Fingrid: central office location enables sustainable choices

Fingrid, Finland's transmission system operator, secures reliable electricity for its customers and society, and is cost-effectively shaping the clean power system of the future.

“We wanted to find new office space closer to Oulu city center, with good transport connections, to make the office easy to reach even by public transport and bicycle. Our aim is to make it easy for our personnel to influence their carbon footprint resulting from the commute between home and work,” says Anu Huhtela, the contact person for the relocation of Fingrid’s Oulu office.

The aim was to renew the new office space so that it supports the current working methods and cooperation. Key criteria for selecting the premises included the adaptability of the office space, and the company had distinct wishes, for example regarding security, ventilation and acoustics.

“Adaptability is important because we want to be prepared for changing staff numbers, among other things. Diverse services at the office campus were very important for us to support office work and make everyday life easier,” says Huhtela.

Technopolis Kontinkangas, close to Oulu city center, provided the perfect solution to meet Fingrid’s needs. The all-inclusive services on the campus meet Fingrid’s needs and the campus is easily accessible by bicycle, public transport and car.

“The campus location is excellent and there are charging stations for electric vehicles. That was one of our key criteria for the new premises. The campus offers exactly the services we need for our daily operations,” Huhtela says.

The office space was renovated from floor to ceiling in accordance with Fingrid’s wishes. The floor surfaces were renewed and the original walls replaced with wall elements in glass, and sliding doors. Teamwork rooms, quiet office spaces and a spacious conference room were built in the office. The office also includes a small kitchen adjacent to the common area.

“For most of our employees, the new office means a shorter commute, which is a very concrete advantage. The office space is bright and fresh, acoustic solutions worked out well and the premises are comfortable to work in. The ventilation, too, has worked as we hoped. The office has received praise from our personnel and meets our expectations,” Huhtela says.

Huhtela says that campus services are used on a daily basis. The services that Fingrid employees use actively include the reception service, cleaning services, mail and parcel delivery, the restaurant and meeting services. Well-functioning access control is also important for the company.

“We were able to modify the services we use to meet our needs exactly. Technopolis reception staff are professional and have an excellent service attitude. The services make our daily life easier and we have been able to organise everything to meet our needs,” Huhtela says.

She says that the move to the new office went very well as a whole.

“Technopolis communicated with us actively about everything related to the move. The relocation succeeded on a relatively tight schedule and we knew all the time what the status was. Service quality is outstanding and the campus location is ideal for us. Technopolis met our needs remarkably well. The office is, first and foremost, the workplace of Fingrid employees, so that their satisfaction is what counts,” Huhtela concludes.