Responsibility

Lux Helsinki uses the EcoCompass environmental management system, and the festival has been issued the EcoCompass certificate. This means that the event has an environmental programme with goals and actions, the realisation of which is assessed by an external expert. We also assess the event’s environmental impacts annually and monitor its carbon footprint.

Responsibility actions at the festival

Lux Helsinki’s environmental work focuses on, among other aspects, electricity use and acquisitions, and environmental themes are strongly present in the festival’s contents. Below are some of the festival’s key environmental actions.

Electricity and lighting

  • We purchase renewable network electricity for the realisation of the event. For some of the works, we take advantage of the existing electricity of the properties and locations. 
  • The lights of the works and signs mostly use low-energy LED technology and video projections are realised as energy-efficiently as possible.
  • We will turn off part of the festival area’s other lighting for the event. This may reduce light pollution in the area during the event.

Carbon footprint

  • We monitor the festival’s carbon footprint with the City of Helsinki’s event carbon footprint calculator. The calculation allows us to monitor event emissions and identify targets for reduction measures.

Acquisitions and co-operation

  • As far as possible, we use existing equipment and lease the things we need instead of buying new ones. For new acquisitions, we try to choose reusable products.
  • We accommodate our artists in environmentally-certified hotels.
  • We commit our subcontractors to responsible practices already in the contract phase.
  • We explain the event’s environmental practices to production parties, partners and subcontractors.

Logistics and mobility

  • We plan production transports centrally in order to avoid unnecessary driving.
  • We encourage visitors to arrive on foot, by bike or by public transport. According to the visitor survey, about 86% of visitors come to the event using these modes of transportation. 

Access and accessibility

The Lux Helsinki works are located throughout the city. Most of the works are accessible. However, wintry weather conditions may affect how easy it is to move near them. The locations are plowed as required by the weather before the event begins.

Check the festival’s social media channels before visiting for the work-specific exceptions to accessibility caused by the weather. 

Lux Helsinki for all

Lux Helsinki follows the principles for a safer space. Everyone is welcome to experience light art as they are. We strive to make the festival a discrimination-free event. We require that our staff, artists, partners, subcontractors and visitors adhere to the following principles.

Principles for a safer space:

  • Respect everyone’s personal space and right to self-determination.
  • Don’t make assumptions based on, for example, appearance and don’t degrade, discriminate or mock anyone with your words, behaviour or actions. 
  • Let everyone speak and have an opportunity to participate in discussion. Listen and learn from their perspectives.
  • Intervene as far as possible if you witness inappropriate behaviour. Give and receive feedback in a constructive manner.
  • Apologise if you have intentionally or unintentionally hurt someone.

If you experience or observe discrimination, harassment or other inappropriate behaviour, please report it to the nearest security steward. You can also contact us by email at yhdenvertaisuus@eventshelsinki.fi or report it anonymously using this form.

The emails are read by CEO Sami Ylisaari and the forms by Head of Administration Piia Lääveri.

Event safety

Safety is of utmost importance to Lux Helsinki. The Lux Helsinki whole is being planned in co-operation with security experts and authorities.

The Lux works will be situated throughout the city, which makes it possible to enjoy the light art at your own pace. 

In potential traffic congestion situations, our event personnel will advise you on how to navigate the area.

What can you do at the festival?

Traffic emissions are among the biggest contributors to the carbon footprint of events – so as far as possible, please arrive by public transport, on foot or by bike.

The Lux Helsinki locations are easy to reach without a car.

Check the exact routes and timetables in the Journey Planner »