Environmental Policy

Tartu Nature House Environmental Policy

From the beginning, we have highly valued Nature, biodiversity and natural resources. In 2015, we started a methodological approach in our environmental management system to create a green office in accordance with the European Green Office system.

In 2017 and 2020 and 2024 we passed an external audit by the Estonian Association for Environmental Managemenet  to apply for a European Green Office Certificate. The certificate proves that Tartu Nature House employees follow the principles of sustainability in providing a healthy work environment, using natural resources as well as in arranging procurement and purchases. The certificate is valid for three years.

For our business to be sustainable and environmentally friendly, we follow these principles

Our General Objectives:

• Use all resources (energy, water, and other natural resources) responsibly and sustainably.
• Minimize the extraction and use of non-renewable natural resources and promote reuse and recycling of materials (in teaching, event organization, office work, furnishings, etc.).
• Raise environmental awareness among staff and encourage them to engage in environmental discussions within society and their communities.
• Develop partnerships with other organizations to promote environmentally responsible behavior.
• Teach people to notice and protect biodiversity.

Waste Management

• We avoid waste generation as much as possible:
  • we buy new items only when necessary
  • we bring our own bags, containers, or utensils when shopping
  • we purchase food in our own packaging or through packaging reuse systems
  • we prefer minimally packaged products
• We reuse various materials in our activities.
• We sort waste and send it for recycling.
• We measure our waste generation and aim to reduce it.

Catering

• We do not use disposable tableware.
• For events, we prefer fresh, seasonal, locally sourced, fair trade, organic, and minimally packaged food and beverages.
• We favor climate-friendly food, more plant-based, less animal-based.
• We avoid bottled water and prefer clean tap water.

Transport

• For work-related travel, we prefer public transport or bicycles for short distances.
• When using a personal car, we plan trips carefully: combine multiple tasks into one trip and carpool with colleagues when possible.
• We encourage staff to choose low-impact, healthy commuting options.
• We measure the environmental impact of our business travel and seek ways to reduce it.

Work and Learning Tools

• We share printers, office supplies, and other tools when possible.
• Before acquiring new tools, we consider whether the item is truly necessary, if it can be borrowed or repaired, or if it already exists at the Nature House.
• When purchasing, we prefer durable, high-quality items with long life cycles, local and/or eco-labeled products, and, where suitable, second-hand items.
• When purchasing services, we prefer environmentally friendly and responsible providers.
• We follow our Nature House’s green procurement guidelines for both acquiring and disposing of items.

Paper

• We use unbleached office paper made from recycled materials.
• We use paper sparingly; default printer settings favor duplex printing and toner-saving modes.
• We reuse paper scraps for note-taking, crafts, etc.

Energy

• We use electricity generated from renewable sources only.
• We use energy-efficient office and kitchen equipment.
• We switch off lights and unplug devices when leaving rooms or during longer breaks.
• We unplug chargers and adapters after use.
• We ventilate rooms briefly as needed; continuous window ventilation during the heating season causes significant energy loss.
• We monitor our electricity and heating consumption and set goals to reduce it.

Water

• We use rainwater in toilets and for watering plants to save drinking water.
• We use water efficiently when washing hands or dishes.
• We monitor our water usage and ensure it remains optimal.

Our Building Includes:

Construction Materials

• Durable and mainly environmentally friendly materials and technologies were used in construction.
• Finishing materials – clay plaster, clay paint, spruce boarding, ceramic tiles, and felt carpets – are of natural origin and contribute to a pleasant indoor climate.
• Most construction and finishing materials were produced in Estonia or neighboring countries.

Heating

• The Nature House is built to retain heat well, minimizing heating resource use.
• We are connected to the local district heating network, primarily powered by local biofuels. 

Electricity

• We use electricity from renewable sources. We purchase green energy and also produce our own with solar panels installed on the roof.
• Large glass surfaces allow maximum use of daylight, reducing the need for artificial lighting.

Water

• We collect rainwater from the roof and use it to reduce groundwater consumption – e.g., for flushing toilets, watering plants in the winter garden, and filling the tortoise aquarium.
• Water-saving solutions include drinking taps, automatic shut-off faucets, flow-reducing mixers, and low-volume toilet tanks.

Explore the Nature House, including its environmentally friendly solutions, through the Tartu Nature House Virtual Tour