The University of Helsinki wants to create a community-owned culture of sustainability that is visible in the everyday life of our University and accelerates the achievement of our sustainability goals. The University carried out a call inviting any members of the University community to apply for funding for their sustainability and responsibility ideas, known as Sparkles.
The Sparkles to receive funding reflect a broad spectrum of topics related to sustainability and responsibility and they will be implemented during 2024:
The Sparkle proposals to receive funding reflect a broad spectrum of topics related to sustainability and responsibility, and they will be implemented during 2024:
Space for growth – From a greenhouse to a space for sustainability and art education
Together, we unveil the Viikki Campus Biodiversity, community well-being and sustainability
Campus Forest Garden
Recycling nutrients through planter boxes. A composting project of the Kampusviljely ry association
Increasing the responsibility of kitchen operations at faculty of biological and environmental sciences research stations. Developing such operations into a leading example in responsibility
Food Futures Sustainable Dining — App Now in Finnish!
Animated video on Ethical guidelines for responsible academic partnerships with the Global South
Student-oriented practices in support of inclusion and career paths in university studies
A sustainable material cycle in the botanic gardens – A brainstorming seminar on creative opportunities
An animated video on the energy-efficient use of fume hoods
Helsinki Planetary Health Hub – the health sector as an agent of change in the promotion of planetary health
Nature-based serenity solutions
The sustainability and responsibility network of the University of Helsinki promotes the transition towards an increasingly sustainable University and society. The network provides a place for learning, networking and influencing related to sustainability and responsibility.
We invite students, employees and alumni of the University of Helsinki to join sustainability-themed events and be part of a dynamic community. No advance knowledge of sustainability and responsibility is required. Instead, an inquisitive mindset and interest in building an increasingly sustainable world are enough. The network’s operations stem from its participants, reflecting their attitudes and goals.
The network is open to the whole university community - no membership required.
The sustainability and responsibility network meets four times a year. The thematic meetings include panel discussions, workshops, excursions and information on the University’s sustainability and responsibility efforts.
The network operates throughout the academic year in the network’s own Teams area. Please contact the network's coordinator, Elina Tanninen, if you would like to be involved in the network and become part of the network's Teams group.
The autumn 2024 meetings will be updated during the summer.
April 25, 2024 - Network meeting. Theme: Sustainability expertise and transformation
March 7, 2024 - Network meeting. Theme: University's current sustainability and responsibility work and the new Sustainability and Responsibility Plan 2025-2028
November 23, 2023 - Network meeting. Theme: Sustainability and Responsibility actions by University community members and also Sparkle
September 19, 2023 - Network meeting. Theme: Sustainability Pecha Kucha
April 19, 2023 - Network meeting. Theme: Climate work and carbon neutrality.
February 28, 2023 - Network meeting. Theme: Responsible encounters in the university community.
December 15, 2022 - Network launch event
The University's Incubator and Entrepreneurship Services offer easily accessible programmes, courses, and services to support the development, launch, and growth of business ideas. The services are open to all members of the university community who are interested in entrepreneurship.
Thematic pre-incubator and incubator programmes exist on each campus and many of the programmes are related to sustainability solutions.
Morning coffee sessions focused on biodiversity and open to the entire University community will be held regularly throughout the year. In the sessions, those interested in biodiversity have the chance to listen to expert introductions. Also participating in the sessions will be people involved in campus development at other universities. The goal of the coffee sessions is to exchange experiences of boosting campus biodiversity and share news on relevant projects from the perspectives of different universities and stakeholders. In addition, the morning coffee sessions are dedicated to networking.
Further information on the sessions will be published on Flamma and the ‘Biodiversity on campus – Luonnon monimuotoisuus kampuksilla’ Teams channel. For enquiries related to the organisation and content of the events, please contact Campus Architect Suvi Nenonen (suvi.nenonen[at]helsinki.fi) or Academy of Finland Research Fellow Anne Duplouy (anne.duplouy[at]helsinki.fi).
On-campus gardening is possible on all University of Helsinki campuses. Gardening opportunities are available to the University’s undergraduate and postgraduate students as well as staff. The inspiration for gardening originates in students, and the first grow bags were placed in the courtyards of the Snellmania and Topelia buildings at the City Centre Campus in 2013.
As a Fairtrade university, we are committed to promoting the use and availability of Fairtrade-certified products in our procurement, as well as increasing the University community’s awareness of Fairtrade and its significance to global production and consumption networks. The University’s Fairtrade team, composed of students and staff, plans and implements the University of Helsinki’s Fairtrade activities, including communications, campaign weeks and thematic days.
Interested? Please reach out to Elina Tanninen
The Student Union of the University of Helsinki (HYY) offers students opportunities to promote sustainability and responsibility. Find out more about HYY's activities, committees and organisations.