Leadership and monitoring of sustainability and responsibility efforts

Examples of our actions during 2022 to promote the SDG 1 - No poverty:

• RESEARCH: INEQ Helsinki Inequality Iniative focuses on questions such as how to build and protect a fair and justifiable society. INEQ brings together academics whose work enhances understanding of causes and consequences of intersecting inequalities. Familiarize yourself with INEQ and their research focuses.
• PROMOTION OF FAIR TRADE
  • ​​​​​​​University of Helsinki has​​​​​​​ been a Fairtrade University since 2013. As a Fairtrade University, we are committed to promoting the use and availability of Fairtrade certified products in our procurement and to raising awareness of Fairtrade and its importance in global production and consumption relations.
• STUDENT BENEFITS AND SUPPORT: University students can apply and get various kind of support related to finanzing their studies and daily life. For instance, all university students can apply for student financial aid, have lunch at a discount and they are entitled to student fares in public transport in Helsinki metropolitan area. Read more about student support and benefits.
• SUPPORT FOR THE UKRAINIAN STUDENTS AND STAFF: Russia’s military aggression in Ukraine shocked the entire University community. In March 2022, soon after the war began, we expressed our support for Ukraine and its academic community, denouncing Russia’s military action in the country. Below some are examples of our support actions during the year:
  • More than 280 members of community donated almost €167,500 to students and researchers fleeing the war who wanted to continue their studies at the University of Helsinki.
  • As a community, we collected more than 32 cubic metres of humanitarian aid in just a few days.
  • We provided salary subsidies to Ukrainian researchers.
  • • We offered free-of-charge studies to those who were forced to drop out of their university studies in Ukraine. All in all, the right to study was granted to 37 individuals. Some students received a grant that enabled them to continue studying as exchange students. • A total of 170 students were granted the right to complete open university courses free of charge.
  • Here you can read more about the situation and University's actions related to the war.

⇒ Read more about our efforts on Sustainability Highlights 2022 report.

Examples of our actions during 2022 to promote the SDG 2 Zero hunger:

• AFFORTABLE FOOD FOR STUDENTS AND STAFF:
  • Campus restaurants sell healthy, sustainable and affortable food for the university community. There are always vegetarian and vegan options available. Lunches are sold at discount for both students and staff. 
  • Unicafe also sells leftover food at a discount after lunchtime. Leftover Lunches are available at all UniCafe restaurants. One can also bring their own reusable container and get Leftover Lunches for a cheaper prize.
  • To avoid food waste, some of Unicafe restaurants offer baguettes, bowls and other display cabinet products at a discount through the ResQ mobile app. 
  • Read more about sustainability at Unicafe restaurants and at Sodexo restaurants (in Finnish only).
• PROMOTING A SUSTAINABLE TRANSFORMATION OF THE FOOD SYSTEM: 
  • Viikki Food Design Factory is a home for food innovation on Viikki Campus. It brings together food and innovation specialists and facilitates the creation of new sustainable solutions related to the primary production, processing, distribution and consumption of food. Viikki Food Design Factory is a place where new sustainable food and food system solutions are introduced to the world and developed into innovations for the benefit of people and society.
  • The Germinator pre-incubator brings innovation teams and businesses in the food system sector together to germinate inventions into functional solutions for the market. Seven teams and early-stage startups were chosen for the second Germinator round: Arctic Farming, BinkiApp, Five Letter Foods, Molt, Montinutra, Squee and Three Mushketeers. During this round, the Pre-Germinator programme for University of Helsinki students was piloted, with students inspired to innovate sustainable food system solutions and supported in putting their ideas into practice.
• CAMPUS FARMING: The University provides all students and staff with the opportunity to participate in campus gardening. In 2022, the Meilahti farming area was brought into service again with 10 new concrete farming boxes.
• PROMOTING FAIRTRADE: University of Helsinki has been Fairtrade university since 2013. This means that the University promotes the use and availability of Fairtrade certified products in the procurement, as well as increases the University community’s awareness of Fairtrade and its significance to global production and consumption networks. As part of the activities, for instance a Fairtrade coffee break was held in September.

⇒ Read more about our efforts on Sustainability Highlights 2022 report.

Wellbeing has been chosen as one of the priority areas for daily operations in the Sustainability and responsibility plan 2022-2024.

