Viherympäristöliitto ry - The Finnish Association of Landscape Industries

What Viherympäristöliitto ry - The Finnish Association of Landscape Industries does

Viherympäristöliitto ry (VYL) is the Finnish national umbrella association for the landscape and green-sector industries, founded in 1991 and headquartered in Helsinki. It operates as a registered Finnish non-profit (rekisteröity yhdistys) that federates 10 member trade associations covering the full value chain: city gardeners, landscape architects, landscape planners, tree-care professionals (SPY), green and environmental constructors, municipal forestry experts (METO), garden builders, church gardeners, nursery growers, and green-sector educators. VYL's mandate is to coordinate industry standards, advocate for green infrastructure in Finnish policy, and provide professional development across its membership base.

The association's core intellectual property is the KESY (Kestävä ympäristörakentaminen / Sustainable Landscape Construction) framework — a Finnish adaptation of international guidelines including the U.S. Sustainable Sites Initiative (SITES), European Green City, Green Flag, and Green Label — structured around five operating themes covering site hydrology, soil and vegetation, materials, energy/air/environmental protection, and human health/wellbeing. KESY is monetized through a certification mark (KESY-tunnus) granted to compliant organizations, with a documented roster of certified firms spanning major consultancies and contractors. VYL also administers the Green Flag Award program in Finland, publishes the quarterly Viherympäristö-lehti professional journal, the annual Vihreä kirja publication, operates an online bookstore (kauppa.vyl.fi), the Juuri service directory, and the Viheralan koulutus education portal, and runs recurring events including Viherpäivät and Metsä- ja viherpäivät.

VYL's business model is membership-fee driven, supplemented by revenue from event registrations, publication and bookstore sales, certification mark fees, and project-based funding (e.g., the Erasmus+ GreenVEU and EVIPA initiatives). It employs 6 people and serves a primary customer base of green-sector professionals and companies, with secondary engagement of Finnish municipalities, government policymakers, and educational institutions. Its 2026 advocacy campaign, "Hyvinvointi rakentuu elävässä ympäristössä," repositions green infrastructure as a strategic wellbeing investment targeting national-level decision-makers.

Name

Viherympäristöliitto ry - The Finnish Association of Landscape Industries

Legal name

Viherympäristöliitto ry

Website

https://vyl.fi

Company type

Private

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Viherympäristöliitto ry is the Finnish national umbrella association federating 10 landscape-industry trade associations, developing the KESY sustainable landscape construction framework and certification, and serving green-sector professionals, municipalities, and policymakers across Finland.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Industry Association Services

NAICS

Environment, Conservation and Wildlife Organizations (813312), Social Advocacy Organizations (8133)

SIC

Services-Membership Organizations (8600)

akta.pro primary industry

Forestry & Reforestation (BPAGAGAD)

akta.pro secondary industries

Landscape Architecture & Site Design (BPAHAKAC), Circular Economy & Resource Efficiency (BPADALAM)

Keywords

• Landscape industry association
• Sustainable landscape construction
• Green sector membership services
• Urban green infrastructure
• Arboriculture training programs

Headquarters

HQ city

Helsinki

HQ country

Finland

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Membership fees: The organization is funded through membership fees from its 10 member associations: Kaupunginpuutarhurien seura, Suomen maisema-arkkitehtiliitto, Maisemasuunnittelijat ry, Suomen Puunhoidon Yhdistys SPY, Viher- ja ympäristörakentajat ry, Kuntien metsäasiantuntijat METO, Puutarhanrakentajat ry, Seurakuntapuutarhurit ry, Taimistoviljelijät ry, and Viher- ja puutarha-alan opettajat ry.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Viherympäristöliitto ry is the national umbrella association for Finland's landscape and green sector, uniting 10 member associations representing landscape architects, green area constructors, tree care professionals, nursery growers, municipal foresters, and garden builders. The organization develops and promotes the KESY (Sustainable Landscape Construction) framework with its associated certification mark, publishes the Viherympäristö-lehti professional magazine and the annual Vihreä kirja publication, organizes industry events such as Viherpäivät, administers the Green Flag Award program in Finland, and advocates for urban green infrastructure in policy-making.

