Carbonwise Jukola

The main objective of the Carbonwise Jukola project was to develop and pilot a learning and operating model for a mass event with the lowest possible carbon footprint in cooperation with the companies and partners involved in the event production. Global warming is one of the biggest global challenges, but it can be mitigated – with actions and solutions that make a difference. Reducing carbon emissions is one of the key ways to tackle climate change.

Events and the events industry matter and have an impact – regionally and nationally. There are around 3,200 companies nationwide and it employs nearly 200,000 people. The sector has significant indirect economic impacts, at least on the accommodation, catering, transport and retail sectors – hence its emissions also have a significant impact.

Jukola is the world’s largest relay event and Finland’s largest adult sports event. The event is also of international importance. The event, which took place in Porvoo on 17-18 June 2023, was attended by almost 20,000 orienteers and around 30,000 guests. Teams from 18 countries registered for the event. The competition venue was in the area around Epoo in Porvoo. The Porvoo Borgå Jukola was based on responsibility, the joy and well-being of sport and the values of orienteering and was organised by a large number of different actors.

The main objective of the Carbonwise Jukola project was to develop and pilot a learning and operating model for a mass event with the lowest possible carbon footprint in cooperation with the companies and partners involved in the event production. The sub-objectives were:

1. To develop carbon neutrality thinking and test the learning model
2. To reduce carbon emissions from the Porvoo Jukola orienteering relay
3. To develop the business operations of the companies involved in the production of the Porvoo Jukola to be more carbon neutral
4. To raise public awareness and debate about carbon neutrality as part of mass event production
5. The project will evaluate and analyse the impacts both from the perspective of the Porvoo Jukola and from the perspective of the operational and learning model built in the project in general.

The Carbonwise Jukola project resulted in a handbook, published in November 2023, which contains simple and practical tips on how to run a carbon-wise event, as well as many concrete small actions that make up a carbon-wise event.

• How to organise a carbon-wise event – handbook
• How to organise a carbon-wise event – mini guide (in Finnish)
• Video of the handbook launch event in November 2023
• Video How to organise a carbon-wise event – Reduce the carbon footprint of your event