Zürich Champions its Sustainable Tourism Credentials

The Swiss city of Zürich has always had a lot to offer the curious visitor; but it's the city's leaps forward in sustainable tourism practices which the city elders are most keen to promote at present.

Zürich ranks among the world's most sustainable convention and tourism destinations, and the case begins the moment visitors arrive. Whether they land at Zürich Airport or step off the train at Zürich HB, the low-impact option is often also the easiest: walk to the hotel or out for dinner, cycle around the city, take a tram powered by renewable energy, and refill a bottle at one of more than 1,200 public fountains rather than use single-use plastic. 

With an extensive public transport network, short distances and a commitment to environmental, social and economic responsibility, Zürich offers the infrastructure for events that meet international sustainability standards - not simply through offsetting or good intentions, but through systems and services embedded in everyday city life.

A Sustainable Destination

The City of Zürich is working towards climate neutrality by 2040, a target that includes indirect emissions generated beyond the city’s boundaries. In 2025, Zürich was successfully recertified as a sustainable travel destination by EarthCheck, following its initial certification in 2024. The city also ranked first in the IMD Smart City Index 2026 and 13th in the Global Destination Sustainability Index (GDS) 2024, confirming continued progress towards a responsible, future-oriented destination. 

Quality of life is at the heart of  Zürich’s appeal. More than 170 nationalities call the city home, while the lake, rivers and green spaces are integral to daily life, with around 40% of the urban area given to parks and green space. 

Innovation is equally central to Zürich’s identity. As an international centre for science, technology and business, the city offers congress organisers access to universities, research institutions, companies and experts working on sustainability and future technologies. 

Climate-Friendly Group Experiences

Zürich offers plenty of experiences that can reinforce a sustainability theme without requiring additional transport or complicated logistics. Through the Zürich Convention Bureau, groups can visit Umami, an urban start-up growing herbs and vegetables inspired by natural ecosystems, with the experience including a tour and microgreen tasting game. At Hiltl Academy, groups of 10-60 can prepare a four-course vegetarian menu at the world’s oldest vegetarian restaurant. 

For a behind-the-scenes perspective on sustainable city operations, groups can join a guided wild-bee excursion exploring Zürich’s urban biodiversity, visit the Werdhölzli sewage treatment plant to discover how Zürich manages its water, or tour the city’s waste-to-energy plant to see how combustible waste is converted into heat and electricity. 

The city can also be explored on foot, through options including the Old Town walking tour and the Night Watchman tour. For a more active, educational experience, Foxtrail “Hera” is a sustainability-themed scavenger hunt developed by the Department for Environmental and Health Protection of the City of Zürich , covering topics including recycling, water supply and sustainable mobility as teams explore the city centre.  

Beyond the Environment

Sustainability in  Zürich extends beyond the environment, and the city's social infrastructure is open to event groups in the same way its transport and venues are. Café & Conditorei 1842 in the Old Town has been serving patisserie, cakes and its legendary hot chocolate since 1842 and is run by Stiftung Arbeitskette (Work Chain Foundation), which provides supported employment. It also offers catering, giving organisers a straightforward way to build social value into an event's food spend.

The city can also be seen from an unfamiliar angle: a series of guided walks with Surprise City Tours are led by people affected by poverty and social disadvantage, showing visitors their own Zürich. These compelling and emotional insights open up a completely different perspective on Zürich. 

Sustainable Transport

Transportation in and around Zürich is where the city’s sustainability credentials are particularly tangible. Zürich Airport, one of the leading airports in the world in terms of environmental protection, has reduced its CO2 emissions by approximately 50 per cent over the past 25 years and has a target of net zero by 2040. 

For those travelling by train, Zürich Hauptbahnhof - also known as Zürich HB - is Switzerland’s largest and busiest railway station, with around 3,000 train services a day. Rail is the most climate-friendly way to travel in Switzerland after cycling, with Swiss Federal Railways trains running on 90% hydropower, and scheduled to move to 100% renewable energy from 2030. 

Once in Zürich, the city is easy to navigate on foot, by bike, or by public transport. 97% of Zürich’s hotels are within 30 minutes of the main convention and exhibition centres by public transport, while 42% are within walking distance (less than 1km). Around 80% of passenger volume in Zürich is carried by trams and trolleybuses running on renewable energy. Bicycles, e-bikes, and electric scooters are available for hire at various locations in the city.

Hotels & Venues

Zürich has close to 40 hotels holding a recognised sustainability certification across six separate schemes - EarthCheck, Ibex Fairstay, Green Key, Green Globe, GreenSign and ISO 9001/14001 - each requiring regular on-site inspection. The range extends across budgets and hotel styles, from The Dolder Grand and Storchen Zürich to Motel One and  Zürich Youth Hostel. The Dolder Grand, for example, has halved its energy consumption through geothermal technology despite doubling its floor space, while Hotel Storchen has eliminated single-use plastics.

More than 30 venues also carry the sustainable filter in Zürich Tourism’s venue finder. Umwelt Arena Schweiz puts sustainable technology at the centre of its event offer, while Kongresshaus Zürich, Halle 622 and Hallenstadion provide options for larger-scale programmes. Zürich Tourism also part-funds partner hotels working towards sustainability certification, helping to broaden the city’s independently certified accommodation supply.