Product overview

Viherympäristöliitto ry operates as a national umbrella organization for the Finnish green industry, providing a comprehensive portfolio of products and services centered around sustainable landscape development, professional education, and quality standards. The core offerings include the Viherympäristö-lehti professional journal and the annual Vihreä kirja publication, alongside the KESY (Kestävä ympäristörakentaminen) framework for sustainable landscape construction—a methodology-based system with an associated certification mark (KESY-tunnus) for organizations demonstrating commitment. The association maintains extensive guidance materials including guides on dynamic vegetation, nature-based play environments, growing media recommendations, biochar applications, and snow management. Additional offerings include the Viherpäivät industry event, the online Kirjakauppa bookstore, the Juuri service directory, and the Viheralan koulutus training portal aggregating educational pathways. The Green Flag Award program and Vuoden Ympäristörakenne competition provide quality recognition, while the 2026 campaign 'Hyvinvointi rakentuu elävässä ympäristössä' focuses on wellness through living environments.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• KESY - Kestävä ympäristörakentaminen (Sustainable Landscape Construction Framework) A comprehensive framework providing guidelines for designing, building, and maintaining environments in ways that avoid, reduce, compensate for, or prevent the negative effects of construction. Covers water conditions, soil and vegetation, materials, energy/environmental protection, and human health and wellbeing. Aimed at green sector professionals and organizations in Finland.
• Viherympäristö-lehti (Landscape Environment Magazine) A professional quarterly journal covering urban green development, maintenance practices, plant selection, ecosystem valuation, and industry developments. Targeted at landscape industry professionals.
• Vihreä kirja (Green Book) Annual Publication Annual special publication offering fresh perspectives and information for green sector professionals, stakeholders, and decision-makers. Features the year's campaign theme and successful solutions.
• Kirjakauppa (Online Bookstore) Online bookstore offering publications, guides, and materials related to green industry, landscape construction, and environmental management. Targets green sector professionals and organizations.
• Viherpäivät (Green Days Industry Event) Annual green industry event bringing together professionals for networking, education, and industry updates. Targets landscape industry professionals and member associations.
• Juuri-palveluhakemisto (Service Directory) Online service directory for finding green industry service providers and professionals. Connects customers with landscape service providers.
• Green Flag Award Program Administration (Finland) International quality mark for green spaces administered in Finland by Viherympäristöliitto. Awarded to parks and green areas meeting high standards for maintenance, biodiversity, and environmental education. Targets municipalities and park operators.
• Viheralan koulutus (Green Sector Education Portal) Educational portal aggregating green industry training programs from vocational schools to higher education institutions, featuring career paths, certifications, and professional profiles. Targets students and green sector professionals.
• Customized Training Programs Customized training programs ordered by organizations for green sector topics including tree care, planting, and maintenance. Targets member organizations and the broader green industry.
• Vuoden Ympäristörakenne Competition (Annual Environmental Structure Award) Annual competition recognizing outstanding environmental construction projects in Finland. Targets landscape architects, green area constructors, and project owners.

