Eco-Lighthouse
In 2022, we began the journey toward Eco-Lighthouse certification for SiO. Our headquarters, the Domus Athletica gym, and our student housing are already certified. By 2024, all of SiO will be certified.
As part of the Eco-Lighthouse work, we are establishing a climate account. Our ambition is to cut emissions by 50% by 2030 and to be close to net zero by 2050.
So far, SiO’s climate accounting shows that student housing energy use is our largest footprint. In 2023, we investigated greener energy solutions and energy efficiency measures to reduce this footprint.
Business for Climate
SiO has joined Oslo Municipality’s Business for Climate network. The agreement was signed in June 2023.
Eco-friendly student housing and sustainable construction
SiO continues to build new student housing, with a strong focus on environment and sustainability.
Studenthouses in sustainable timber
Several student houses at Kringsjå Student Village are built in cross-laminated timber, an environmentally friendly material. These houses are also part of the Futurebuilt-project, which significantly reduces emissions from transport, energy, and materials. The new family housing at Kringsjå produces more energy during its lifetime than was used in the production of building materials, construction, operation, and demolition.
Solar and geothermal energy for student housing
Solar panels on roofs and walls at Kringsjå provide enough electricity to make buildings self-sufficient during parts of the year. We also use geothermal energy from the village’s own wells, mainly to heat water.
Member of the Green Building Alliance
SiO is a member of Norway’s Green Building Alliance Green Building Alliance and has committed to the 10 recommended actions in their Roadmap to 2050, aiming for greener housing operations and construction.
Pilot Project: reMadrass
Every year, hundreds of students move in and out of our housing facilities. As a result, large numbers of mattresses and mattress toppers are discarded and sent for incineration.
Cleaning and reusing mattresses can save several tonnes of waste
A single mattress topper can account for around 50 kg of CO₂e, in addition to generating significant amounts of residual waste and plastic.This is something we have wanted to address for a long time. That is why SiO has launched a partnership with reMadrass, with support from the Norwegian Retailers’ Environment Fund (Handelens Miljøfond).Together, we will collect, clean, and reuse mattresses and mattress toppers, starting at Kringsjå Student Village. The mattresses will be delivered to reMadrass for cleaning and reuse instead of ending up as residual waste and being incinerated. This gives us the opportunity to reduce both our environmental impact and our costs.
As part of the pilot project in summer 2026, an impressive 500 mattresses, weighing a total of 8 tonnes, were collected at Kringsjå Student Village!
Sustainable food offerings at SiO Food and Drink
We are committed to reducing our environmental footprint. SiO Food and Drink focuses on cutting food waste and using recyclable packaging. Read more here!
58 tons of food saved in 2023
Our staff do their best to avoid food waste, using whole vegetables, making broths, and redistributing ingredients. Youfood like hot food and salad by weight, helps reduce waste by letting students choose exactly what they eat.
Green Buffet
We lowered the price of plant-based food. Our experience shows that students choose more climate-friendly food when it’s cheaper and sold by weight. This project has been highlighted in Norway’s public procurement example bank example bank for sustainable and innovative initiatives. 🥦
Organic coffee in our cafeterias
We now serve Green World Organic Coffee, Debio-certified Debio-certified and grown without chemical pesticides or artificial fertilizers.
We signed the Green Commitment (Grøntløftet)
This national initiative promotes Norwegian fruit and vegetables. It supports our goal of offering healthy and tasty plant-based meals to students.
Food waste well below industry average
In 2023, our 32 student dining venues reduced food waste to 12.3 grams per guest—one-third of the industry average of 39 grams.
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Brukthjørnet – a thrift shop for students
SiO operates two reuse shops (“Brukthjørnet”) – one at Kringsjå and one at Sogn. Brukthjørnet is not like just any other second-hand shop. Everything here is free! If you find something you like, you can take it home without paying a single krone.Most of the items in the shop have been collected from students who have moved out of one of our student housing units, but some are also donated by the local community or collected from Oslo’s recycling stations.
Sustainability events – join in, learn something new, and get inspired
SiO organizes several events throughout the year with a focus on sustainability. Keep an eye on the event calendar for the next one!
Bike repair with Oslo City Bike (Oslo Bysykkel)
We want to make it easier for students to cycle in Oslo by offering free bike servicing in the spring. We collaborate with Oslo City Bike, which provides skilled mechanics, and the Cyclists’ Association, which contributes a stand, prizes, and useful tips. At the event, we also give away used bikes as prizes – giving them a whole new life!
Reuse festival at Kringsjå Student Village
Every year, there is a high turnover of residents in our student housing. We aim to inspire students to choose reuse instead of always buying new furniture and interior items during the moving process. That is why we organize reuse festivals and markets at Kringsjå Student Village. Here, students who are moving out can hand in items they no longer need, so that other students can take them home and give them a new life.
Clothing swap market at Sentralen and Union Blindern (UiO)
One in five garments in a wardrobe is rarely or never used, and student wardrobes are no exception. We organize clothing swap markets every year, both in spring and autumn. In 2026, we expanded for the first time to a two-day event in the spring, split between Sentralen and UiO. At the most recent markets, more than 2,500 garments have been collected and redistributed, giving them a new life.
Social sustainability
SiO cares deeply about students’ well-being. According to the SHoT 2022 survey, many students struggle with loneliness and mental health challenges. That’s why we create social spaces where students can connect and have fun. Examples include game nights, quizzes, and movie nights at Union Blindern, as well as speed-friending events to help students make new friends.