Carbon Neutral Aalto 2030

Besides reducing the emissions from its own activities, Aalto’s research, innovation and education of new experts in climate change have a major significance on reducing emissions in society at large. A significant share of Aalto’s research activities relates directly to sustainable development. In all of its activities more generally, Aalto also strives to reduce its impacts on the environment.

Roadmap for reduced emissions shows the way forward

As part of its carbon neutrality aims, the university has produced a detailed report on the emissions resulting from its various operations and on the means for reducing emissions.   

The report looked at the university’s direct emissions from fuel consumption, for example, as well as its indirect emissions, such as the university’s carbon footprint resulting from its various kinds of procurements.  

Based on the more detailed calculations, Aalto will be able to achieve the target of carbon neutrality in terms of its own energy use. As for climate emissions from other sources, Aalto will through its own actions be able to reduce them by an average of half by 2030.

Annual monitoring of Aalto’s carbon footprint

Aalto annually calculates its carbon emissions based on the Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Protocol, which covers categories such as construction, commuting, business travel, food, procurements, and information and communications technology (ICT). Guiding the carbon neutrality work is a programme of measures in accordance with which Aalto will track its emissions and initiate actions to reduce them in every calculated area. Critical for reducing emissions is the role played by the university in its energy and office space solutions, as well as in the areas of resource efficiency, responsible choices, and guidelines and measures on procurements and travel.  

We encourage everyone in the Aalto community to take part in reducing emissions, for example, by conserving energy, recycling, and making responsible choices as consumers. We also work collaboratively with other higher education institutions in the Universities Finland (UNIFI) network to develop emissions calculations and sustainability.

Responsibility and carbon neutrality aims are also taken comprehensively into account in the university’s endownment and investment strategies.