Detail

How can events at universities be made sustainable and inclusive – and what role do labels play in this?

November 27, 2025, 4.00 pm - 5.00 pm

Eawag Dübendorf, Raum FC C20 & online via Zoom

Speaker
Isabelle Castagna, Office of ETH Sustainability, ETH-Zürich, Switzerland

The seminar is open to the public.
To join online, please contact seminars@eawag.ch for access details.

PLEASE NOTE: The seminar will be held in German; the slides are in English.

Abstract

For the past year, ETH Zurich has been setting new standards for event organisation with its silver and gold labels. The labels are based on guidelines that provide orientation and define specific criteria for ecological, social and organisational sustainability. They support the implementation of ETH's climate targets and the UN's sustainability goals, while also promoting accessibility and diversity.

In this seminar, we will present the history of the labels: from the initial idea to their development and implementation. We will highlight the challenges that arose in defining criteria and practical application, as well as the opportunities that opened up through the process – such as stronger networking among stakeholders and raising awareness of issues such as nutrition, material selection and gender balance among speakers. We will also provide insights into our experiences to date: 44 events have already been awarded the labels, demonstrating their effectiveness.

 Another focus is on the future: how should the labels be further developed to achieve even greater impact? And how can similar approaches be implemented at other institutions such as Eawag? Together, we will discuss the added value such labels bring to organisations and participants and how they can contribute to the transformation of event culture.

 The seminar is aimed at anyone who plans events or works strategically on sustainability issues – and offers space for exchange, inspiration and concrete opportunities for action.