Overview of the implemented measures

The Swiss representations abroad are implementing many different measures which contribute towards sustainable development. They can be divided into the following four categories.

Window in the form of a light bulb with buildings in the background.
Achieving sustainable development presents many challenges. This is why each step taken and every idea counts towards greater sustainability. © Keystone

Buildings and building technology

Buildings with green roofs, illustration.
The buildings sector is responsible for a significant share of greenhouse gas emissions. © Keystone

The following table provides an overview of the measures implemented that concern buildings and building technology.

Table - Buildings and building technology

Category

Category

Category

Measures

Description

Examples of embassies

Constructional improvement

  • Use of sun exposure and shadowing
  • Greenery on façades and roofs
  • Double and triple glazing

Optimal use can be made of sun exposure and shadowing through architectural elements and the positioning of buildings. Double and triple glazing provide better insulation, and greenery on façades and/or roofs ensures natural insulation and protection against sunlight. Retention systems to collect rainwater are also often installed. Such architectural elements reduce energy costs on heating and cooling systems while sometimes also saving water.

Algeria
Australia
India
Kenya
South Korea
Russia
Zimbabwe

Efficient cooling and heating systems

  • Reduction of energy used for heating and cooling
  • Blinds instead of cooling systems
  • Maintenance of heating and cooling systems

The smart use of blinds is a simple means of protection against the sun and reduces the use of air conditioning systems.  Energy costs can be reduced through regular maintenance and the optimal setting of heating and cooling systems. This is cost-effective as well as helping to save on resources and protect the climate.

Algeria
Australia
Germany
Russia
Zimbabwe

Other measures concerning buildings

  • Building certification

Swiss representations can obtain certification for their measures aimed at sustainable management of resources, thus highlighting their commitment. 

Costa Rica
UAE

 

Mobility and transport

Bicycles and scooters leaning against a wall.
Sustainable mobility helps to reduce traffic without restricting freedom of movement. © Keystone

The following table provides an overview of the measures implemented concerning mobility and transport.

Table - Mobility and transport

Category

Category

Category

Measures

Description

Examples of embassies

Electromobility

  • Electric bikes
  • Electric cars

Using electric vehicles – cars and bikes – avoids relying on fossil fuels and in turn helps cut emissions.

Australien
Brasilien

Emission-free mobility

  • Walking to work
  • Cycling to work

Staff can walk or cycle to work every day thanks to the embassy’s central location. This means zero emissions and has health benefits for staff.

Algerien
Australien
Germany
Russia
VAE
Zimbabwe

Not using private transport

  • Avoiding the use of service vehicles
  • Shared taxis
  • Car sharing
  • Car pooling
  • Use of public transport

If vehicles are used by more than one person, the CO2 footprint per person is reduced and fossil fuels are used more efficiently. There is also less congestion in cities owing to the reduced volume of traffic.

Australien
Südkorea
VAE
Russia

 

Other measures concerning mobility

  •  Eco-driving
  • Use of videoconferencing
  • Avoiding flying

Eco-driving means less fossil fuels are used, thereby cutting emissions.

Using videoconferencing avoids the need for long, regular journeys and ensures more efficient time management.

Avoiding flying has a significant impact on emissions, which means that alternative options of transport or videoconferencing should be used whenever possible.

Australien
Germany
Indien
VAE

 

Energy and climate

Wind power plant model, design plans and tablet on the table in the office.
Energy-related measures also help in the fight against climate change. © Keystone

The following table provides an overview of the measures implemented on energy and climate.

Table - Energy and climate

Category

Category

Category

Measures

Description

Examples of embassies

Renewable energies

  • Photovoltaic systems
  • Solar energy systems
  • Battery storage devices
  • Procurement of renewable electricity

Electricity – using photovoltaic systems – and heat – with solar energy systems – can be generated independently as sustainable energy if the opportunity exists. The electricity generated is either fed into the local grid, used directly or stored in batteries, where possible. Alternatively, renewable electricity (for example, from hydropower plants) can be purchased.

Australia
Brazil
Costa Rica
Germany
India
Kenya
Poland
South Korea
Zimbabwe

Energy efficiency

  • Use of energy-efficient devices
  • Energy-saving bulbs
  • Implementation of other energy-saving measures

Embassies are implementing energy-saving measures to reduce energy consumption. Optimal lighting systems are installed, efficiency is taken into account when purchasing new devices and staff awareness about simple routines, like turning out lights and switching off devices, is raised.

Algeria
Australia
Brazil
Germany
Kenya
Poland
Russia
UAE
Zimbabwe

Climate protection measures

  • Compensation of emissions

 

Emissions caused, such as by taking flights, can be offset by buying certificates.

Costa Rica

Awareness-raising measures

  • Staff training
  • Organisation of awareness-raising campaigns
  • Communications activities on climate and energy

Staff awareness about implementing sustainable measures is raised through training and newsletters. Embassies also organise events for a wider audience to raise awareness of sustainability issues amongst the local population.

Australia
Costa Rica
Germany
India
Poland
Russia
UAE

 

Conserving resources and protecting the environment

A water crown creates a circular pattern in a pool of water. Illustration.
Natural resources are finite which is why protecting and conserving them is vitally important. © Keystone

The following table provides an overview of the measures implemented aiming to conserve resources and protect the environment.

Table - Conserving resources and protecting the environment

Category

Category

Category

Measures

Description

Examples of embassies

Water management

  • Water-saving fittings
  • Water recycling
  • Use of rainwater
  • Reduced garden irrigation
  • Raising staff awareness
  • Active water management

Various water-saving measures are undertaken, such as using rainwater for toilet flushing and water-saving fittings as well as raising staff awareness to promote careful use of water.

Algeria
Australia
Brazil
South Korea
UAE
Zimbabwe

 

Waste management

  • Reducing the use of paper
  • Recycling
  • Composting
  • Active waste management

Despite implementation being challenging in some countries, the embassies implement active waste management through recycling and composting. Additionally, the use of paper is reduced through targeted steps (e.g. printer settings).

Algeria
Australia
Germany
Russia
UAE
Zimbabwe

Biodiversity

  • Protecting and encouraging biodiversity

Indigenous plants are used in embassy gardens. Trees felled are replaced and additional ones are planted.

Australia Brazil
Kenya
Russia
Zimbabwe

 

Last update 03.05.2023

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