Center for Energy and the Environment
“Fighting climate change and ensuring the provision of clean, affordable energy are among the greatest social challenges of our time. We want to do our part.”
Prof. Regina Betz, PhD, Head of Center
The Center for Energy and the Environment (CEE) addresses economic and business management issues related to energy and the environment at the national and international levels. In doing so, it collaborates closely with other ZHAW institutes and centers engaged in energy research. The CEE worked closely with the Swiss Competence Center for Research in Energy, Society and Transition (SCCER CREST). It is an active participant in several SWEET consortia and other projects in the field of energy research and climate policy. We participate in knowledge exchange through teaching, in projects with partners from industry and government, and in professional development through the Certificate of Advanced Studies (CAS) programs: CAS Climate Strategies, CAS Biodiversity Strategies, and CAS New Energy Economy, whose modules “Energy Economy Today” and “Energy Economy Tomorrow” can also be taken individually. The center is a member of the Swiss Carbon Removal Platform (carbon-removal.ch).
Degree Programs & Continuing Education
Our research results are transferred into practice also within the scope of our activities in the school’s degree programs and further education courses. Our experts pass on their knowledge in the various foundation modules as well as subject-specific modules that form part of the school’s Bachelor's and Master's degree programs and continuing education courses.
Research & Consulting
Our consulting and research activities focus on the question of how to design political and regulatory instruments that promote the increased use of regenerative energy sources, save energy, and reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. In addition, we also look for ways to create an electricity market that has a high share of renewable energy. In terms of research methodology, we have not only theoretical analytical competence but also, and above all, knowledge in the field of empirical methods, ranging from statistical and econometric approaches to laboratory and field experiments.