Xamk supports the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals with its work and raises the flag

“Our core work, which includes education and research, development, and innovation activities, builds a more sustainable future. Through these efforts, we develop new solutions, build expertise, and simultaneously influence societal development,” says Xamk’s sustainability coordinator Vappu Kunnaala-Hyrkki.

Xamk’s sustainability work is guided by the UN’s Agenda 2030 and its 17 Sustainable Development Goals. The UN’s Agenda 2030 aims to eradicate extreme poverty and achieve sustainable development that equally considers the environment, economy, and people.

Xamk has assessed which goals it can most significantly impact through its activities and has identified three key goals: quality education, sustainable industry, innovation and infrastructure, and sustainable cities and communities. Although these three goals are at the core of Xamk’s sustainability work, all the goals of the Agenda are considered in its operations. Xamk’s sustainability development is guided by its sustainability program.

Education builds a sustainable future

“Our goal is for students to acquire the necessary knowledge and skills to promote sustainable development in their future careers during their studies. The principles of sustainable development are integrated into degree programs as part of a new pedagogical development program,” Kunnaala-Hyrkki explains.

Additionally, Xamk supports student participation, influence opportunities, and strives for student-centered education.

“We want to hear the students’ voices. We are working together to make our university community better by supporting the influence and participation opportunities of both staff and students. Students actively participate in development and quality work, among other things. They are involved in the board of the South-Eastern Finland University of Applied Sciences, various working groups, and development forums. Additionally, various feedback channels and surveys support students’ influence opportunities.

RDI activities support sustainable development

Xamk’s research, development, and innovation activities are strongly linked to the Sustainable Development Goals.

“We develop solutions that accelerate the circular economy and low-carbon construction, seek solutions to the challenges of the energy transition, develop impactful welfare services, responsible food services, and promote equal and participatory youth, to name a few,” Kunnaala-Hyrkki notes.

In 2024, Xamk’s RDI projects covered a total of 16 of the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals. The projects were particularly focused on promoting sustainable industry, innovation and infrastructure, and decent work and economic growth.

Sustainability impacts are assessed already in the preparation phase of projects, where the sustainable development goals supported by each project are defined. This approach ensures that RDI activities broadly support societal impact.

Greenhouse gas emissions near zero

“Xamk has been actively working on climate action and has succeeded in reducing its greenhouse gas emissions. The university calculates its carbon footprint annually using a common calculator developed by the Rectors’ Conference of Finnish Universities of Applied Sciences (Arene). The calculator is based on the GHG Protocol used for measuring and reporting international greenhouse gas emissions,” Kunnaala-Hyrkki explains.

In particular, Xamk’s Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions are near zero. Scope 1 refers to direct emissions, such as those from vehicle fuel use. Scope 2 covers indirect emissions related to purchased electricity, heating, or cooling.

Concrete actions on campuses

Sustainability is not a separate part of Xamk’s operations but is concretely visible in the daily lives of students and staff.

Many other practical actions are also taken on campuses to support sustainable development, equality, and community.

“At Xamk, sustainable mobility is supported by organizing bicycle maintenance events and maintaining a carpooling channel. Equality has been promoted by investing in staff equality competence, creating Xamk’s own safer space principles, and participating in various campaigns such as Discrimination-Free Zone and Pride,” Kunnaala-Hyrkki says.

Read more about Xamk’s sustainability work