Sustainability
We are pioneers in responsibility
Citycenter 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 2021, our Shopping Centre has operated its own solar power plant on the roof, and Citycenter is 100% carbon-neutral in terms of operational energy consumption.
Energy efficiency and carbon neutrality
Citycenter operates with completely carbon-neutral 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 (97% of which is produced with nuclear electricity). The origin of the energy is verified through certificates of origin.
The solar panels installed on the roof of Citycenter produced 36,774 kWh of electricity for the Shopping Centre in 2024. This amount of solar energy could cover the annual energy consumption of two electrically heated detached houses.
In addition to utilizing renewable energy sources, as part of our energy efficiency program, we aim to reduce the energy consumption of our properties by 20% by 2030, compared to the average consumption in 2016–2018.
Citycenter Shopping Centre is also committed to our science-based emission reduction targets (Science Based Targets). These targets take into account not only the emissions from the property itself but also the emissions within the value chain, such as those arising from property maintenance and renovations.
Water
Citycenter Shopping Centre’s water consumption is continuously monitored. When acquiring water fixtures, we follow our green procurement guidelines, which prioritize low-consumption fixtures. The condition of water fixtures is regularly inspected, and they are also a focus during annual energy audits.
In the event of potential water leaks, the property maintenance and management teams receive automatic alerts, allowing for a swift and effective response.
Environment and well-being
Citycenter Shopping Centre has been awarded the internationally significant BREEAM In-Use environmental certificate at the Excellent level. Environmental certificates are used to measure and demonstrate a building’s environmental friendliness, healthiness, and functionality. Specifically, this involves assessing the building’s energy and water consumption, the greenhouse gas emissions resulting from material choices, indoor air quality and comfort, as well as the connectivity of the building location.
In the materials used within the Shopping Centre, particular emphasis is placed on indoor air quality and safety. For minor repairs and tenant modification works, low-emission materials classified under M1, along with other environmentally friendly alternatives, are preferred.
Recycling and waste sorting
At Citycenter Shopping Centre, we are committed to comprehensive recycling opportunities, and our recycling rate is monitored monthly in collaboration with our waste management partner. The property features recycling stations for energy waste, biowaste, glass, metal, paper, cardboard, and clear plastic film.
In 2024, the Shopping Centre achieved a recycling rate of 66%, meaning that well over half of the waste was recycled and repurposed. The remaining waste was utilized for energy production. The more accurately visitors and employees sort waste into the appropriate bins, the better we can ensure that waste is put to good use.
Social responsibility
Citycenter Shopping Centre prominently hosts various campaigns and charity events, such as Earth Hour and Baltic Sea Day.
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 040 632 4648.
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 Citycenter 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.