The report relates the effects of LUT's research, education and other activities on sustainable development.
LUT University’s sustainability report details how the university’s teaching, research, engagement with society, and campus activities contributed to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. LUT advances sustainability through its three schools: LUT Business School, the LUT School of Energy Systems, and the LUT School of Engineering Sciences, which also encompasses social and communication sciences.
Rector Juha-Matti Saksa emphasises scientific freedom in the report’s foreword:
“Free research not only produces new knowledge but also questions and explains phenomena in a way that no single entity or actor can control. It’s what makes our work credible, impactful, and internationally competitive.”
Impact comes from research, education, and collaboration
In summer 2025, LUT published its new strategy, System Earth 2030, which refers to our planet as a complex system of connected parts, each playing a vital role in maintaining balance and healthy ecosystems. The university’s environmental handprint consists of positive impacts that society and companies make on the environment as an outcome of LUT’s education and research.
The report presents several initiatives and studies related to climate change, clean water, energy systems, natural resource use, and sustainable business. For instance, LUT deepened its collaboration with its campus cities and local businesses. LUT’s Junior University reached about 15,000 children and young people.
Sustainability efforts on campuses continue
LUT updated its Climate Action Plan for 2025–2030. LUT’s carbon footprint consists nearly entirely of indirect emissions (99.8%). The university will continue to pursue net zero emissions by 2050 in accordance with the Race to Zero for Universities. The most important partners in the reduction of indirect emissions are campus restaurants, business travel services, and campus property owners. Emissions from restaurant services, business travel, and IT procurement declined in 2025.
The Lappeenranta campus redesigned the grounds around its main entrance in a way that emphasises community and environmental sustainability, including stormwater drainage adapted to changing climate conditions and measures that support biodiversity.
“The university’s growth increases commuting, business travel, the use of restaurant services, and electricity consumption. We’re aiming to strike a balance in managing these sustainability challenges and hope our staff and students will continue to make eco-friendly choices that lower emissions,” says Hanna-Leena Ottelin, sustainability manager at LUT.
More information:
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Hanna-Leena Ottelin
Sustainability Manager
Performance guidance and planning
