University of Zurich (UZH) started a new Strategic Project on climate neutrality called "Decarb UZH Climate Neutrality 2030" in November 2024. The Strategic Projects are an instrument for giving priority to topics of university-wide importance. The project will thus strengthen efforts towards achieving climate neutrality at UZH. Initial focus areas are emissions related to air travel, energy use, food and waste.
UZH has set itself the target of becoming climate-neutral by 2030. From 2030, the target relates to the categories of energy, air travel, commuting, vehicle fleet, food, paper, water and waste (more details). In addition it relates from 2035 onwards to construction activities and laboratory and research materials. At least half of the emission reduction shall be achieved through own measures in university operations.
The "Decarb UZH Climate Neutrality 2030" project aims to contribute to achieving the University of Zurich's climate neutrality goal by 2030. This will be accomplished through scientific analyses, establishing reduction pathways (especially for impact categories where none currently exist), planning and implementing concrete measures, and building an efficient data management system.
One of several measures is to implement vegetarian offers in the cafetaria. In an interview project manager Nils Handler outlines measures from the food services task force: Cafeteria Food and Carbon Footprints