Examples of our actions during 2022 to promote SDG 3 Good health and wellbeing: 

• MONITORING AND DEVELOPMENT OF WELLBEING: As one of the actions listed in the Sustainability and responsibility plan, we systematically monitored and developed wellbeing by conducting a University-wide workplace wellbeing survey at two year intervals, drawing up workplace wellbeing development plans for units and monitoring their implementation. We use the results of the workplace wellbeing survey to enhance leadership and supervisory work. We will continue conducting the survey also during 2023 and 2024.
• TARGETED SUPPORT FOR STUDENTS:
  • The project to develop student guidance, supervision and wellbeing (2021–2023) piloted an approach that could be used to identify and reach students at risk of dropping out or falling behind as well as to provide targeted support. During the pilot, a text message was sent to separately determined student groups, offering opportunities for a meeting and discussion. In all, 12 degree programmes from seven faculties took part in the pilot. In the pilot, 21% of the students contacted were reached.
• STAFF TRAINING ON WELLBEING:
  • During the year, staff had the opportunity to complete free-of-charge open university courses as part of staff training. In addition to courses focused on sustainability and responsibility skills, on offer were courses related to wellbeing, engagement, inclusivity and equality.
  • We provided staff with training offered by wellbeing organisations on topics including mental health, substance abuse, loneliness and problematic digital gaming behaviour. We continued to provide training on unconscious bias, giving the participants the opportunity to examine their unconscious attitudes arising in their professional life
• WE ENCOURAGED OUR STAFF TO BE PHYSICALLY ACTIVE:
  • The University is part of 'University on the Move' project. The aim of the project is to promote the mobility of personnel and the formation of a physically active workday and operating culture as part of the new hybrid everyday life. The project encourages, for example, increased physical exercise in connection with commuting.
  • Staff members took part in kilometre challenges in winter and summers.
  • About 100 staff members took part in a plogging run event.
• EVENTS ABOUT WELLBEING AND HEALTH: In the Kaiken maailman terveys (‘Global health) events, the focus was on human, animal and environmental health as a single global interconnected whole.

⇒ Read more about our efforts on Sustainability Highlights 2022 report.

To promote SDG 4, we have chosen three priority areas for the sustainability and responsibility plan for the period 2022–2024: 

1. Sustainability in education: We will ensure that the sustainable development goals are included when applicable in the objectives and contents of all degree programmes. We will strengthen the skills of doctoral students in all fields in solving challenges for sustainable development.
2. Global partnerships: We will develop partnership-based collaboration with universities in the Global South, increasing opportunities for mutual training and professional development, while enhancing the knowledge capital of the students’ home countries.
3. Continuous learning: We will develop sustainable development into a spearhead in continuous learning and will promote national and international collaboration in sustainability studies. We will strengthen staff skills in the promotion of sustainable development.

The progress of measures related to the priority areas will be reported on in the Sustainability Highlights reports. The measures already implemented in 2022 include the following: 

• In connection with planning the curriculum period 2023–2026, we will draw up joint policies and guidelines for strengthening sustainability expertise. Sustainability and responsibility will be integrated into the model of academic specialist skills.
• We will implement One Health Early Career Champions collaboration together with the University of Nairobi.
• We will develop a micro-skills programme in sustainable development as part of the Una Europa network and will offer the programme as part of our continuous learning provision. Take a look at the programme ⇒ Micro-credential in Sustainability

⇒ Read more about our efforts on Sustainability Highlights 2022 report.

Examples of our actions during 2022 to promote SDG 5 Gender equality:

• MEASURES TAKEN TO PROMOTE EQUALITY, INCLUSION AND DIVERSITY
  • We took part in the EU-funded UniSAFE project that surveys sexual harassment and gender-based violence in its various forms at European universities as well as examines related national and university-specific measures.
  • The dress code for conferment ceremonies was changed: In the future, participants can choose from two options.
  • We added guidelines for using gender-neutral language in Swedish and English to the University’s quick language guide.
  • We organised a Pride café at Guidance Corner in Kaisa House. The event was open to both University of Helsinki students and staff.
  • We increased the number of gender-neutral toilets.
• GENDER EQUALITY IN NUMBERS
  • Women account for 53% of all teaching and research staff.
  • A total of 5,580 degrees were completed at the University of Helsinki, of which 71% were completed by women.
  • See more numbers on gender divisions from the University of Helsinki in numbers page.
• SPOTLIGHTING EARLY ACADEMIC WOMEN THROUGH ART: The University commissioned from the contemporary Norwegian artist Anne-Karin Furunes a work of art on the first women to have an impact at the University. Previously, women have scarcely featured in the art displayed at the University. Furunes’s work of art portrays Tekla Hultin, Emma Irene Åström and Karolina Eskelin.

