Latest news in this area
Subnational income inequality revealed: Regional successes may hold key to addressing widening gap globally
Income inequality is one of the most important measures of economic health, social justice and quality of life
Study: Wood is a more cost-effective building material than concrete when emissions are monetized
The costs of the wood-built school and sports hall in Myrskylä were compared to a reinforced concrete alternative — and wood proved clearly more economical when environmental impacts were assigned a monetary value.
Green factor for districts provides cities with a tool for adapting to climate change
Green factor for districts is a new tool that helps municipalities assess and strengthen green infrastructure in planning and makes the values of green infrastructure visible and comparable.
The Urban Policy Council’s First Report: Qualified Early Childhood Teachers Are More Common in Socioeconomically Advantaged Areas
The Urban Policy Council’s first report examines educational segregation in the Helsinki capital region and raises critical questions for municipalities.
Meet Hannah Hook, assistant professor of sustainable land use and transport planning
Hannah Hook explores the ways everyday travel shapes happiness and satisfaction.
Wildflower meadows to promote biodiversity
Campus outdoor areas and meadows are managed strategically, taking the growth site carefully into consideration.
What will tomorrow’s infrastructure be made of?
Construction remains a major climate culprit, yet it could also hold the key to cutting emissions. Change is already underway in infrastructure materials, as researchers, cities and companies work together to find more sustainable – even carbon-storing – ways to build.
Funding for impact assessment research concerning the Helsinki Capital region
In the 2025 call for proposals, the Urban Impact project will allocate funding for two thematic areas: Urban development research and Employment research. Research call is open until 12 September 2025.
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
Study: 70% of emissions from new buildings come from construction – and this is often overlooked
While energy efficiency and the use of renewable energy have reduced the life cycle emissions of new buildings, emissions from construction have not decreased. Preserving green areas and prioritizing timber construction would make construction more sustainable, researchers emphasize.
Pollinators – tiny helpers in the work for biodiversity
Bee-assisted biomonitoring has started on the Otaniemi campus.
Rising sea could erase a significant portion of coastal habitats in Finland
More than a fifth of coastal meadows and sandy beaches may disappear by the turn of the century.
Applications for the WiT Programme are open till June 15th!
The Aalto WiT Programme is a 3.5-month, 24 ECTS post-master’s programme, focusing on the resilience of human settlements in the Global Majority context. The application period for this Autumn is extended till June 15th. Apply now!
New academic collaboration between cities and universities brings research knowledge to decision-making
In the projects of the Kaupunkivaikutus collaboration, researchers are investigating urban nature as a means of climate adaptation, weighted-curriculum education and needs-based funding in comprehensive school, the impact of rail transport on people and businesses, and traffic disruptions.
EU Nature Restoration Law alone won’t halt urban biodiversity loss, says study
In response to accelerating environmental crises, the European Union has introduced the Nature Restoration Law (NRL). A key component of the law also mandates the restoration of urban ecosystems.
Aalto University partnering up with The European Commission at World Expo 2025 in Osaka
Aalto University has been invited to host the EU Commission's New European Bauhaus conference on sustainability, architecture and urban innovation at World Expo 2025 Osaka and online. Aalto's hybrid event focuses on future skills for building within planetary boundaries.
Wuorio Prize for Young Architects awarded to Nhung Pham
Nhung Pham's thesis addresses the adaptability of housing through game methods.
An autonomous car driving around Helsinki and Espoo helps cities solve future problems
Geospatial data can help prepare for extreme weather, floods and the degradation of roads.
“Significant proportion” of world’s rural population missing from global estimates, says study
Global population datasets, crucial for decision-making by governments and institutions, may underestimate rural populations by as much as 53% to 84%, reveals an Aalto University study.
