Environmental Footprints of Switzerland

Year	2018
Pages	21
Number	UZ-1811-E
Publisher	Federal Office for the Environment FOEN
Serie	State of the environment

Developments from 1996 to 2015

This study shows the development of Switzerland’s consumption-based environmental impact from 1996 to 2015 (environmental footprints). It is based on a combination of emissions, trade, and life cycle assessment data. The latter were regionalised for the biodiversity and water footprint for the first time. Switzerland’s resulting footprints are not in line with the planetary boundaries, and while the share of the environmental impact caused within the country is decreasing, the share of the impact caused abroad is sharply rising. Estimates of possible future developments show considerable potential for improvement, such as in consumer behaviour and supply chains, but also make it clear that greater efforts are necessary in the areas of mobility, nutrition, and housing.