Our Commitment for the Future
With regional cuisine, energy-efficient solutions and CO₂-neutral operation, the Zurich Convention Center is consistently committed to environmentally friendly events.
WHAT DRIVES US
As a host to events from all over the world, we carry responsibility towards our guests, our team and the environment. For us, sustainability is not a project but a mindset that shapes our daily actions.
In all areas, from gastronomy and energy consumption to our partnerships, we focus on conscious decisions and long term solutions. Our aim is to balance quality with environmental responsibility and contribute to a sustainable future.
With regional products, energy efficient infrastructure and social commitment, we create the conditions for sustainable experiences today and in the future.
OUR CERTIFICATES
With recognised certifications, we demonstrate our commitment to climate protection, responsible business practices and accessible environments.
Transparent, measurable and effective.
Energy from Lake Zurich
To support the climate goals of the City of Zurich, the Zurich Convention Center covers most of its heating and cooling needs through the lake water system operated by ewz. Underground pipes transport water from Lake Zurich to a central facility located in the basement of the Zurich Convention Center.
There, a heat pump converts the energy from the lake water and uses it to heat the entire building complex. In summer, the system simply works in reverse and the lake water is used for cooling. In both cases, the water flows back into the lake unchanged and the cycle starts again.
The lake serves as an attractive energy reservoir right on our doorstep. The locally generated energy is CO2 free, requires no transport and enables efficient use.
Biogas instead of food waste
At events it is often difficult to estimate food requirements in advance. Depending on the programme or last minute changes, consumption can vary significantly. To handle food responsibly, the Zurich Convention Center follows a well considered concept for reducing and repurposing food waste.
Our kitchen focuses on thoughtful menu planning with regional and seasonal products as well as a diverse selection of vegetarian and vegan dishes. This already helps us minimise potential surplus before it occurs. If food remains, it is first made available to our employees. Anything that cannot be used afterwards is directed into our in house biogas system.
There, organic waste is converted into valuable energy. This creates an efficient cycle that conserves resources and actively contributes to reducing CO2 emissions. Surplus food becomes new energy.
Our internal engagement
Our Impact Team
Sustainability depends on people who actively shape it. This is why the Zurich Convention Center created the Impact Team, a dedicated group of employees from all departments and levels who voluntarily engage in making everyday work more sustainable.
The goal of the Impact Team is to embed sustainability within the Zurich Convention Center and continuously develop it further. In regular meetings, ideas are gathered, challenges are discussed and concrete measures are proposed. These range from reducing printed business cards and using QR codes on menus to adjusting lighting times. Many of these suggestions have already been implemented or are currently in planning.
The Impact Team works collaboratively and independent of hierarchy. Its members act as ambassadors for sustainability within their departments, share knowledge and inspire others through their commitment. In this way, sustainability is not only planned but truly lived every day.
ACTING OUT OF CONVICTION
Our engagement does not stop at the office door. The Zurich Convention Center took part in the sports event organised by Teams4Charity, where the participation fee was donated directly to the organisation Eins vo fünf. This organisation supports children living in poverty in Switzerland.
Our employees also show commitment in other initiatives. As part of Bike to work, they cycled together for health, team spirit and climate protection. At the Zurich Charity Run in December, we ran in support of breast cancer research and will participate again this year. The Zurich Convention Center also supported an employee who ran the Chicago Marathon to raise funds for cancer research with a corporate donation.
These and many other initiatives demonstrate that engagement at the Zurich Convention Center is more than an intention. It is a lived attitude.