KUORTANE OTC - Leading the Way in Sustainability, Ethics, and Good Governance
Good Governance
Kuortane Sports Institute is a non-profit foundation whose core mission is to support and promote health, well-being, exercise, and sports. Well-being in its many forms is a principle that we follow, adhere to, and continuously develop.
Our operations are transparent, open, and predictable, aiming to instill trust and satisfaction in our customers, stakeholders, and staff. We manage the affiliations of our staff and board members by collecting information on their side activities and associations annually. The register of affiliations helps prevent situations where trust in decision-making might be compromised. The reporting of affiliations is intended to safeguard confidence in the independence and impartiality of our operations.
Our financial management is responsible and ensures the continuity of our activities. We practice moderation in fees and expenses, conduct competitive bidding for procurements, and always strive to choose the most cost-effective option when possible. Our travel guidelines prioritize public transportation, and we aim to minimize events and meetings held outside our premises.
We report accurately and promptly to the relevant authorities and conduct ongoing internal accounting and analysis of key operational figures. In addition to external auditors, we also invest in internal control and follow established governance rules that define the roles and responsibilities of the board, CEO, principal, and department heads.
Our goal is to achieve excellence in everything we do, and we constantly monitor and measure quality.
We treat our customers, stakeholders, and staff with respect, and there is zero tolerance for bullying, discrimination, or harassment. We mainly use open recruitment processes and comply with data protection and equality laws. Our compensation systems promote equality and fairness. We conduct an annual employee satisfaction survey, with active efforts to improve the results.
When selecting trustees, we adhere to the foundation's rules and foundation law.
Sustainable Development
Kuortane Sports Institute aims to be carbon neutral by 2030. We have been working towards sustainable development for years and will continue these efforts in the future. The measures already taken include:
Movement and Travel
Ethics in Sports and Exercise
We are a doping-free training center and follow the guidelines and rules of the Finnish Center for Integrity in Sports in anti-doping matters. We do not tolerate match-fixing or game manipulation.
We recognize our responsibility as educators of children's and youth’s sports and elite sports. We aim to offer them a safe, substance-free environment to pursue and train in the sports they love. We actively ensure that no sexual harassment or abuse occurs at our institute, and that all coaches on the premises behave appropriately. We require coaches/teachers/instructors to treat students and athletes equally in training and coaching situations. We do not tolerate any form of violence.
A safe environment also means that the safety of our buildings, equipment, and facilities is up to standard. We follow the guidelines of the Finnish Safety and Chemicals Agency and report any accidents, incidents, or near-misses to them. We have conducted risk assessments to identify potential hazards in our operations. We regularly check and test the safety of our facilities and equipment, and customers are thoroughly briefed during supervised programs.
At Kuortane Sports Institute, responsibility is also reflected in offering young athletes opportunities for dual careers, where the combination of coaching and education supports their overall growth.
How Do We Address Harassment?
Kuortane Sports Institute is a non-profit foundation whose core mission is to support and promote health, well-being, exercise, and sports. Well-being in its many forms is a principle that we follow, adhere to, and continuously develop.
Our operations are transparent, open, and predictable, aiming to instill trust and satisfaction in our customers, stakeholders, and staff. We manage the affiliations of our staff and board members by collecting information on their side activities and associations annually. The register of affiliations helps prevent situations where trust in decision-making might be compromised. The reporting of affiliations is intended to safeguard confidence in the independence and impartiality of our operations.
Our financial management is responsible and ensures the continuity of our activities. We practice moderation in fees and expenses, conduct competitive bidding for procurements, and always strive to choose the most cost-effective option when possible. Our travel guidelines prioritize public transportation, and we aim to minimize events and meetings held outside our premises.
We report accurately and promptly to the relevant authorities and conduct ongoing internal accounting and analysis of key operational figures. In addition to external auditors, we also invest in internal control and follow established governance rules that define the roles and responsibilities of the board, CEO, principal, and department heads.
Our goal is to achieve excellence in everything we do, and we constantly monitor and measure quality.
