Sustainable development at Tampere University
To support the achievement of our sustainability goals, we have developed a Roadmap to Sustainable Development in collaboration with Tampere University of Applied Sciences. We report on the progress made in the implementation of the accompanying action plan each year.
Sustainability and responsibility reporting
Sustainability and responsibility reporting provides a knowledge base that enables our community to assess the impacts of our own activities and make informed decisions.
Sustainable development in research and education
We are committed to promoting sustainable development in our research, development and innovation activities and to finding solutions for the sustainable renewal of society. We are conducting research and development in an ethically sustainable way by adhering to sound scientific practices.
Explore how our research promotes the UN Sustainable Development Goals
We aim to ensure that all our fields of science and education contribute to the sustainable development of society. This commitment is also reflected in the learning outcomes we have defined.
Sustainable campus life
Tampere Universities promote resource-wise and environmentally friendly practices across all campuses.
We are committed to fostering sustainable practices in the use and development of campus facilities as well as in the everyday activities of the members and stakeholders of our community. For example, our campuses include dedicated spaces where items can be borrowed, rented or exchanged.
The green rooftop of the Kampusareena building on the Hervanta campus is the largest biodiversity area of its kind in Finland. Insect hotels are also integrated into the design. In summer, the roof serves as a communal meeting place, while in winter, students and children have used it for activities such as downhill skiing.
The city centre campus of Tampere University features two open-access green meadows and one green roof, created between 2019 and 2020 as part of the Campus Nature project. This initiative sought to enhance biodiversity, encourage collaboration and provide recreational opportunities. The campus nature solutions were designed and constructed in collaboration with university staff, researchers, students and other local users.
Sustainable development commitments and memberships
We have been certified under the EcoCompass environmental management system, and our certificate is currently valid until 2028. EcoCompass is based on the international ISO 14001 standard and supports the adoption and development of environmentally friendly practices. The certificate demonstrates our commitment to continuous improvement.
In October 2019, we were awarded Fairtrade University status by Fairtrade Finland. This recognition is granted to institutions that actively promote sustainable consumption and ethical trade. Maintaining the status also reflects a strong commitment to global responsibility.
As a climate partner in the Sustainable Tampere 2030 initiative, Tampere University is working towards the goal of a carbon-neutral Tampere by 2030 in collaboration with the City of Tampere and other regional stakeholders. The network comprises more than one hundred organisations from the Tampere region, all committed to reducing their climate impact and sharing experiences and best practices related to climate action.
