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Reduction of 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.

CO2 levy

The CO2 levy creates an incentive to consume less energy and to use climate-friendly energy sources. Since 2008, it has been raised as an incentive tax on fossil fuels such as heating oil and natural gas. Most of the revenue is redistributed to the public and businesses. This benefits those who consume less fossil fuel.

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.

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.

Carbon offsetting

Kompensationsprojekte im In- und Ausland führen zu Emissionsverminderungen. Treibstoffimporteure sind verpflichtet, einen Teil der CO2-Emissionen aus dem Verkehr mit Kompensationsprojekten auszugleichen.

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.

Sector agreements

To curb the emissions from industry and waste management, the Confederation has agreed reduction targets and measures with two industry associations.

Other policy areas

Greenhouse gas emissions can also be reduced by measures that do not fall under the CO2 Act.

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Last modification 24.09.2025

https://www.bafu.admin.ch/content/bafu/en/home/topics/climate/reduction-measures.html