STUK promotes several sustainable development goals
Since sustainability is built into the operations of the government, it is also an essential part of the operations of the Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority (STUK) as it carries out its statutory tasks for the benefit of the society. The purpose of STUK’s operations is to protect people, society, the environment and future generations from the harmful effects of radiation. STUK concludes an annual performance agreement with the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health. Sustainability work and chosen targets are a natural part of setting performance targets and evaluating performance.
In 2023, STUK promoted several themes concerning sustainable development and responsibility in its regular operations. In particular, the UN Sustainable Development Goals 3, 7 and 16 and their sub-goals (3.4, 7.1, 16.6, 16.8, 16.a) are seen as naturally linked to STUK's activities.
Goal 3: Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages
During 2023, STUK contributed to ensuring a healthy life and well-being for all ages pursuant to the UN’s goals, in accordance with its own role, through safe and legitimate radiation use control, environmental monitoring of natural radiation, radiation-related communication and by maintaining and developing preparedness and readiness for various accidents and other exceptional situations causing radiation hazards.
Goal 7: Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all
In cooperation with the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment of Finland, STUK promoted the overall reform of the Nuclear Energy Act, supervised the safety of the nuclear power plants in operation and promoted the safety of nuclear waste management by supervising the safety requirements for nuclear waste management. In addition, the monitoring has contributed to the safe construction and commissioning of the spent nuclear fuel encapsulation and final disposal facility. In order to promote Goal 7, STUK has also actively participated in international nuclear safety regulation cooperation during 2023, which will also enable the safe use of nuclear energy in Finland in the future.
Goal 16: Build effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels
STUK promoted the goal of building efficient, accountable and transparent institutions and supported the promotion of peaceful societies. STUK’s international expert service projects support the development of nuclear and radiation safety authorities in the target countries as well as the principles of good governance. During 2023, an extensive and multi-year safeguards of nuclear materials training project was launched in Africa, where STUK trains nuclear material safeguards experts in African countries. Similarly as in previous years, STUK also acts as an expert and national authority in the monitoring of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban treaty and offers its expertise in the prevention of international nuclear terrorism.
STUK's footprint on its operating environment
From the point of view of responsibility, the footprint of an organization’s existence and operations consists of their negative ecological, social and economic impact on the operating environment. The aim is to reduce the footprint of operations.
Ecological responsibility
In STUK's operations, direct adverse environmental impacts occur mainly in energy consumption, travel, waste generation and procurement. In 2022, STUK moved to Jokiniemi in Vantaa in new premises, which, compared to the previous premises, offer more efficient use of space, more energy-efficient lighting, efficient waste recycling and energy-optimised building automation. The premises make efficient use of geothermal and solar energy. The government’s goal of carbon-neutral offices by 2035 has nearly been achieved at STUK.
Social responsibility
Social responsibility is primarily about safeguarding the well-being and competence of your own organization. STUK aims to be a workplace where employees are treated fairly and equally and which provides a good working environment and community, with clear responsibilities and interesting and meaningful work tasks. STUK’s values, competence, openness, courage and cooperation, also guide the human resource management.
The government's VMBaro job satisfaction survey was conducted at STUK for the ninth time in 2023. In the survey, the total index value of 3.84 in STUK’s job satisfaction barometer increased from the level of 2022 (3.81), and continues to be better than the state’s 3.70. STUK’s employees are the most satisfied with their employer image and values, the working community’s operating culture as well as with the content of their work and opportunities to influence it. However, the area requiring most development is considered to be remuneration, but the rating has improved since 2022.
Financial responsibility
STUK uses its funds responsibly, accurately and appropriately. In its audit, the National Audit Office of Finland(NAOF) has audited STUK and ensured that STUK has complied with the state budget and that the financial statements give correct and sufficient information about STUK’s income, expenses and financial position.
In 2023, various planning measures were initiated at STUK to strengthen cost-efficient operations and a sustainable economy. The most significant of these is the goal of increasing space efficiency at the Vantaa Jokiniemi office in accordance with the objectives of the central government's premises strategy. The most important measure for implementing this is the possible location of the Customs Laboratory on the security campus in Jokiniemi, Vantaa, partly in the premises shared with STUK.
In addition to the procurement guidelines in STUK's management system, the guideline on business trips emphasizes cost savings and efforts to reduce the environmental impact in line with the government’s strategic guidelines for travel, for example, through remote meeting practices and choice of travel method. The principles of social and environmental responsibility are taken into account in procurements appropriately and are assessed on a case-by-case basis.
When we operate cost-effectively, the costs of our authroity activities remain reasonable for our customers and we will have resources for the development of our operations. We manage our finances sustainably and in the long term.