Campus sustainability champion: concrete actions for creating hope

The Campus Sustainability Team annually awards the Campus Sustainability Champion title to a distinguished person, entity, or action. The entire Aalto community can propose nominees for the award, and this year's special theme was recycling.

The 2025 Sustainability Champion was awarded to the Planetary Practices Workshops series. The rationale was the workshops' ability to provide tangible hope and the opportunity for everyone to contribute to a more sustainable future. The workshops were initiated through an open call inviting students from various backgrounds and fields of study to propose a skill or topic they were excited to share. Whether it was repairing electronics or clothing, preparing a vegan meal from leftovers, or engaging in meaningful discussions, the workshops were based on the idea that everyone has something valuable to teach and learn. Based on the proposals, monthly, free workshops were organized throughout the year for all Aalto University students. The materials, setups, and basic refreshments were funded by the Aalto University Sustainability Action Booster program.

Because there were so many good proposals this year, the Campus Sustainability Team decided to also grant two honorable mentions. The first honorable mention was awarded to Building Manager Ilpo Korhonen, who has promoted sustainable development practices through his daily work. He has efficiently organized the recycling and resale of decommissioned research equipment alongside his regular duties. The second honorable mention went to the annual "Take it or leave it" low-threshold recycling event open to everyone in the lobby of the Undergraduate Center. The event is primarily coordinated by the lobby service team at Otakaari 1.

The awards were given at the Sustainability Action Expo in October. The Campus Sustainability Team extends its congratulations!

Do you already know a person, entity, or action deserving of the Campus Sustainability Champion title? The award is presented annually, so please contact the Campus Sustainability Team!