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Aalto University's emissions have almost halved since 2023, according to the university’s latest carbon footprint calculation. Aalto University has consistently worked to reduce its emissions, and emissions have continued to decrease, even though the number of students and staff has increased.

In emission reduction measures, special attention has been paid to energy use and sources. The university has largely shifted to certified emission-free energy, which has had a significant impact. Additionally, wise energy use and energy efficiency are continuously invested in.

In 2024, the university's biggest sources of emissions were procurement, commuting, business travel, and purchased energy. Compared to 2023, significant reductions occurred not only in energy procurement but also in construction and renovation. Emission calculations have been verified according to the ISAE4310 standard.

Building a sustainable future is at the core of Aalto's strategy. Aalto is strongly committed to sustainability actions, and on May 8, 2025, the leadership of the university refined the university's emission targets. 

The university aims for net-zero emissions in the GHG Protocol’s Scope 1 and 2 categories by 2030. In the Scope 3 emissions, the goal is to halve them by 2035. Scope 1 includes direct emissions from own energy production, refrigerants, and owned and leased vehicles. Scope 2 includes greenhouse gas emissions from the production of purchased and consumed energy. Scope 3 includes all other indirect greenhouse gas emissions that result from the organisation's activities, such as travel, commuting, and procurement. Goal setting related to investments and service procurement will be added at a later stage as calculation methodologies for emissions develop.

In addition to reducing climate impacts, Aalto University is committed to reducing other environmental impacts of its operations and encourages the community to participate in sustainability efforts in various ways. In campus area management, the university increasingly concentrates on nature’s resilience, biodiversity, and the specific species of habitats.

The goals that have now been set are ambitious and especially reducing indirect Scope 3 emissions is challenging. There are no easy savings targets, but emission reduction measures are developed in every aspect of the university's operations. Special attention is paid, for example, to travel emissions and sustainable commuting.

"Strengthening sustainability is not only a necessity but also an opportunity to develop operational methods and radical sustainability solutions. We need to rise to the challenge," says President Ilkka Niemelä.