Ecological sustainability policy has been updated – AYY transitions to a plant-based policy
At its meeting 22/2024, AYY Board approved the updated sustainable development policy, which will be referred to as the ecological sustainability policy from now on. The policy particularly emphasises the consideration of the environmental perspective, that is, ecological sustainability, in the student union’s events, meetings, purchases, and travel. The guidelines include concrete ways to better implement the ecological values defined in AYY’s strategy and policy paper in the student union’s daily operations.
‘Ecological sustainability has been visible in the student union’s strategy and policy paper for a long time. By updating the policy, AYY is taking important steps in aligning its operations with the direction set by our values. I hope that AYY can serve as a forerunner and inspiration both within the Aalto community and beyond’, rejoices Wilma Branders, AYY Board Member responsible for sustainable development.
In preparing the policy, efforts have been made to consider the comprehensive environmental impacts of our activities and effects on biodiversity, for example. As a new guideline, AYY’s events will offer plant-based food and drinks, as well as Fair Trade coffee and tea. However, the policy may be adjusted if necessary to accommodate allergies and special diets. Additionally, food waste will be minimised by making a plan before an event. Thirty percent of ship and air travel costs will be donated to environmental activities, with the recipient chosen annually by AYY Board.
The ecological sustainability policy applies to all AYY operators and collaborations. The policy will be implemented in stages, starting at the turn of the year. You can explore the policy in more detail here.
Further information:
Wilma Branders, Board Member, AYY
+358 40 824 4118
Sonja Naalisvaara, Advocacy and Communications Manager, AYY
+358 50 461 0314
Read more news
AYY is taking steps to improve equity in its operations – new equity plan approved by RepCo
Aalto University Student Union has an equity plan, first in AYY’s history, that was approved in the Representative Council meeting on 21.11.2024. Equity plan will guide AYY towards more accessible and inclusive ways for our students to participate in AYY’s events and operations.
Good news for residents in shared apartments: Here’s how you can receive your own housing allowance while living in a friends’ apartment!
A joint liability rental agreement may affect the housing allowance, as Kela typically grants only one housing allowance for a shared household, which is influenced by the income of both residents. However, residents in friends’ apartments may receive separate housing allowances if Kela reviews them as separate households. This requires tenants with a joint liability rental agreement to draft a mutual possession agreement for the apartment and submit it as an appendix with their housing allowance application to Kela. Tenants draft the possession agreement by themselves.
The contract for the Otakaari 15 student housing project has been signed
Aalto University Student Union and Varte Ltd have signed an agreement for a student housing construction project in Otaniemi, Espoo. The project will be implemented on Otaniemi campus area at Otakaari 15, on a plot bordering Martti Levón Park. The project includes the construction of 153 student apartments in a residential building with 4–6 floors and 3 staircases. The total floor area of the building will be 4,465 m2. The property will also include geothermal heating and a solar power system with a capacity of 30 kWp.