Green strategy of Tallinn University of Technology 2023-2035

Vision

The cornerstones of Tallinn University of Technology are smart solutions and technologies for creating a digital and climate-neutral future to ensure the competitiveness of the Estonian economy and industry. The university is a leader and trailblazer for Estonia’s green transition.

Objective

Through the development of technologies, education and research, we contribute to the green transition, fostering the growth of the Estonian economy and society, while also developing an environmentally friendly university. The Green Strategy describes the objectives and key performance indicators necessary to achieve a climate-neutral university by 2035. We exemplify change by modernising all university activities with an aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions on our campuses.

A prerequisite for the green transition is taking university cooperation to a new level in research, education and entrepreneurship. The basis and background of the Green Strategy framework are derived from the main national and European Union policy documents related to the green transition. The university contributes to the implementation of the ‘Green Transition Trends and Scenarios in Estonia’ (2023) and the ‘Green Transition Action Plan 2023–2025’ with its strategic development areas and, in collaboration with enterprises, plays a leading role in finding the best solutions for the state.

The Green Strategy specifies the goals and key performance indicators of the Strategic Plan of Tallinn University of Technology. The strategy involves two stages: in the first stage, the overarching development areas and short-term targets supporting the green transition are set until 2025, and in the second stage, the long-term sustainability targets are set until 2035. The university will strengthen its research and development co-operation with its strategic partners to collectively accelerate the provision of competitive technological solutions both in Estonia and globally. A solution-oriented approach entails the consideration of user needs in the development of technology to further facilitate the commercialisation and introduction of competitive technologies.

               • Development areas

The European Green Deal has established a framework of activities that serves as the basis for the transition of the European economy towards a more sustainable future and the achievement of climate neutrality by 2050.  Therefore, the university’s development areas align with the topics addressed in the Green Deal. The development areas implemented in the fields of science, technology and entrepreneurship within the framework of the Green Strategy (hereinafter referred to as “development areas”) are as follows:

1. Clean, affordable and secure energy
2. Circular economy
3. Energy and resource efficient construction and renovation
4. Pollution-free environment and transport
5. Healthy and environmentally friendly food system
6. Climate-neutral and smart cities, and mobility
7. Green transition economic models
8. Green and digital twin transition

             • Objectives of the Green Strategy

The objectives and key performance indicators are classified according to the areas of activity defined in the Strategic Plan: a university teaching how to solve real world problems, a university engaged in high-quality research, a key driver of economy, sustainable university. Tallinn University of Technology also plays a significant role in educating society about emerging green technologies.