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Sustainable development

The Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland takes responsibility for the environment and climate. The Seinäjoki Parish has been awarded the Church Environmental Diploma. We also operate as a Fairtrade Parish.

An aerial view of the "Forest of Hope" trail in the Seinäjoki parish.
A white flower in the Toivo forest of the Seinäjoki parish.
Six people at the Toivo forest quiet retreat in the Seinäjoki parish.
A birdhouse in the Toivo forest of the Seinäjoki Parish.

Environmental Diploma

More than 100 parishes commit to pursuing the Church Environmental Diploma each year. The Seinäjoki Parish has been awarded the Church Environmental Diploma five times. The fifth diploma period covers the years 2023-2027.

Read More About the Church Environmental Diploma
Two people in the woods in winter.

Sustainable development in the church

The Church is committed to promoting sustainable development, with the goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2030. Nearly all of Finland’s largest parishes and parish unions, as well as many smaller parishes, are already participating in the Church’s environmental management system, known as the Church Environmental Diploma. This parish-tailored programme addresses not only climate issues but also biodiversity and environmental education.

Snowdrops, or white flowers with yellow stamens and green leaves.

Environmental work in the Seinäjoki Parish

The steering group of the Parish Environmental work takes care of monitoring commonly set objectives, as well as updating the environmental program, keeping track of the changes in environmental legislation, environmental education and initiatives.

The group includes elected officials Pirjo Aittoniemi (chairperson) and Jouni Aila (vice-chairperson), as well as park manager Esko Karttunen, food service and cleaning manager Jaana Kujala, property manager Timo Mäki, senior chaplain Teemu Leino, chaplain Marjo Niskanen, youth worker Hanna-Riikka Tala, service secretary Katri Palomaa and director of communication Kirsi Poltto.

Seinäjoki parish environmental program (FI)
Signposts in the Toivo forest, Seinäjoki Parish.

Fair trade parish

Organizations that have received the Fair trade title commit to use Fiar trade products in their events. The commitment to using Fair trade products means that we take collective responsibility. With the Fair trade title we want to communicate also the responsible use of church tax funds, as well as long-term procurement planning. Furthermore, the Seinäjoki parish aims to serve as a positive example for other organizations and residents in the local area.

Ihminen pilkkoo juureksia keittiössä. Vieressä kattila ja yrttejä. Ihmisella tummat vaatteet päällä.