Zero Emission,

Zero Emission - more than just CO₂

Today’s challenges relating to resource scarcity, climate change and environmental pollution are ever-present, and there is a greater need than ever for new, innovative approaches for both the present and the future. The strategic action field Zero Emission addresses the question: ‘How can we achieve a sustainable, emission-free society?’ – going far beyond a mere focus on CO₂.

Zero Emission covers a wide range of topics where an interdisciplinary approach is essential in order to develop and implement well-founded and broadly supported solutions for society and businesses.

The key areas of focus are, in particular:

• Circular economy & sustainable production: Developing and testing solutions that enable companies to operate in a resource-efficient manner, avoid waste and embed sustainable business models.
• Climate-friendly technologies: Research into energy-efficient technical solutions, renewable energies and low-emission production techniques, as well as addressing systemic issues relating to the integration of these innovative products.
• Sustainable urban and spatial planning: Concepts for cities and regions that make energy efficiency, mobility and land use more sustainable. At the same time, existing buildings must be operated and new buildings constructed with the lowest possible emissions.

These issues are not just about purely technical solutions, but also about the far-reaching societal challenges associated with such a transformation – in other words, aspects that go beyond technology and affect people, institutions, politics and the economy. In order to reduce emissions, people need to adopt more sustainable practices in their everyday lives. Such changes often clash with social, cultural and economic habits, which can trigger issues of acceptance and resistance.

The FHNW is working on concepts and solutions within the Zero Emission field of the future, focusing on the key areas mentioned. The aim is to drive forward visions and innovations that support society and the economy on the path to a low-emission future. This transition towards a climate-neutral society must take the following overarching guidelines into account:

• Social justice: Measures to reduce emissions must be designed in such a way that all sections of the population are treated fairly.
• Political framework: The development of a sustainable society requires clear political rules, incentives and long-term strategies to ensure sustainable implementation.
• Economic transformation: Companies face the challenge of fundamentally rethinking their business models to adopt resource-efficient, low-emission processes. This entails short-term costs and challenges, but opens up long-term opportunities for innovation and competitiveness.
• Interdisciplinary collaboration: Complex problems such as climate and resource protection cannot be solved within a single discipline. Collaboration across disciplines, sectors and institutions is required – an approach that the FHNW consciously pursues in order to develop socially relevant solutions

The strategic action field of Zero Emission contributes to achieving global climate and sustainability goals. This transformation is bringing about profound changes in the world of work, lifestyles, political participation and economic structures, thereby affecting areas such as justice, innovation, education, infrastructure and social security – core issues that fundamentally shape our society.

Zero Emission is therefore a comprehensive innovation and research area that brings together the FHNW’s expertise to contribute to the transition towards a more sustainable, low-emission future.