Scheduled to take place in Helsinki from December 4 to 12, the Championships will be played in two venues in the city - the Helsinki Ice Hall and the final rounds in the Hartwall Arena.

There are preparations to create a water distribution stand at the Helsinki Ice Hall to allow spectators to fill their own bottles with drinking water instead of using single use bottles.

Event director for the Championships, Hanne Pirkola, has reacted positively to the move which was made in collaboration with the Helsinki local Government.

She said: "It's great to see that Helsinki is committed to sustainability and offers such a possibility.

"The Local Organising Committee is also aware that the IFF is making plans around sustainability so the initiative also serves this purpose."

Sourced from Lake Päijänne, 120 kilometres away, Helsinki's water supply does not require transport or packaging and, unlike bottled water, is environmentally friendly.

Research by the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare also showed that the tap water in Helsinki is of a better quality, containing a hundred times less microbes than bottled water.

Mayor of Helsinki Jan Vapaavuori stated that he believes the capital can maintain its position as a sustainable city.

He said: "Helsinki wants to be the most functional city in the world and an internationally networked pioneer in the local implementation of global responsibility.

"A functioning city is reflected in concrete actions, choices and things that make everyday life sustainable and easier for both residents and visitors.

"The water in Finland is one of the purest in the world - it is not only completely safe but a pleasure to drink."

Helsinki plans to become carbon neutral by 2035 as part of the Helsinki City Strategy 2017-2021.