Advancing Climate-Neutral Research in the Arctic and Sub-Arctic Regions

The Arctic and Sub-Arctic are among the most climate-sensitive areas on Earth and play a critical role in the global climate system. Yet, research there depends on carbon-intensive infrastructures and operations due to harsh conditions and logistical constraints. The SUSTAIN-ARCTIC project addresses this dual challenge: intensifying scientific observations while reducing the environmental footprint of research infrastructures (RIs) and field activities.

Bringing together 11 institutions from 6 countries, SUSTAIN-ARCTIC will develop, demonstrate, and promote scalable technological, digital, and methodological solutions for climate- and environmentally neutral scientific operations in the Arctic. Its overarching aim is to reduce the environmental impact of RIs, optimizing resource and energy use across their life cycle. The approach integrates three perspectives: sustainable logistics, higher efficiency in field operations, and digital tools to limit physical presence without reducing observing capacity.

For remote research stations, often disconnected from energy, water, and waste networks, innovative closed-cycle solutions for production, use, and disposal will be designed and tested under real conditions. Prototypes and real-case applications will ensure reproducibility and transferability. Field activities will be optimized to reduce their footprint, complemented by digital tools such as Digital Twins, AI, and Earth Observation.

SUSTAIN-ARCTIC will also engage Arctic communities and stakeholders to co-design solutions, build societal acceptance, and secure long-term legacy. A user-oriented online platform will provide best practices, validated technologies, and practical tools for sustainable Arctic research. By integrating operational, technological, and societal dimensions, SUSTAIN-ARCTIC offers a transformative pathway to minimize the environmental cost of polar science while ensuring robust, year-round climate data collection.

Luke Ruukki research infrastructure is one of the infrastructures in the project where field and research activities are being developed to become more sustainable. In addition, Pallasjärvi and Sevettijärvi are demo sites in Finland.