Building a sustainable future together
Together with our partners, we will create new technological solutions, promote the business of circular economy, develop the low-carbon economic structure of regions and promote the well-being of people and the environment.
Together with business and industry, the higher education community, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and the public sector, we develop solutions to sustainability challenges and translate knowledge into practice. Our environmentally, socially, culturally and economically sustainable and responsible RDI activities strengthen our position as an attractive partner and employer. Through RDI activities, our students also play an active role in building a more sustainable future.
Sustainability work with cities and businesses
Together with our campus cities of Lahti and Lappeenranta, we share a common vision of a clean environment and a sustainable future. We actively participate in regional climate action and promote sustainable development together with businesses, public sector and other stakeholders. LAB’s Climate Action Plan sets out the actions through which we support the climate goals of both the cities and the EU Mission. The plan has also been shared with local decision-makers.
- LAB's commitment to Lahti's climate work (PDF)
- LAB's commitment to Lappeenranta's climate work (PDF)
In Lahti (European Green Capital 2021), we promote circular economy solutions, accessible recreational areas, and nature-based entrepreneurship. We are committed to Lahti’s roadmap, which aims to make the city nature-positive by 2030. Through our actions, we advance nature-positive education as well as research, development and innovation activities based on identified needs. Our goal is to support the preservation of nature’s carrying capacity, the sustainable and responsible growth of businesses, and human well-being.
In Lappeenranta (European Green Leaf 2021), we have worked with companies to develop methods for managing energy production and consumption as part of the Greenreality network.
We help companies tackle sustainability challenges by connecting them with our students’ expertise through internships, project assignments and thesis projects. Through locally developed innovations that advance sustainability in both everyday life and business, we contribute to solving global sustainability challenges. As part of our RDI activities, we organise open seminars on circular economy and responsibility themes.
Sustainability and responsibility as a cross-cutting theme in RDI
Universities of applied sciences conduct research, development and innovation activities that support working life and strengthen regional business and industry. The applied research conducted within our research groups aims to generate new knowledge and expertise, as well as to develop and commercialise solutions based on them. We help companies renew their business operations, create new opportunities for growth and innovation, and ensure that research and development results are effectively transferred into practice and brought to market.
Through our RDI activities and close collaboration with partners, we support business renewal and regional development, particularly in the Päijät-Häme and South Karelia regions. Every year, we implement nearly 200 projects within our three key competences:
Learn more about our RDI activities
ClimateGO - Pathways to Climate-Smart Governance
Luontokohteiden kulttuuriperinnöstä vetovoimaa rajaseudun matkailuun
Student Union KOE
The student union of LAB University of Applied Sciences (KOE) advocates for the interests of all LAB students and the quality of teaching. One of the most important tasks is to make students’ voices heard in the decision-making concerning them. As part of the LAB community, KOE takes sustainable development and responsibility into account in its daily operations and decision-making. The activities are also guided by the responsibility paper, introduced in 2025, which defines the principles of the student union’s internal activities and guidelines for promoting a more responsible student culture.
More info:
lab [dot] filut [dot] fi