Swiss institutions announce unisex loos on World Toilet Day
The UN says toilets are “underfunded, poorly managed or neglected in many parts of the world, with devastating consequences for health, economics and the environment".
Keystone / Ahmed Jallanzo
The University and Federal Technology Institute Lausanne (EPFL) in the western Swiss city are to introduce non-gendered, eco-friendly toilets, EPFL said in an announcement marking the UN’s World Toilet Day.
This content was published on
2 minutes
RTS/jc
“This initiative is intended to respond to the needs of transgender and non-binary users, as expressed by members and supporters of the LGBTIQ+ community,” EPFL said in a press releaseExternal link on Friday. “These groups stressed that when transgender and non-binary persons use non-gender-neutral bathrooms, the risks they encounter include ‘scornful looks, questions, remarks, verbal abuse and physical violence’.”
EPFL said a major renovation of bathroom facilities on its campus also includes addressing environmental concerns. “By using lake water in the toilet tanks, the new bathrooms will cut potable water consumption by 70%. Urine will be processed and turned into fertilizer, helping to take the pressure off wastewater treatment plants, since removing nitrogen and pharmaceutical residue from urine is energy-intensive,” it explains.
At the University of Lausanne, work is also underway to create gender-neutral bathrooms, according to the statement. In addition, menstrual products are now made available free of charge at toilets on both the University and EPFL campuses.
Friday November 19 is World Toilet Day. The United NationsExternal link says that this basic sanitation system is “underfunded, poorly managed or neglected in many parts of the world, with devastating consequences for health, economics and the environment, particularly in the poorest and most marginalized communities. ” It is calling for investment in sanitation also so that women and girls can “play their full role in society, especially during menstruation”.
Swiss authorities announce cost-cutting in asylum sector
This content was published on
The government notably wants to improve integration into the labour force, particularly for people with protection status S.
Various leaders confirm participation at Ukraine peace conference
This content was published on
The presidents of Poland, Finland, and Latvia and the prime ministers of Spain and Belgium will be at the Swiss-hosted talks in mid-June.
This content was published on
In the winter season up to April 2024, railway and cable car operators ferried 3% more visitors compared to the previous winter, and 5% more than the five-year average.
Rhine flooding: Swiss to invest CHF1 billion with Austria
This content was published on
As part of an international agreement with Austria, the Swiss government wants to pump CHF1 billion ($1.1 billion) into flood protection measures along the Rhine over the next three decades.
Swiss government proposes CHF10 million UNRWA donation
This content was published on
After months of debate, Switzerland plans to give CHF10 million ($11 million) to the UN agency this year, rather than the CHF20 million initially foreseen.
Swiss study: insects mainly migrate at midday and dusk
This content was published on
A study led by the Swiss Ornithological Institute in canton Lucerne is helping to better understand the movement patterns of migratory insects.
Red Cross: 22 staff killed in Middle East since October
This content was published on
The Red Cross and Red Crescent network in Gaza and Israel has lost 22 staff members since last October, the Swiss Red Cross (SRC) said on Wednesday.
Dortmund’s Kobel is first Swiss goalie in Champions League final
This content was published on
Borussia Dortmund’s Gregor Kobel has achieved history by becoming the first Swiss goalkeeper to reach a Champion’s League final.
University students in Switzerland join Gaza protest wave
This content was published on
Pro-Palestinian activists occupied university buildings in Lausanne, Geneva and Zurich on Tuesday, widening the protest movement in the Alpine nation.
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.
Read more
More
What happens when you flush the toilet at Europe’s highest railway station?
This content was published on
swissinfo.ch went behind the scenes at Jungfraujoch, to find out what it takes to keep over a million visitors hydrated, fed and breathing.
This content was published on
The survey, commissioned by a leading toilet paper manufacturer, suggests that women pay a visit to the toilet on average five times a day, while men rush to answer the call of nature only three times every 24 hours. The results of the study also indicate that though men may go to the lavatory less,…
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.