SustainabilitySustainability

The Zurich University of the Arts embeds sustainability in teaching, research, and operations. Through artistic practice and innovative approaches, it generates new perspectives and tangible contributions toward ecological, social, economic, and cultural transformation. As part of the 2030 Agenda, ZHdK aligns itself with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and understands sustainability as an integral part of its institutional culture.

The Zurich University of the Arts strengthens artistic and design contributions to the sustainability discourse and in practice. It connects initiatives, makes projects visible, and fosters exchange within the university and with the wider public.

Sustainability requires new ways of thinking and acting. The Zurich University of the Arts supports projects, fosters exchange, and applies artistic and design methods to concrete challenges—opening up new perspectives, practices, and impact.

Sustainability requires disciplinary and critical knowledge, systems thinking, and design competence. The Zurich University of the Arts integrates sustainability into its curricula, expands its offerings through interdisciplinary minor programs, and empowers students to actively shape change.

The platform “Growing Sustainability in the Arts” brings together projects and activities on sustainability in art and design from teaching, research, and practice at the Zurich University of the Arts. It makes existing approaches visible, fosters knowledge exchange, and strengthens the networking of sustainable practices. It also provides access to various funding institutions.

At ZHdK, various organizational units contribute to embedding sustainability goals. In addition to the artistic and creative disciplines, the team of re-source | Sustainability in the Arts takes on key cross-cutting responsibilities for the university’s sustainable development. This is complemented by the Equal Opportunities and Diversity Office as well as the Services (operational aspects).

ZHdK is developing its campus into a “Sustainable Campus” and is shaping its operations in an ecologically and socially responsible way. Sustainability is embedded in everyday practice and forms a central basis for decision-making. A particular focus is placed on climate protection: since 2018, ZHdK has been measuring and reducing its greenhouse gas emissions, and since 2021 these have been fully offset.