FOREST OFFICE
Nature-oriented workday
Responsibility
Hyvinvointikylä (Wellbeing Village) is a family business founded in 2018. Its services include:
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Forest Office, which provides facilities and services for corporate clients
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Forest Retreat for consumer customers and wellness entrepreneurs
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Forest Verstas, which offers digital services and expertise
Wellbeing Village (Hyvinvointikylä Oy) operates in a property personally owned by the company’s founders, which is maintained with a strong commitment to responsibility.
The buildings in use are approximately 100-year-old log houses, which are restored whenever possible using traditional construction methods. Of the 1.6 hectare property, only a small portion is cultivated garden, while more than half remains in its natural state.
The company's values are responsibility , a nature-oriented approach, and open-mindedness .
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As the importance of responsibility continues to grow, we feel it is essential to highlight our actions and share how we are constantly developing our operations to be even more responsible.
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The nature-oriented approach at the heart of our activities emphasizes not only environmental and climate issues but also the importance of nurturing people’s relationship with nature.
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Social responsibility has been a driving purpose for us from the very beginning, even though we are only now taking our first steps in this area.
Responsibility measures
Waste is sorted and recycled appropriately.
We recycle the waste generated by our operations, including paper, cardboard, glass, metal, and plastic.
We compost organic waste.
Hazardous waste is taken to the local waste station.
We care for the nearby forests of the Wellbeing Village, such as by picking up litter.
We optimize customer service purchases to minimize waste.
The cleanliness of tap water is regularly checked, and water is used sparingly.
We monitor the quality of the water from our 2000 borehole every two years. Quality tests have rated the water as excellent.
The main building has three toilets and two showers. When renewing plumbing fixtures, we prioritize water-saving options. In 2024, we replaced the upstairs toilet and faucets with low-water-use models.
Watering is limited to the managed garden area, while the rest of the property remains in its natural state.
Special attention has been given to wastewater management.
The property is located in a groundwater area. The wastewater system was updated in 2017 to comply with new regulations. Black water is directed to a sealed tank, and gray water is treated in a biofilter system.
To protect groundwater, we do not use outdoor hot tubs or jacuzzis.
The property uses wind-generated electricity.
Heating is provided by soapstone radiators, a heat pump, and five fireplaces.
We responsibly burn dry firewood, either from our own supply or purchased locally.
During winter, indoor temperatures are kept at 18–20°C (64–68°F). When there are no customers, we maintain a lower temperature of 15–18°C (59–64°F). In summer, we use the heat pump for cooling if necessary.
The use of the electric sauna is limited to three hours.
Our kitchen has two refrigerators, with one used only when needed for customer groups.
The main building's water heater was replaced in 2019. The water temperature is set to a maximum of 60°C (140°F).
When getting to the Wellbeing Village by car, carpooling is encouraged.
The Wellbeing Village is within a reasonable driving distance for our customers, most of whom arrive by car. We encourage carpooling.
Public transport is available up to a 10-minute drive from the property, from where we can pick up customers by car.
Nature-oriented principles are the foundation of our business.
The forest environment of Pääkslahti is a core value and one of the main reasons for our business location. We actively influence municipal decisions to minimize logging in Pääkslahti forest areas and to maintain biodiversity.
We develop our operations in harmony with the natural environment and biodiversity of the property. We avoid causing harm, unnecessary noise, or light pollution.
Small groups help minimize environmental impact.
We use battery-operated tools (e.g., chainsaws, lawnmowers) instead of fuel-powered ones.
OUR PROMISE
We are constantly developing our operations to be more responsible!
"This is a unique quiet corner in the Finnish forest, which is a good place to work, study or rest."
- Claire