Sustainable LAB
Mitigating climate change is a strategic choice, and our goal is to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
In LAB's Climate Action Plan, we commit to measuring greenhouse gas emissions, setting targets and taking action to reduce emissions across all our major emission sources. These include sustainable mobility, business travel, energy consumption, heating and cooling, water use, procurement, waste management and our vehicles. We monitor our progress through regular data collection and carbon footprint calculations, which help us assess the impact of our actions.
Arene’s joint commitments help universities of applied sciences reduce emissions
To promote sustainability, Finnish universities of applied sciences have jointly developed sustainability commitments and supporting measures. The Sustainability Programme for Universities of Applied Sciences 2026–2030 by Arene provides a common framework and guides the higher education community towards a more sustainable and responsible future.
- We calculate our carbon footprint annually using Arene’s carbon footprint calculator and monitor its development over time.
- Climate and nature impacts are assessed jointly across the UAS sector. The targets are based on transparent calculations and comply with regulations on green claims.
- Through sustainability reporting, we support proactive management, transparent communication and the role of universities of applied sciences as frontrunners in sustainable development.
- Universities of applied sciences are committed to continuously reducing their carbon footprint. For Scope 1 and 2 emissions, the aim is to get as close as possible to net zero by 2030 without increasing pressure on nature.
- We promote a positive carbon handprint and nature-positive action while reducing the climate and nature impacts of universities of applied sciences.
Sustainability on our campuses
In Lahti, we operate on a modern and energy-efficient campus, renovated in the former Isku furniture factory in Mukkula. In Lappeenranta, we create new innovations at the international campus in Skinnarila, the largest higher education campus in Southeast Finland. Both of our campuses are in the immediate vicinity of student apartments, with public transport and nature nearby. We benefit from the learning facilities and systems shared with LUT University, the other half of the LUT Universities.
We will work towards our goals with the owner of our Lahti Campus property, Isku Center. We will also work continuously to reduce the energy and water consumption of the building we own on the Lappeenranta Campus and to improve waste sorting. The electricity purchased by the LAB is guaranteed by origin and is 100% renewable (VENI Energia).
Examples of sustainable practices on our campuses
- We enable our staff and students to work and study remotely, which also helps reduce the need for travel.
- We promote sustainable mobility by providing alternatives to private car use. City bike services are available in Lahti and Lappeenranta, and the Lappeenranta campus also has secure bicycle storage.
- We aim to organise events in accordance with the principles of sustainable event management. This includes, for example, coordinating event schedules with public transport services and planning climate-friendly catering.
- At the Lappeenranta campus, food waste scales measure plate waste and encourage diners to reduce it.
- Lighting in the learning and meeting spaces at the Lahti campus is controlled by motion sensors to minimise electricity consumption.
- Electric vehicle charging facilities have been expanded, and a new high-power charger is now available at the Lappeenranta campus.
Waste management and recycling
We reduce waste on our campuses and promote the circulation of materials by improving waste sorting, increasing recycling opportunities and reducing food waste. At the Lappeenranta campus, Kampusravintolat Oy actively works to reduce biowaste, and separate collection of plastic waste has been in place since 2023. We also continuously improve our waste sorting points to make recycling easier.
Biodiverse campus environment
Promoting biodiversity is part of the development of our campus areas. For example, at the Lappeenranta campus, we have increased meadow areas and planted a diverse range of perennials, shrubs and trees that support pollinators and provide habitats for different species. The front yard, renovated in 2025, also includes more permeable surfaces and green areas, which improve stormwater management and strengthen the climate resilience of the campus environment.
Sustainability in RDI activities and stakeholder cooperation
More info:
lut [dot] fi