Government touts success of “green” policies

Environmental concerns have prompted a tax on heavy lorries Keystone Archive

The cabinet says environmental concerns have played an increasingly important role in shaping government policy in recent years.

In a statement on Monday, the cabinet said its policies would lead to a five per cent fall in energy consumption this year, largely as a result of measures aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

It added that the government’s drive for sustainable development had influenced its financial and foreign policy.

It cited the introduction of a tax on heavy lorries – to be introduced in January – as well as increased spending on public transport.

The statement also pointed out that Switzerland has signed two United Nations conventions on labour rights and minimum standards. It said the government would make sustainability a key aspect of Switzerland’s dealings with the rest of the world.

However, the cabinet admitted that there was room for improvement in the areas of tax reforms and public procurement. It said these would help business become more efficient and socially responsible.

The environment ministry said was supporting a series of local projects in Switzerland, dubbed Agenda 21, to help promote the concept of sustainability.

swissinfo with agencies