The company has granted two recognition awards of 750 euros from its scholarship fund to graduates of Lapland University of Applied Sciences.

Kemijoki Oy annually awards distinguished theses completed at Lapland University of Applied Sciences that consider and support the special characteristics of the northern operating environment, regional vitality and development prospects.

The recognition award worth 750 euros was received by Carla Johnson, a BBA graduate, who studied the challenges of implementing and certifying sustainable development in an Arctic operating environment in her thesis. The research addressed the topic through tourism companies in Salla.

The results of the thesis showed that the biggest challenges to implementing sustainable development in Salla’s Arctic operating environment are caused by long distances and frosty seasons, both of which affected the carbon footprint and energy efficiency of tourism companies.

“I am really taken by the recognition award. During my studies, I became interested in topics related to responsibility and studying the Arctic environment, and it felt great to receive recognition for my work dealing with these topics,” Carla says with satisfaction.

Another 750-euro award went to Vilho Hietala, who graduated as a Bachelor of Civil Engineering (B.C.E.). In his thesis, he studied the current state and opportunities of circular economy business in the construction sector in Finland, focusing on the reuse and recycling of construction materials.

The results of Vilho’s thesis can be used in the development of legislation and operating models. According to research findings, the market for the reuse of construction materials is developing but still faces significant challenges.

“The award is very heartwarming, as it is also a recognition of the significance of the research topic. Circular economy seemed like a natural research topic, because I consider the topic important and I want to contribute to more sustainable solutions,” says Vilho.

The scholarship fund’s recognition awards are part of the diverse educational cooperation between Kemijoki Oy and Lapland University of Applied Sciences. The purpose of the recognition awards is to encourage students and recognize them for their long-term work. The students at the university of applied sciences manage the scholarship fund, which has been in operation since the late 1990s, and the investments as a project, from which they receive study credits.