The Canton of Geneva
The Republic and Canton of Geneva has been participating in the Exemplary Energy and Climate (EEC) initiative since 2022, alongside seven cantonal public institutions: the Public Law Real Estate Foundations (FIDP), the Geneva Industrial Land Foundation (FTI), HES-SO Geneva, the Hospice général, Geneva Public Transport (TPG) and the Cantonal Administration, via the Cantonal Buildings Office (OCBA).
The Geneva University Hospitals (HUG) participate in VEK as part of the university hospitals.
Energy and climate
The canton has set itself ambitious targets: to reduce direct greenhouse gas emissions by 60 per cent by 2030 (compared to 1990), to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 and to increase the share of non-fossil energy in thermal networks to 80 per cent by 2030. In 2022, the carbon footprint per capita was 12.7 tCO2e (-27 per cent compared to 1990). Direct emissions reached 3.4 tCO2e per capita (-39 per cent since 1990). This decrease is mainly due to lower emissions from building heating and an increase in the share of renewable energies.
Targets
1. Increase energy efficiency
- Reduce energy consumption in cantonal buildings and infrastructure
2. Switch to renewable energy
Thermal energy
- 2030 target: 80% non-fossil energy in thermal networks
Photovoltaics
- Increase cantonal photovoltaic production on public and private buildings
3. Carbon neutrality
Reference: 1990
- 2030 target: -60% direct emissions
- 2040 target: -75% direct emissions
- 2050 target: carbon neutrality for the territory
Measures
Like all stakeholders, the Republic and Canton of Geneva is committed to joint measures. In addition, Geneva is implementing the following individual measures:
Energy transition of the territory
- Deployment of structural thermal networks to replace heating oil and gas with local renewable sources
- 2024–2028 action plans for mobility: development of active mobility networks and strengthening of public transport
Monitoring and governance
- Implementation of the recommendations of the Court of Auditors (2023) to strengthen coordination between autonomous public institutions and improve the monitoring of objectives.
Further information
You can find the latest information regarding the implementation of this participant’s targets and measures in our Energy and Climate Report. The Canton of Geneva also publishes information about its energy and climate-related commitments on its own website.