Consistently Sustainable: What the ETH Labels Have Achieved in One Year
ETH events aim to firmly embed sustainability and inclusion. With the introduction of two guides and the Silver and Gold Labels in September 2024, new standards were established. Now, one year later, the results are positive.
Feedback from organizers who have already worked with the labels has been overwhelmingly positive. Within one year, 34 events were awarded a Gold or Silver Label for meeting ETH’s criteria for sustainable and inclusive events. The strong response is also forward-looking: almost all organizers have already signaled their intention to apply for a label again for future events.
It is not only large international conferences such as the week-long Energy Week 2024 or the Latsis Symposium 2025 that have been awarded Gold. Last year’s ETH Executive Board Christmas Apéro was also consciously designed to be sustainable and inclusive for the first time. To qualify for the Gold Label, the venue had to be fully accessible, the buffet exclusively vegetarian/vegan, and the decorations created with energy-saving light sources (LED) and reusable materials.
“We decided to apply for the Gold Label for our year-end party because sustainability and inclusivity are central concerns at ETH, and we want to raise awareness for them.”Michaela Seikel, VPPL
The majority of guests respond positively to such measures, though there are also occasional critical voices: with minimal decoration, for example, it takes creative ideas to create a pleasant atmosphere, and vegan snacks need to be especially tasty and varied. ETH’s caterers are continuously expanding their offerings in this regard.
A sustainable event doesn’t have to be more expensive
Organizing a sustainable and inclusive event is not necessarily more costly than one that does not meet the label criteria. The key is to consider sustainability and inclusivity early in the planning process and to set clear priorities. Often, small adjustments are enough to make an event more sustainable.
“Many people weren’t aware that it’s actually not that difficult to make events sustainable and inclusive.”Anahita Zelger, VPIN
Anahita Zelger from Event Management notes that the submission of label applications has made it clear that the need already existed and that many are very pleased to now have guidance.
Visibility of the labels and knowledge sharing
Many organizers use the labels to further promote their events and to serve as role models for sustainable action.
“I think these labels are a great initiative. They encouraged me to think more deeply about how and where I can improve events in terms of sustainability.”Luisa Last, D-BSSE
The process fosters valuable knowledge sharing within the university. Topics such as catering, sponsorship, or material selection are now being revisited from the perspective of sustainability and inclusion, and aligned with broader strategic guidelines.
External attention and interest
The label system has also attracted attention beyond ETH. Various universities and universities of applied sciences have expressed interest and want to learn more about ETH’s practical experiences with the labels. Some institutions are even considering introducing a similar system themselves. ETH is thus assuming a pioneering role that can also be valuable for other institutions.
What’s next?
Despite the positive feedback, there is still room for improvement. Some organizers would like earlier consultation as well as follow-up in the form of random audits.
Another aspect of further development concerns the criteria for awarding the Gold Label. A majority of surveyed label holders (75%) support tightening the requirements for a Gold Label—particularly regarding catering (exclusively vegetarian or vegan food) and promoting environmentally friendly travel (e.g., public transport instead of flights).
Currently, ETH Sustainability, ETH Diversity, Event Management, and the approval office are working together to further refine the Gold and Silver Labels and the underlying measures, based on the wealth of feedback and experience to date.
The development of a tool is already underway. It will recommend specific measures depending on the type of event and indicate directly whether the conditions for a label have already been met. This tool is expected to be available in the first half of 2026.
Shared goal: 60 Gold and Silver events
Making events more sustainable and inclusive is another building block on ETH’s path toward a future-oriented and responsible university.
The more events earn a Gold or Silver Label - and make this visible - the more others will be encouraged to make their own events sustainable and inclusive. Since the launch of the initiative in Q4 2024, 34 events have been awarded a label; by the end of this year, the goal is to reach 60.
26 to go: who will help us achieve the 2025 target?
For more information about applying for a label, visit the ETH website: Sustainable and Inclusive Events.
For questions, please contact:
How does the label process work?
- If you are organizing an event at ETH, fill out Guide #1 for networking events or graduation ceremonies, and Guide #2 for conferences or trade fairs—and plan your event accordingly.
- ETH Sustainability and ETH Event Management are happy to support you with free consultation. Just write to (alternatively: or ).
- Send the completed guide to at least three weeks before the event; we will get back to you.
- Once all open questions have been clarified and the “green light” is given, you will receive the label.
Further Information
Internal News on the launch of Silver- and Gold labels for Sustainable EventsNote on the translation
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