More cities join energy programme
The number of communities participating in state energy agency's "Energy Cities" programme has reached 161.
That number represents more than 3.5 million people as well as businesses, said Energy Switzerland on Wednesday.
The label is part of a plan set up 20 years ago and obliges participants to save energy, use renewable energy and reduce their greenhouse gas emissions.
Zurich, Basel, Bern, Lausanne and St. Gallen were previously on the list while Geneva is a new entry.
Last year, the Energy Cities saved the equivalent of 30 million litres of fuel and 72 million kilowatt hours of electricity, representing a CO2 savings of 70,000.
Villages, towns and cities can make a difference in the areas of construction, traffic and electricity consumption, programme organisers say.
Energy Cities in Switzerland generate more than SFr50 million ($48.43 million) in investments and more than 200 jobs annually in promoting sustainable living.
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