Our practical actions to promote sustainability are organized into four strategic themes: Well-being and Competence of Personnel, Sustainable Environment, Customer-Oriented Services as well as Sustainable Research and Development. Through these actions, we seek to increase our positive impact (handprint) while reducing our negative impact (footprint) on society and the environment.
Well-being and Competence of Personnel – Social Responsibility
- Sustainable development was designated as one of the key competence development priorities for 2023.
- Employees were encouraged to consider sustainability topics during their performance and development discussions.
- Staff were encouraged to complete the eOppiva online course Becoming a Sustainable Development Professional.
- Sustainability and responsibility topics were incorporated into the general onboarding programme for new employees.
- A commuter benefit was added to employee benefits (ePassi Flex).
- Guidance on addressing inappropriate behaviour and harassment was developed and published on the occupational safety section of the intranet.
- Whistleblower protection procedures were implemented within the statutory deadline.
- Employees were offered webinar series and learning materials on hybrid work from the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, as well as mental well-being services from Mehiläinen.
- Supervisors received support through coaching programmes, assistance from the work ability management team, and a dedicated supervisor support site on the intranet.
- The working atmosphere during remote work was improved through hybrid work guidelines and rules for online communication.
- Anonymous recruitment was piloted and promoted in external recruitment processes.
- Blood donation was supported through an active blood donor group, which renewed its Platinum Certificate of Recognition in 2023. Employees may donate blood during working hours twice a year.
Sustainable Environment – Environmental and Economic Responsibility
- We identified UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2, 3, 8 and 12 as priorities to be promoted through procurement activities.
- Procurement categories with the greatest potential to advance sustainability goals are identified, specific targets are set, and progress is monitored.
- Guideline-based minimum supplier suitability criteria are defined to ensure responsible suppliers.
- Participation in the Keino Academy development programme for low-carbon procurement management.
- Calculation of the low-carbon potential of procurement categories (ongoing).
- Measures to improve financial sustainability, including: improving cost recovery, increasing project funding, and exploring possibilities for commercializing the agency's data and expertise.
- Lean and quality management training and awards to improve operational practices.
- Increasing environmental awareness among staff through the GO network and a sustainable consumption indicator.
- Premises collaboration and facility projects: in 2023, a shared office space reform was completed at the Oulu office together with the Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke). The work continues in cooperation with Senate Properties.
- Promotion of the implementation of the national nutrition recommendations to support sustainable and healthy food choices.
- Conversion of green areas around facilities into meadow habitats to support biodiversity.
Customer-Oriented Services – Economic Responsibility
- Customer participation has been enhanced through Lean methods and service design approaches.
- Preparations were launched for more structured cooperation with key partner authorities in digital development.
- Utilization of satellite data and artificial intelligence to improve the efficiency of agricultural controls and inspections.
Sustainable Research and Development – Research and Economic Responsibility
- External funding for jointly funded projects increased by 93% in 2023.
- During 2023, several national and EU-funded research projects were underway focusing on areas such as: the circular economy, security of supply, biodiversity, and the One Health approach.
- Participation in work related to FAIR principles for research data management.
- International project activities expanded significantly, with EU funding increasing by more than one-third compared with the previous year. This strengthened the agency's role in European research and risk assessment cooperation and provided additional resources for competence development.
- In 2025, international project activities continued to grow, and EU funding increased by more than one-third compared with the previous year.