EIC's offices in Tallinn and Tartu certified as European Green Office

Image: KIK

Environmental Investment Centre's aim is to balance the economy and nature, both in the distribution of grants and in the implementation of KIK projects. We've also applied these principles to our internal operations. Thanks to this, the Estonian Association for Environmental Management (EKJA) recognized our Tallinn and Tartu offices worthy of the European Green Office certificate!

Katrin Valma, the head of the Green Office team, shared that the EKJA representative praised EIC's application as a compilation of exemplary practices. "We've consistently sought environmentally friendly solutions while fostering a supportive work environment," she noted. "The certification process helped us streamline our efforts and identify areas for improvement."

Our Green Office application focused on systematic initiatives such as an environmental action plan, continuous measurement of carbon footprint, waste reduction, eco-friendly procurement, and risk assessment.

To foster sustainability and awareness among EIC's employees, we've implemented various initiatives:

• Our webinar series "Ekspert Eetris" is focused on environmental topics. We also incorporate green nudges into internal communications, this year particularly regarding transportation.
• We've created a digital waste guide for our organization and encourage employees to participate in biannual digital cleanups.
• We have opted for Fairtrade coffee and tea in the office. Additionally, Estonian herbal tea is provided.
• We plan events with environmental considerations in mind and provide pre-event guidance on eco-friendly behavior.
• For birthdays, work anniversaries, and other special occasions, we have stopped ordering cut flowers to reduce the social and environmental impact.
• We organize the "Inspirational Morning" webinar series for employees, one of the main focus of the webinars has been mental health.
• We participate in the "Annetame Aega" network and offer our employees at least one paid day off per year for charity.