ETH Zurich, Switzerland, launches ETH Net Zero Programme; 2030: 50% direct/indirect, 20% Scope 3.
2026_ETH_NetZero_Brochure_EN
Sustainability ETH Net Zero Programme Towards a climate-friendly university
2 3 ETH Net Zero Programme ETH Net Zero Programme The programme-based nature of “ETH Net Zero” takes into ac- count the statutory mandate, the breadth of the subject matter, the technical complexity and the expectations of the ETH community. It enables strategic coordination and prioritisation of key levers and strengthens the links between the executive board domains, the departments and existing committee and participation struc- tures. Institutional anchoring of the Net Zero Programme The programme is underpinned by a clearly structured govern- ance. The programme steering committee comprises eleven members and brings together representatives from the seven executive board domains, as well as one representative each from the student body and the professorial staff. It is supplemented by a sounding board, currently comprising 17 members from the ETH community, which contributes additional perspectives from professors, staff, doctoral candidates, students and alumni. A shared learning process towards net zero At the heart of “ETH Net Zero” are transformative projects – each initiative reflects the programme’s DNA and concretely imple- ments the goals of emissions reduction, innovation and institu- tional transformation. The programme management coordinates these projects, consolidating reporting, scheduling, budgeting, risk management and committee work, thereby ensuring coherent and effective implementation. Over the past two years, a steering structure has thus emerged that leverages existing responsibilities to ensure the efficient and effective implementation of the measures. “ETH Net Zero” is thus evolving into a shared process of learning and change that actively involves the entire institution. 2030 milestone: Targeted reduction of specific emissions The programme’s ambition is closely linked to ETH’s core mission: as a scientific institution, educational establishment and operator of complex infrastructure, it takes responsibility for its own op- erations and thereby plays a key role in the decarbonisation and transformation of society and the economy. A key milestone is the 2030 interim target: By then, direct emis- sions, indirect emissions from energy use and emissions from business travel are to be reduced by 50 per cent. For emissions from supply chains (Scope 3), a reduction of 20% is aspired. These targets are being pursued within a regulatory environment that is constantly evolving. TAKING RESPONSIBILITY TOGETHER ON THE PATH TO NET ZERO “ETH Zurich understands climate protection as a shared responsibility, carried by staff, researchers, and students with diverse roles and perspectives.” Prof. Dr. Ulrich Weidmann Vice President for Infrastructure and Sustainability, ETH Zurich The path to net zero is a process that requires decisions, high- lights trade-offs and brings about changes in everyday life. A nuanced approach is essential to developing effective and sus- tainable solutions. Working together for net zero – this is not merely a technical or financial endeavour: it is also a matter of collaboration. This is reflected in decisions, in projects, and in ideas. ETH Zurich’s pioneering spirit is at the heart of this transformation. The path to net zero requires change – and begins with an aware- ness of self-efficacy within the organisational fabric of our excit- ing ETH universe. ETH Zurich views climate protection as an integral part of its institutional mission. As a public university and part of the decentralised federal administration, it is legally obliged to reduce its direct and indirect greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2050 at the latest. Furthermore, in line with the exemplary role established in the Climate Protection and Innovation Act, it aims to achieve a net-zero emissions balance in all relevant emission sectors by 2040. Against this backdrop, ETH Zurich launched the ETH Net Zero Programme in 2024 – not as a shortterm response to regulatory requirements, but as an expression of its sense of identity as an institution that generates knowledge, assumes responsibility and actively shapes societal transformation.
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