Lecturer Henna Knuutila’s handprint for the climate is visible in future experts and circular economy solutions

Henna Knuutila is working for the climate by teaching future professionals to be more sustainable. Turku University of Applied Sciences works towards sustainable development and responsibility by increasing positive impacts through education and research and reducing negative impacts, for example by mitigating emissions.

Henna Knuutila is a Climate changemaker and lecturer at Turku University of Applied Sciences.

Photos by Sini Saarinen

In her work as a lecturer, Henna Knuutila wants to give students the skills and motivation to tackle difficult global problems such as biodiversity loss and climate change.

“I teach and mentor the makers of the future. I try to give them an understanding of what it takes to mitigate climate change. I highlight what everyone can do personally through their own mobility and consumption choices,” says Knuutila.

She is also a project manager in the Circular Business Models Research Group, where he leads national and international projects to develop new solutions to promote the sustainability transition.

I am motivated by the opportunity to contribute to building a more sustainable society and to be involved in bringing important knowledge and solutions to climate change and biodiversity loss. I get to do work that matters and that aligns with my values.

Henna Knuutila
Lecturer

As a recent practical example of her work, Knuutila highlights the Secondhand Fest event organised in cooperation with students. The event, held on the campus of the Turku University of Applied Sciences, provided an opportunity to buy clothes, home textiles and furniture at a low price. The event was organised as part of the BALTIC2HAND research and development project.

“At the beginning of the autumn semester, new students have a need to have their own home with dishes, sheets and furniture, as well as wearing warmer clothing. The students found well the event organized in cooperation with Lounais-Suomen jätehuolto (Southwest Finland Waste Management) and Turun Ekotori. A soft push to re-use and extend the lifespan of the products also brought savings and good mood, “Knuutila says.

Cooperation in Turku for the climate

Henna Knuutila is the face of Turku University of Applied Sciences’ sustainability work: she is a Climate changemaker in the City of Turku’s campaign. Read Henna Knuutila’s introduction on the campaign website (in Finnish).

Climate changemakers work in companies and organisations committed to ambitious climate goals in the Turku region. The Climate Changemakers will be featured in street-side advertisements, social media and the renewed website of the City of Turku in February. Find out more about the campaign on the City of Turku website: turku.fi/ilmastonmuuttajat (in Finnish).

Climate goals are achieved together. In addition to the Climate changemakers campaign, we are involved in Turku Climate Plan 2029 and Biodiversity Programme and are committed city of Turku’s climate goals.

Smaller footprint, bigger handprint

At Turku University of Applied Sciences, we promote sustainable development by increasing our handprint, or positive impacts, and reducing our footprint, or emissions and other negative impacts.

We train people who can contribute to sustainable development and who can make society and working life more sustainable. Through research and development, we provide solutions to sustainability challenges. We act as economically, environmentally and socially responsible employers and contributors, and our staff have the knowledge and skills to promote sustainability in their work.

In terms of footprint, we are working to reduce our emissions, increase carbon sinks and prevent loss of nature.

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