Sustainability at Ruissalo Spa

Minimising waste and promoting recycling are part of our everyday operations. In 2024, our recycling rate was 60%, and we are continuously working to improve this figure.

Decommissioned bed linen is returned to our supplier, where it is reused as raw material for products such as oil absorption mats. Used coffee grounds are separated and repurposed as a raw material for garden soil. Wine bottle corks are also collected separately and reused as a growing medium, for example for orchids.

We measure food waste on a daily basis and actively work to reduce it, not only in food preparation but also by informing and guiding our guests, particularly in connection with breakfast and buffet service.

We encourage our guests to avoid single-use cups, glasses, plates and cutlery. However, there are certain areas, such as pool and gym facilities, where the use of disposable items is permitted. Even in these areas, we continuously seek more sustainable alternatives.

We have also made a conscious decision to replace single-use, individually packaged shampoos and other hygiene products with environmentally friendly dispensers that are manufactured and packaged with respect for the environment.

When refurbishing our premises, we use durable materials and make use of existing furnishings wherever possible, for example by reupholstering and refinishing them. This approach has been applied in the renovations of the spa lobby, café area and Restaurant Loisto.

We sort and recycle paper, cardboard, metal, cans, glass, plastic, deposit-return bottles, biowaste and used cooking oil. Guests are also given the opportunity to sort their waste during their stay.

In property maintenance, particular attention is paid to energy efficiency and environmental performance. The spa hotel’s energy consumption is monitored on a monthly basis, and any deviations are addressed promptly. Our goal is to significantly reduce energy consumption over the next three years.

When replacing electronics such as refrigerators or minibars, energy-efficient models are given priority. A major project planned for the coming years is the renewal of our heating and ventilation systems.

As a spa hotel, our water consumption is naturally higher than that of hotels without pool facilities. Nevertheless, we are committed to responsible water use. We regularly monitor our total water consumption as well as water use per occupied room night on a monthly basis.

All guest room toilets and showers are fitted with water-saving devices that meet the Green Key criteria: toilet flush volumes do not exceed 6 litres and shower flow rates are limited to a maximum of 9 litres per minute. Our kitchen and housekeeping staff are also trained to use dishwashers, kitchen equipment and laundry machines in the most environmentally responsible way possible, helping to reduce both energy and water consumption.

We inform our guests about how they can contribute to saving energy and water during their stay. For example, we actively encourage guests to drink tap water instead of bottled water.

We also measure our carbon footprint and have made a conscious decision to replace various types of equipment, such as kitchen and cleaning machinery, with newer and more energy-efficient alternatives.

At Ruissalo Spa’s restaurant and café, particular attention is paid to the choice of ingredients, recycling, and the reduction of food waste.

We have increased the share of locally sourced food and local producers as part of our food offering, and we aim to use seasonal products from small local suppliers whenever possible. Our restaurant operations also take into account national and global sustainability initiatives, such as Food Waste Week, Earth Hour and World Vegan Day.

We serve only Fairtrade coffee. At breakfast, buffet dinners, on our à la carte menus and in the café, vegetarian and often vegan options are always available. Our restaurants follow the WWF Fish Guide and choose ethically sourced fish. Fish and seafood products with MSC certification are given preference.

Food waste management is carefully monitored and continuously improved. We forecast ordering volumes for our restaurants with great care. In our buffet service, we offer smaller portion sizes and encourage guests to fill their plates responsibly. Should surplus food still arise, leftover portions from the café and Restaurant Loisto are sold via the ResQ Club app whenever possible.

Our cleaning methods are optimised to use as little detergent and water as possible. All cleaning products in use are eco-labelled, and our staff are trained in the latest up-to-date cleaning techniques.

We favour paper towels, facial tissues and toilet paper that are produced using environmentally responsible methods. The bench covers used in our saunas and the protective papers for treatment tables are also Nordic Swan Ecolabel certified.

By introducing microfibre cloths into our cleaning routines, we have significantly reduced the use of paper, water and chemicals. All our cleaning equipment and materials are sourced from reliable partners with recognised environmental certifications.

For stays of more than one night, guest rooms are cleaned only upon request, unless the guest prefers otherwise. Guests can also easily choose whether they would like fresh towels for the following day or prefer to reuse the same towels and bathrobes for several days.

