We're embarking on the expedition to net zero
What will it feel like to research, teach, study and work at a climate-neutral ETH Zurich? With the launch of the "ETH net zero" programme, all ETH members are on a major expedition together towards an ambitious goal. The message: "All for zero 2030".
We do not yet know what it will feel like to be part of a climate-neutral university. The path to net zero is like an expedition with much to discover, learn and obstacles to overcome. Success is not guaranteed. But by joining forces, we can make significant progress towards climate neutrality.
On 14 March 2024, the ETH Executive Board decided to launch the "ETH Net Zero" programme. Prepared over a long period of time and in collaboration with the ETH community, ETH is now specifying its milestones on the reduction pathway for the years up to 2030 and is setting the course for the challenges beyond 2030 with foresight. In doing so, it is also taking into account the dynamic legal principles and framework conditions and is demonstrating consistency in its role as an innovative and forward-looking institution. ETH is doing this by identifying paths to a climate-compatible future and transferring relevant knowledge, technology and experience to society.
“The realisation of net zero is a joint responsibility that is shared by all members of ETH Zurich.”Ulrich Weidmann, Vice President for Infrastructure of ETH Zurich
The "ETH Net Zero" programme, March 2024
The Download 4-pager on the "ETH Net Zero" programme (PDF, 874 KB) summarises the core elements at a glance and invites everyone to participate. The "ETH Net Zero" programme is now implemented in an agile and impact-oriented mode and allows for continuous further development.
A task for all of us
Climate neutrality of our university operations requires the commitment of all ETH members. This is why the "ETH net zero" programme is structured in such a way that everyone can and should participate. Together, we will position ETH as a pioneer and role model in the areas of decarbonisation and sustainability. For the years 2024 to 2030, the "ETH Net Zero" programme bundles activities in an impact-oriented manner in order to reduce all climate-relevant emissions on campus and in teaching and research at ETH as much as possible.
The premise here is to avoid and reduce emissions to such an extent that only absolutely "unavoidable" emissions remain (see Figure 1). To achieve net zero in the current system boundary (Scope 1, Scope 2, business trips; see ETH Net Zero FAQ), offset certificates may still be purchased until 2030. After 2030, the "unavoidable" emissions must be neutralised, i.e. permanently removed from the atmosphere and stored in a suitable location using technologies for CO2 removal co-developed by ETH, among others.
The system boundary will be continuously extended from 2030 for an "all-scope" decarbonisation by 2040 and 2050. This not only takes account of Switzerland's Climate Protection Act, but also advances one of ETH's major strategic priorities, namely, to become a champion and living lab for decarbonisation and circularity.
“The "ETH Net Zero" programme marks an important transition from voluntary action to greater commitment.”Joël Mesot, President of ETH Zurich
Nine projects as accelerators
To avoid and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, we are currently advancing nine sub-projects as part of the programme:
- The sub-projects "Decarbonised campus", "Reduction of indirect emissions from electricity procurement and district heating" and "Campus as a net-zero living lab" focus on the direct and indirect emissions from ETH's own operations.
- The sub-projects "Emission-reduced business travel", "Scope 3 exploration" and "Emission-reduced procurement of goods, construction and services" aim to influence and reduce indirect emissions in the supply chains.
- The sub-projects "Communication and Community Engagement", "Data Availability, Monitoring and Reporting" and "Strengthening Expertise in Sustainability and Ethics" support the development of knowledge and expertise as well as the participation of all ETH members.
The investment requirement of currently estimated 50 million Swiss francs until 2030, a large part of which is already included in the current budget planning, will pay off in the medium and long term. Climate-friendly and resource-efficient university operations will keep expensive offsetting and neutralisation to a minimum. The investments will also enable significant savings in operating costs, particularly in the energy sector.
Invitation to the first ETH Net Zero Day
On the occasion of the first ETH Net Zero Day on 28 May 2024, the "ETH Net Zero" programme will be presented and the first big "boot camp" for our expedition to net zero will be set up. On the way to net zero, we will discover the unknown, overcome hardships and account for the different needs of our diverse ETH community - no one will be left behind.
Want to find out more about the "ETH Net Zero" programme and how ETH is progressing on the reduction path?
The next opportunity is the first Net Zero Day in the Student Project House on 28 May 2024 at 1 pm. external page Register now.
Further information can be found in the document "ETH Net Zero Programme" (March 2024), which serves the ETH community as an joint ETH-internal working document. Register external page here to apply for a personalised access.
Would you like to participate?
We are looking for motivated ETH members for the Sounding Board of the "ETH Netto-Null" program. Curious? Please external page fill out this form by 30.4.2024 at the latest to express your interest. Candidates from outside ETH can also be nominated. The overall program coordination, together with the program steering group, will make a balanced selection.
Futuring
How do you envision work and life at a climate-neutral ETH in 2040? Share your imagination external page here. Thank you!
More Information
ETH Net Zero Landing PageContact
Office of the President
ETH Sustainability
Weinbergstrasse 41
8006
Zurich
Switzerland