Leadership and monitoring of sustainability and responsibility efforts

Sustainability and responsibility are cross-cutting themes that guide all our activities. The work in these areas is led by the vice-rector responsible for sustainability and responsibility, as well as a vice-dean in each faculty. The Sustainability and Responsibility Plan and the Equality and Diversity Plan compile goals and measures to advance this work. We monitor our progress transparently by publishing an annual sustainability and responsibility report.
Sustainability and Responsibility Plan 2025-2028

Under the title ‘Striving for sustainable wellbeing – The University of Helsinki as a beacon of hope and progress’, the plan presents the University’s sustainability and responsibility goals for 2025–2028. We will promote sustainable wellbeing through three key focus areas:  

  • Sustainable wellbeing through the development of the operating culture and decision-making  
  • Sustainable wellbeing through investment in competencies  
  • Sustainable wellbeing through the identification of interconnections

According to the Strategic Plan of the University of Helsinki 2021–2030, we wish to be a leader in responsibility and sustainability. Achieving this goal requires perseverance, bold action and concrete measures. 
Carbon Neutral University of Helsinki by 2030 – roadmap

In its strategic plan, the University has set the goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2030.  The roadmap for a carbon neutral University by 2030 includes steps to reach the University’s related goals. We promote ecological sustainability by reducing the carbon footprint of our operations through investment in smart energy solutions, low-emission travel and transport as well as sustainable eating habits and procurement. 
Equality and Diversity Plan 2025-2028

Our equality efforts are based on the Equality and Diversity Plan. The plan is developed in consultation with the university's staff, students and experts, to reflect the diverse needs and views of the university community. Based on a biennial evaluation, the plan will be updated and developed to meet the changing needs of the university community. This continuous development will ensure that equality and non-discrimination policies are up to date.
Sustainability Highlights Reports

The Sustainability Highlights reports compile the annual progress of our sustainability and responsibility work. The reports highlight key developments related to sustainability in research, teaching, societal interaction, and everyday operations. Their purpose is to describe the advancement of sustainability and responsibility work openly and transparently, and to serve as a tool for continuous improvement.
Other reports on sustainability and responsibility

Explore our thematic, sectoral and unit-specific reports on sustainability and responsibility.
Promoting the Sustainable Development Goals of the UN

In accordance with our strategic plan, our sustainability efforts are based on . In our operations, we are committed to promoting all 17 Sustainable Development Goals. 

The goals form the foundation of our sustainability and responsibility plans as well as our equality and diversity plans. In our annual Sustainability Highlights report, we describe how the work carried out is linked to these goals.
 
UNIFI’s theses on sustainable development and responsibility

Nationally, form the framework for the UH’s sustainability work. There are 12 theses in total and they have been divided under five different themes. In addition to the universities’ basic tasks (research, teaching and societal interaction), the theses cover (campus) activities and the preconditions for the universities’ operation more widely. The nature of the preconditions for operation is such that they create the framework for the other theses.
Leadership of sustainability and responsibility efforts

The University of Helsinki’s sustainability and responsibility work is led by Vice-Rector Anne Portaankorva.

Vice-deans in charge of sustainability and responsibility

At each faculty of the University of Helsinki, a vice-dean overseeing sustainability and responsibility has been appointed, serving as a promoter of related matters at their faculty. To promote the University’s sustainability and responsibility efforts as a whole, the vice-deans survey and implement the faculties’ best practices related to sustainability and responsibility.

Sustainability and Responsibility Council

The steering, promotion and monitoring of sustainability and responsibility efforts are the responsibility of the Sustainability and Responsibility Council appointed by the Rector. The Council prepares and guides the University’s long-term sustainability and responsibility work, monitors the implementation of objectives and measures outlined in the strategy and implementation plan, and drafts related guidelines and policies. The Council is chaired by Vice-Rector Anne Portaankorva, who is responsible for sustainability and responsibility at the University.

Equality and Diversity Committee

The Equality and Diversity Committee is a body under the vice-rector, representing the whole spectrum of the University community. The members of the Committee are appointed to include representatives of different genders, all staff groups of the University, students, and members of the University community of different ages as well as groups with particular insight or experience regarding equality issues. The Committee’s duties are to

  • Promote the achievement of the objectives outlined in the Act on Equality between Women and Men and the Non-Discrimination Act, monitor the development of equality at the University and report on it;
  • Influence the University community so as to strengthen pro-equality attitudes, opinions and structures at the University; and
  • Prepare an equality and non-discrimination plan as specified in the Act on Equality between Women and Men and the Non-Discrimination Act. 

The Committee chair is Vice-Rector Hanna Snellman.