We treat our customers, stakeholders, and staff with respect, and there is zero tolerance for bullying, discrimination, or harassment. We mainly use open recruitment processes and comply with data protection and equality laws. Our compensation systems promote equality and fairness. We conduct an annual employee satisfaction survey, with active efforts to improve the results.
When selecting trustees, we adhere to the foundation's rules and foundation law.
Sustainable Development
Kuortane Sports Institute aims to be carbon neutral by 2030. We have been working towards sustainable development for years and will continue these efforts in the future. The measures already taken include:
- Favoring wooden construction whenever possible
- Replacing the entire area’s lighting with LED lights (around 6,000 lights)
- Automating building temperatures and ventilation based on use and occupancy (optimizing energy consumption)
- Building a solar power plant, which produces around 15% of the institute’s annual electricity needs
- Installing electric car charging stations
- Reducing water consumption through automation and water-saving nozzles
- Waste sorting (glass, metal, combustible waste, bio-waste)
- Developing and adjusting food services, including:
- Using domestic and locally sourced ingredients whenever possible
- Increasing the amount of vegetarian food in meal offerings
- Minimizing food waste and continuously measuring it; utilizing leftover food whenever possible
- Introducing drink dispensers
- Using biodegradable, Finnish-made napkins and cleaning cloths
- Favoring reusable dishes and biodegradable takeaway cups
- Replacing all kitchen equipment with more energy-efficient alternatives
- Prioritizing responsible suppliers in procurement (procurement criteria)
- Switching to environmentally friendly cleaning agents and supplies
- Increasing digitalization and using electronic materials instead of paper
Movement and Travel
- Supporting carpooling through work shift planning where possible
- Providing staff with guidelines for commuting using public transportation
- Allowing remote work whenever feasible
- Conducting sustainable forestry practices on foundation-owned land
Ethics in Sports and Exercise
We are a doping-free training center and follow the guidelines and rules of the Finnish Center for Integrity in Sports in anti-doping matters. We do not tolerate match-fixing or game manipulation.
We recognize our responsibility as educators of children's and youth’s sports and elite sports. We aim to offer them a safe, substance-free environment to pursue and train in the sports they love. We actively ensure that no sexual harassment or abuse occurs at our institute, and that all coaches on the premises behave appropriately. We require coaches/teachers/instructors to treat students and athletes equally in training and coaching situations. We do not tolerate any form of violence.
A safe environment also means that the safety of our buildings, equipment, and facilities is up to standard. We follow the guidelines of the Finnish Safety and Chemicals Agency and report any accidents, incidents, or near-misses to them. We have conducted risk assessments to identify potential hazards in our operations. We regularly check and test the safety of our facilities and equipment, and customers are thoroughly briefed during supervised programs.
At Kuortane Sports Institute, responsibility is also reflected in offering young athletes opportunities for dual careers, where the combination of coaching and education supports their overall growth.
How Do We Address Harassment?
- We ensure that everyone involved in our activities is aware of the practices established to address harassment concerns and cases. It is easier to proceed in unfortunate situations when the procedures have been jointly agreed upon and are known to everyone. It is crucial that children and young people know whom they can contact.
- We carefully review all complaints and suspicions, and they should always be taken seriously. Even if there is no serious suspicion of abuse, but rather a concern that the behavior of an adult or young person is starting to go in the wrong direction, action must be taken. The organizer must contact the parties involved, as well as the child or young person’s parents. When discussing sexual harassment, it often refers to situations where the issue is inappropriate behavior rather than a criminal act.
- We immediately address any suspicion of a crime. If there is reason to suspect that the issue involves a crime as defined by the Penal Code, the police and child protection authorities must be contacted without delay. As the organizer, we must also contact the child or young person's parents. Child protection authorities must notify the police if there is reason to believe a crime has been committed against a child in their environment. The police will investigate whether a crime has occurred, under what circumstances, and who is involved.
- We use external experts. It is not advisable to handle the situation alone; instead, consult a confidential, professional adviser immediately. Potential expert contacts include the municipal family counseling center, the Sexpo Foundation, the Family Federation of Finland’s Youth Sexual Health Expertise Center, and the Crisis Center for Rape Victims, Tukinainen.
