Sustainability report 2023
In 2023, we took steps towards an even more sustainable Hoas. The report delves into the topics defined in our sustainability strategy and details what we did to achieve our vision in 2023. The Sustainability Report has been prepared following the GRI (Global Reporting Initiative) framework.
Unfortunately, our full Sustainability report 2023 is in Finnish only. This article provides only a brief overview. In the upcoming years, we are planning to bring more language options of the report available.
Matti Tarhio, CEO of HoasAttitude matters in sustainability issues. Tomorrow is not built by guilt, but by encouragement.
The goal of our sustainability work is to provide the easiest and most comfortable, as well as sustainable student housing. For us, this means taking responsibility and working to ensure that living at Hoas is inherently sustainable. This way, our tenants can focus on the important aspects of their lives with peace of mind. At the same time, we want to make sustainable choices easy for our tenants and encourage them in sustainable lifestyle.
Core is in a well-functioning foundation
- We make decisions that ensure a thriving Hoas, where the buildings we construct today will house students even a hundred years from now. Decisions must also be economically sustainable to avoid for example unreasonable rent increases on our tenants.
- By preparing for future scenarios and proactively responding to upcoming laws and regulations, we lay the groundwork for sustainable business practices today.
- We emphasize a realistic situational awareness in decision-making. We consider the impacts of decisions from multiple perspectives and focus on the most significant and relevant impacts in our reach.
- We set goals for our operations that exceed current building regulations to accelerate Finland’s climate goals.
What did we do?
- Our average rent in 2023 was €14.60/m². For example, the average rent for a studio apartment in Helsinki was €20/m² at the end of 2023.
- We received social financing from Kuntarahoitus for seven projects. The granting of social financing is a recognition of particularly impactful and socially beneficial projects.
We are making living sustainable and construction more climate-resilient right now.
Research-based decision-making
- We aim to identify the most significant impacts and opportunities of our operations so that we can invest in them in the smartest way possible.
- We improve data collection and methods to verify the effectiveness of various measures.
- We question prevailing operational models to find the most effective and economically sustainable options for us.
- By refining carbon footprint calculations, we identify concrete ways to make an impact.
What did we do?
- Our carbon footprint decreased by almost 28% from the previous year. A large part of this reduction is due to lesser new construction.
- Together with our partner Caverion, we calculated the actual emissions caused by the services provided to Hoas.
Sustainable living begins at home
- When sustainable living becomes familiar while first moving out on your own, the habit will carry over to future homes.
- We support and facilitate everyday living by investing in comprehensive tenant services and guidance.
- We invest in communal living and bring a sense of community to studio apartments by focusing on versatile common areas in properties.
What did we do?
- We introduced seven waste bins in new housing units – the same number of waste types collected at our waste collection points.
- We support community spirit through resident evenings where residents get to meet Hoas face-to-face.
Impactful results through collaboration
- We need collaboration and partners to achieve our goals. Ideally, through collaboration, we find the most impactful ways to make our own and collective operations more sustainable.
- We made sustainability goals understandable and concrete for Hoas staff.
If more experiences and lessons were shared in the industry, we would accelerate the implementation of the green transition.
What did we do?
- We incorporated sustainability criteria into service partner tenders.
- According to the results of the annual sustainability survey, more than half of the staff knows what Hoas focuses on in its sustainability work.
There is still much to learn and do
Although we made significant strides in promoting sustainability in 2023, our journey with sustainability is just beginning. Since one of our goals is also to improve communication about sustainability, while you await the 2024 sustainability report, you can follow the progress of our sustainability work on our website and through our communication channels: LinkedIn | Instagram | TikTok
You can find the full report in Finnish here.