A bright beginning
Switzerland is off to a promising start, with total greenhouse gas emissions peaking in the early 1990s and falling consistently since 2011. A long-term policy- and market-based framework is supporting the country's aim to achieve Net Zero by 2050. Yet, the path ahead is rocky – hurdles will need clearing, and perseverance will be necessary.
Safety first
Switzerland is currently on target to decarbonize by 2050, but staying the course will be a stretch. Existing and emerging challenges include safeguarding energy security, achieving popular consent for new infrastructure, and maintaining a stable power market and grid while shifting to renewables and ramping up electrification. This requires careful balancing of environmental, economic, and political priorities.
Individual pace
Each sector’s journey to Net Zero will be different, with each presenting unique challenges. Some sectors like industry are running ahead of the Net Zero pathway projections, and could present enticing commercial opportunities as new arenas, like carbon capture and storage, ramp up. Others face more significant challenges and will require deeper reforms, targeted investment, and widespread collaboration to stay on track.
Swiss companies play a major role in the transition. Large corporates went ahead by changing business practices and strategies. Increasing regulatory requirements and 2050 coming closer, widens the circle to more and more small and medium enterprises. The transition also offers fertile ground for start-ups, especially in the technology space. We speak to industry experts on how they support the transition, what challenges they face and what opportunities they see.
It's electrifying
Anke Hampel, Head of Sustainability, ABB AG
Electrification, energy efficiency improvements, and clear, predictable regulatory frameworks are essential to decarbonizing the industrial sector.
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New energy
Flurin Mössinger, Head of Sustainability, BKW Energie AG
Regulatory hurdles pose a significant challenge to the energy sector as it seeks to build out grid improvements, as well as power generation and flexibility solutions.
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Turbo charging the transition
Olivier Kofler, CEO, Carvolution AG
Switzerland is in a good position regarding public EV charging infrastructure, but home charging is the critical hurdle for many in making the switch.
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Sowing sustainably
Dominique Mégret, CEO, Ecorobotix SA
Precision application can reduce pesticide use by up to 90%, offering a significant decarbonization opportunity.
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Scaling permanent carbon removals
Johannes Tiefenthaler, Founder and Co-CEO, neustark AG
Scaling reliable, permanent carbon removals technology will be essential to hitting climate targets.
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It's not so complicated!
Marcel Kucher, CFO, Swiss Prime Site AG
Decarbonizing buildings is not that complicated – but it must be on management's radar and they must be committed to the goal.
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Building towards Net Zero
Patrik Stillhart, CEO, Zug Estates Holding AG
The key to unlocking building upgrades is finding the right timing so that the measures can be combined with renewal cycles or development measures.
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Switzerland is among the leaders in the charge for decarbonization and is currently on track to hit its emissions goals. Remaining so will not be easy however, with various challenges still to face.
Our report has more insights on how each sector can build on the progress achieved so far, and seize the opportunities of the Swiss transition.
Green hockey sticks
Green hockey sticks
Mapping progress in scaling key climate techs and reaching tipping points that could unleash the needed hockey stick-shaped growth to meet climate goals.
Rethink, rebuild, reimagine
Rethink, rebuild, reimagine
Laying the foundations for better buildings. In this report we map the path to a net zero buildings sector and the roles of different stakeholders in getting there.
The green inflection point
The green inflection point
In this report we identify key actions that the financial sector can take to help accelerate and scale decarbonization of the real economy.
Insights from UBS Switzerland
A bank like Switzerland
A bank like Switzerland
Education, sports, entrepreneurship, culture or sustainability: every talent deserves a chance. We are committed to Switzerland and support current and future generations in developing their full potential.
Insights from UBS Asset Management
Climate: Our Approach
Climate: Our Approach
Climate change is a reality we can no longer ignore. UBS Asset Management offers a range of climate solutions to help structure your portfolio for the future.
Insights from UBS Switzerland
Sustainability at UBS in Switzerland
Sustainability at UBS in Switzerland
Our world faces many challenges. UBS in Switzerland wants to contribute to tackling some of those pressing challenges and to do our part to connect people for a better world.
