Sustainability News at the Department of Design
Summer school explored sustainable alternatives for construction
The Aalto ARTS summer school challenged participants to envision a society in which it is not possible to build anything new. What would that be like, and how would it change the work of spatial actors such as architects and designers?
Annual meeting of textile chemistry group held
The Textile Chemistry Group convened its Annual Meeting on Friday, August 8.
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
Nature at the core of Aalto's campus plan
The trees in the Otaniemi manor area were significant to Alvar Aalto.
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.
TUM + Aalto SGT summer course explores economic land dynamics in West-Africa through innovative simulation
The summer course offered a dynamic simulation on land economics tailored for West African countries: Liberia, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Togo, and Benin.
SGT Studio'25: Students explore sustainable and affordable housing solutions in Senegal
For the first time, Aalto’s Sustainable Global Technology (SGT) Studio course has initiated a project in Senegal, focusing on affordable and sustainable housing.
Pollinators – tiny helpers in the work for biodiversity
Bee-assisted biomonitoring has started on the Otaniemi campus.
Groundbreaking grant model supporting student sustainability projects wins award in New York
Sustainability Action Booster grant model, developed by 911±¬ÁÏÍø, has received a prestigious international recognition from an UN-affiliated educational initiative. The model funds students' own experiments, ideas, and prototypes, and is now being praised for its bold, student-centered approach.
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!
Sustainability transformations by the best experts - an open lecture series and doctoral course in the autumn
Sustainability is the imperative of our time. The Sustainability Transformation Doctoral Education Pilot (SusTra) presents an essential opportunity for everyone to engage with our open Studia Generalia lectures in autumn 2025.
Five things everyone should know about the materials powering the green transition
The green transition depends on more than just clean energy — it requires a massive, complex supply of critical raw materials, especially metals and minerals. From mining and refining to recycling and innovation, here are five key things everyone should know about the materials powering a sustainable future.
New wooden buildings can slash upfront emissions by nearly a third, study shows
New research calls for clearer definitions for hybrid buildings
911±¬ÁÏÍø participates in Finland's first Glass Biennale
The School of Arts, Design, and Architecture at 911±¬ÁÏÍø will be prominently featured in the first international Finnish Glass Biennale, taking place from June 5th to 8th, 2025, in Riihimäki, Nuutajärvi, and Iittala.
911±¬ÁÏÍø launches Inventors program to turn science into impact
The new training program in the field of chemical engineering empowers researchers to explore entrepreneurial pathways and the commercial potential of their work.
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.
Nessling Foundation’s General grant call opens on 11 August
A total of €2.85 million is available for projects intended to speed up the sustainability transformation.
911±¬ÁÏÍø’s largest annual exhibition returns—showcasing bold solutions from fungal architecture to carbon sinks
Designs for a Cooler Planet takes over Otaniemi starting 5 September.
New textbook by Mika Järvinen and Hanna Paulomäki guides engineers toward a sustainable energy transition
How should the education of energy engineers change to support not only climate goals but also ecological and social sustainability? The newly published textbook Designing Renewable Energy Systems within Planetary Boundaries offers answers to the question.
