The overall strategic goals of the Competence Center Environment and Sustainability of the ETH Domain (CCES) are to foster major advancements in research; to establish the CCES partners as international and national focal points for environment and sustainability; to achieve a long-term structuring effect lasting beyond the completion of CCES; to establish a strong wide-ranging education and outreach program; to achieve a visible societal impact with a focus on socio-economic implementation.

CCES is largely based on the long-range re-orientation and focusing of the critical mass and excellence in science and engineering already existing at the partner institutions. Activities follow a three-part scheme, with contributions from the ETH Board, dedicated resources by participating institutions, and third-party funding.