Ten years of Agenda 2030 – Arcada steps up its sustainability work

Sustainability and social responsibility permeate all activities at Arcada and are visible in education, research, organisational culture as well as on campus. As part of intensifying its sustainability efforts, Arcada is joining the Climate University network. The national network consists of higher education institutions and other stakeholders working to promote education on climate and sustainability in higher education and society.

‘Climate University offers courses related to sustainable development, which can be taken as open studies or as part of a degree,’ says Erica Adlercreutz, Senior Lecturer in International Business and Logistics, and coordinator of the network at Arcada.

The purpose of the network is to educate people with the skills that society needs to address the challenges of climate change and the sustainability crisis.

Sustainability in education and research 

With new opportunities to develop competences in sustainable development, Arcada’s ambition is to ensure that its students and employees have both the ability and the willingness to work for sustainability, locally and globally.

All degree programmes at Arcada have updated curricula that clearly link to one or more of the SDGs. Through their studies, students also gain sustainability competences and professional ethical awareness from an early stage.

Research has also taken on a clearer sustainability focus. All research projects report how they relate to at least one of the SDGs. The aim is to increase transparency and make Arcada's research efforts even more relevant to society's transition.

Systematic environmental work 

On the anniversary, Arcada, along with thousands of other actors around the world, is showing its commitment to the SDGs by raising the flag for the Sustainable Development Goals. The symbolic celebration is part of a broader, ongoing effort that continues throughout the year.

Since 2011, Arcada has been certified under the WWF's Green Office programme, which means working in a structured way to reduce the ecological footprint. Among other initiatives, Arcada has set clear targets for the consumption of electricity, heating, water and paper, and monitors the results annually. In addition, Arcada The higher education institution has also installed solar panels on campus that produce climate-friendly electricity, especially during the brighter months of the year.

Through various theme weeks and campaigns, for example on food waste, sustainable consumption and waste sorting, awareness and engagement among both students and staff are increased. To promote sustainable transport choices, students and staff are also encouraged to cycle.

In this way, Arcada's commitment to sustainable development is integrated into education, research, and everyday activities.