Sustainability
Following the water cycle in the forest
Research
ETH Zurich
In the Forest Laboratory "Waldlabor" on Hönggerberg, ETH Zurich researchers investigate the storage and transport processes of water in the forest. Recently they showed that forest-floor litter and deadwood have a far larger influence on the forest water balance than expected.
Where should wind turbines be constructed in Switzerland?
Research
ETH Zurich
A study by researchers at ETH Zurich shows for the first time how a relaxation of Swiss spatial planning policy would affect the locations of wind turbines. If the aim is to have as few wind turbines as possible in the Alps and in Switzerland in general, it would be worth considering using windy agricultural areas on the western Swiss Plateau.
A wholly sustainable plastics economy is feasible
Research
ETH Zurich
A new study shows what it will take for the plastics industry to become completely sustainable: lots of recycling combined with the use of CO2 from the air and biomass. It is also the image of plastics that need to change.
Switzerland wants a circular economy – but not to share products
Research
ETH Zurich
ETH Zurich political science researchers reveal that Swiss people are in favour of the circular economy and support measures to promote it. However, their personal willingness to contribute is low. 
No climate neutrality without critical raw materials
Politics
ETH Zurich
Europe’s energy transition will not succeed without access to essential metals like rare earths, says security researcher Julian Kamasa. Responsible mining and recycling of critical raw materials could help Europe reduce dependence on imports and meet its climate targets.  
Producing bioplastics from wastewater
Research
Eawag
Wastewater treatment plants can do more than just treat wastewater. In the future, they should also recover resources. One approach that researchers at Eawag are pursuing, is the conversion of organic carbon contained in wastewater into bioplastics with the help of bacteria.
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