Sustainability in stakeholder cooperation

Societal interaction is one of the university's three main missions, besides scientific research and academic education. LUT also embraces research collaboration with businesses. We develop technological solutions for a sustainable future with our strategic industrial partners. We are trailblazers in promoting the energy transition and the regenerative use of natural resources, and we help build resilient communities, industry, and businesses through data, research, and education. 

Around 3–5 research-based spin-off companies are founded every year, and LUT actively applies for patents. The university's Green Campus Open supports the commercialization of research. Green Campus Open cooperates with capital investors and experts at Business Finland to enable Research to Business project teams to turn their scientific research results into commercial business activity, startups and spinoff companies. Such projects have played a key role in commercializing LUT's research-based sustainable business ideas. In addition, the investment company Green Campus Innovations provides seed funding for the research. Our business ecosystem also comprises the proto lab Jamie Hyneman Center and the student-led entrepreneurship community LUTES.

LUT is represented in two independent scientific panels appointed by the Prime Minister’s Office. LUT’s professor Lassi Linnanen chairs the Expert Panel for Sustainable Development (2023-2027), and professor Risto Soukka is a member in the Climate Change Panel (2024–2027). The panels provide independent reports and scientific data to support decision-making regarding sustainable development and climate adaptation. LUT also plays a role in informing governmental bodies and public administration, such as Business Finland, in matters involving green hydrogen and renewable energy. 

LUT is also involved in versatile cooperation and SDG policy development with other regional, national and global players. Together with the Marjatta and Eino Kolli Foundation, we have founded the Metsä360 recognition award to highlight actions aimed at increasing the added value gained from Finnish forests.

• Together with our campus cities Lappeenranta (Finnish Climate Capital) and Lahti (European Green Capital), we promote the goals of a clean environment. LUT's Climate Action Plan is shared with the cities to jointly reduce carbon dioxide emissions, and we support the climate work and the EU Mission goals of the cities. We have signed the agreement on the joint ambition and commitments as formulated in the European Climate City Contract of the City of Lahti's and the City of Lappeenranta.
• Goals for energy efficiency in campus buildings are shared with the property owners, University Properties of Finland (SYK) and Isku Center.
• We're working with Lappeenranta Student Housing Foundation (LOAS) to build Finland's greenest student housing community.
• Thanks to the Junior University activities, all age groups from children in early childhood education to high school students learn how to reduce their water footprint and carbon footprint. They are also encouraged to search for solutions for how to contribute to the climate change and how to boost businesses to be more sustainable. In 2020, the International Sustainable Campus Network (ISCN) awarded LUT Junior University the best sustainable development cooperation model. 

Students are our key stakeholders. Our students influence the university's decision-making and organize student activities on the campuses through the Student Union of LUT University (LTKY). The student union has released its own responsibility guidance paper and supports students' well-being in many ways. LTKY also takes a wider influencer role in the student movement to promote responsibility. Read here about the resources and professionals at LUT group who help and guide our students in various study-related issues.