Roadmap «ETH Net Zero»: Comment and participate now
The draft roadmap "ETH Net Zero" is available. For the first time, it formulates the system boundaries and target values of ETH Zurich on its way to becoming a climate-friendly university. We invite the ETH members to comment on the roadmap and to help shape and support the path towards net zero: Every contribution counts!
Because of its mandate in research, teaching and knowledge transfer and its approximately 35,000 members ETH Zurich has a large ecological footprint. This is illustrated, for example, in its greenhouse gas emissions of approximately 148,000 tonnes of CO2 equivalents (tCO2eq) per year (c.f. Annual Report 2022). This footprint is due to the provision of infrastructure and energy for teaching and research as well as the consumption of materials, goods and services from third-party suppliers for the university's scientific operations.
A minimum target until 2030
According to the external page "Climate Package of the Federal Administration" of 2019, the ETH Domain has a reduction target of at least 50% until 2030. According to the requirements of the Climate Package of the Federal Administration, the remaining emissions may still be offset until 2030.
Following the publication of the White Paper "ETH Zurich strives for net zero by 2030" in October 2022 and intensive discussions within the ETH Domain and the ETH community, the ETH Zurich is now specifying the minimum target by 2030 on this basis:
- Aligned with the “Climate Package”, ETH Zurich's current system boundary for reducing greenhouse gas emissions by at least 50% until 2030 compared to the reference year 2006 includes heating and cooling of buildings and operation of its vehicle fleet (Scope 1), purchased electricity and district heating (Scope 2), and business travel (air travel, rail travel, and car travel; a Scope 3 commodity group).
- At ETH Zurich, the minimum reduction target of 50% is aimed at as the sum of the emissions of the categories mentioned and not per commodity group.
According to current calculations, emissions from heating and cooling of buildings operation of the vehicle fleet (all Scope 1), purchased electricity and district heating (both Scope 2), and business travel (air travel, rail travel, and car travel; a Scope 3 commodity group) were around 28’200 tCO2eq in the baseline year 2006. The target value in 2030 for emissions within the system boundary of the minimum target is thus around 14’100 tCO2eq.
The emissions from the year 2022 currently show a reduction of 32% compared to the reference year 2006, despite continued growth (students, surface area). On the reduction path, 18% reductions will have to be realised in the next seven years to reach the target of minus 50% in 2030.
“Avoid, reduce and compensate. Specifically in that order.”Joël Mesot, President of ETH Zürich
Consultation on the "ETH Net Zero" roadmap
The "ETH Net Zero" roadmap is an implementation plan that will trigger immediate and medium-term action. No decisions have been made yet. The current phase is about defining measures and responsibilities that support ETH Zurich's climate goal.
Invitation to participate in completing the draft Roadmap "ETH Net Zero"
We invite all ETH members to read and comment on the draft Roadmap "ETH Net Zero" at this moment in time. We welcome your feedback until September 2023. This will be collected and evaluated anonymously and used in the further development for the finalisation of the "ETH Net Zero" roadmap.
Take part in the consultation: protected page https://forms.office.com/e/X9zr9kuqnS.
After registering, you will be given personal access to the internal working document Roadmap "ETH Net Zero". Please note that the Roadmap is currently in German language. An English version is available in mid July.
Implementing and acting in fluid framework conditions
The path to net zero is characterised by many open questions and uncertainties that require intensive discussion and clarification. At the national level, the framework conditions are currently changing very rapidly (e.g. ordinances, legislative amendments following the adoption of the "external page Federal Act on Climate Protection Targets, Innovation and Strengthening Energy Security"). The dynamics are also great in the international context, especially in the (self-)regulations being pushed forward in the European Union and the private sector. All renowned universities worldwide are on the way to improving their sustainability and climate footprint. With "net zero", a standard formulation has meanwhile become established here as well (see external page Race to Zero). In detail, there are different roadmaps and implementation concepts that do not show uniform processes towards net zero. However, the direction is clear: Stabilise global warming at a maximum of plus 1.5 degree celsius.
The ETH Net Zero landing page now has a section with Frequently Asked Questions.
Contact
ETH Sustainability,