Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns
The world’s population currently consumes more resources than ecosystems can provide. For social and economic development to remain within the carrying capacity of ecosystems, fundamental changes are necessary in the way societies produce and consume. Goal 12 advocates environmentally sound management of chemicals and all waste as well as a substantial reduction in waste generation through measures such as recycling. Goal 12 also aims to halve food waste, encourage companies to adopt sustainable practices, and promote sustainable public procurement practices.
Source: www.eda.admin.ch/agenda2030 (edited)
Contributions of ETH Zurich (examples)
Within the framework of its core areas of research, education, campus and dialog with society, ETH Zurich contributes to Goal 12, for example, by the following activities:
Inter- and Transdisciplinarity
The research program Swiss Minerals Observatory at the Institute of Science, Technology and Policy (ISTP) aims at improving the scientific basis for a more sustainable extraction and a more responsible trade of mineral resources.
Systems Perspective
Various units of ETH Zurich research and teach in the field of consumption and production. For example the Chair of Ecological Systems Design focuses on the resource efficiency and environmental performance of products and processes, new technologies, and consumption patterns from a systems perspective. Or the Sustainable Food Processing group focuses on a system oriented approach in food production via the consideration of the total value chain.
First-Hand Inspiration
The event series Pioneers in Sustainability provides inspiration for sustainability in consumption and production. First-hand, participants learn about groundbreaking ideas in sustainability. They get the unique opportunity to meet extraordinary people and to learn from their experiences.
Lived Sustainability on Campus
Sustainability Guidelines
ETH Zurich provides various guidelines for sustainable consumption, including to DownloadSustainable Catering and DownloadGreen IT.
Sustainable Nutrition
In January 2018, ETH Zurich, together with the catering companies SV Group and Compass Group, initiated a Climate Programme for the consumption of food on campus. In cooperation with ETH Zurich, the two companies have committed to reducing 10% CO2eq spread across their annual basket of goods by the end of 2021. The project was developed as a “living lab” programme, drawing on the collaboration of research, teaching and practitioners. The Climate Programme will transition to the Sustainability Programme in 2022, in which new aspects will be added, including fair trade, healthy nutrition and other environmental aspects.