- We act in the best interest of the children and youth. Their safety is paramount. It is essential to ensure that any harassment or abuse does not continue. If an adult's behavior begins to deviate inappropriately, the issue is addressed with them immediately. If a young person's behavior towards an adult is inappropriate, it is dealt with promptly. If there is a more serious suspicion of harassment or abuse, the interaction between the potential victim and perpetrator is suspended until the matter is resolved. If the child or young person's parents are unaware of the situation, they are contacted. If the act or its attempt meets the description of a criminal offense, the police and child protection authorities are contacted without delay.
- We communicate clearly and truthfully. We ensure that all parties, including the potential suspect, victim, and victim's parents, are thoroughly informed about what happened. We make sure everyone knows how the complaint or suspicion is being handled within the organization and how the organizer has responded, such as making reports to child protection services or the police. When communicating externally, we ensure the legal protection of both the potential victim and the perpetrator.
ENVIROMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY AT KUORTANE OLYMPIC TRAINING CENTER
At Kuortane Olympic Training Center, both small everyday actions and major decisions have been directed towards environmentally sustainable solutions. From 2010 to 2021, the surface area of Kuortane Olympic Training Centers properties increased by more than 10%, while electricity consumption decreased by 27.7% during the same period. Heat consumption also dropped by 25.9%. These significant improvements are the result of substantial energy investments made in the campus properties over the past five years.
Waste and efficiency in materials
Five of the accommodation buildings at the sport campus are built of wood. The new gymnastics hall is also built from wood. Wood will continue to be preferred in construction, whenever it is technically possible.
Cleaning and the purchase of consumer goods have been switched to more ecological options. Hand and toilet papers have changed to undyed and unbleached papers, which have less impact on the environment. Public saunas have switched to the use of fully compostable roll paper. In addition, the college uses domestic biodegradable napkins, cleaning cloths and take away containers.
The sport campus uses the service provider's rental textiles, the washing, maintenance and delivery of which are included in the contract. Preferring rental and laundry services causes a significantly lower environmental load.
Vegetarian food has been added to the meal offer, and domestic, clean food is also preferred.
The restaurant has taken numerous measures to minimize the loss. We have switched to using coffee and juice machines. The display of food has also been able to influence customer behavior and thereby reduced wastage.
The college takes care of sorting waste carefully. Glass, metal, combustible and organic waste are handled in their own containers.
As a rule, we use double-sided and black-and-white printing. we also prefer electronic material instead of paper, if it is possible.
Five of the accommodation buildings at the sport campus are built of wood. The new gymnastics hall is also built from wood. Wood will continue to be preferred in construction, whenever it is technically possible.
Cleaning and the purchase of consumer goods have been switched to more ecological options. Hand and toilet papers have changed to undyed and unbleached papers, which have less impact on the environment. Public saunas have switched to the use of fully compostable roll paper. In addition, the college uses domestic biodegradable napkins, cleaning cloths and take away containers.
The sport campus uses the service provider's rental textiles, the washing, maintenance and delivery of which are included in the contract. Preferring rental and laundry services causes a significantly lower environmental load.
Vegetarian food has been added to the meal offer, and domestic, clean food is also preferred.
The restaurant has taken numerous measures to minimize the loss. We have switched to using coffee and juice machines. The display of food has also been able to influence customer behavior and thereby reduced wastage.
The college takes care of sorting waste carefully. Glass, metal, combustible and organic waste are handled in their own containers.
As a rule, we use double-sided and black-and-white printing. we also prefer electronic material instead of paper, if it is possible.
Energy
The Sports Institute has switched from peat to geothermal heat in September 2021.
The entire lighting in the sports college area has been changed to LEDs (approx. 6,000 lights). The automation of lighting and air conditioning, for example through motion detectors and carbon dioxide detectors, has also brought about significant changes. The remote control technology has also made it possible to optimize the temperature according to use, which in turn is reflected in the decrease in heat consumption. In all equipment purchases, solutions that consume less energy are preferred when the equipment stock is renewed in connection with basic repairs.
