Welcome to the introductory page of Sustainability Week Zurich. Don’t worry, this won’t be the usual, dull information dump. Let’s kick things off with an intriguing fact: Switzerland ranks as the third-best country globally in the Environmental Performance Index.Impressive, right? However, despite this achievement, Switzerland still emits about 4.7 tons of carbon dioxide per year—twice the target needed to help keep global warming under 2°C. Surprising, isn’t it? 🌍

But that’s not all—there’s something else you may be curious about: our unique logo. What does it mean, and why is it so distinctive? Keep reading to find out how it reflects our mission and values.

Ready to explore more about who we are and what drives us? Let’s dive in!

About Sustainability Week Zurich

Our logo embodies the Concentric Circle Model of Sustainability, a powerful representation of the interconnected relationship between the environment, society, and economy.

  • Outer Circle – The Natural Environment: The foundation of life, encompassing ecosystems, resources, and biodiversity.
  • Middle Circle – Human Society: Built on and dependent upon the natural environment for survival and well-being.
  • Inner Circle – Economy: Sustained by human activities and reliant on a healthy society.

This model highlights an essential message: the economy is dependent on society, and society is, in turn, embedded within and dependent on the environment. Without preserving our planet, both society and the economy face instability.

That’s why protecting the natural environment isn’t just important—it’s crucial for long-term sustainability and balance. 🌍

Celebrating Over a Decade of Promoting Sustainability 🌱

Founded in 2013, our organization has been committed to raising awareness and driving action on sustainability. The first-ever Sustainability Week Zurich was launched the same year, and since then, we’ve grown significantly. Last year, we proudly celebrated our 10th anniversary, marking a decade of impactful events and initiatives.

As we move forward, our goal remains the same: to keep improving and continue organizing engaging sustainability events for both students and the general public. Each new edition brings fresh opportunities to inspire, educate, and foster sustainable change.

Want to learn more about us? Visit the subpages in our “About” menu to find out more details about our Association, Finances or check out information about previous Events in the Archive! 🌍