Responsibility guidelines

These guidelines contain the minimum requirements for organizing responsible and environmentally friendly events as part of the European Capital of Culture Oulu program in 2026. The guidelines have been prepared in cooperation with Oulu Culture Foundation, and the Most Sustainable European Capital of Culture Project led by the City of Oulu Events Department.

Later, a more extensive checklist and A Guide to Sustainable Event Production will be published, to help the event organizers take a new steps to reduce their environmental load.

It is the applicant’s responsibility to pay attention to the following instructions before submitting the Oulu2026 application.

Travel and transportation

• Choose a venue, accessible by public transport, by biking or walking instead of your own car.
• Encourage sustainable travel and inform both artists and the public about low-carbon travel options.
• If you use the car to transport people or goods, keep a driving logbook.

Energy

• Choose green grid electricity or another low-emission option.
• Monitor energy consumption.
• Use energy efficient devices.

Waste disposal

• Get the necessary waste containers and guide visitors to recycle correctly.
• Organize smoking in the event area so that cigarette butts do not end up on the ground.
• Clean the event area and its immediate surroundings after the event.

Procurement and materials

• Include responsibility criteria in procurement tenders.
• Prefer multi-year purchases and materials.
• Do not share disposable handouts or accessories.

Food and drink

• Choose catering services committed to responsibility.
• Choose food vendors offering vegetarian food.
• Do not use disposable plastic tableware.

Water and drainage

• Do not offer or sell bottled water.
• Organize a water station and ask customers to bring their own refillable water bottle.
• Make sure that no waste water or chemicals end up on the ground, and thus into nature and waterways.