⇒ Read more about our efforts on Sustainability Highlights 2022 report.

Examples of our actions during 2022 to promote the SDG 6 Clean water and sanitation:

• Under the Society’s Commitment to Sustainable Development scheme, the University has pledged in 2015 to reduce the energy and water consumption of University buildings by 10%. In 2022, water consumption increased by nearly 10%, which is explained by the return to the offices after the pandemic years. See the sustainability report of university facility services for more detailed information (report in Finnish only).
• In Autumn 2022, we challenged the University staff to join the energy-saving drive and share their best ideas on how to save energy. By participating in the national 'Down a degree' -campaign, we encourages our community to, for instance, take shorter showers in order to save energy.
• We have increased the number of gender-neutral toilets. In 2022, there were 375 new unisex toilets installed in university facilities.
• We promote sustainable water use. For more information, see Living within the planetary boundaries at the University -pages.

⇒ Read more about our efforts on Sustainability Highlights 2022 report.

Examples of our actions during 2022 to promote SDG 7 - Affordable and clean energy:

• NUMBERS AND MEASURES:
  • The total energy consumption decreased by roughly 4,9 % compared to 2021.
  • Heat consumption decreased by 12,7 % compared to 2021.
  • Compared to 2021, electricity consumption decreased by 2,3 %.
  • A total of 3,635 MWh of renewable electricity and thermal energy was produced, corresponding to nearly 2% of the total energy consumption of all University buildings. While no renewable energy projects were completed in 2022, plans to install solar panels on the roofs of Exactum and Physicum in Kumpula were initiated.
  • In 2022, measures taken to improve energy efficiency in University properties amounted to savings of 2,259 MWh. The biggest savings were achieved through the following measures:
    • Building automation and energy efficiency renovation at Latokartanonkaari 5 in Viikki.
    • Renovation of the glycol cooling system and ventilation adjustments at Haartmaninkatu 3 in Meilahti.
    • Heat consumption was reduced thanks to the Porthania facade renovation, while in several properties cooling systems were renovated and adjusted as well as the energy efficiency of lighting improved through redesigns.
    • In the heating period 2022, the temperature of office facilities was reduced as part of the national Down by a degree campaign.
•  CARBON NEUTRALITY:
  • The project for a carbon neutral University by 2030 launched in autumn 2021 progressed as planned during the year. In the project, the goal was to determine the method for calculating our carbon footprint and calculate it for the University, as well as to define the focus areas for reducing carbon emissions by 2030.
  • University's carbon footprint in 2022 was 62,448 t CO2 e. See more information related to carbon footprint Living withing the planetary boundaries at the university -page.
• OTHER SUPPORTING ACTIONS:
  • We challenged the University community to join the energy-saving drive and share their best ideas on how to save energy. By participating a national Down a degree campaign we encouraged our staff to do different energy saving actions during the Autumn.
  • The University of Helsinki Environmental Humanities Hub organised a workshop for researchers on climate-friendly research methods. In the Energy(and)Humanities: LowCarbon Research Methods Workshop, participants were encouraged to discuss, among other topics, low-emission data storage methods.

⇒ Read more about our efforts on Sustainability Highlights 2022 report.

Examples of our actions during 2022 to promote the SDG 8: Decent work and economic growth