Named customers10 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

24 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Kaupunginpuutarhurien seura (City Gardeners' Society)coreOthersMember association of Viherympäristöliitto representing city gardeners and urban horticulture professionals in Finland. The association is part of the umbrella organization structure.
• Suomen maisema-arkkitehtiliitto (Finnish Association of Landscape Architects)coreOthersMember association representing landscape architects. Part of the 10-member association network under Viherympäristöliitto.
• Maisemasuunnittelijat ry (Landscape Planners Association)coreOthersMember association for landscape planners. One of the 10 member associations forming the umbrella organization.
• Suomen Puunhoidon Yhdistys SPY (Finnish Tree Care Association)coreOthersMember association for tree care professionals. Part of Viherympäristöliitto's network of professional associations.
• Viher- ja ympäristörakentajat ry (Green and Environmental Constructors)coreOthersMember association representing green and environmental construction companies. One of the core member associations.
• Kuntien metsäasiantuntijat METO ry (Municipal Forestry Experts)coreOthersMember association for municipal forestry experts. Contributes to the association's representation of urban forest management.
• Puutarhanrakentajat ry (Garden Builders Association)coreOthersMember association representing garden construction professionals. Part of the 10-member umbrella network.
• Seurakuntapuutarhurit ry (Church Gardeners Association)coreOthersMember association representing church and parish gardeners. Represents a specialized segment of horticulture.
• Taimistoviljelijät ry (Nursery Growers Association)coreOthersMember association for plant nursery growers. Represents the production side of the green sector.
• Viher- ja puutarha-alan opettajat ry (Green and Horticultural Sector Teachers Association)coreOthersMember association representing teachers in the green and horticultural sector. Supports education and professional development.
• Suomen ympäristökeskus (Finnish Environment Institute, SYKE)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborated with Viherympäristöliitto on the 'Virtaa viherrakenteesta' (Flow from Green Structure) guide published in 2015, providing guidelines for urban environment planning.
• World Health Organization (WHO)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerViherympäristöliitto translated and published the WHO Urban Green Space guide for decision makers in Finnish in 2018.
• Green Flag Award (International)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerViherympäristöliitto administers the Green Flag Award program in Finland, an international award scheme recognizing well-managed parks and green spaces.
• GreenVEU (Erasmus+ Project)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerParticipated in the GreenVEU project funded by the Erasmus+ program, with partners from Finland, Netherlands, Hungary, Romania, Denmark, and Spain, focusing on green sector professional development.
• EVIPA-hanke (EU project)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration on the EVIPA project related to green sector workforce development, organizing joint events with Viher- ja puutarha-alan opettajayhdistys.
• Luotea Kiinteistöpalvelut Oy (KESY Certified)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerKESY-certified organization committed to sustainable landscape construction principles. Part of the L&T group, focusing on responsible operations, biodiversity, and circular economy.
• FCG Finnish Consulting Group (KESY Certified)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerKESY-certified consulting firm committed to UN sustainable development goals, specializing in environmental consulting, climate change mitigation, and sustainable urban development.
• Ramboll (KESY Certified)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerKESY-certified global engineering and consultancy company actively promoting KESY projects in Finland, including Helsinki city housing green area maintenance.
• LOCI Maisema-arkkitehdit Oy (KESY Certified)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerKESY-certified landscape architecture firm committed to sustainable practices including material durability, biodiversity, and long lifecycle design.
• Sitowise Oy (KESY Certified)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerKESY-certified company focusing on responsible practices, using KESY checklist for landscape design and developing innovative sustainable solutions.
• Nomaji maisema-arkkitehdit Oy (KESY Certified)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerKESY-certified landscape architecture firm with sustainability goals based on KESY principles, combining social and ecological sustainability.
• Sweco Finland Oy (KESY Certified)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerKESY-certified engineering consultancy working on biodiversity protection and development in built environments, utilizing tools like green index calculation.
• VSU maisema-arkkitehdit Oy (KESY Certified)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerKESY-certified landscape architecture firm with 26 years of experience, committed to ecological and social sustainability in planning.
• Rakennusbetoni- ja Elementti Oy (KESY Certified)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerKESY-certified company specializing in green roof structures using recycled materials, stormwater management, and domestic plant production.

Scale indicators2 records

Recent moves5 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• European Landscape Contractors Association (ELCA): European-level umbrella association for landscape contractors, the direct continental counterpart to Viherympäristöliitto's role in Finland. Both operate as industry bodies promoting sustainable landscape construction and professional standards.
• Landscape Institute (UK): UK chartered body for landscape professionals, similar in function to Viherympäristöliitto as a national membership body for landscape architects and industry practitioners.
• American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA): US national professional association for landscape architects. Comparable as a large-scale national umbrella organization that sets professional standards and advocates for landscape design.
• Bund Deutscher Landschaftsarchitektinnen und Landschaftsarchitekten (BDLA): German professional association for landscape architects. Direct national-level peer with similar membership, advocacy, and standards-setting functions in a comparable European market.
• BALI (British Association of Landscape Industries): UK trade association for landscape industries. Strong functional parallel to Viherympäristöliitto — both serve landscape contractors, promote professional standards, and run industry awards.
• Keep Britain Tidy (Green Flag Award): Operator of the Green Flag Award scheme, of which Viherympäristöliitto is the Finnish licensee. Directly comparable as the original award administrator with the same mission of recognizing well-managed green spaces.
• VHG (Vakgroep Hoveniers en Groenvoorzieners): Dutch trade association for the green sector (gardeners and green service providers). Functionally comparable to Viherympäristöliitto as a national body representing green industry professionals and contractors.

Regional players

• Suomen ympäristökeskus (Finnish Environment Institute, SYKE): Finnish government research and expert agency that co-developed the 'Virtaa viherrakenteesta' urban planning guide with Viherympäristöliitto. Closest peer for the association's environmental research and policy advocacy role.

Broad incumbents

• Sustainable Sites Initiative (SITES): US-origin sustainability rating system for landscapes that directly informed the KESY framework. Strategic reference point rather than direct competitor, but operates in the same sustainable-landscape-standards space.
• IFLA Europe (International Federation of Landscape Architects): European regional body for landscape architecture. Comparable as a higher-tier umbrella that Viherympäristöliitto's landscape architect members may also belong to.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks4 records

Key highlights5 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/VYLvideot
• Facebookfacebook.com/viherymparistoliitto
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/viherymparistoliitto-ry
• Instagraminstagram.com/viherymparistoliitto

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Viherympäristöliitto ry - The Finnish Association of Landscape Industries