24/09/2026
For the third year in a row, Helsinki has been ranked first in the Global Destination Sustainability (GDS) Index. 🌿🌍🫶🎉
So, what does it really mean for a city aiming to be a ”sustainable city”? For Helsinki, it means designing life to support life – both human and natural.
Around 70% of Helsinki is forest and sea. Education is free, the tap water is some of the cleanest in the world. Public transport takes you from downtown to nature in minutes. In Helsinki, sustainability can be seen to be just as much about equality as it can be about cycling or allotment gardens, and yes – even about sauna! 💯
Because sustaining life doesn’t just mean avoiding harm. It means actively creating the conditions for people, communities, and ecosystems to thrive.
Read more: https://www.myhelsinki.fi/visit-helsinki/why-helsinki/sustainable-helsinki
ℹ️ The GDS Index assesses over a hundred international destinations committed to sustainability on four different categories: environmental performance, supply chains, destination management and social sustainability.