ZHAW sustainable
We take our responsibility for ensuring a sustainable society seriously and are contributing to this in all core areas at the ZHAW. We conduct research in the field of sustainable development, and we educate and prepare our students to shape the present and the future in a way that will enable future generations to face social, economic and ecological challenges in a responsible and reflective manner.
Strategic Programme for Sustainable Development
As a strategic programme, ZHAW sustainable coordinates the implementation of the ZHAW strategy implementation programme for sustainability in collaboration with the Schools, President’s Office, Finance & Services and the students. As part of the President’s Office, ZHAW sustainable is headed by a Head of Sustainable Development who is also a member of the university management, thus ensuring that the strategic programme is centrally anchored in the university.
Newsletter
ZHAW sustainable regularly sends out a newsletter with news and event information on sustainable development at the ZHAW.
ZHAW sustainable is supported by a sustainability committee, the Sustainable Development Committee (SDC). The SDC is made up of managers and specialists from all Schools, the President’s Office and Finance & Services, as well as students.
The ZHAW sustainable team welcomes suggestions, opportunities for exchange and contact from ZHAW internals and externals - please send an email to sustainable@zhaw.ch or use the contact form.
To create a culture and community of sustainable development at the ZHAW, the Sustainable Impact Program promotes initiatives and engagement by students and staff. It supports student projects, teaching and research projects, and young entrepreneurs whose ideas contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
The SDGs define 17 social, economic and environmental milestones to be achieved worldwide by 2030. All Member States of the United Nations have committed to work towards the implementation of the SDGs at national, regional and international levels by 2030.
News and Events
Find out more about ZHAW news and events around sustainable development (in German):
The people behind ZHAW sustainable
"One of the particularly challenging tasks of sustainable development is to achieve behavioural changes in ourselves in a world of unsustainable material abundance. With our sustainability strategy, we achieve impact when many of us embark on this journey together."
Urs Hilber, Head of the School of Life Sciences and Facility Management and Sustainable Development Officer at the ZHAW
"With their study programmes, projects and research programmes, the ZHAW’s Schools have considerable expertise in numerous areas of sustainable development. We are using this opportunity to move forward with them on a common path."
Francesco Bortoluzzi, Head of Sustainability Programs
"With its broad expertise across various departments and degree programs, the ZHAW can make a significant contribution to sustainability in research and teaching and provide future professionals with crucial knowledge for achieving the SDGs"
Ilja Kirianoff, Sustainability in Education & Research
"It can be easy to find yourself paralysed by the complexity of sustainability, which is why ZHAW sets out to offer a wide range of opportunities for everyone to get involved in their own way and to feel inspired."
Emma Sonnier, Sustainability Engagement
"Sustainability thrives on inspiring stories and consequential action. By showcasing the diversity of sustainable projects and initiatives at the ZHAW, we create space for dialog, inspiration and joint action."
Dominik Bracher, Deputy Lead Strategic Communication
"Sustainability encompasses both technical and social components. We therefore attach great importance to maintaining an interdepartmental exchange. Based on reliable and transparently collected data, we strive to systematically promote sustainable development throughout the ZHAW."
Aaron Ehrat, Sustainability Data and Processes
"When we recognise our actions as part of a greater whole, and are willing to leave the well-trodden paths of our habits, then together we are able to make the impossible possible."
Nicolas Fojtu, Content Creator
"With its diverse students and staff, areas of focus, locations and contexts, the ZHAW benefits from an impressive range of perspectives. This diversity offers great potential for sustainable development, particularly in Living Labs, where practical solutions are co-creatively developed and tested."
Milena Eberharter, Sustainable Impact & Living Lab Coordinator