduce water consumption and waste.
  • Building and maintaining ice-skating trails using water sourced from the local swamp — which naturally returns to the ecosystem in the spring.
  • Choosing domestic certified products, locally produced equipment, and recycled materials wherever possible.

We actively educate our guests about the importance of respecting nature — from keeping the forests clean to protecting local wildlife.

For example, we separate biowaste, plastic, cardboard, metal and mixed waste at Kotatieva Resort. These waste streams are collected separately by our external waste management provider.

Social Responsibility

Sustainability for us also means supporting the people and community around us.

  • We employ local residents, providing meaningful jobs and contributing to the local economy.
  • Our restaurant ingredients are sourced from local farms and producers, offering fresh, high-quality, and sustainably sourced meals.
  • We collaborate with local transport providers, offer discounts and sponsorships, and work closely with other small businesses in the region.
  • Our free shared shuttle service between Rovaniemi, Santa Claus Village, and Kotatieva reduces traffic and helps cut emissions.

Our business is built on community — when we grow, our community grows with us.

For example, all our current employees live in Rovaniemi. We also cooperate with local organisations such as the Eduro Foundation, providing opportunities for participants to gain practical experience and develop work-life skills at Kotatieva Resort.

Economic Responsibility

We believe that economic sustainability is built on transparency, fairness, and long-term responsibility.

  • Our buildings are constructed with traditional craftsmanship that respects both cultural heritage and the natural surroundings.
  • We operate with honest, ethical financial practices, supporting the local economy.
  • Whenever possible, we choose local suppliers and partners, keeping our economic impact within our community.

For example, we source meat and fish for our restaurant from Lohiapaja, a local producer located approximately 20 km from Kotatieva Resort. We also cooperate with local businesses such as LumiaWear, offering our guests a 10% discount on locally provided winter clothing rental.

Communication and Engagement

Sustainability is not something we keep to ourselves — it is something we share and grow together with our guests, our partners, and our community.

  • Our sustainability work is communicated on-site, on our website, and via our social media channels.
  • We use dedicated hashtags, stories, and highlights to share our ongoing efforts.
  • We encourage guests to join our mission — whether it’s using recycling points, choosing shared transportation, or simply respecting the nature around them.

Our Sustainability Progress

We regularly monitor and develop our sustainability performance as part of our continuous improvement work.

  • We monitor our electricity consumption and our own renewable energy production from solar and wind power.
  • We monitor water consumption to identify opportunities to improve water efficiency.
  • We continuously monitor customer feedback and use it to improve our services, safety and guest experience.

Our sustainability performance and practices are reviewed regularly. The information collected helps us identify development priorities and set future sustainability objectives.

Certified Sustainable

We are proud to hold the following internationally recognized sustainability certifications:

  • Biosphere Certificate – for meeting globally recognized sustainability standards in tourism.
  • Sustainable Travel Finland (STF) label – awarded by Visit Finland to companies that meet strict environmental and social sustainability criteria.

These certifications reflect our ongoing commitment to improving and holding ourselves accountable to the highest standards.

Join Our Journey

At Kotatieva, sustainability is a continuous journey — one that we invite all our visitors to be part of. Together, we can enjoy the beauty of the Arctic winter while protecting it for future generations.

Learn more about our sustainability efforts during your visit or explore further on our website and social media.

Thank you for choosing responsible travel. Welcome to Kotatieva.

Sustainability