Reduction of greenhouse gas emissions

Switzerland is implementing a wide range of measures to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions in all sectors. These have an impact on transport, industry, buildings, agriculture, energy generation and the financial markets.

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 is the trading of allowances to emit a certain quantity of greenhouse gases. In the Emissions Trading System (ETS), emissions are reduced where costs are comparatively low – according to market logic.

New vehicles must comply with an average target value for CO2 emissions per kilometre. These target values have been defined for new passenger cars, for new delivery vans and light commercial vehicles and, as of 2025, for new lorries and articulated vehicles. The same target values apply in Switzerland as in the EU, and Swiss vehicle importers are subject to this requirement.

Companies that place fossil fuels onto the Swiss market are required to offset carbon emissions. They fund offsetting projects in Switzerland and abroad that reduce greenhouse gases. There is also a voluntary market for carbon certificates that is not regulated by the federal government.

The partially revised CO2 Act has been in force since 1 January 2025.

The Climate Programme supplements and strengthens the measures of the CO2 Act and promotes climate protection.

The technology fund was created by the federal government to promote innovative technologies that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and the consumption of resources, support the use of renewable energy and increase energy efficiency. The fund’s loan guarantees lower the hurdle for innovative companies to get the necessary financing in place.

Voluntary agreements with sectors of the economy are an established environmental and climate policy instrument. They enable amicable solutions with the economy in the interests of both parties.

Greenhouse gas emissions can also be reduced by measures that do not fall under the CO2 Act. Efforts in other areas such as energy, agriculture and tax policies help to achieve the reduction targets.