Press release

KAKSLAUTTANEN ARCTIC RESORT AND ENVIRONMENTAL OBLIGATIONS

The operations of Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort Oy, especially in relation to environmental matters, will be discussed in a documentary series called “Uskomattomat ympäristörikokset” (Unbelievable environmental crimes), published by the Finnish broadcast company MTV in August 2023. The documentary in question has been made without giving our company an opportunity to comment on the discussed matters, so to avoid possible confusion, we would like to make the following statement:

Construction and other waste originating from our company’s construction processes in 2013–2018 were disposed of by incinerating them and hiding them in the ground in land areas managed by the company. The company and its main owner acknowledge that by doing so, they consistently violated the current standards and legislation, acted thoughtlessly and thus were guilty of degrading the environment.

In accordance with the authorities’ orders, Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort Oy has taken restoration measures, i.e., decontaminated and removed the waste and the soil that was contaminated due to the aforementioned actions. The land and waters in the area have been examined in a project led by the authorities, and these examinations have been terminated according to a decision by the authorities. The company’s existing construction material storage, which poses no danger to the environment, is located in the decontaminated area. The company’s current practices related to the recycling and disposal of construction and other waste are adequate and sustainable. The company takes care of the recycling of the materials and waste resulting from its operations by utilizing systems provided by society.

The company and its main owner, who is answerable for the company’s activities, were convicted of aggravated environmental degradation for the above-mentioned actions. Both were jointly and severally ordered to forfeit the financial gains produced by the crime to the State and to compensate legal and other related expenses. In addition, the company was ordered to pay a corporate fine. No appeals have been filed against the conviction, and the company and its liable person have fulfilled all the obligations imposed by the conviction.

Sustainability is part of the everyday life of Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort

Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort and its management recognize the vital importance of sustainability matters both to the company’s business operations and its reputation. We began our transition to geothermal heat already 15 years ago, and today all large new buildings at our site use geothermal heating, whereas air source heat pumps have been installed in the smaller and older buildings. The shower water of our guests is also partly heated by geothermal heat. Wood is our primary construction material – we are, in fact, the world’s largest deadwood village and thereby a significant carbon sink.

In our operations, we seek to utilize local know-how and locally-produced products as much as possible. Our staff and partners have an indispensable role in fulfilling our service promise. As an example, all our reindeer and snow mobile safaris are led by local reindeer-owners. We develop the wellbeing and training of our staff. We have built 100 homes for our employees using the funds from the company’s operations. We comply with collective agreements and pay wages that are higher than those stipulated in these agreements.

At the moment, we systematically promote the different aspects of our sustainability with the objective of receiving Visit Finland’s Sustainable Travel Finland sustainability certification no later than in 2024. We are happy to hear our customers and partners’ views and ideas on how to develop our sustainability via email at [email protected].