Sustainability, Responsible and Carbon- neutral University of Applied Science

Abstract

Today the world is suffering from environmental issues and every country and institution need to work together towards a more sustainable future. In response to these rising issues, Finnish universities of applied sciences are also working together on sustainability and carbon neutrality. The rector’s council Arene is taking responsibility and coordinating among the institution. This thesis explores and covered the Novia tech policies and its execution towards carbon neutral, and maturity level of sustainability. The thesis began with collection of the resources from Arene, Novia and literature. According to the analysis requirement thesis has two parts: a survey and literature or fact analysis. The survey was carried out among the teaching and non-teaching staff of Novia tech, respondents answer 16 different questions related to sustainability. This thesis work concludes with perceived maturity level of the sustainability into four different sector education, RDI, management and carbon footprint in support of the Arene matrix. Additionally, the thesis also presented the action implemented within Novia to achieve the goal of carbon neutrality like electric car, saving water, less travel etc. The thesis highlights the importance of sustainability course, sustainability-focused curricula, and active engagement of students, faculty, and staff in sustainability initiatives. The research concludes with some suggestions for achieving the carbon neutrality like policies, guidelines, training, pamphlet etc. Apart from this this, the Thesis also suggested a dedicated group for measuring, monitoring and handling the carbon footprint. These finding would be definitely supportive for Novia to become a carbon neutral by their targeted time and can also play a pivotal role in addressing climate change, sustainable practices, and educating and sharing knowledge about sustainability to the society.