Wise foresight strengthens the future of the campus
Wise foresight helps us to identify how a changing climate may affect campus buildings, the environment and people’s everyday lives. Climate risks refer to the direct and indirect impacts of climate change on people, human activities and natural ecosystems.
Based on a risk assessment carried out for the campus area, recommendations and measures were drawn up to prepare for these risks. In addition, the constraints affecting the implementation of these measures were identified and a preliminary timetable for them was outlined. The results provide guidelines for the long-term development of the campus and will help to focus more detailed risk assessments on individual properties and different risk themes in the future.
The study utilised the TCFD (Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures) framework, which is an international framework for identifying, reporting on and adapting to climate-related risks and opportunities.
Summary of the identified impacts of physical climate risks
The list sets out examples of identified impacts.
- Heat due to deficiencies in sun protection and cooling
- Growing cooling demand of research infrastructure
- slipperiness caused by freezing and thawing cycles
- moistening of brick façade joints
- roof load caused by snow
- insufficient stormwater management
- challenges for plants and animals caused by the reduction of snow cover
- insufficient stormwater management
- mould, bacteria and other microbes
- Flooding of outdoor areas and basement floors
- service disruptions
- effects of wind gusts on glass structures
- increased risk of trees falling
- dust formation and weakening of natural capital
- erosion damage
Combined effects of multiple risks
- Deterioration of facades due to changes in temperature, rainfall and wind
- Indoor air problems due to changes in temperature and rainfall
- Decline in the campus’s natural capital due to heat, drought, storms and biological risks
Climate work also creates new opportunities
According to the climate risk assessment, preparing for climate change is not just about managing risks, but it can also open up new opportunities for the campus. Well targeted investments can in the long term bring cost savings, strengthen the campus’s attractiveness and create new conditions for research, teaching and collaboration. The campus can be seen, for example, as a research and development platform where the functionality of new operating models can be assessed in practice.
Foresight strengthens competitiveness
A well-designed and climate-resilient campus makes life on campus more pleasant and enhances the positive user experience. Biodiversity can not only improve, for example, stormwater management, but also turn the campus into a pleasant oasis for its users. Finland’s relatively cool and stable climate may, in the future, also enhance the campus’s appeal from the perspective of international researchers and students.
The importance of preventive maintenance is emphasised so that buildings and technical systems will withstand changing weather conditions in the future as well. At the same time, it is important to identify the campus research infrastructures that are particularly sensitive to the impacts of climate change.
Work to develop a climate-resilient campus continues
The climate risk assessment proposes further measures through which the campus's climate resilience can be gradually strengthened in the coming years. The aim is to develop the campus in a long-term way so that it can respond even better to the challenges of a changing climate.
Key follow-up measures include developing the design and maintenance of the campus’s outdoor areas to support climate resilience, as well as strengthening community-based approaches. For example, the effects of heat can be mitigated by planting more trees, installing sunshades on windows and, where necessary, using mechanical cooling.
Cooperation between different stakeholders will continue to play a key role. The Aalto community’s research expertise can be utilised in various trials or development projects. Cooperation will also continue with the City of Espoo, the National Board of Antiquities and the Alvar Aalto Foundation to ensure the climate resilience of buildings of cultural and historical value.
Preparing for climate risks supports the preservation of property values. At the same time, active research and development strengthens Aalto’s position as a pioneer in climate solutions and increases opportunities to participate in societal discussion and to produce new knowledge about the impacts of a changing climate.
The climate risk assessment was carried out in 2025 with Sitowise Oy as the expert partner. The Aalto community was involved in the study. Preparedness for climate risks is assessed regularly as part of long-term property planning (PTS).
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