Initiatives and networks | ZHAW Zurich University of Applied Sciences

There are numerous initiatives and networks for sustainable development within the ZHAW and in the university’s national and international environment.

Zurich Knowledge Center for Sustainable Development (ZKSD)

The four cantonal universities in Zurich have jointly founded the ZKSD. In doing so, they have created a hub for sustainability projects that show the way from knowledge to committed action and promote exchange among researchers, lecturers, and students at the four universities.

More information on the ZKSD (in German only)

Swiss Green Economy Symposium

The Swiss Green Economy Symposium (SGES) is one of the largest annual business conferences on sustainability in Switzerland and brings together over 1'000 participants from the worlds of business, politics and academia in Winterthur every September. As a scientific partner, the ZHAW plays an active role in this event: it contributes to knowledge transfer and networking, and fosters dialogue between research, teaching and society. As part of the SGES, ZHAW also presents the ZHAW SDG Thesis Award, which recognises outstanding student work in the field of sustainability.

→ More information about the SGES (in German)

The following list in alphabetical order provides an overview of initiatives and networks:

ClimateChange@ZHAW - Several research groups at the ZHAW are working on issues related to climate change, making a valuable contribution on the path to a livable and renewable future.
Climate-KIC - The ZHAW supports this European knowledge and innovation community with the aim of accelerating the transition to a carbon-free, climate-resilient society.
International Sustainable Campus Network - The ZHAW is a member of the ISCN, an international forum for the exchange of information, ideas and best practices for sustainable campus operations and the integration of sustainability into research and teaching.
Sustainability Week Zurich - Every year in March, the Sustainability Week takes place, organised by students from Zurich's universities. It is aimed at staff, students and the general public and offers a wide range of free events.
Student Commission for Sustainable Development (NaKt) - It is the contact for all matters relating to sustainability in the Alias - Students of the ZHAW association and is actively involved in raising awareness of sustainability issues among ZHAW students.
Student Diversity Commission - With its three intersections Q+, ZHAWoman and BIPOC, it is the student contact point for diversity issues, creates awareness and maintains an exchange with the ZHAW Diversity Office.
sustainability at swissuniversities - The network links experts from Swiss universities, advises swissuniversities' committees and exchanges best practices.
Sustainable Campus Living Lab (in German only) - This cross-institutional thematic funding from the ZHAW School of Life Sciences and Facility Management aims to accelerate the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and make them visible on campus.
Swiss Greem Economy Symposium (SGES) – As a scientific partner, the ZHAW is involved in the Swiss Green Economy Symposium, the largest annual business conference on sustainability in Switzerland.
UN PRME - Principles for Responsible Management Education - By signing the Principles for Responsible Management Education, the ZHAW School of Management and Law has made a clear commitment.
Zurich Knowledge Center for Sustainable Development (ZKSD) - The four cantonal universities in Zurich have jointly founded the ZKSD.