The Climate Cent Foundation is a voluntary measure of Swiss industry aimed at efficient climate protection. It has committed vis-à-vis the Swiss Confederation to reducing 12 million tonnes of CO2 over the period 2008 to 2012, of which at least 2 million tonnes within Switzerland. The Climate Cent Foundation is funded by a charge levied on all petrol and diesel imports at a rate of 1.5 cent per litre.
CO2 emissions reductions in Switzerland and abroad
The Foundation invests into projects designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions both in Switzerland and abroad. Emissions reductions are determined following nationally and internationally recognised guidelines and can be claimed by Switzerland towards the fulfilment of its reduction target.
Projects in Switzerland
- Of the yearly 2.4 million tonnes of emissions reductions required overall, the Foundation must achieve reductions of at least 0.4 million tonnes within Switzerland.
- Emissions reductions may stem from the transport sector as well as from the buildings or industrial sectors.
Projects abroad
- Of the yearly 2.4 million tonnes of emissions reductions required overall, the Foundation may achieve reductions of at most 2 million tonnes abroad.
- Use of the project-based mechanisms provided by the Kyoto Protocol, which rely on an internationally agreed framework.
- Projects approved by the UN accreditation body generate tradeable certificates, which Switzerland can claim towards the fulfilment of its reduction target.
- The certificates are handed over to the Swiss Confederation free of charge.
Funded by a charge of 1.5 cent per litre levied on diesel and petrol imports
The Climate Cent Foundation is funded by a charge levied on all imports of petrol and diesel at a rate of 1.5 cent per litre. This generates around 100 million Swiss Francs annually, which go towards closing the gap in CO2 emissions reductions. The funds are deployed both in Switzerland and abroad.
The reduction of CO2 emissions abroad, is cheaper by a factor of 5 than in Switzerland
Because cutting CO2 emissions is cheaper abroad than in Switzerland by a factor of around 5, the climate cent is a cost-efficient instrument. It is also ecologically effective, as the specific location of greenhouse gas emissions reductions is irrelevant in view of global climate protection.
Sustainable contribution to a modern Swiss climate protection
The balanced mix of emissions reductions in Switzerland and abroad means the Foundation honours the requirement that the gap in emissions reductions be closed as much as possible within the country, while also allowing Switzerland to meet its climate target in a cost-efficient manner. Within its sphere of activity, the Foundation vouches for maximum transparency and credibility at all times. We want our efforts to make a sustainable contribution to a modern Swiss climate protection.