The Vaasa region’s energy technology traditions, innovativeness and collaboration support companies in achieving sustainable development goals. The region offers many sustainable opportunities for businesses.
A region full of sustainable opportunities
The Vaasa region offers companies an innovative and entrepreneurial operating environment that opens many opportunities to develop ideas, test concepts and build successful collaboration also in the field of sustainable development.
The area’s strong networks and the trust between companies help businesses succeed. This international and entrepreneurial region offers innovators almost unlimited opportunities
- to develop their ideas
- to test their concepts
- to find fruitful collaboration opportunities
Municipalities, companies and organisations in the Vaasa region work closely together, which is why the region is widely recognised as Finland’s most innovative. Several networks and actors operate in the area to support companies in achieving their responsibility goals.
Vaasanseudun Kehitys Oy VASEK
Vaasanseudun Kehitys Oy VASEK, owned by the municipalities of the Vaasa region, offers companies comprehensive advisory services at all stages of business. VASEK provides support for corporate responsibility issues and energy efficiency, as well as advice on company formation, development, generational change, training, investments, financing, networking and internationalisation.
Read more about this on the VASEK website.
Entrepreneur services
Expert help is invaluable even when operations are already up and running. In the Vaasa region you do not have to try alone; there is a functional network to assist entrepreneurs in different situations.
Read more about services, networks and expert help on our Entrepreneur services page.
At the heart of energy technology
The Vaasa region is home to the largest energy technology cluster in the Nordic countries, known as EnergyVaasa. The cluster has become internationally significant especially in the fields of smart electrical solutions, sustainable energy, flexible power generation and digitalisation. Long traditions in the energy technology industry have led to strong research expertise that also supports companies in achieving sustainable development goals.
Read more about this on our Energy technology pioneer page.
Companies’ energy efficiency
Responsibility and low carbon intensity are increasingly important for business. Improving energy efficiency and investing in sustainable energy solutions are key to developing companies’ competitiveness.
VASEK offers companies materials and advice concerning energy efficiency, its development and financing. Read more about energy efficiency on VASEK’s website.
Carbon-neutral energy
Procuring carbon-neutral district heating and signing a carbon-neutral electricity contract are environmentally responsible choices that reduce a company’s carbon footprint and support sustainable development goals. Choosing environmentally friendly electricity and district heating is an easy way to demonstrate a company’s commitment to responsibility and to meet customers’ growing expectations for sustainable practices.
Low-carbon electricity and energy are available in the Vaasa region. Ask your energy company for more information! Certified carbon-free district heating in the area is provided by Vaasan Sähkö.
The Vaasa region’s diverse air, sea, road and rail connections provide good transport connections year-round. A strength of the region is the ability to combine different transport modes without forgetting low-carbon options. Promoting sustainable mobility is a central part of the City of Vaasa’s strategy, and the city offers good opportunities for companies to adopt responsible mobility solutions for their employees.
Public transport
Vaasa region public transport Lifti offers concrete opportunities for low-carbon travel in the region. Lifti operates 22 gas buses that use biogas produced by Stormossen. In addition, Lifti offers double the number of departures and the most affordable prices in Finland. By choosing a Lifti bus running on biogas, you reduce transport emissions and support sustainable development in the Vaasa region.
Emission-free by sea
Freight transport emissions can be reduced by using Wasaline’s Green Corridor Fridays project, which offers climate-neutral transport between Vaasa and Umeå. Four departures operate once a week on Fridays using certified biogas. The route is the most environmentally friendly sea route between Finland and Sweden. In addition, the Aurora Botnia operating on the route is the world’s most environmentally friendly ro-ro passenger ferry. Read more about this on Wasaline’s site.
Cycling for health and sustainability
Short commutes are often faster by bike than by car, and in Vaasa 80% of residents live within 5 kilometres of the city centre. Cycling is an environmentally friendly option and excellent everyday exercise. The Vaasa Cycling Alliance promotes the city’s carbon neutrality goal by increasing the share of cycling and reducing transport emissions.
The City of Vaasa offers its staff an employee bike benefit that supports the carbon neutrality goal and improves wellbeing. The bike benefit promotes exercise and can attract and retain employees. The bike benefit is procured and purchased as a service from a specialised company. About 10% of the city’s staff use this benefit.
The city also encourages other employers to support sustainable modes of transport. Employers can offer employee bikes either by purchasing them directly or in cooperation with a leasing partner. They can designate certain companies for bike procurement or allow purchases from any company.
Join as an employer in promoting sustainable mobility!
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Vaasa region for businesses
Discover how the Vaasa region can support your company’s growth and success.
VASEK | Corporate responsibility
Vaasanseudun Kehitys Oy VASEK offers entrepreneurs personal and free development services in the region. The site contains information on corporate responsibility issues for companies.
Climate Actions of the City Group entities
Explore the City of Vaasa’s City Group entities’ climate actions and policies that promote sustainable development and reduce environmental impacts.