Environmental Principles & Practices

OUR APPROACH

Arteles supports creative work through care for people, shared resources and the environment. Situated in the Finnish countryside, our activities are closely connected with the buildings, land and natural surroundings that make this work possible.

Environmental responsibility means paying attention to the effects of our everyday choices and improving the structures that support them. Our approach combines existing practices with practical goals for further development.

This framework concerns the operation and maintenance of Arteles Creative Center, residency activities, travel, materials and shared daily life. It provides guidance for staff, residents, collaborators and visitors.

ENERGY & BUILDINGS

Arteles uses geothermal heating as its main heating system and has a solar electricity system. These are part of our long-term approach to maintaining the creative center and reducing its environmental impact. We also aim to minimise unnecessary energy consumption.

In everyday use, we encourage everyone to:

• Turn off lights and equipment when they are not needed.
• Keep doors and windows closed when heating is in use, apart from necessary ventilation.
• Use heating, ventilation and shared equipment according to staff guidance.
• Report faults, draughts and water leaks so that they can be addressed.
  
  

Our development plans include assessing opportunities to improve insulation and the energy efficiency of buildings as maintenance and renovation needs arise. Improvements should take account of building condition, available resources and long-term use.

MATERIALS, EQUIPMENT & PURCHASING

Creative freedom can coexist with thoughtful use of materials. We encourage residents and staff to consider what is needed, what is already available and what can remain useful after a project or residency ends.

• Use shared tools and equipment with care and return them ready for the next person.
• Reuse suitable materials and avoid unnecessary purchases and disposable products.
• Choose durable and repairable items where practical.
• Plan material use to reduce waste without limiting artistic exploration.
• Agree with staff before leaving materials or artworks for others to use.
  
  

When developing purchasing and maintenance practices, our aim is to consider durability, repair, environmental impact and total useful life alongside cost. Local availability can help reduce unnecessary journeys, but is only one factor in a purchasing decision.

WASTE & RECYCLING

Waste sorting and recycling are part of daily life at Arteles. Residents are guided in using the arrangements provided at the center.

• Follow the sorting instructions at the collection points.
• Keep reusable materials separate from waste when there is an agreed use for them.
• Ask staff if you are unsure how an item should be disposed of.
• Do not pour paints, solvents or other harmful substances into sinks, drains or the ground.
• Discuss projects involving hazardous materials with staff in advance so that handling and disposal can be planned.

Preventing unnecessary waste is our first aim. Reuse, sorting and appropriate disposal help us take responsibility for the materials that remain.

WATER, FOOD & SHARED DAILY LIFE

Small choices matter in a shared living environment. We encourage careful water use, thoughtful food planning and consideration for the people who will use a space after us.

• Avoid leaving taps running unnecessarily and report leaks.
• Run washing machines and dishwashers with appropriate loads and settings.
• Plan food purchases and storage to reduce spoilage and waste.
• Use cleaning products in the recommended quantities and follow the instructions provided.

TRAVEL & TRANSPORT

International travel is an environmental consideration for our residency activities. We recognise that renewable energy and responsible practices at the center do not remove the impacts of travel to and from Arteles.

We encourage residents to consider rail, bus and other suitable alternatives where feasible, taking account of distance, access needs, time and cost. During a stay, shared journeys and combining errands are encouraged to help avoid unnecessary travel.

Our development goals include making practical travel information clearer and identifying opportunities to coordinate journeys.

NATURE & THE SURROUNDING ENVIRONMENT

The surrounding forests and lakes offer space for observation, reflection and creative work. We ask everyone to approach these environments with care.

• Avoid disturbing wildlife, damaging vegetation or leaving litter.
• Follow local guidance on access, fire safety and use of outdoor areas.
• Ask staff before collecting natural materials or installing work outdoors.
• Plan outdoor projects so that materials can be removed and the site left in good condition.
  

RESPONSIBILITY & CONTINUOUS DEVELOPMENT

Arteles staff guide the practical implementation of this framework. Residents, collaborators and visitors contribute by following shared instructions, using resources carefully and bringing problems or suggestions to staff attention.

Our next steps are to review energy use using available consumption records, identify realistic building improvements, and develop purchasing, waste prevention and travel guidance. These priorities are to be considered alongside the center's maintenance needs and financial capacity.

Progress should be reviewed as part of annual operational planning, drawing on available records, maintenance observations and feedback. The framework should be updated when facilities, practices or identified needs change. Any future environmental targets or public claims should be supported by an appropriate baseline and evidence.

Our aim is steady, practical improvement: caring for the place, resources and relationships that allow creative work to continue.