In its strategic plan, the University has set the goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2030. We are committed to responding to the global climate crisis in all our operations. We carry out extensive collaboration to achieve the climate goals on the local, national and international levels.
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. At the same time, we will serve as a pioneer and leader in creating new knowledge and preconditions for mitigating climate change and biodiversity loss through our research and teaching.
We have calculated our carbon footprint annually since 2019. Emissions are calculated according to the Greenhouse Gas Protocol (GHG). The table shows the carbon footprint divided into operational categories - facilities, procurement, travel and transport, and food, and the target state for reducing the carbon footprint by 2030. The University's annual carbon footprint:
The university's carbon footprint in 2024 was 51,057 t CO2e.
The university's carbon footprint in 2024 presented in accordance with the Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Protocol:
The university's carbon footprint in 2023 was 49,992 t CO2e.
The university's carbon footprint in 2023 presented in accordance with the Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Protocol:
The sustainability of the campuses of the University of Helsinki and their operations is increased by providing the facilities and services needed for teaching and research with as low emissions and as high material efficiency as possible.
A sustainability and responsibility committee established by the rector carries the responsibility for the development, monitoring and reporting of campus sustainability and responsibility. Contributing to practical implementation are Helsinki University Properties Ltd and University of Helsinki Property Services Ltd HY247.
The energy tracking graph enables you to explore energy and water consumption in University of Helsinki properties over the past three years. The blue columns show the amount of energy purchased each year, whereas the dotted line indicates the consumption of such energy in the previous year. Renewable energy is displayed in green at the top of the blue columns. You can use the menus to examine consumption at a specific campus or property. The data show the consumption of electricity, heating, district and other cooling, and water, as well as renewable energy for the properties where it is produced. The last menu shows weather-adjusted heating data, in which a mathematical formula factors in the impact of outdoor temperature on heat consumption to enable year-on-year comparison.
The graph does not yet show the energy produced by the solar panels in Viikki and Kumpula. However, the energy produced by those at Aleksanterinkatu 7 and Yliopistonkatu 4 of the City Centre Campus in included in the graph.
We recommend you view the graph on a computer screen or mobile device in landscape mode. The graph is not fully compatible with screen readers.
The University of Helsinki invests in the reduction of energy consumption and the use of renewable energy. By 2030 the goal is that 10% of the energy consumed will be generated on site from renewable sources. At the moment, systems that produce renewable energy are in use in 17 buildings.
Examples of investments in renewable energy:
A range of measures to reduce energy consumption are continuously being developed, and the University community is encouraged to conserve energy, for example, through energy-saving campaigns and other communications.
Our goal is to reduce the consumption of natural resources and promote the efficient use of materials in all university operations. Examples of initiatives in the circular economy include:
Quality of drinking water
In Finland and also in Helsinki metropolitan area tap water is drinkable and of excellent quality. Most of the raw water for the Helsinki metropolitan area comes from Lake Päijänne by a tunnel running over a distance of more than 120 kilometres. The multi-stage treatment process of water treatment plants produces high-quality supply water. Helsinki Region Environmental Services HSY makes sure that there are no substances or microbes in the water that are harmful to health.
How to save water
The production of clean and warm water and the treatment of wastewater consume energy and chemicals. Although there is generally no shortage of tap water in Finland, moderate water use is part of a sustainable lifestyle. Low water consuming toilets and taps are used in university buildings.
Water can be saved by paying attention for to the following:
Wastewater treatment Helsinki Region Environmental Services has two wastewater treatment plants which treat the wastewater in the metropolitan area. Learn more about wastewater treatment
Our goal is to set an example in responsible procurement.
We take the environmental, social and economic aspects related to responsibility into consideration as broadly as possible in competitive tendering and framework agreements. All of our contract suppliers must undertake to comply with the relevant minimum responsibility criteria.
In order to develop the responsibility of our procurement processes, we utilise an emissions report to examine the carbon footprint of University purchases.
Identifying increasingly sustainable modes of transport and travel and encouraging their use for commuting and work-related travel is an integral element of the University’s efforts for carbon neutrality.
The travel guidelines of the University of Helsinki guide you towards sustainable commuting and work-related travel.
We support sustainable mobility – walking, cycling, and public transport.
We aim to spur and encourage members of the University community in the transition towards increasingly sustainable eating habits. Our goal is for the University’s catering services to prioritise plant-based food by 2030. The University’s catering recommendations guide to consider sustainability and responsibility in catering – food waste is to be avoided, while vegetarian and vegan food as well as sustainably caught fish are preferred at events.
Read the University’s catering recommendations
Sustainability and responsibility are considered also when organising events at the University.
Tips for organising sustainable and responsible events.
The lunch cafeterias operating on our premises are investing in increasingly sustainable and responsible food. You can read more about the sustainability actions taken by the cafeterias on the websites of the businesses that operate them.
We prevent biodiversity loss and promote biodiversity in our everyday activities. Enhancing biodiversity has been identified as one of the key focus areas in our Sustainability and Responsibility Plan.
We have supported the creation of meadows, particularly on the Viikki campus. Students and staff have the opportunity to engage in campus farming on all our campuses. We have funded community-initiated projects that promote biodiversity, resulting in activities such as a BioBlitz species survey and the planting of a campus forest garden in Viikki. A greenhouse called "Kasvun tila" (The Space for Growth) was built on Siltavuorenpenkere, featuring planting boxes. It serves as a multidisciplinary science and art cultivation space, as well as a venue for participatory sustainability and art education.
We are a founding member of the international Nature Positive Universities network. The network encourages universities and members of the academic community around the world to take measures to promote and safeguard biodiversity and slow down climate change.
In 2024, we conducted a study on the various values and species associated with campus nature. The study provides an overview of the opportunities for biodiversity work on university campuses and offers tools for campus development in the future.