Net Zero Day
Net Zero Day 2026 takes place on May 7 at various ETH Zurich locations. With a joint kick-off in Oerlikon, a variety of events throughout the day, and a closing ceremony in the Main Building, Net Zero Day highlights how ETH is making net-zero a reality in research, teaching, operations, and daily life, and how CO2 emissions can be reduced. In the days leading up to and following May 7, additional events related to net-zero will take place at various ETH locations.
Net Zero Day is open to all members of the ETH Zurich community: students, researchers, faculty, technical and administrative staff, and apprentices. Those interested can learn about initiatives, organizations, and other stakeholders at ETH Zurich who are engaged in decarbonization and sustainability through both research and practical applications.
The diverse program includes meetings, presentations, and participatory formats at various ETH Zurich locations, as well as shared moments at the beginning and end of theday. Each event has a primary objective:
1. Inform – about the ETH Net Zero Program, its goals, and measures
2. Network – promote visibility for existing initiatives and foster exchange
3. Activate – motivate ETH members to take action themselves
The 2026 programme
Net Zero Day Znüni with Climate Researcher Reto Knutti
Kick off NZD with a breakfast at Octavo: Enjoy a keynote by Professor Reto Knutti, a brief introduction to the Net Zero Program, and interactive stands. Meet the people behind Net Zero and contribute to the transformation!
Net Zero Programme Get-together
The evening gathering of Net Zero Day for all program participants and supporters: Featuring a keynote by Ueli Weidmann (Vice President for Infrastructure and Sustainability), recognition of achievements in the ETH Net Zero Program, and an apéro. A space for exchange, networking, and collaborative thinking.
Pop-up Library & Reading: Passages of the Future
A curated pop-up library with around 60 books and highlighted passages on the future, resilience, and courage. Stop by, browse - or sign up for one of the lunchtime readings with limited seating.
Net-Zero 皇冠体育,皇冠体育app tour:
Discover how ETH is reducing its greenhouse gas emissions on a guided tour of the city campus. Learn more about challenges, approaches, and concrete measures on the path to net-zero.
Your Money, Your Influence
How does money influence climate change? This panel discussion focuses on sustainable financial flows and your scope for action as an institution or individual—followed by a Q&A session.
Climate Change and Me
Embark on a guided tour of the KEEP IT CO?OL exhibition at FocusTerra. Explore climate change from personal and societal perspectives and discuss its impact on our daily lives.
Net Zero Tour: Anergienetz
Take a look behind the scenes of the award-winning Anergienetz at the H?nggerberg 皇冠体育,皇冠体育app. Learn how sustainable heating and cooling systems work and contribute to reducing campus emissions.
Modernized ETH Buildings
Join a guided tour to see how modernized ETH buildings save energy and reduce emissions. The tour highlights specific ways building renovations contribute to the ETH Net Zero Programme.
Youth in Global Change
Young voices, real impact: In this panel discussion, young leaders from politics, NGOs, and business share their experiences toward a sustainable future. Includes a Q&A and reception - organized by the Student Sustainability Committee.
Investor Insights – Impact Investing: Learn. Pitch. Network.
Gain insights into the world of venture capital and impact investing, pitch your project, and exchange ideas directly with investors. An opportunity to bring impact, ideas, and capital together. external page Click here to register.
Climate Science PhD Meetup
Discover current climate and sustainability research at ETH during this pre-EGU poster session. Exchange ideas with PhD students from other departments and make new connections.
GreenLabs Meet?up
A meeting place for researchers and lab teams: Learn more about GreenLabs’ activities, certification opportunities, and how you can actively promote sustainability in your daily lab work.
ETH4D Lunch Talk: Beyond Fossil Fuels
The ETH4D Lunch brings together students and researchers at ETH to discuss global sustainable development. Dr. Bessie Noll will present her research findings on low-carbon road transport and the potential of electric vehicles in Africa.
Design Thinking for Sustainability Challenges
Climate challenges require new approaches: In this workshop, you’ll learn about Design Thinking and discover how to develop innovative solutions for sustainability using creative, human-centered methods.
Mobile Bike Repair Workshop
Does your bike need a check-up? Come to the Polyterrasse and repair or maintain your bike with the help of Velove volunteers. Whether you’re an everyday rider or a sports enthusiast - everyone is welcome.
CO? at the BioNMR Lab
A practical group seminar: Learn how the ETH Net Zero Programme is implemented in the lab and be part of the launch of a pilot project for recycling plastic materials at the BioNMR Lab.
Better Together: Develop Your Handprint
Discover the Handprint concept and how collective action can amplify your positive impact. In this workshop, you’ll work with others to develop concrete approaches for greater sustainability through collaboration.
Write Net Zero with Us
The campus becomes a canvas. We’re writing what should remain: Together for Net Zero. Inform. Connect. Act. Together. Stroke by stroke. A collective act. Come by, pick up a piece of chalk - and become part of a message that will be visible at ETH.
ReThink the Mensa - this is what the future tastes like!
Help shape the future of climate-conscious campus dining with us! Together, we’ll develop concrete ideas that combine climate-friendly food options with broad appeal.
Sustainability in daily work: Identifying problems, designing solutions
Apprentices and vocational trainers bring up sustainability issues from their daily work and jointly develop concrete solutions. The workshop strengthens collaboration and self-efficacy, and demonstrates how net-zero can be achieved in everyday life. Sign up on LernMitMir!
Net Zero Day 2026 Venues
The Net Zero Day 2026 events will take place at the 皇冠体育,皇冠体育app Zentrum, 皇冠体育,皇冠体育app H?nggerberg, and the OCT site in Oerlikon. Detailed maps will follow.
Partners of the Net Zero Day 2026
Highlights from past Net Zero Days
Net Zero Day is the annual day of action as part of the “ETH Net Zero” programme. It creates a space to showcase progress, connect people and initiatives, and open up concrete opportunities for individual action. In this way, Net Zero becomes a tangible shared mission for ETH - across departments, functions, and campuses. It has already taken place twice since the launch of the Net Zero Program in March2024.
Contact
ETH Sustainability Office
Weinbergstrasse 41
8092
Zürich
Switzerland