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Published on 25 April 2024

Climate consulting for communes

Towns and communal authorities can contribute to a climate-neutral Switzerland in several ways: they can utilise their scope for action in climate and energy policy, they can act as role models, and they can take steps to prepare for climate-related changes. The Climate Programme offers them advice and support through a range of practical measures.

A climate strategy guide for communes – making climate protection local

Switzerland has committed to meeting the climate goal of net-zero emissions by 2050. The eight-step Climate Strategy Guide for Communes supports communal authorities in achieving this ambitious goal. It also shows them ways to counter the effects of climate change. The guide was developed jointly with the 2000-Watt Society programme by the Swiss Federal Office of Energy/SwissEnergy specifically to assist small and medium-sized communes in developing a systematic climate strategy.

The following resources are available to download (in German, French or Italian):

For each step, the guide refers to the resources available, such as accounting instruments or financing tools.

Climate-friendly green and open spaces

The following resources are available on the key topic of adapting to climate change with a focus on green spaces:

Planning aids and good practice

The planning aid for green and open spaces produced by the Climate Programme, SwissEnergy for Communes and Energy City shows how and where communes can get to work. It sets out specific planning, implementation and maintenance measures, and presents case studies from other communes.

Short video on climate-adapted green and open spaces

The commune of Suhr in the canton of Aargau has created more municipal green and open spaces that can be managed in a near-natural, climate-adapted way. Specific examples illustrate the added value for nature and the population alike. The video was produced in collaboration with SwissEnergy for Communes and Energy City.

Further information

Sector Climate

Federal Office for the Environment FOEN
Sector Climate
Worblentalstrasse 68
3063 Ittigen