Sustainability

A student taking a book from a shelf in Aalto University's library.

We are shaping a sustainable future

Welcome to create solutions to the world's major challenges! At Aalto, we create solutions, knowledge, innovations and culture that enable well-being within the planetary boundaries. 

With us, you get the opportunity to learn, research and do meaningful things in a unique environment: we combine the expertise in science, art, technology and business to develop creative solutions to the world’s major challenges, such as the climate crisis. 

We are a community of thousands of students, researchers and experts with passion and expertise for system-level thinking and new innovations.

Sustainable Aalto 2030

Aalto University is committed to reducing its climate emissions in all operational areas with the aim of achieving carbon neutrality by 2030. The university has identified the critical steps to be...

Read more on our emission reductions
Three people outside by the sea.

News

Campus Sustainability Champion 2026
Campus Published:

Submit your nomination for the Campus Sustainability Champion 2026!

Submit your nomination for the Campus Sustainability Champion.
Dean's Impact Award
University Published:

The Dean of the School of Business will honor students for their outstanding contributions to promoting sustainable development

The Dean’s Impact Award is intended to show appreciation for promoting sustainable development and activities in line with Aalto’s values
Upward view between two rough tree trunks with green leaves, framing a bright cloudy blue sky
Aalto Magazine, Campus, University Published:

Pioneers, pollinators, and standing deadwood

Aalto University’s campus is home to thousands of species. Nature recovers and flourishes through gentle care and room to grow.
Cartoon of people growing larger as they walk, crushing green figures and flowers beneath their feet
Aalto Magazine, Research & Art Published:

We need growth – but what exactly are we growing?

Governments demand it, companies promise it, and universities are expected to deliver it. Growth is widely seen as the answer to debt, competitiveness, and the future of the welfare state itself. But what do we actually mean by growth – and what kind of growth are we aiming for?

Join us!

A banner photo with sustainability action booster logo

Sustainability Action Booster

Sustainability Action Booster is an expense grant dedicated to empowering students in unleashing their creative ideas for a sustainable future. Our mission is to provide opportunities for students to initiate and participate in student-owned sustainability actions - both on campus and beyond!

Grants and awards
Esiintyjiä tapahtumassa

Finland's largest sustainability-related science event is now Science for Sustainability (external link)

Science for Sustainability, a sustainability-themed event organized by Aalto University and the University of Helsinki, will bring together science, innovation and change makers from diverse fields.The theme for the event is "Bursting the Sustainability Bubble" which aims to challenge sustainability myths and break down the barriers between disciplines and industries. The event will be organized in the Helsinki and Espoo in autumn of 2025.

Events

Campus

Aalto University's campus in Otaniemi is the home of an innovative community. Explore the campus virtually at virtualtour.aalto.fi.

Our sustainable and green campus
School of business students sitting in front of the campus and laughing
People in park

Research for sustainability

Aalto University generates knowledge, understanding and solutions that enable well-being within the limits of one planet. We combine expertise in art, technology, and business to develop solutions for some of the world's greatest challenges.

Sustainability
Aalto stand at Slush

Innovation portfolio

Aalto University's innovation ecosystem generates tens of new companies annually, founded by our students and alumni. In this portfolio are presented all our current Research to business -teams (prebusiness) and selected spinouts, startups and alumni companies.

A person stangin in front of a meadow, wearing a beige vest.

Environmental and social sustainability studies

We combine expertise in art, technology, and business to develop solutions for some of the world's greatest challenges.

Study at Aalto
Environmental Engineering new flow channel in Otaniemi, with students and teaching staff

Sustainability in Teaching

On this page you can find tips, tools and good practices for integrating sustainability into your teaching.

Services

Events

Designs for a Cooler Planet guided tour
Exhibitions

Book a visit to Designs for a Cooler Planet exhibition

Experience Helsinki Design Week at Aalto University and reserve your place on a guided exhibition tour. The tours are free of charge and take place on Tuesdays. Tours are offered in Finnish and English on alternating weeks.
YUIMA NAKAZATO, GLACIER, March 2025, photographed in Hailuoto.
Lectures and seminars

Tomorrow's wardrobe & fashion futuring

We need a fashion futuring approach and a new mindset—how we design and manufacture, and how we understand fashion—and this seminar aims to offer that.
Black background, white text. Aalto founder talks.
Academic events, Campus, Networking

Aalto Founder Talks #9: Milda Mitkute, Co-Founder of Vinted

Milda Mitkutė co-founded Vinted, turning second-hand fashion into Europe’s largest resale marketplace and a global circular economy success story.
2017_Ioncell_recycled_newspaper_Design_Marjaana_Tanttu_photo_Eeva_Suorlahti_J1A0409.jpg
Campus, Students

Take it or leave it – a recycling event open to all

Welcome to the autum 2026 Recycling Event!

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