The NLS is working for a sustainable environment at two levels. First, it aims to actively reduce the environmental loads of its activities. Second, it strives to identify the significance of the data and competence of the NLS as an enabler of sustainable development in society.
The goals defined in the NLS sustainability programme are:
- We reduce the carbon footprint of our operations.
- We produce knowledge and research to support decision making and development that can slow down climate change and promote biodiversity.
In 2024, we will promote the following sustainability acts:
- We will calculate the NLS’s carbon footprint and use it to identify key measures.
- We will reduce the need for travel and improve productivity by expanding the use of the written procedure in land surveying.
In 2023, promoted the following sustainability acts:
- We will improve the environmental performance of MFPs, printers and plotters. We will promote the use of digital tools.
- We will use non-material and ecologically sustainable business, trade fair and anniversary gifts.
- In land consolidation, we will map and reserve suitable sites for wetland creation and biodiversity conservation for the Peltopankki pilot.
- We will carry out the preliminary seizures for expropriating wind power projects without delay. We will accelerate and advance the green transition.
In 2022, we promoted the following sustainability acts:
- We develop environmental sustainability in a goal-oriented and systematic way. (Updated 6/2024)
- We are testing and studying the perks of offering a bicycle benefit to all employees.
- We will carry out a study on how we can promote environmental sustainability in our information management, and what solutions we can use to print less.
- We produce new research data under the Academy of Finland’s flagship UNITEA project, which aims to diversify forestry industries, promote the impact forests have on health and wellbeing, and protect biodiversity.
- By developing the real estate structure, we reduce the carbon footprint of agriculture and forestry, enable the development of biodiversity and increase traffic safety in the region. In 2022, we will develop indicators for this.
Smaller carbon footprint is the goal
In facilities and travel, the National Land Survey aims actively at decreasing the burden that its own operations cause to the environment.
We have improved the efficiency and sustainable use of our facilities by favouring multipurpose spaces and considering sustainability in renovations. Our space efficiency is at a good level. In 2023, the figure was 16.6 m2 per person-year. As recently as 2016 and 2017, the corresponding figure was 23 m2 per person-year.
Data as part of planning a more sustainable environment
‘Information about the Earth’ is the mission of the NLS and the cornerstone of its operations. Key data includes registered data about properties and housing company shares, as well as geospatial data. Data and processed data products serve to fight for a more sustainable environment. Data allows us to better understand the underlying factors of biodiversity and climate change, make better decisions and develop more sustainable solutions.
The NLS’s research data also helps decision makers in the sustainable use of natural resources and the protection of biodiversity.
Read more in the sustainability report
In the National Land Survey’s sustainability report for 2023 (pdf), you can read more about how the National Land Survey invests in environmental sustainability.