• INVESTMENTS: Our investment activities are guided by the principles for responsible investment activities approved in 2019 by the University Board. In 2022 we continued our long-term investment activities by following an investment strategy based on financial economics and the promotion of sustainable development, regardless of short-term fluctuations of the securities market. For example, excluding fossil fuel–producing businesses helped to reduce the TCFD (Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures) carbon footprint of equity investments to roughly half of that of the benchmark index. Despite an unstable year, our investment performance continued to exceed goals in 2022. Read our investment report for 2022.
• PROMOTION OF STAFF WELLBEING: We engouraged our staff to be physically active. University on the Move is a joint project of four universities led by UniSport. The participating universities are the University of Helsinki, Aalto University, Hanken School of Economics and the University of the Arts Helsinki, and funding is provided by the Ministry of Education and Culture. The aim of the project, carried out during 2022–2023, is to promote the mobility of personnel and the formation of a physically active workday and operating culture as part of the new hybrid everyday life. The project encourages, for example, increased physical exercise in connection with commuting.
• SUPPORT FOR STUDENT STARTUPS: The HELSEED entrepreneurship programme targeted at students was organised for the third time. In the programme, the most promising startups can obtain an investment of €10,000–€50,000 from the University of Helsinki Funds. In addition, credits are awarded for participation in the programme.
• PRE-INCUBATORS FOR SOCIETALLY IMPACTFUL IDEAS AND CIRCULAR ECONOMY SOLUTIONS
  • SÄRÖ/FRACTURE, a pre-incubator focused on societally impactful ideas under Helsinki Incubators, launched in the autumn with 14 teams. The central themes of the ideas chosen for the inaugural programme of the pre-incubator were wellbeing, inclusivity and increasing understanding between communities.
  • In the COMPASS pre-incubator, which focuses on deep-tech solutions and artificial intelligence, 15 teams developed solutions related to environmental sustainability into business ideas with the help of artificial intelligence and other technologies.
  • The teams chosen for the circular economy–oriented CIRCULATOR 1.0 pre-incubator came up with ideas for, for example, the recycling of clothing, sports equipment and coffee as well as for the repair of goods, and sustainable local food production.
• INCUBATORS FOCUSED ON SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT AND THE CIRCULAR ECONOMY
  • A call for applications to Helsinki Incubators’ six-month BIOSPERE business incubator for new impactful bioeconomy and circular economy solutions was launched late in the year. The purpose of Biosphere is to offer support to innovators in the bioeconomy and circular economy, previously unseen at this level at the University of Helsinki.
  • The first NEXUS incubator programme brought together 20 talented innovator and entrepreneur teams from the deep tech, AI and sustainable development sectors
  • At the end of the year, the TREMOR incubator focused on societal impact, the reduction of inequality and education was launched, with 16 teams participating. In the third round of applications for the Urban Tech Helsinki incubator, solutions were sought, in particular, to the challenges of sustainable urban development.

⇒ Read more about our efforts on Sustainability Highlights 2022 report.

The promotion of SDG 9 is reflected in the sustainability and responsibility plan for 2022–2024 in the following priority areas for research, societal interaction and daily operations: 

1. Responsible research: We will provide a systematic university and unit level approach to the promotion of open science and research, good scientific practice, and the responsible management of research data.
2. Responsible partnerships: We will ensure that sustainable and responsible operating methods are part of all our partnerships and events. We will strengthen sustainability and responsibility expertise and thinking in the University’s entrepreneurship and innovation activities.
3. Responsible investing: We wish to be the most responsible university investor in Europe. Our investments are regulated and guided by our Principles of investments and spending policy, Principles of responsible investments, and Investment plan. In summary, our investments need to cover our responsibilities to the university itself, its partners, society, as well as the environment.

The progress of measures related to the priority areas will be reported on in the Sustainability Highlights reports. Some of the selected measures, such as updating the ethical guidelines for business collaboration, have already been implemented during 2022. Measures to promote open science and research are well underway. The measures we have chosen for responsible investment, such as increasing impact investing and reducing the carbon footprint of investments, have so far progressed as planned. 

⇒ Read more about our efforts on Sustainability Highlights 2022 report.

SDG 10 Reduced inequalities - related measures listed in the Sustainability and responsibility plan 2022-2024, that were already implemented in 2022 include the following: 

• RESEARCH - Safe research and teaching environment: We will contribute to protection of threatened scholars through actions within the Scholars at Risk network, and related funding arrangements. We will chair the Finnish section of Scholars at Risk in 2022–2023.
• DAILY OPERATIONS - Equality and diversity: 
  • We will develop the accessibility and inclusiveness of our recruitment. We will introduce a new recruitment system with greater consideration of accessibility.  We will start using the Recognizing International Talent badge. In this framework, we will invest in identifying unconscious bias and examine language requirements in recruitment.
  • In 2022 we will focus on disability inclusion by raising awareness of the issue, organising training and further developing the University’s activities from the perspective of inclusion.
  • We will support the integration of the spouses of international researchers through the new services provided by the HEILIFE project: networks, support material, career cooperation.

