Sustainability Council

The Sustainability Council is a permanent commission in accordance with Art. 53 of the ETH Regulations. It advises the Executive Board on the role of universities in sustainable development, taking into account the scientific foundations of planetary boundaries, social equity and economic prosperity. It follows national and international processes and scientific discourse on sustainable development. It sets priorities based on the strategic goals and key performance indicators of ETH Zurich. With the support of the ETH Office of Sustainability, it drafts a sustainability action plan for the Executive Board that is aligned with ETH Zurich's priorities and includes quantitative and qualitative sustainability goals based on the latest scientific findings. It regularly reviews the plans¡¯ impact and updates it. In addition, it assists in the search for a Delegate of the Executive Board for Sustainability Transformation in accordance with Art. 5 of the Sustainability Council Regulations and for candidates for the renewal elections of the Sustainability Council in accordance with Art. 2.

More details: Sustainability Council Regulations (German only)

Members

The Sustainability Council is diverse, comprising members from all university groups at ETH Zurich who cover a broad spectrum of expertise related to sustainability in all three dimensions (ecological, social and economic). The Sustainability Council has a maximum of sixteen members: eight ETH professors from different departments and two representatives each from the Student Union (VSETH), the Academic Association of Scientific Staff (AVETH) and the Staff Commission (PeKo). The Sustainability Council is complemented by the Vice President for Infrastructure and Sustainability and another member of the Executive Board. The Environmental Officer (in accordance with Art. OV 25) is a permanent guest.

The term of office for members of the Sustainability Council is two years, with the possibility of re-election. The Sustainability Council is constituted by the Executive Board. It meets two to three times a year. External experts or guests may be invited to attend meetings as required.

Guests

External experts or guests may be invited to attend meetings as required. The Environmental Officer (in accordance with Art. OV 25) is a permanent guest.

Meeting dates

The Sustainability Council meets normally three times per year.

Dates 2025/2026: 

• 03.10.2025
• 04.02.2026
• 27.05.2026
• 22.10.2026

Secretariat Sustainability Council

The ETH Office of Sustainability acts as the secretariat of the Sustainability Council. It organizes the meetings and supports the Sustainability Council in drafting documents. 

Address of correspondence of Sustainability Council: .

In charge of the Sustainability Council secretariat are:

Minutes

The meeting minutes of the Sustainability Council are published here.

• 03.10.2025
• 04.02.2026
• 27.05.2026
• 22.10.2026