SeAMK implements environmentally friendly practices in the context of the Erasmus+ programme
According to its strategy, Seinäjoki University of Applied Sciences (SeAMK) tries to support and focus on the implementation of environmentally friendly and sustainable practices in all its operations. The aim is to bring sustainability and circular economy as a cross-cutting theme in both teaching and RDI activities as well as in everyday operations of SeAMK. The goals are set in the university level strategy, which aims at SeAMK becoming carbon neutral by 2030.
SeAMK has a very positive and forward-looking attitude towards the environmentally friendly principles and practices possibly defined by the new Erasmus Programme during the coming years. More environmentally friendly forms of international mobility, such as virtual mobility and blended mobility, beside the semester-long physical mobilities, are already included as part of SeAMK’s internationalisation action plan to a greater extent in the coming years.
Greener travelling
Environmental protection being an important part of SeAMK’s strategy, SeAMK is very committed to communicating the more environmentally friendly options in the context of Erasmus+ programme, such as using more sustainable modes of transportations (options to flying, direct flights and compensation) and the use of electronic study material, for eaxmple, to both students and staff. The promotion takes place in SeAMK’s communication channels, events, and info sessions.
Responsibility is one of SeAMK’s core values, which includes caring about the environment and encouraging students to assume responsibility. SeAMK tries to act according to this in its international activities (mobilities and RDI) and is very willing to promote these practices in the framework of European and global cooperation.
Carbon neutral by 2030
To promote our sustainability and responsibility work, we have committed to increase our handprint and reduce our footprint. Our handprint will be increased by expert personnel in education as well as in RDI. SeAMK’s aim is to be carbon neutral by the year 2030. Actions connected with CO2 emission reduction are related to commuting and travelling, real estate, food services, and procurements.
In addition to direct environmental and sustainability goals, SeAMK aims at further enhancing the digitalisation in all activities to increase accessibility, inclusivity, and sustainability. Digitalisation goals encompasses administrative operations as well. International Mobility Services Team uses an online application and management system of mobilities. SoleMove-programme is already in use for incoming and outgoing student mobilities, and it will be adopted in staff mobilities. The use of this online system reduces, for example, the amount of needed paper prints. In addition to online systems, the use of electronic signatures and the development of European Student Card Initiative (including Erasmus Without Paper) are important further development steps towards more environmentally friendly ways to handle procedures and documents at SeAMK.