Take part in the promotion of sustainability

The University of Helsinki invites members of the University community and its stakeholders to contribute to developing an increasingly sustainable and responsible University. Join us on a journey to make the University of Helsinki a leader in sustainability and responsibility.
Sustainability and responsibility network of the University of Helsinki

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.

Activities of the sustainability and responsibility network

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.  

Meetings of the sustainability and responsibility network

The next meeting will be on November 16, 2023, from 3 PM to 5 PM. More information will follow.

Past meetings:

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

Sustainable entrepreneurship and innovation activities

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.

On-campus gardening on all campuses

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. 

Fairtrade University

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

Get involved in the Student Union

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.