Sustainable Practices for Nordic Networks
This is how NLL networks commit to working sustainably in practice. Other Nordic networks, projects and organisations are welcome to make use of these guidelines.
Nordic cooperation is at the heart of the NLL’s work. As networks that bring together practitioners, experts and organisations across the Nordic region, we have a shared responsibility to make conscious and balanced choices that support the ambitions of the Nordic Council of Ministers’ Vision 2030
– for a green, competitive and socially sustainable Nordic region.
«The Nordic countries are working to lead by example, taking on the global challenges shared by every nation.
Our ecological footprint remains high, but we are committed to reducing it. Not only to lessen the strain on Earth’s resources but also to show that sustainable, prosperous societies are achievable.
Prosperity should mean more than mere economic growth; it should reflect environmental health and social equity as central measures of success.»
These guidelines support NLL networks in making practical, responsible and balanced choices that strengthen sustainability in our everyday work.
They build on NLL’s broader approach to sustainability and reflect our shared commitment of contributing to a greener, more socially sustainable and more resilient Nordic region.
1. NLL networks commit to planning meetings with purpose and awareness
- Each network reflects on the purpose of its meetings and chooses the most appropriate format.
- Physical meetings are valuable for learning, social sustainability and understanding Nordic cultural contexts, while online meetings reduce travel and support accessibility.
- Networks commit to balancing these formats thoughtfully and transparently and to always assess why and how an onsite meeting adds value.
2. NLL networks commit to exploring greener travel options to better understand the impact of travel
- When physical meetings are needed, networks consider different travel possibilities, including trains and ferries, and plan meeting times to make greener travel realistic.
Networks acknowledge that choices have consequences in terms of time, cost and environmental impact, and we take this into account when planning. - The aim is to enable responsible choices and strengthen awareness within the practical realities of Nordic cooperation.
- To support informed decisions, networks make use of accessible tools for estimating travel-related emissions and comparing options. NLL recommends these:
3. NLL networks commit to choosing venues, food and accommodation with attention to sustainability
- Networks explore venues with good public transport connections and consider environmentally certified accommodation where possible.
- We pay attention to local and sustainable food options that also focus on social sustainability, including fair working conditions.
- The goal is to make conscious choices within the framework of each network’s resources, for instance by looking for the Swan Label
4. NLL networks commit to strengthening local relevance and Nordic learning
- Physical meetings provide opportunities to understand local cultural and social contexts and engage with relevant actors.
- Networks actively draw on local knowledge by involving local partners, inviting relevant contributors and, where possible, including site visits or cases in meeting programs. This may include collaborating with local organisations to host meetings or integrating perspectives from different stakeholders.
- In doing so, networks strengthen both social sustainability and NLL’s core mission of sharing knowledge across the Nordic region.
5. NLL networks commit to continuous reflection and shared learning
Sustainability is an ongoing process. Networks reflect on their choices, share experiences with each other and contribute to the development of NLL’s collective understanding of sustainable practices, evolving from the eight sustainability principles
that guide our work. We commit to adjusting our future practices through updated annual work plans based on experience, new knowledge and good practices on how to work more sustainably.