Since 2008, Switzerland has been levying a CO2 steering tax on fossil fuels such as heating oil or natural gas. Fossil fuels are taxed in order to incentivize the economical use and the increased use of CO2-neutral energy sources or ones that produce less CO2. Each year, approximately two thirds of the tax revenues are distributed back to the populace and the economy usage-independently. One third flows into the building programme that promotes CO2-effective measures such as, for example, energy-based refurbishments or renewable energy. A further CHF 25 million flow into to the technology fund.
No CO2 tax is levied on fuel. Instead, Switzerland is trying to lower the emissions through tougher CO2 provisions for passenger cars. In addition, other strongly emission-inducing industries are obliged to implement CO2 compensation projects.
Also in 2008, the Swiss greenhouse gas emissions trading system (EHS) was launched, with participation being voluntary during the first five years. A revised version of the EHS became effective in 2013, according to which participation is compulsory for energy-intensive companies. In return, those companies are exempt from the CO2 steering tax. For medium-sized companies, participation remains voluntary. The emissions trading system EHS currently covers approximately 10% of Swiss greenhouse gas emissions.
The linking of the ETS from Switzerland and the European Emission Trading System (EU ETS) has started on 1st. January 2020. At the Moment,
the agreement is being finalised in a number of aspects. The Goal is that the greenhouse gas certificates of the EU and Switzerland will be mutually recognised. With the linking of the two trading systems, the aviation sector in Switzerland is now also obliged to participate in the ETS.
In Switzerland, Faktor-Plus has been implementing greenhouse gas reduction projects in various sectors for many years, generating greenhouse gas certificates and trading these for its customers.