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Teaching
BSc (eng.) Energy and environmental engineering (240 ECTs) - This Finnish programme has a strong focus on circular economycircular economyA systems solution framework that tackles global challenges like climate change, biodiversity loss, waste, and pollution. It is based on three principles, driven by design: eliminate waste and pollution, circulate products and materials (at their highest value), and regenerate nature.-related issues, all of the study modules are involving the perspectives of climate change and circular economy. Examples of study modules include Societies and environment; Circular Economy and Societies, Material and environment efficiency, Sustainable energy mgt, Environmental, quality and project mgt, resource efficiency industrial management, Digital tools for Circular Economy and Applied innovation projects. (Further information).
BSc (eng.) Sustainable Solutions Engineering (240 ECTs) - Starting in autumn 2021, this programme will be taught online and students have a choice of joining intensive modules. The modules include: Environmental technologies and sustainable development, Natural and biological cycles, Sustainable material technologies, Cicular Economy and resource efficiency, Digital tools for Circular Economy, EHQS-management, Sustainable built environment, Sustainable product design, Responsible business and Circular Economy business models & Circular design. (Offered in English). (Further information).
Master’s in Urban Climate and Sustainability (MUrCS) - An Erasmus+ programme of a joint master’s degree programme, with Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU), Lahti UAS (currently LAB UAS) and University of Huelva (ES). The curriculum is based on the three main thematic areas: science, management and planning, (including modules like the Circular economy, Sustainable cities and Managing Sustainable Urban Change). All of the partner universities host modules and visiting lecturers from scientific research as well as from industry and work life, also students spend six months in each of the consortium Universities. Students have participated working based internships hosted by regional and city councils and other organisations which are connected with circular economy solutions. (Offered in English). (Further information).
MSc (eng.) Urban Sustainability (60 ECTs) - Originally started in 2012 as the master’s degree programme in ‘Sustainable Urban Planning and Climate Change’, in 2016 the name of the programme was changed into ‘MSc (eng.) in Urban Sustainability’ and also a Finnish programme was started in cooperation with the English Masters programme. The professional focus areas cover climate change, its impacts, environmental management in urban areas, collaborative urban development and planning (including GIS). Students have opportunities to choose from a range of elective studies across service design and urban design as well as in ‘future foresight’. (Offered in English and Finnish). (Further information).
Circular Economy modules (3 * 15 ECTS) (open for all) - LAB UAS offers a multidisciplinary approach to teaching the circular economy, via its Circular Economy modules which are open for all students within the Faculty of technology and in co-operation with other departments (such as design and business). The names of the courses featuring Circular Economy modules are: Sustainable society and environment, Responsible bioeconomy and Circular Economy Business modules, Sustainable materials and product design, Sustainable energy and logistics, Entrepreneurship in Circular Economy & Development projects for companies. Since 2016 approximately 400 students have participated in these modules. (Further information).
Research
The research of LAB UAS concentrates on circular economy innovations, which enable the transition towards a carbon-neutral circular economy society by closing the real-world material loops. These innovations include new technologies, smart digital solutions & business models, which promote the circulation of various technical materials including plastics, textiles, construction and demolition waste, and waste from electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE). In addition, the sustainable use of biomaterials and the development of bio-products that have high added value is another area of research. Sustainable communities and mobility provide RDI topics in cooperation with local stakeholders. The field of electric transportation systems is an emerging research and development area in the Lahti region.
The cooperation between the Technology, Design, Business and Healthcare faculties enables multi-disciplinary applied research from various circular economy perspectives. Furthermore, the involvement of citizens is engaged in LAB’s research activities. Research results have been published in international journals such as the “Journal of Cleaner Production”, Resources Conservation and Recycling” and “The Design Journal”. (The project volume of the circular economy research is over 30 ongoing projects with a total budget of 6.8 million euros).
LAB University of Applied Sciences is involved in two international circular economy projects funded by the Interreg Europe funding programme –
LAB UAS is leading the following regional projects:
LAB UAS is also one of the collaborating consortium members of FINIX – A research programme on sustainable textile systems and Telaketju network.
LAB UAS has hosted Salpausselkä geopark project since 2017 to explore options to become a member of UNESCO Global Geoparks network. Currently, the activity is placed in Lahti Region Ltd in which a specified geopark unit started in 2020. The application to the network is in process, and the geopark concept covers environmental education in different levels including kindergartens, support of local entrepreneurs, sharing information of valuable geography, nature and cultural heritage as well as sustainable tourism.
Campus management
Circular economy and energy laboratories. All LAB students study environmental issues (2 ECTS).
Collaboration & Leadership
Circular Economics - The University of Applied Sciences
- A higher education development project funded by the Ministry of Education and Culture. Along with 18 other Finnish Universities of Applied Sciences as a partner in the project
Circular Economy knowledge for UAS. (Find out more).
LAB UAS is participating in a project consortium with 6 scientific universities developing Circularity in Finland. LAB is also part of the LUT-University Consortium.
Energy and circular economy environments project
- The main objective of this project is to establish and design an energy and circular economy environment for the Lahti NiemiCampus, by implementing the regional circular economy strategy. The business environment is developed and engages with companies in the region so that LAB can provide testing and expert services for the energy and circular economy, as well as opportunities for various pilots and demonstrations. The built environment and Niemi Campus and its functions are integrated into one entity with the Green Campus concept. This project is implemented in cooperation with Lappeenranta University of Technology (LUT). (Find out more).
Connect with:
Kirsi Taivalantti, Director of the Technology Unit (Kirsi.taivalantti@lab.fi)
Pia Haapea, Principal Lecturer (pia.haapea@lab.fi)
