Zurich Center for Sustainability Leadership | ZHAW School of Management and Law

“The ZCSL is an international, intellectual powerhouse for sustainability leadership. We are an interdisciplinary team with many years of expertise that conducts state-of-the-art research, develops practically relevant strategies and tools, assists companies in their implementation, and educates current and future responsible business and policy leaders.”

Prof. Dr. Marco Clemente & Prof. Dr. Christian Vögtlin
Co-Directors, Zurich Center for Sustainability Leadership

Peter Qvist-Sorensen
Deputy Leadership

Regula Broger
Management

Based on our unique research-based, practice-oriented, and holistic approach, we support leaders in reengineering their strategies toward sustainability and corporate responsibility in line with their business needs. We co-develop business solutions that help companies and organizations move from linear to circular and sustainable business models and strategies. We ensure a successful transformation, taking into account today’s environmental, societal, ethical, and technological challenges and opportunities.

Depending on your needs, you will find specific expertise in our labs: Corporate Responsibility Lab (CRL), Circular Economy Lab (CEL), and People, Technology, and Governance Lab (PTGL).

ZCSL Labs

Corporate Responsibility Lab

The Corporate Responsibility Lab (CRL) supports companies and organizations in the strategic integration of sustainability and corporate responsibility. We assist in developing sustainability strategies, communicating their positive impact, and driving internal organizational change toward sustainability.

Learn more about the CRL

Circular Economy Lab

The Circular Economy Lab (CEL) is committed to advancing circularity and sustainable innovation with a strategic focus on manufacturing, machinery, renewable energy, and industrial waste remediation.

Learn more about the CEL

People, Technology, and Governance Lab

The People, Technology, and Governance Lab (PTGL) focuses on the human, social, and ethical aspects of leadership. It bridges the gap between cutting-edge research and practical application, equipping leaders with the tools to anticipate future challenges and seize opportunities at the nexus of people, technology, and governance.

Learn more about the PTGL

Competencies

Continuing Education

Many companies are eager to show that their business has a positive impact on society. To be credible, they need a professional approach. This ensures that the relevant topics are recognized and integrated into the strategy, structure, and culture of the company. That is why our experts rely on the experience and knowledge gained from numerous projects and from their applied research and pass them on in a range of different continuing education formats.

Learn more about our continuing education offers

Research

In association with companies, we conduct applied research projects and design innovative solutions to address current challenges related to sustainability. Our research is often state-funded (e.g., SNF, Repic, Innosuisse, EU projects). We also publish our research in leading international journals.

Consulting

We support companies in the planning and implementation of their sustainability and social responsibility endeavors. Topics include stakeholder and materiality analysis, sustainability reporting, human rights, diversity & inclusion, corporate ethics, as well as transformation for circularity, using strategies and tools that we develop in cooperation with our customers. For a more detailed list of topics, check each lab.