Ruissalo Spa is easy to reach using sustainable modes of transport. From Turku, you can travel directly to the hotel by bus with Turku Regional Transport (Föli). Check timetables at foli.fi ».

Travelling by train or coach from Helsinki or Tampere to Turku takes less than two hours.

We promote biodiversity and environmental well-being in the surroundings of the spa as well. We do not use chemical pesticides or fertilisers in our green areas, and irrigation is limited to morning and evening hours to conserve natural resources. When planning new green spaces, we focus on planting native species.

To enhance biodiversity, we have installed beehives and bird nesting boxes in our garden areas. Our staff have also taken part in various environmental initiatives, such as community clean-up events.

Ruissalo Spa is committed to supporting sustainable development in a holistic manner. A dedicated responsibility team has been formed from among our staff, and an environmental coordinator has been appointed. Sustainability is also an important part of the onboarding process for new employees. Our staff aim to communicate the company’s environmental values to our guests as well, offering numerous opportunities for recycling, energy conservation and environmentally responsible behaviour.

Hotel management keeps staff informed about current and upcoming sustainability initiatives. The spa’s dedicated responsibility team includes representatives from different departments and meets three to four times a year to discuss sustainability matters.

Ruissalo Spa is committed to the principles of equality in all its operations. Everyone is welcome at Ruissalo Spa as they are, and any form of discrimination is strictly not tolerated. We expect all staff, partners, and subcontractors to share and uphold these same values.

Our recruitment practices are inclusive and non-discriminatory, free from bias based on age, gender, nationality, religion, socio-economic status, or any other factors.

We continuously work to improve our own practices responsibly and systematically assess how equality is implemented. Our employees adhere to a shared ethical code of conduct. We also welcome suggestions for development via email at vastuullisuus.ruissalo@sunborn.fi

Diversity is a core part of life at Ruissalo Spa. People visit us for holidays, rehabilitation, work, performances, dining, beauty treatments, and fitness alike.

Ruissalo Spa is part of the family-owned Sunborn Group, which has been a major employer in the Varsinais-Suomi region for 50 years. Sunborn is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity and treats all job applicants fairly.

Ruissalo Spa operates professionally, ethically, and responsibly, in ways that are sustainable for both the environment and society.

Työllistävä vaikutuksemme Turun talousalueella on suuri ja kesäisin kylpylä tarjoaa työtä lähes sadalle paikalliselle nuorelle. Lisäksi kylpylässä työelämään käy vuosittain tutustumassa lukuisia TET-harjoittelijoita.

Teemme myös yhteistyötä ja keskustelemme avoimesti järjestöjen, viranomaisten ja muiden päättäjien kanssa. Sunborn konserni on esimerkiksi jo lähes 20 vuoden ajan antanut tilojansa Turun Urheiluliiton järjestämien Supertreenien käyttöön, jonka tuotto käytetään lasten ja nuorten liikuntaan. Sunborn on myös Ainutlaatuinen Saaristomeri -operaation kumppani.

Lahjoitamme myös käyttöesineitä, kuten patjoja, vuodevaatteita, pyyhkeitä ja huonekaluja paikallisille yhteisöille ja hyväntekeväisyyskumppaneillemme.

Accessibility has been an important consideration in the design of the spa. The spa’s public areas are wheelchair-accessible, and all floors are reachable by lift.

We have specially adapted rooms for guests with mobility impairments. These rooms prioritise practicality and ease of movement. They are Classic-level rooms located in the main building of the spa.

Assistants accompanying guests may attend Ruissalo Spa public events free of charge with an assistant card.

We are committed to continually improving accessibility at Ruissalo Spa and welcome suggestions via email at vastuullisuus.ruissalo@sunborn.fi

Our goal is to make Ruissalo Spa as safe as possible for everyone and to promote equality.

Physical and psychological integrity is a right for all. Guests must feel safe in the spa without fear of any form of discrimination or harassment, whether sexual, verbal, or otherwise inappropriate behaviour.

Together with guests, staff, subcontractors, and other stakeholders, we strive to create facilities where everyone can feel secure and comfortable. The property and safety manager is responsible for security and order.

