Roadmap «ETH Net Zero»: Evaluation of the Consultation

During the consultation on the draft "ETH net zero" roadmap, more than 250 members responded and left more than 500 comments, suggestions and hints.

In general, the commenters supported ETH Zurich's efforts to achieve net zero. They appreciated that the consultation process allowed them to actively participate in the discussion. Many also took the opportunity to draw attention to upcoming projects and measures in their domains.

Key points of criticism are now being carefully addressed. There is broad agreement on the view that ETH should commit to reductions in all emission categories - and thus beyond the currently applicable minimum target of the climate package. Some exemplary comments are listed anonymously below:

“I also agree with previous comments that the name net zero by 2030 is very misleading if we "only" assume meeting the minimum target of 50% reduction of the already "only" 15% considered emissions. ETH is then already quite far away from net zero."

"The biggest driver of air travel is probably international conferences. In my opinion, ETH could perhaps take a pioneering role and try to bring virtual conferences to a level with software, hardware and premises that they really are an alternative to on-site conferences. For guest lectures as well. For example, a Zoom 2.0 with holograms."

"Other universities in Switzerland want to or should also do something. Could we at most still consider how the mutual exchange of best practice, experiences, etc. should take place?"

The ETH Sustainability team would like to thank all participants for their commitment and their constructive comments and suggestions. In the following weeks, further discussions will be held with the commentators in order to clarify any queries and to enable closer involvement of interested parties and responsible persons from the various organizational areas and committees of ETH Zurich.

Transformation into a "program"

In the coming months, the contents of the roadmap will be further developed into a program. Not only will this clarify coordination, management, monitoring and reporting, and communication, but it will also adopt reduction targets, identify effective measures, and define responsibilities from across the ETH community in its implementation on the reduction path to net zero. In doing so, current national legislative processes and potential impacts on target achievement are kept in mind, and measures are prioritized in a staggered manner. In times of financial austerity measures, it is also important to explore how the limited funds can be used for investments in a climate-friendly ETH Zurich.

Participation is still explicitly desired. Please feel free to visit us during Open Office Hours or make an appointment directly by emailing sustainability@ethz.ch.