Tampere University and TAMK publish Sustainability and Responsibility Reports – carbon footprint continues to decline
In 2025, Tampere University and TAMK reported a combined carbon footprint of 35,200 tCO₂e. Compared with 2022, when the current carbon footprint calculation model was introduced, this represents a reduction of 11%.
Tampere University’s carbon footprint amounted to 30,700 tCO2e, which is 2.5% lower than in 2024 and 14% lower than in the baseline year of 2022. The carbon footprint from travel decreased by as much as 27% compared with 2025, falling to approximately 2,900 tCO₂e. The reduction in overall emissions was especially driven by a decline in air travel and technological advancements. The carbon footprint associated with investments and research infrastructures also declined. However, emissions arising from IT purchases and other procurement activities increased. The stricter application of sustainability and responsibility criteria in procurement processes has therefore been identified as a key area for further development.
TAMK reported a total carbon footprint of 4,500 tCO2e in 2025. The carbon footprint remained broadly unchanged between 2024 and 2025. Travel-related emissions peaked in 2023 and have since fallen by 32%. Procurement-related emissions have decreased by 26% since 2023. Ongoing construction projects increased building-related emissions in 2025, resulting in a reduction of only 5.6% in the carbon footprint associated with buildings over the comparison period.
Sustainable development is closely integrated into research and education
Research undertaken within the faculties reflects the distinctive characteristics of each discipline in relation to sustainability and responsibility. The report showcases the research conducted across Tampere University to address sustainability challenges as well as the guidelines issued by the different faculties to support research that advances sustainable development.
“Research is a key source of the University’s handprint, which represents the positive contribution it makes to advancing sustainable development. The report presents a number of examples demonstrating the University’s effective and innovative approaches to advancing sustainability through research,” says Eeva-Liisa Viskari, Chief Specialist for Sustainability and ESG, who compiled the report for Tampere University. The University also invests in advancing sustainability research through its research infrastructures and research platforms.
At TAMK, the development of sustainability competencies that are relevant for students in their future professional lives is integrated into all degree programmes. The development of these competencies is monitored, among other measures, through student feedback and theses. The average score among TAMK graduates for the statement “My studies have improved my understanding of sustainability and responsibility” was 5.43 on a scale from 1 to 7. Sustainability and responsibility themes are addressed in nearly 30% of bachelor’s theses and more than 50% of master’s theses completed at TAMK. The report also highlights TAMK’s investments in social sustainability.
“The results of our staff survey showed improvements especially in the areas of responsibility, equality and the effective functioning of the work community. In addition, our student feedback indicates positive developments in perceptions of well-being, equality, fairness, the appreciation of students and access to student guidance services,” says Sustainability Specialist Eveliina Asikainen, who led the preparation of the Sustainability and Responsibility Report at TAMK.
The reports are available online:
Tampere University: Sustainable development at Tampere University | Tampere University
Tampere University of Applied Sciences: Sustainable development at TAMK | TAMK
Enquiries
Tampere University
Eeva-Liisa Viskari
Chief Specialist, Sustainability and ESG
eeva-liisa.viskari [at] tuni.fi (eeva-liisa[dot]viskari[at]tuni[dot]fi)
tel. 040 846 9452
Tampere University of Applied Sciences
Eveliina Asikainen, Senior Lecturer
eveliina.asikainen [at] tuni.fi (eveliina[dot]asikainen[at]tuni[dot]fi)
Tel. 050 5958775