We are prepared for a range of potential hazards and provide guests with guidance on safety procedures when necessary. If you notice any safety concerns at Ruissalo Spa, please report them promptly to staff or via vastuullisuus.ruissalo@sunborn.fi

Ruissalo Spa follows the principles of a safe space. Every guest and employee has the right to feel safe, free from fear of any form of discrimination, harassment, or sexual, physical, or verbal abuse.

If you encounter intimidating, inappropriate, or otherwise disruptive behaviour at Ruissalo Spa, please report it immediately to staff. You can also reach the appropriate contacts via email at sales@sunborn.fi
after the incident.

The principles and practices of a safe space aim to create an environment in which everyone contributes to building an equitable, respectful, and open atmosphere and dialogue.

We actively encourage all guests and employees to foster an environment where the safety and well-being of others are a priority.

Respect personal boundaries. You cannot know someone else’s limits without asking. Listen and adjust your behaviour if someone communicates that your actions make them uncomfortable.

Respect everyone. Do not make assumptions about anyone’s sexuality, gender, nationality, ethnicity, religion, values, relationship status, culture, socio-economic background, abilities, or health. Be aware of your own privileges.

No body shaming. Do not comment on someone else’s body, and avoid commenting on others’ food or eating habits.

No discrimination. Do not tolerate homophobia, transphobia, sexism, racism, or discrimination, harassment, or inappropriate behaviour based on disability, health status, personal characteristics, or gender.

Respect differing opinions and experiences. Do not mock, belittle, joke at the expense of, exclude, or embarrass anyone through your words, behaviour, or actions.

Take responsibility for your behaviour. Be aware that your actions affect others, regardless of your good intentions.

Contribute to creating a safer space for all. Intervene if you witness discrimination.

Ruissalo Spa is committed to the principles of equality in all its operations. Everyone is welcome at Ruissalo Spa as they are, and any form of discrimination is strictly not tolerated. We expect all staff, partners, and subcontractors to uphold these same values. If you experience or witness harassment or discrimination, please report it immediately to staff. You can also contact the appropriate personnel via email at sales@sunborn.fi
after the incident.

We continuously work to improve our practices honestly and responsibly, and we systematically assess how equality is implemented. Our employees adhere to a shared ethical code of conduct. We welcome suggestions for improvement via email at vastuullisuus.ruissalo@sunborn.fi

We place special emphasis on the health and safety of our guests and staff. We are committed to following current official guidelines and regulations (e.g., Finnish Food Authority, Valvira, National Institute for Health and Welfare, Regional State Administrative Agency). Staff and restaurant personnel adhere to shared safety, serving, and hygiene protocols. Employees working with rehabilitation clients hold the required social and healthcare professional qualifications.

For any questions regarding spa safety or other issues, such as experiencing or witnessing intimidating or inappropriate behaviour, you can turn to our staff. They are available to assist with all matters related to safety and other problems within the spa.

If you would like more information about safety at Ruissalo Spa, please contact vastuullisuus.ruissalo@sunborn.fi

Ruissalo Spa engages in long-term and carefully planned efforts to operate in a financially sustainable manner. For the spa to be economically sustainable, it must also be financially viable.

We employ around 200 permanent staff, hundreds of extra and seasonal workers, multiple interns and work experience students each year, as well as hundreds more through partnerships and subcontracting chains. We are among the 30 largest employers in the region.

We comply with statutory employer obligations and pay salaries in line with industry recommendations.

We prioritise responsibility in our procurement and services and favour local suppliers whenever possible.

Ruissalo Spa enables year-round tourism on Ruissalo Island, attracting tens of thousands of visitors annually from across Finland and abroad. We also aim to contribute to the vitality, attractiveness, and economic success of the city of Turku and the wider Varsinais-Suomi region.

At the Sunborn Group, we ensure that staff areas adhere to the same environmental and sustainability standards as customer-facing facilities. This includes efficient management of water, energy, and waste, as well as involving staff in environmental projects and awareness campaigns.

We are committed to reducing the use of office supplies, paper, and brochures across all departments. In addition, we require our external partners and suppliers to implement responsible practices.

When acquiring new products, we prioritise items with recognised environmental labels. During renovations, we actively seek opportunities to reuse materials and furniture. We also donate used items such as mattresses, bedding, towels, and furniture to local communities and charitable partners.

Open Sunborn Saga Oy – Sustainability Report 2023 »