Finland, with its vast forests, abundance of lakes, and distinctive seasons, provides a backdrop where community and environment are deeply intertwined. The country’s regional diversity and strong local identities shape the operating environment for businesses and mutual companies alike. LocalTapiola, with its network of fiercely independent regional mutual companies, reflects this ethos, ensuring that strategies and programmes resonate at both national and local levels.
Historically, sustainability within the insurance sector was often equated with charitable donations and corporate social responsibility. LocalTapiola’s journey began with a focus on impactful donations , “big checks”, that supported local causes and reinforced the company’s reputation as a good corporate citizen. Over time, however, the understanding of sustainability evolved. The company recognised the need to integrate business growth and customer benefit into the core of its sustainability agenda, moving beyond charity to embed climate action within its strategic goals.
The SME Climate Work Initiative
The SME Climate Work Initiative emerged from attentive listening to regional companies and their customers. Many SMEs faced challenges in initiating climate action, often finding existing tools and calculators insufficiently tailored to their needs. Recognising this gap, LocalTapiola partnered with the Chamber of Commerce to design a programme that would provide practical support, funding, and recognition for SMEs embarking on their climate journeys. [auto_gener…tions (73) | Word]
The initiative began with donations in 2023 and launched its first actions in 2024. Initially, 200 SMEs were selected, with the number soon rising to 300 due to strong interest and engagement. The programme focused on helping companies calculate their Scope 1 and 2 emissions, with opportunities to progress towards Scope 3 calculations and target setting. Successful participants received badges from the Chamber of Commerce, widely recognised across Finland and within supply chains, enhancing their credibility in procurement and partnership processes.
To date, over 650 companies have participated in the programme, supported by more than €1.5 million in donations. The initiative’s impact extends beyond numbers; it has fostered a sense of ownership and relevance among regional companies, empowering them to find their voice in addressing climate issues. The programme’s inclusion in the Clinton Global Initiative further underscores its significance and the recognition it has garnered on an international stage.
Lessons Learned and the Road Ahead
LocalTapiola’s experience highlights several key lessons. First, sustainability programmes must be recognisably local and business-oriented to secure buy-in from regional stakeholders. Second, impactful philanthropy requires deep knowledge of customer needs and regional contexts. Finally, the most profound gains are often intangible: the cultivation of community, the strengthening of local economies, and the embedding of climate action within everyday business practice.
As the initiative continues, LocalTapiola remains committed to expanding its reach, adapting to different sectors, and ensuring that its support evolves alongside the needs of SMEs. The journey from “big checks” to strategic, locally owned climate action offers a compelling model for others seeking to drive sustainable change from the ground up.