Solar panels have been utilized in the energy production of the new sport halls. In the summer of 2020, a solar power plant consisting of more than 2,000 panels was installed on the roof of the campus's four halls, which produces approx. 15% of the sports college's annual electricity needs.
Kuortane Olympic Training Center has responded to the growing popularity of electric cars by providing customers with electric car charging plugs. Our maintenance staff’s vehicle has been changed to an electric van in 2024.
It has been possible to reduce water consumption by using, for example, water-saving shower nozzles and the purchase of water-saving floor cleaning machines for cleaning. In addition, the swimming pool has a membrane that prevents evaporation at night.
Forest maintenance fellings - the area of the sports college covers 46 hectares, of which the forest's share is approx. 20 hectares.
The Sports Institute has switched from peat to geothermal heat in September 2021.
The entire lighting in the sports college area has been changed to LEDs (approx. 6,000 lights). The automation of lighting and air conditioning, for example through motion detectors and carbon dioxide detectors, has also brought about significant changes. The remote control technology has also made it possible to optimize the temperature according to use, which in turn is reflected in the decrease in heat consumption. In all equipment purchases, solutions that consume less energy are preferred when the equipment stock is renewed in connection with basic repairs.
Solar panels have been utilized in the energy production of the new sport halls. In the summer of 2020, a solar power plant consisting of more than 2,000 panels was installed on the roof of the campus's four halls, which produces approx. 15% of the sports college's annual electricity needs.
Kuortane Olympic Training Center has responded to the growing popularity of electric cars by providing customers with electric car charging plugs. Our maintenance staff’s vehicle has been changed to an electric van in 2024.
It has been possible to reduce water consumption by using, for example, water-saving shower nozzles and the purchase of water-saving floor cleaning machines for cleaning. In addition, the swimming pool has a membrane that prevents evaporation at night.
Forest maintenance fellings - the area of the sports college covers 46 hectares, of which the forest's share is approx. 20 hectares.
Logistics and transportation
In procurement, the aim is to favor food produced nearby, such as Atria's meat products. When food is brought from nearby, it is possible to influence the logistics costs and the environmental burden is lower.
Staff are encouraged to prefer public transport on their work trips whenever possible. If the job description allows, the staff also has the opportunity to work remotely. Work shift planning also aims to take into account the organization of shared rides, thanks to which it is possible to significantly reduce emissions.
In procurement, the aim is to favor food produced nearby, such as Atria's meat products. When food is brought from nearby, it is possible to influence the logistics costs and the environmental burden is lower.
Staff are encouraged to prefer public transport on their work trips whenever possible. If the job description allows, the staff also has the opportunity to work remotely. Work shift planning also aims to take into account the organization of shared rides, thanks to which it is possible to significantly reduce emissions.
Chemicals
Hand detergents have been changed to foam.
In cleaning, the aim is to favor the use of long-lasting microfiber cloths, and in removing loose dust, there is a completely waterless and detergent-free method to reduce the environmental load.
Detergents are bought in large canisters and dosing pumps are used. In this way, there is less packaging waste and the environmental impact of detergents is smaller. Kiilto's domestic detergents are used at the campus.
The laundry detergent is fragrance-free and dye-free, and it is biodegradable (= rapidly biodegradable raw materials break down in nature in less than 28 days by at least 60%). In daily cleaning, general and detergent detergents are used, which have a lower environmental load.
Hand detergents have been changed to foam.
In cleaning, the aim is to favor the use of long-lasting microfiber cloths, and in removing loose dust, there is a completely waterless and detergent-free method to reduce the environmental load.
Detergents are bought in large canisters and dosing pumps are used. In this way, there is less packaging waste and the environmental impact of detergents is smaller. Kiilto's domestic detergents are used at the campus.
The laundry detergent is fragrance-free and dye-free, and it is biodegradable (= rapidly biodegradable raw materials break down in nature in less than 28 days by at least 60%). In daily cleaning, general and detergent detergents are used, which have a lower environmental load.
In addition to our own environmental efforts, we value the sustainability initiatives of our partners as part of a shared commitment to the future. The environmental actions of suppliers are one of the criteria we consider in our tendering process.