Switzerland’s measures to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions

The CO2 Act includes a wide range of specific measures to achieve the reduction targets for greenhouse gas emissions.

Switzerland implements its international obligation in the CO2 Act, which establishes the targets and measures in law.

Emissions trading system

The emissions trading system makes it possible to reduce the total amount of emissions covered. The emissions are thereby reduced where it costs the least to do so. In this way, climate protection goals can be achieved cost-effectively.

Buildings

The federal and cantonal Buildings Programme reinforces the effect of the CO2 levy. The cantons also achieve a reduction in CO2 emissions with their building regulations.

CO2 regulations for new vehicles

New vehicles must comply with an average target value for CO2 emissions per kilometre. The same target values apply in Switzerland as in the EU, and Swiss vehicle importers are subject to this requirement.

CO2 compensation

Compensation projects in Switzerland and abroad are reducing emissions. Fuel importers are obliged to offset part of their CO2 emissions from transport through compensation projects.

Information on emissions in flight offers

From 2026 onwards, information on the emissions likely to be caused by individual flights must be provided by the travel industry.

Climate Programme – training and communications

Advances climate protection as part of vocational training for skilled workers, and with practical support for communes.

Technology fund

The Confederation’s Technology Fund promotes innovations that reduce greenhouse gases or resource consumption, favour the use of renewable energies, and increase energy efficiency. Guarantees make it easier for innovative firms to take out loans.