Thrilling podium discussion on "Sustainability in times of crisis" - Focus event on 11 November 2022
"It all starts in your head" – so said one of the attendees and it is the perfect summary of the event. Last Friday evening, around 90 people attended an inspiring and stimulating discussion in the NZZ foyer.
The discussion session involved Professor Dr. André Bardow from ETH Zurich and external page Dr. Gracia Brückmann from the University of Bern. André Bardow from the Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering is an expert in optimising energy systems. Gracia Brückmann is an expert in sustainable mobility, renewable energies and behaviour change. They discussed matters with ETH alumnus and start-up founder Diego Sigrist, whose company "Scandens" is aiming to decarbonise the construction sector and minimise its impact on the climate as quickly as possible. They all agreed on one thing: "The technologies to boost sustainability exist; we just need to use them."
The event was moderated by Dr. Claudia Zingerli, head of ETH Sustainability (Claudia Zingerli | ETH Zurich). The discussion around the “fish bowl” format proved especially interesting. Members of the audience came forward and got involved in the discussion, asked questions and spoke of their personal experiences of sustainable living.
The evening was rounded off with drinks and more interesting discussions amongst the attendees. A huge thanks to ETH Zurich for sponsoring the event and to NZZ connect and Sustainable Switzerland for their involvement.
And what did people take away from the event?
Jonas Brasser: "I see it as a psychological process that shapes our actions. Every single application counts. I believe that we will only achieve it through sufficiency; by reducing everything."
Dr. August Vieli & Luzia Vieli: "When you hear these kinds of discussions, you become more aware of the fact that sustainability covers everything. You learn more about the incentives and barriers involved. The topic is very controversial. You want to learn more about how you can shop and live sustainably."
Guan Wen: "I understood that not only is energy important to sustainability issues but so are the economy, politics and other areas. Numerous perspectives need taking into account. And I will take away the thought that everyone can do something."
