Responsibility and Sustainability at the Sámi Education Institute

At the Sámi Education Institute, responsibility and sustainability are built on the Sámi worldview, cultural continuity, and strengthening the vitality of the region. Our starting point is that sustainability does not only mean environmental responsibility, but also linguistic, cultural, social, and economic sustainability. This holistic approach is described by the Sámi concept of birgejupmi, which emphasizes sufficient livelihood, the ability to live and operate sustainably in one’s own environment, and reciprocity with nature, the community, and future generations. 

It is important to us that sustainability is visible in everything we do, from teaching and learning environments to leadership and everyday practices. The birgejupmi approach is also connected to the institution’s core values. We foster a sense of community, cooperation across the Arctic region, and the transmission of traditional knowledge across generations. In practice, this means, among other things, that learning takes place through hands-on activities, observation, and participation in practical work, while the oral traditions of Indigenous peoples are preserved and passed on through storytelling, demonstration, and community-based learning. 

Our goal is to strengthen students’ capabilities to act in their own lives, communities, and working life in ways that support the continuity of a living Sámi culture and a sustainable future.

Sustainability-Promoting Projects and Partnerships

The aim of the Sámi Education Institute’s international cooperation and project activities is to preserve, support, and develop the languages, culture, and traditional livelihoods of the Sámi and other northern Indigenous peoples. During the past three decades, we have participated in more than 60 projects, many of which have had sustainability as a significant component. 

You can read more about our project activities here.

In our sustainability work, we take the Arctic perspective into account. We are increasingly aware of [SK1] our impacts on the environment and society and understand the diverse effects of climate change that we encounter. In the Sustainable development in VET in the Arctic -project, we have assessed the needs and current level of sustainable development at our institution from our own starting points, taking ecological, economic, social, and cultural sustainability into consideration. Our aim is to develop the sustainability competence of all staff and strengthen professional identity as builders of a sustainable future. 

The Sámi Education Institute participated in the Finnish National Agency for Education’s first sustainability indicators data collection in spring 2026. The sustainability indicators describe the current state and development trends of sustainability work in vocational education and training. You can access the report here.

The Sámi Education Institute is a member of the Kartalla på Kartan – network, and we have served as a member of the network’s advisory board since autumn 2025. The network implements the sustainability roadmap for vocational education and training and supports and highlights the role of educational institutions, their partners, and professionals in the sustainability transition.  

Key Sustainability Figures

The Sámi Education Institute and Senate Properties, which is responsible for the institute’s facilities, regularly monitor the environmental impacts and energy consumption of operations. 

Estimated environmental impacts of facility reforms:

• More efficient use of space reduces emissions (~65,000 kg CO₂/year)
• Consolidation of campuses reduces driving (~40,000 km / 6,300 kg CO₂/year)
• Procurement decreases as a result of centralising operations
• The number of shared facilities has been reduced as a result of centralising operations

Results from feedback surveys (2025): 

• 4.6/5 – The institution promotes sustainable development and responsibility (working life feedback)
• 4.6/5 – Preparedness to work in accordance with sustainable development in one’s profession (student feedback)
• 4.4/5 – Student wellbeing (student feedback)

Circular economy measures (2025):

• Kiertonet sales support resource wisdom
• 22,890 kg of natural resources saved
• 4,340 kg of CO₂ emissions avoided

Examples of Our Everyday Sustainability Actions

• Preserving the Sámi languages and culture
• Passing traditional knowledge on to future generations
• Arctic operating environment and cultural sensitivity are embedded in teaching
• Sámi cultural studies are included in all degree programmes
• Joint recreational days for students and staff
• Diverse use of renewable energy (ground-source heat, solar energy, pellets)
• Preference for seasonal and local food, minimising food waste
• Enhanced waste sorting in the institution and student residence
• Chemical-free cleaning using activated water
• Shared recycling and item exchange point
• Use of recycled materials in teaching (e.g. silver)
• Utilisation of by-products and reuse of materials (e.g. production facility, handicraft sectors)
• 50% of staff have completed the “Introduction to Sustainable Development” course (status 8/2026)

Contact Information

If you have any questions about our responsibility or sustainability work, please contact us.