Creative Sustainability

Re-thinking Design, Business and Chemical Engineering

Creative Sustainability (CS) is a joint Master's degree programme at the School of Arts, Design and Architecture, School of Business and School of Chemical Engineering. Established in 2010, the CS programme brings students from a variety of fields together, to study and work in multidisciplinary teams and create novel sustainable solutions for human, urban, industrial and business environments. The pedagogical approach is based on integrating teaching and research, problem-based learning, design thinking, blended learning and strong connections to practical outcomes. The graduates of the programme have the endeavour to understand and address systemic phenomena and wicked problems.

From The Test Site. Copyright Creative Sustainability.

CS Blog

Study-life, events, research projects, and more on the CS Blog:

Photograph from the CS Grad Show
Creative Sustainability

Creative Sustainability Graduation Show 2025

At this year's Arts Grad Show, held at the beginning of the academic year, visitors were captivated by the innovative works of 2025 graduates from the Creative Sustainability program. This annual showcase is a testament to the collaborative efforts of the School of Arts, Design and Architecture, the School of Business, and the School of Chemical Engineering, all united in their commitment to addressing today's pressing sustainability challenges such as climate crisis, biodiversity loss, and socio-ecological disturbances.
Students fixing a phone during the course Broken 2.
Creative Sustainability

Why do we need to learn how to repair again? Introducing Broken II, a new repair course

This blog post introduces the new Aalto course called Broken II, where students get to learn repair skills. The post was written by Creative Sustainability alumna and current Ph.D. student Goeun Park, the Co-teacher of Broken II.
Aalto foodsharing team posing for a group photo at Design Factory's kitchen.
Creative Sustainability

Introducing CS Students' Sustainability Initiatives: Aalto Foodsharing

Aalto Foodsharing is a grassroots community focused on saving and sharing food otherwise going to waste. The initiative was started in the spring of 2024 and has saved thousands of kilos of food waste. In addition to running a community fridge, the Foodsharing team organizes various events and practices advocacy around the topic. In this post, Ronja Tammenpää, one of the founders, tells us more about the inspiring and impactful community.
Students attending a Smoothies & Movies film screening in Space 21. The host it setting up the movie.
Creative Sustainability

Introducing CS Students' Sustainability Initiatives: Smoothies & Movies

Smoothies & Movies film screenings were started in the spring of 2023 by CS student Andrzej Tarasiuk. The sustainability-focused movie nights have since gathered a wide audience and included a discussion of sustainability themes in each film. This post opens up Andrzej’s initiative’s background, impact, and future.

Alumni stories, networks and collaborations:

Creative Sustainability Master's Programme

Creative Sustainability Alumni Stories

Where do our graduates work? Where to head after studies?

Creative Sustainability
The Test Site

Research groups and Networks

Research collaborations and networks of the Creative Sustainability Master's Programme

Creative Sustainability
The Test Site sign.

The Test Site

The Test Site is a student-led network of practical sustainability at Aalto University.

Creative Sustainability

News from Aalto University

Akatemiatutkija Johanna Ahola-Launonen
Research & Art Published:

Can technology save us in the sustainability transition? Five things everyone should understand about techno-optimism

Academy Research Fellow Johanna Ahola-Launonen warns us against solving the sustainability crisis solely through technology – and explains why we are so keen to do just that
A close-up of a hand holding a small wooden block with diagonal stripes and a notch in the centre, against a light background.
Press releases, Research & Art Published:

Researchers Unlock a Stronger, Greener Way to Bond Wood: Finnish pulp fiber could be used to bond wood for the construction industry

Researchers at Aalto University have developed a groundbreaking wood bonding method using primarily pulp fibers from Finnish forestry. The resulting bonding interface is twice as strong as natural wood while highly resistant to water. This breakthrough could transform sustainable construction by reducing reliance on petroleum-based adhesives.
junaraide
University Published:

Across the world by land? Fewer emissions, more experiences

Minna Halme and Hanne Savolainen explain why they decided to travel to the conference by means other than flying.
A sculpted model casting a shadow resembling Stonehenge onto a green-lit screen, with people standing nearby.
Research & Art, Studies Published:

Summer school explored sustainable alternatives for construction

The Aalto ARTS summer school challenged participants to envision a society in which it is not possible to build anything new. What would that be like, and how would it change the work of spatial actors such as architects and designers?

Events

Selection of events from Aalto University and Creative Sustainability

Invitation to 'OPEN DOOORS' event from 13:00 to 15:00, with coffee, tea, snacks, and good company.
Networking, Students

Booster Open Doors (Period II)

Join "Booster Open Doors" Wednesdays 13:00-15:00 for advice on grants & projects. Enjoy coffee, snacks, and good company!

Follow Creative Sustainability

Creative Sustainability student association Crust 

Crust is the student association of Creative Sustainability. Follow Crust here.

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