Other examples of our actions during 2022 to promote the SDG 10 Reduced inequalities:

• RESEARCH
  • INEQ Helsinki Inequality Iniative focuses on questions such as how to build and protect a fair and justifiable society. INEQ brings together academics whose work enhances understanding of causes and consequences of intersecting inequalities. Familiarize yourself with INEQ and their research focuses.
  • The Alfred Kordelin Foundation awarded the National Library of Finland a grant to improve the accessibility of Sámi linguistic and cultural material. The Major Cultural Project grant enables the creation of support for the Northern Sámi language in three digital services administered by the National Library and utilised by many other operators: Finna, Finto and Kotoistus. This will improve the visibility and findability of Sámi information and cultural heritage material. Information retrieval in Northern Sámi will also be facilitated.
• TEACHING
  • We announced a micro-credential in sustainability designed as part of our Una Europa collaboration. The module provides students in different countries with the opportunity to familiarise themselves with the principles of sustainable development in a multidisciplinary manner.
  • ​​​​​​​The Geographies of Inequalities course, organised for the third time, taught discourse on sustainable development and analytical thinking. In their group assignments, students discussed complex transnational links that generate inequalities, such as global coffee production, energy as a national security issue, and transnational problems related to electronic waste.
• SOCIETAL IMPACT​​​​​​​
  • SÄRÖ/FRACTURE, a pre-incubator focused on societally impactful ideas under Helsinki Incubators, launched in the autumn with 14 teams. The central themes of the ideas chosen for the inaugural programme of the pre-incubator were wellbeing, inclusivity and increasing understanding between communities.
  • The TREMOR incubator focused on societal impact, the reduction of inequality and education was launched, with 16 teams participating.
  • We organized science education at research stations and on our campuses for children and youth.
  • Luomus initiated collaboration with the city library in Viikki. As a result of the collaboration, one can, for example, ”borrow” tickets to the Natural History Museum.
• DAILY OPERATIONS
  • In 2022 the focus of the University's equality and non-discrimination work was on promoting disability inclusion, in connection with which we organised, among other things, several events related to the theme and provided training on the topic.
  • We continued to promote anti-racism efforts through training and events. More than 600 members of the University community signed an antiracist petition and submitted it to the University leadership.
  • We improved the accessibility of the Sisu student information system by providing a solution for course and examination registration accessible to all, using a separate service connected to the system.
  • During the year, staff had the opportunity to complete free-of-charge open university courses as part of staff training. In addition to courses focused on sustainability and responsibility skills, on offer were courses related to wellbeing, engagement, inclusivity and equality.

⇒ Read more about our efforts on Sustainability Highlights 2022 report.

Examples of our actions during 2022 to promote the SDG 11- Sustainable cities and communities:

• SOLVING CHALLENGES OF SUSTAINABLE URBANISATION AND WELLBEING: Helsinki Institute of Urban and Regional Studies Urbaria is a network-based and multidisciplinary operator within the University of Helsinki that brings urban studies under one roof and develops public engagement in the field.
  • Urbaria Postdoc Forum is a multidisciplinary group of postdoctoral researchers in urban studies funded by the cities of Helsinki, Espoo and Vantaa. In 2022, postdoctoral researchers were recruited in the final recruitment round to investigate urban ecology and diversity, urban housing and migration, as well as sustainable mobility and artificial intelligence.
  • The topics of the Urbaria Summaries Series included urban schools and disadvantage, poverty in Helsinki and the meanings connected to urban areas in online discussion. The Urbaria Summaries Series is a popular series publishing Urbaria’s research summaries and brief thematic research reviews. The publications are useful for both decision-making pertaining to urban areas and stakeholder activities.
• INCUBATOR PROGRAMMES IN COOPERATION WITH THE CITY OF HELSINKI
  • ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Pre-incubators, such as the Särö/Fracture and the Compass, concentraded on societally impactful ideas and circular economy solutions.
  • Incubators, such as the Biosphere and Tremor, focused on sustainable development and the circular economy.
  • In the third round of applications for the Urban Tech Helsinki incubator, solutions were sought, in particular, to the challenges of sustainable urban development.
  • Read more about the the Helsinki Incubators
• COOPERATION WITH THE CITIES IN THE HELSINKI METROPOLITAN AREA
  • ​​​​​​​In 2022 the annual theme of the Urban Academy was urban climate action. The Helsinki Institute of Urban and Regional Studies Urbaria actively contributed to the planning and implementation of the annual programme of the Urban Academy.
  • Urbaria continued to organise the joint Urban Lunch Hour series of the City of Helsinki, the Association of Finnish Local and Regional Authorities, the University of Helsinki and Aalto University, and the Urbaria Academic seminar series at the University of Helsinki.
  • Urbaria and the Urban Academy continued to collaboratively organise science sparring. Science sparring is a dialogue-based method for bringing together topical research-based knowledge and perspectives as well as the expertise of professionals involved in practical application. The topics in last year’s science sparring included support for a sustainable lifestyle in various population groups and the role of cities, as well as ecological compensation. Climate-themed science sparring was also organised for city councillors in Helsinki, Espoo and Vantaa.

