Aalto sustainability news
Carbon-based radicals at the frontier of solar cell technology
Could a single unpaired electron change the future of solar energy?

More electric car chargers added on campus
Ten new charging devices have been installed on the Otaniemi campus.

Students can receive Sustainability Action Booster expense grant for their ideas at any time
Significant impacts on sustainability culture can start with even small actions

Environmental impact of bio-based plastics may exceed fossil-based alternatives, study finds
For the environment, what really matters is the life cycle of a plastic and how it is used.

Rapid growth of solar power in Finland could crash summer electricity prices – new study warns of economic risks
Finland must rethink its power market to safeguard clean energy investments.

Researchers Unlock a Stronger, Greener Way to Bond Wood: Finnish pulp fiber could be used to bond wood for the construction industry
Researchers at Aalto University have developed a groundbreaking wood bonding method using primarily pulp fibers from Finnish forestry. The resulting bonding interface is twice as strong as natural wood while highly resistant to water. This breakthrough could transform sustainable construction by reducing reliance on petroleum-based adhesives.

Recycling campaign calls for greater effort from the Aalto community
The recycling campaign has now lasted about nine months.

Designs for a Cooler Planet awarded with a prestigious Helsinki Design Award
Designs for a Cooler Planet, Aalto University’s biggest annual exhibition showcasing the latest experiments, innovations, and prototypes by students and researchers, has received the prestigious Helsinki Design Award. The nearly two-month-long exhibition is now open on Aalto University’s campus, Espoo.

Dean rewards School of Business students for outstanding sustainability acts
The Dean's Impact Award is intended to show appreciation for contributions to sustainability and activities that reflect Aalto's values

Bio-materials “cookbook” awakens the inventor within
The hands-on projects in Marvelous Materials encourage creative experimentation using ingredients from household cupboards, nature and even your compost bin

Across the world by land? Fewer emissions, more experiences
Minna Halme and Hanne Savolainen explain why they decided to travel to the conference by means other than flying.

On the go: A new life for an old blade
Startup Reverlast repurposes discarded wind turbine blades into durable floating docks, the first of which supports a beloved community sauna on the university’s shoreline.

Money for student wellbeing: how would you spend 14 000 euros?
Submit your proposal for a participatory budgeting project to improve student wellbeing on campus by 21st September 2025. The winner of the feasible ideas will be voted on during 2025.

Advancing EDI competences across Europe
CKIR contributed to a European project advancing EDI competences. It created learning materials, organized courses and supported students’ internships.

Unite!Energy Conference – Shaping the Future of Sustainable Energy
The annual Unite!Energy Conference 2025 will take place in Espoo, Finland, bringing together researchers, industry experts, and academics to explore energy storage, hydrogen technologies, and the future of clean energy.

Submit your nomination for the Campus Sustainability Champion 2025!
The search for Campus Sustainability Champion is on again, submit your nomination!

Summer school explored sustainable alternatives for construction
The Aalto ARTS summer school challenged participants to envision a society in which it is not possible to build anything new. What would that be like, and how would it change the work of spatial actors such as architects and designers?

Annual meeting of textile chemistry group held
August 8, 2025 – The Textile Chemistry Group convened its Annual Meeting on Friday, August 8, bringing together researchers, doctoral candidates, master’s students, and interns to share their latest work in advancing sustainable textile technologies. The meeting was inaugurated and chaired by Professor Ali Tehrani, Head of the Textile Chemistry Group, who welcomed all members and emphasized the importance of collaborative research in shaping the future of the textile industry.

Alusta pavilion moved to the Aalto Campus
The giant insect hotel, Alusta pavilion invites pollinators and other species, also humans to get together.

Satellite images reveal the positive effects of restoration in the northern hemisphere peatlands
Satellite data spanning over 20 years shows that the temperature and albedo of restored peatlands begin to resemble those of intact peatlands within about a decade