Central Swiss Climate Program for SMEs launching in September
Lucerne/Root - Zelsius and the Albert Koechlin Foundation are set to start their climate program for SMEs in Central Switzerland. This will support SMEs in making a first step in the direction of net zero. The foundation will cover up to 83 percent of the costs for consulting and initial carbon footprint accounting.
SMEs from Central Switzerland striving for a future in which fossil fuels are kept to an absolute minimum can now apply for the Central Swiss Climate Program. This is set to get underway in September 2025 and will offer specific support measures for the systematic reduction of emissions. The initiative is being organized and supported by Zelsius and the Albert Koechlin Foundation. It is geared towards small and medium-sized enterprises with up to 250 employees based in the cantons of Uri, Schwyz, Obwalden, Nidwalden and Lucerne.
As detailed in a press release issued by Zelsius, which is a spin-off from the Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts that is headquartered at Technopark Luzern in Root and led by Managing Director Adina Hochuli, the primary motivation behind the program came from a survey conducted by the insurance group AXA in 2022. The survey findings indicated that only one in every eight SMEs in Switzerland are aware of the extent of their own CO2 emissions. What's more, a report of the management consultancy McKinsey on Switzerland’s climate performance revealed that the economy generates between 30 and 60 percent of domestic emissions, depending on the definition applied. Of the almost 50 million tons of domestic CO2 equivalents, around 30 percent are directly attributable to the secondary and tertiary sectors, while the economy in a broader sense of the word accounts for twice as much, or 60 percent. Of this 60 percent, SMEs account for a share of 24 to 30 percentage points.
After a first meeting with the Zelsius experts in climate accounting and reporting, the participating SMEs have their data collected. Within a few days, the company then receives a detailed climate report outlining its carbon footprint. Depending on the size of the company, the Albert Koechlin Foundation covers up to 83 percent of the costs.
«The insights gained can be used by the SMEs to systematically prioritize impactful and cost-effective solutions», comments program director Marcel Niederberger, who adds: «It is important to us that the program offers the easiest possible access to climate protection».
