Understanding the Duplicate Image Replacement: Background Context and How We Arrived at This Point
A closer look at the events and decisions that led to the current situation with duplicate image replacement in Zurich's digital landscape.
A closer look at the events and decisions that led to the current situation with duplicate image replacement in Zurich's digital landscape.

Zurich's city council has announced plans to implement a new duplicate image replacement system, aiming to reduce digital clutter and improve the city's online presence. This move comes after a thorough review of the city's digital infrastructure, which revealed a significant amount of redundant and duplicate images across various city-run websites and platforms.
The duplicate image replacement issue matters now because of the city's growing focus on digitalization and online services. With more residents and visitors relying on digital channels to access information and services, the need for a streamlined and efficient online presence has become increasingly important. The city's efforts to improve its digital infrastructure are also closely tied to its climate action agenda, as reducing digital waste and improving data management can help minimize the city's carbon footprint.
In Zurich, the duplicate image replacement issue is particularly relevant in areas like the Kreis 5 neighborhood, where the city's main train station and several major landmarks are located. The Zurich Tourism Board, based on Bahnhofstrasse, has also been working to improve the city's online presence, and the new duplicate image replacement system will likely have a significant impact on their efforts. Additionally, organizations like the ETH Zurich, located in the Hönggerberg area, have been conducting research on digital sustainability and data management, which may inform the city's approach to duplicate image replacement.
According to a recent report by the City of Zurich's IT department, the current digital infrastructure contains over 10,000 duplicate images, resulting in unnecessary data storage and maintenance costs. The report also notes that the city's website receives over 1.5 million visits per month, with an average user spending around 2 minutes and 30 seconds on the site. By implementing the new duplicate image replacement system, the city aims to reduce its digital storage needs by at least 30% and improve website loading times by up to 25%. The system is expected to be fully implemented by the end of 2026, with a budget of CHF 250,000 allocated for the project.
As the city moves forward with the duplicate image replacement system, residents and visitors can expect to see improvements in the city's online services and digital presence. The city council has also announced plans to provide guidance and support for local businesses and organizations to help them implement similar systems and improve their own digital sustainability. By understanding the background context and events that led to the current situation, Zurich can work towards a more efficient and sustainable digital future, with benefits for both the environment and the local community.
How does this story make you feel?
Spread the word
About this article
Published by The Daily Zurich
Daily brief
Free, in your inbox before 7am. Weekdays.
More in News