The Swiss should consume less meat and live in smaller apartments to sustainably accommodate a growing population, a science research body has recommended.
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Il progetto sostenibile richiede meno carne e meno spazio vitale
The Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) unveiled its blueprint for sustainable living on Tuesday to promote a resource-efficient economy of the future.
Switching to a more plant-based diet could reduce the environmental footprint of agriculture by 36%. The SNSF recommends focusing farming subsidies on ecological projects.
The study also suggested a rethink on housing to reduce the size of homes. In 1990 the average living space per person was 38 square metres compared to 51 square metres today.
The SNSF believes greater effort should be concentrated on renovating older buildings than constructing new homes.
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“We could easily accommodate ten million people with the current housing stock,” said Philipp Thalmann from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL).
Although Switzerland is improving its record of recycling, the SNSF pointed out that only 8.6% of all resources worldwide are re-used.
The transition to a sustainable economy should be managed by a combination of regulation, taxes and behavioural incentives, the study said.
The SNSF “NRP 73” study was given a CHF20 million ($18 million) grant in 2016 and conducted 29 research projects to reach its conclusions.
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Zurich arbitration authority rules in favour of tenants of ‘Sugus Houses’
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A conciliation authority says the terminations of 105 flat leases in the so-called "Sugus Houses" in the centre of Zurich were abusive. The tenants therefore do not have to move out - at least for the time being.
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Visitors to Switzerland spent CHF19.6 billion ($23.9 billion) last year, a 2.2% rise compared to the previous year, the Federal Statistical Office (FSO) said on Monday.
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Despite the current tense economic situation, Swiss consumer sentiment remains positive. The Swiss spent more money in May than the previous year, particularly on restaurant visits and leisure activities, as shown by the latest figures released by PostFinance.
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A bear killed four sheep in the Lower Engadine region near Scuol, canton Graubünden, last week. This was the first bear attack on local livestock in four years.
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Experts believe that economic development in Switzerland will be weaker in 2026 than the forecasts made three months ago. They have also lowered their predictions for the current year.
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Fewer people in Switzerland have a religious affiliation and the proportion who practice their religion regularly is steadily declining, a survey finds.
Study: trees have major cooling effect even in extreme heat
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Plane trees in cities have an important cooling effect even in extreme heat, according to a new study by the Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research (WSL).
EPFL launches digitised version of Battle of Murten panorama
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To mark the anniversary of the Battle of Murten on 22 June 1476, the Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL) has launched a website that offers the public an immersive experience of the huge panorama painting of the historic battle.
77th Swiss Gymnastics Festival praised for ‘positive energy’
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The 77th Federal Gymnastics Festival drew to a close on Sunday in Lausanne, after eleven days of popular celebration and sporting performances.
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Climate-smart buildings slowly conquer the Alps
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Construction is booming in the Swiss Alps, but not all of it is sustainable. Architecture critic Köbi Gantenbein wants to change this.
Switzerland examines sustainable trade options with Indonesia
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Switzerland lays foundations for roadmap to promote a sustainable means of implementing a controversial free trade agreement.
‘Switzerland should be a model country for innovative sustainability solutions’
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An interview with the new director of Switzerland’s research institute for materials science and technology – the first female boss in its history.
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