Buildings of UZH

Sustainability and the management of real estate are closely connected: The higher the demand for usable space, – and at the University of Zurich, this demand depends on the number of students and staff – the higher the environmental impact. This is because buildings contain a lot of embodied energy. This refers to the energy required to produce building materials and carry out construction. In addition, occupied spaces require continuous heating, cooling, and maintenance, all of which consume further energy and generate emissions. To minimize the ecological footprint, it is therefore essential to use space sparingly, make efficient use of existing buildings, and plan space according to actual needs.

UZH follows a clear sustainability strategy in managing its real estate. The goal is to minimize the ecological footprint through efficient use of space and resource-conserving operations. This and other objectives are outlined in the Strategie für das Bau- und Immobilienmanagement der UZH 2024–2032.
Strategie für das Bau- und Immobilienmanagement (PDF, 406 KB)

UZH focuses on sustainable construction methods and modern buildings that meet the highest environmental standards, such as the «Standard Nachhaltigkeit Hochbau» of the Canton of Zurich and certifications like DGNB/SGNI Gold (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Nachhaltiges Bauen/Schweizer Gesellschaft für Nachhaltige Immobilienwirtschaft) or Minergie-P, -A, or -Eco. In doing so, UZH ensures the creation and preservation of high architectural quality.

In 2023/2024, UZH used a total of 252 buildings, covering an area of 362'000/364'000 square meters. 75–76 percent of this space is owned by the Canton of Zurich, while the rest is leased.

Laboratory Building Y80

The new Laboratory Building Y80 replaces existing spaces with state-of-the-art laboratory and operational areas. The building was constructed between 2021 and 2024 with a wood construction on the upper floor and a photovoltaic system (58 kWp) on the roof.
New Laboratory Building Y80 – Cutting-Edge Research Under One Roof
UZH und Kanton Zürich feiern Eröffnung des Laborgebäudes Y80

«Forum UZH»

A current construction project is the «Forum UZH» at the Zentrum location. It has received a pre-certification for DGNB Gold and Minergie-P. The building is planned to feature a hybrid construction with seven wooden floors on a concrete base, an extensive green roof, and photovoltaic systems on the roof.
Website for the Forum UZH Construction – An Icon is Being Created

New Dental Medicine Center

The new building for the Dental Medicine Center at the Zentrum location is expected to be ready for occupancy in 2031. The building is planned to receive the DGNB/SGNI Gold certification. It will feature a hybrid wood construction, a biodiverse green roof, and photovoltaic systems on the roof and facades.
New Construction Project in Hottingen for the ZZM / C3Z

«Portal UZH»

The «Portal UZH» at the Irchel location is expected to be ready for occupancy in 2035. The competition required that the aspect of circular economy be integrated into the planning. Sustainability standards such as DGNB/SGNI Gold and Minergie-P-Eco were also specified. The base structure will house the energy and logistics center for the Irchel campus, which is needed for the low-energy network.
PORTAL UZH
More about the low-energy network

Space Asset Strategy Process

To better manage the actual short- to medium-term space requirements, a «Space Asset Strategy Process» has been introduced with all faculties and administrative departments. This process stipulates that new space can only be requested if the additional space requirement cannot be met by existing spaces within the faculty's or department's perimeter. Only after this can a request be made to the Directorate of Real Estate and Operations.
User Management of Space Assets

In the «Get Active» section of the website, you will find various tips for sustainable actions. There are also several things to consider in regard to buildings.
to the tips for heating and use of space

Source: Parts of this text were originally published in a similar form in German in the Sustainability Report 2021/2022 and have been continuously updated for this website.