⇒ Read more about our efforts on Sustainability Highlights 2022 report.

Examples of our actions during 2022 to promote the SDG 12 Responsible consumption and production:

• DEVELOPMENT OF THE CIRCULAR ECONOMY AND WASTE SORTING AT THE UNIVERSITY
  • Launched in 2021, the project to develop the sorting options in office, lobby and break facilities was continued, and sorting stations were specifically added to the lobby facilities of buildings. Sorting stations have been acquired for 28 sites in the project.
  • Furniture to be phased out constitute a major individual waste type, and their efficient internal circulation and re-use sales have been actively developed. For example, the renovation of the Fabianinkatu 32 building was implemented in its entirety using recycled furniture.
  • The irtaimistorekisteri.fi register was adopted as a tool for the HY247 furniture team and external designers. The register contains images and descriptions of unused furniture that can be relocated to new locations. From the register, designers can reserve furniture for their design sites. Products that do not find a new home can be transferred to the kiertonet.fi website for sale.
  • Since 2019, the University of Helsinki’s IT Centre has operated a centralised recycling service for the responsible recycling and disposal of IT equipment and devices. We sort recyclable equipment into equipment to be sold on the aftermarket and recyclable raw material.
  • Expansion of the Laptop Lender concept was investigated. Laptop Lender is a laptop library available to degree students and staff of the University where they can borrow laptops.
• INCREASE IN WASTE FROM THE PANDEMIC YEARS
  • The amount of waste from University properties grew by 13% compared to 2021. In 2020 and 2021, the amount of waste generated at the University was clearly smaller because of telecommuting during the coronavirus pandemic. Since the year 2022 is also the first full reporting year with a new waste management partner, individual years are not entirely comparable due to the calculations.
  • See the sustainability report of university facility services for more detailed information on waste (report in Finnish only).
• OTHER EXAMPLES:
  • In the Suunnanmuutos event series at Think Corner, consideration was given to how the economy, lifestyles as well as energy and food production can be redesigned while maintaining – and improving – the health of humans, the environment and animals.
  • We maintained our status as a Fairtrade University.

The promotion of SDG 13 is reflected in the sustainability and responsibility plan for 2022–2024, particularly in two priority areas for daily operations: 

1. Carbon neutrality: We will develop the calculation principles of our carbon footprint and make concrete climate emissions reductions. We will achieve carbon neutrality in 2030.
2. Responsible investing: We wish to be the most responsible university investor in Europe. Our investments are regulated and guided by our Principles of investments and spending policy, Principles of responsible investments, and Investment plan. In summary, our investments need to cover our responsibilities to the university itself, its partners, society, as well as the environment.

The progress of measures related to the priority areas will be reported on in the Sustainability Highlights reports. The measures below have already been implemented in 2022. In addition to the measures implemented, we have promoted a number of other measures according to the plan. Among other things, we have taken energy-saving measures, located and fixed thermal leaks in properties, initiated the preparation of a roadmap for low-carbon construction and improved the preconditions for lower-carbon commuting, such as electric cars and cycling. We are also continuously striving to reduce the carbon footprint of our investments. We have already divested all of our investments in fossil fuel producers. 

Measures already implemented under the sustainability and responsibility plan: 

• We will draw up a carbon neutrality roadmap for the University. In this roadmap, we will define sub-targets and proposed actions for reducing and compensating for climate emissions from different operations, enabling us to achieve our objective of carbon neutrality in 2030. Take a look ⇒ Roadmap for carbon neutral university by 2030
• We will implement guidelines for hybrid work to make more efficient use of work facilities and reduce staff commuting. We will reduce recruitment-related travel, for example, by conducting job interviews, teaching demonstrations and site visits remotely with the help of digital tools. 

