Carbon neutrality by the end of 2025 is a new goal set by the University of Eastern Finland. The university will have its carbon footprint calculated already this year, and concrete measures to reduce it will be planned accordingly. Already before, the university has taken several steps towards carbon neutrality.
Through its strategy for 2021–2033, the University of Eastern Finland builds a responsible and sustainable future. The objectives of the university’s climate policy and strategic implementation programme include the achievement of climate neutrality by the end of 2025.
“This is will be a tough goal to reach, but we want to do our part in promoting an important cause. The university is also home to solid expertise and research in this field, allowing us to benefit from them. Our solutions are rooted in research-based knowledge,” says Director of Administration Tuomo Meriläinen, who leads the university's working group for climate neutrality.
A kick-off event of the Climate Neutral UEF 2025 project was held on 4 June. The university has appointed working groups to chart the carbon emissions of its facilities, procurements, travel, restaurant services and laboratories, and to brainstorm for ideas on how to reduce them. In addition, one working group focuses on science communication that promotes carbon neutrality. Besides the university’s own experts, the working groups have stakeholder representatives, including from the Student Union, University Properties of Finland Ltd., and restaurant services.
“This work will give us a good picture of where we stand now, and what are the steps we need to take over the next four years to achieve our goal.”
Meriläinen believes that the university’s efforts to achieve climate neutrality are also significant for its brand from the viewpoint of current and prospective students and employees. “Here, too, we want to be at the front line.”
The University of Eastern Finland has taken determined steps to reduce environmental harm already for a long time. Over the past few years, the university has switched to 100% renewable energy and begun carbon offsetting, among other things. This year, recycling of consumer plastic waste was begun at the university’s campuses.
For further information, please contact:
Director of Administration Tuomo Meriläinen, tuomo.merilainen (a) uef.fi, tel. +358 40 355 2299
Coordinator Maiju Eskelinen, Carbon Neutral UEF 2025 project, maiju.eskelinen (a) uef.fi, tel. +358 50 338 0827
Quality Coordinator Saila Vaittinen, saila.vaittinen(a) uef.fi tel. +358 40 564 8985
Sustainable development and responsibility at the University of Eastern Finland
