N-Trail Net Zero – with games, fun and tricky puzzles for climate neutrality

For the Net-Zero pilot quarter, we would like to develop a puzzle path that playfully conveys different facets of the topic of net-zero. It sensitizes participants to climate-friendly behaviors, motivates them to take action, and promotes networked thinking and problem-solving strategies. The underlying N-Trail concept is a sustainability trail that conveys sustainability topics in the sense of education for sustainable development in everyday life. The learning experience in the game strengthens one's own skills and self-efficacy and concrete tips encourage environmentally and climate-friendly action in everyday life. The N-Trail Net Zero consists of several items that use puzzles or tasks to shed light on the topics of consumption, mobility, nutrition, etc. with regard to their climate impact. The digital posts are website-based and can be scanned via QR codes at the respective post location with your own smartphone or tablet, for example. In order to shift the focus from digital use to the environment, elements of the environment are included in the design of the puzzles and tasks. A combination of the digital puzzles with physical elements at individual posts, such as hand cranks or mini solar panels that generate electricity, would also be possible. To increase the character of the game, participants receive parts of a solution code for each solved item, which leads to a reward at the end of the trail. Target groups and levels (children, young people, adults, easy language for migrants, etc.) are basically open and will be determined in the concept phase of the N-Trail. It is also possible to offer different levels to choose from at the beginning of the trail in order to appeal to as many target groups as possible (e.g. all residents of the Binz/Alt-Wiedikon district, from families with children from about 8 years of age to an "expert level" for adults). The N-Trail is non-profit and is available to all participants free of charge. We are developing the thematic focus of the posts as well as the route guidance and the reward system in close cooperation with the local sponsorship. In addition to raising awareness and playful motivation for action on the topic of net zero, N-Trail is suitable for creating sustainable networking in the pilot district in both a thematic and social sense. Various projects of the pilot district can be communicated with N-Trail by dealing with and explaining them at the posts. It is also possible to incorporate citizen science projects into the N-Trail and to integrate surveys or participation projects in order to collect wishes, suggestions or opinions of the neighbourhood population in Binz and Alt-Wiedikon on the topic of net zero and to feed them back to the sponsors.

We have already been able to implement the N-Trail concept in various places (Lower Engadine and Samnaun). Among other things, two city-specific N-Trails on the topic of climate change and climate adaptation are currently being built in Schaffhausen and Basel. Since the concept is very flexible and modular, a completely separate N-Trail with a specific focus on the neighbourhood can be developed for the Netto-Null pilot district. Further information: www.n-trail.org

We are a company (e.g. start-up, SME)

dialog N

I/we implement the idea independently

at various locations in Binz and Alt-Wiedikon (post run with several stations)