Examples of our actions during 2022 to promote the SDG 14 - Life below water:

• OVER A HUNDRED YEARS OF RESEARCH ON THE THEME: Tvärminne Zoological Station turned 120 years. Tvärminne Zoological Station (TZS) is a marine station located at the entrance to the Gulf of Finland. It is one of three biological research stations belonging to the Faculty of Biological and Environmental Sciences at the University of Helsinki. The stations serve as centres for a large variety of high-quality biological research and offer facilities for field courses and seminars.
• SCIENCE EDUCATION ON LIFE BELOW WATER: The Tvärminne Zoological Station offers learning projects in marine research to groups of children and adolescents of varying ages as well as to adults. Science education at the Tvärminne Zoological Station is part of the global effort to enhance ocean literacy, or to increase awareness and understanding of the significance of the oceans and seas as part of the Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development 2021–2030 declared by the UN.
• THE PASSION FOR THE BALTIC SEA PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBITION provided a unique look under the surface of the Baltic Sea. The free-of-charge exhibition open to all by the Tvärminne Zoological Station at Think Corner introduced the submarine habitats of the Baltic Sea, such as underwater forests of bladderwrack, eelgrass meadows and blue mussel reefs, as well as species living in them, including the colourful three-spined sticklebacks, flounders and straight-nosed pipefish.

Examples of our actions during 2022 to promote the SDG 15 - Life on land:

• INITIATIVES FOR PROMOTING BIODIVERSITY ON OUR CAMPUSES
  • A meadow experiment was conducted on Viikki Campus to promote biodiversity, research and inclusivity. Six patches on the campus were selected for the experiment and excluded from mowing in the summer. All of the patches hosted notable meadow plants, with their sloping topography making mowing difficult. In the summer, the plants growing on the meadows included viper’s bugloss, lady’s bedstraw, maiden pink, harebell, daisy, greater knapweed, common bird’s-foot trefoil and common starwort. The experiment continued in the autumn, with a volunteer session organised on the meadows to sow the seeds of meadow plants in a new area. Late in the year, a working group composed of representatives from different campuses and units was established to promote and expand the meadow experiment in the future.
  • We initiated the planning of an ecosystem services and nature capital survey The survey is part of the measures of the sustainability and responsibility plan for 2022–2024, and is expected to be implemented by January 2025. The aim of the survey is to draw up an action plan based on research knowledge to promote the biodiversity of our campuses and community wellbeing.
• JOINING FORCES FOR BIODIVERSITY: In December, we joined the Nature Positive Universities network as a founding member. The aim of the network is to encourage universities and members of the academic community to take action to preserve biodiversity and slow down climate change. Read more about the Nature Positive Universities network.
• MAKING BIODIVERSITY VISIBLE: The vast majority of Earth’s organisms are without a scientific name. Every year, researchers at the Finnish Museum of Natural History Luomus describe dozens of species new to science, as well as investigate the evolutionary history and systematics of organisms. Named species are needed in research and society. Without names, we cannot unambiguously communicate which species we are talking about, and only named species can be included in threat assessments or be protected. The species named in 2022 included representatives of coleoptera, hymenoptera, lepidoptera and syrphids. The valuable type specimens of these species are preserved in the collections of Luomus
• SCIENCE EDUCATION: We organised an adventure art camp for children in the Kumpula Botanic Garden, during which the children visited the garden, created artworks, discussed biodiversity and the remote conservation of plants, as well as learned skills in urban adventure and nature

⇒ Read more about our efforts on Sustainability Highlights 2022 report.

SDG 16 Peace, justice and strong institutions -related measures listed in the Sustainability and responsibility plan 2022-2024 that were implemented in 2022 include for instance the following:

• GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT - Targets and indicators:
  • We will publish a sustainability and responsibility plan for each implementation planning period, outlining the University’s key sustainability and responsibility targets, actions and responsible units and persons, and promoting the transparency of our sustainability and responsibility efforts.
  • We will develop our sustainability and responsibility reporting by publishing an annual sustainability and responsibility report, incorporating information on the University’s related efforts. Key results will be reported annually to the rector and vice-rectors. In addition, key sustainability and responsibility actions will be summarised in the University’s annual review.
  • We will incorporate sustainability and responsibility themes permanently into the target negotiations between the rector and the units.
  • We will establish the University of Helsinki Sustainability Fund 2022  to support the University’s sustainability research, teaching and public engagement activities.
• RESEARCH -Safe research and teaching environment:
  • We will contribute to protection of threatened scholars through actions within the Scholars at Risk network, and related funding arrangements. We will chair the Finnish section of Scholars at Risk in 2022–2023.
• SOCIETAL INTERACTION - Research-based knowledge in decision-making:
  • We will support decision-making and public discussion, promoting sustainable social development founded on research-based knowledge. We will organise Finland’s largest sustainability science conference, the annual Sustainability Science Days, together with Aalto University.
  • We will support the role of national advisory panels on science and research. Coordination responsibility for the Finnish Expert Panel for Sustainable Development in 2021–2022. Coordination of the communications of the Finnish Climate Change Panel and the Finnish Nature Panel.
• SOCIETAL INTERACTION - Responsible partnerships:
  • We will update the ethical guidelines for business collaboration. We will draw up guidelines and, possibly, forms for the assessment of business collaboration partners involved in research.

The promotion of SDG 17 is strongly reflected throughout the sustainability and responsibility plan for 2022–2024. It is an integral part of the different aspects of sustainability and responsibility, as well as the following priority areas: 

1. GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT - Possibilities for sustainability action: We will reinforce the opportunities of our staff, students and alumni to promote both a more sustainable future and a sense of inclusivity.
2. RESEARCH - Sustainability research and global partnerships: We will consolidate the University’s high-quality sustainability research as well as communicate on it together with our partners. We will develop global partnerships, perspectives and expertise.
3. RESEARCH - Safe research and teaching environment: We will take action to ensure that research can be conducted in safe conditions without the threat of violence or persecution by contributing to the protective measures provided to researchers and students in need of protection.
4. RESEARCH - Responsible research: We will provide a systematic university and unit level approach to the promotion of open science and research, good scientific practice, and the responsible management of research data.
5. TEACHING - Sustainability in education: We will ensure that the sustainable development goals are included when applicable in the objectives and contents of all degree programmes. We will strengthen the skills of doctoral students in all fields in solving challenges for sustainable development.
6. TEACHING - Global partnerships: We will develop partnership-based collaboration with universities in the Global South, increasing opportunities for mutual training and professional development, while enhancing the knowledge capital of the students’ home countries.
7. TEACHING - Continuous learning: We will develop sustainable development into a spearhead in continuous learning and will promote national and international collaboration in sustainability studies. We will strengthen staff skills in the promotion of sustainable development. 
8. SOCIETAL INTERACTION - Research-based knowledge in decision-making: We will strengthen the University’s role as an influential global social force by supporting decision-making and public discussion founded on researchbased knowledge and deepening collaboration with various stakeholders.
9. SOCIETAL INTERACTION - Responsible partnerships: We will ensure that sustainable and responsible operating methods are part of all our partnerships and events. We will strengthen sustainability and responsibility expertise and thinking in the University’s entrepreneurship and innovation activities.
10. SOCIETAL INTERACTION - National and international cooperation: We will continue to engage in open national and international cooperation with other higher education institutions to promote sustainability and responsibility efforts.

The progress of measures related to the priority areas will be reported on in the Sustainability Highlights reports. The measures already implemented in 2022 include the following: 

• We will increase strategic doctoral researcher positions in the multidisciplinary research themes of sustainable development by selecting 10 multidisciplinary doctoral researchers focused on these themes.
• We will strengthen our global partnerships, for example, by establishing an exchange programme for Early Career researchers working at African universities, connected to the goals of sustainable development.
• We will implement One Health Early Career Champions collaboration together with the University of Nairobi.
• We will develop a micro-skills programme in sustainable development as part of the Una Europa network and will offer the programme as part of our continuous learning provision.
• We will support the role of national advisory panels on science and research. Coordination responsibility for the Finnish Expert Panel for Sustainable Development in 2021–2022. Coordination of the communications of the Finnish Climate Change Panel and the Finnish Nature Panel.
• We will participate actively in the Finn-ARMA and UNIFI sustainability groups as well as in various international networks (e.g., IUCA, SDSN Northern Europe). Active participation and promotion of sustainability and responsibility in international networks, such as the LERU and UNA Europa networks.