Adopting the short Action Plan
The short climate Action Plan is designed for small institutions or institutions that face challenges in finding sufficient resources to define a comprehensive climate action plan and make full use of the tools provided by 2050Today. The short action plan consists in a shortened version of the comprehensive Action Plan recommended by the 2050Today Charter. It allows you to quickly implement actions with a significant impact.
The short Action Plan offers a simplified, pre-filled action plan which contains a list of 14 high-impact priority actions in the areas of Mobility, Energy, and Food with set targets for 2025, 2028, and 2030. These actions were chosen from the broader sectoral action plans as the most suited to the operational context of permanent Missions. Please note that this action plan can be completed with additional measures from the global action plan.
By adopting and implementing the short action plan, permanent Missions or other similar institutions in size could achieve in average a -40% GHG emissions reduction by 2030.
Short Action Plan Guidelines
Short Climate Action Plan
Guidelines and predefined actions
Why it matters
Representing an average of 69% of greenhouse gas emissions from permanent Missions, mobility is a priority sector for achieving the reduction targets recommended by the 2050Today Charter. Most of these emissions stem from business travel, particularly air travel. A smaller, yet relevant, portion also comes from employees’ commuting.
By implementing the recommended actions, it is possible to achieve a -40% reduction in mobility-related GHG emissions
▶ Proposed actions
▶ Explanation
→ Defining a sustainable business travel policy
A sustainable mobility policy can effectively shift employees’ travel habits by providing clear guidance and involving management in the process. To ensure impactful results, we recommend:
- Encouraging virtual meetings as an alternative to travel
- Developing internal incentive mechanisms (for example, a carbon budget by department)
- Setting train travel as the mandatory mode for short- and medium-distance trips (defining clear criteria)
- Making Economy/Economy Plus the default class for air travel
- Prioritizing direct flights and choosing airlines with the highest CO2 efficiency
Prohibiting flights between Swiss cities, including connecting flights
→ Setting specific targets for CO2 emissions reductions for travel by air
Setting specific targets provides clear, measurable benchmarks that can be tracked over time. This allows for the assessment of progress, helping to identify whether the measures being implemented are effective or need adjustment. For example, set a target of a 30% reduction in aviation-related emissions by 2030.
→ Creating a subsidy for public transport and provide access to a carpooling platform for your employees
To incentivise staff members to use public transport rather than using private transport. The benefits of carpooling include reduced traffic congestion, reduced emissions, reduced costs, and reduced ambient air pollution. It can also support building team moral and personal connections.
→ Switching to low carbon vehicles fleet
The vehicle fleet of your institution is responsible for direct scope 1 emissions due to the use of fossil fuels. Transitioning to low-carbon vehicles can help avoid direct (scope 1) emissions and halve the total emissions associated with the use and acquisition of this vehicle fleet.
Why it matters
Energy consumption accounts for an average of 25% of greenhouse gas emissions from permanent Missions. With most heating systems still powered by fossil fuels, heating remains the primary source of these emissions. Transitioning to low-carbon energy sources, such as district heating or heat pumps, will need to be planned in order to achieve a significant reduction in emissions. As most permanent missions rent their office spaces, it is recommended to communicate and coordinate these actions with the building owner.
By implementing the recommended actions, it is possible to achieve a -60% reduction in energy-related GHG emissions
▶ Proposed actions
▶ Explanation
→ Replacing gas for heating (offices) with heat pumps
Heating with a heat pump avoids direct emissions and emits 4 times less CO2e than a gas boiler. It is recommended to consult your building’s owner regarding plans to decarbonize the heating system. If such plans exist, you may incorporate them into your action plan according to the proposed timeline.
→ Installing photovoltaic solar panels on your building’s roof
With photovoltaic performance improving and reduced costs increasing, clean and renewable energy can be produced on site. 2050Today has conducted and shared a techno-economic study of the solar potential for your office and residence rooftops. We recommend sharing this information with your landlord and inquiring about any plans to install solar panels on your building’s roof
→ Reducing heating over night and weekends, & adapt regulation hours to building real occupation hours
It is recommended to ask the owner of your building what has already been done regarding energy efficiency in your building. You can send them the list of recommended actions and ask what has been implemented or planned, along with the scheduled dates, so you can include them in your action plan.
→ Replacing fluorescent tubes with LED tubes
According to SuisseEnergie, switching to LED tubes, which are more efficient than fluorescent tubes, can reduce lighting energy consumption by 50% to 90%.
→ Switching off ventilation outside occupation hours
Ventilation is a major contributor to electricity consumption in office buildings, but simple adjustments can significantly reduce energy use without compromising comfort.
Why it matters
Food accounts for 28% of the environmental impact of consumption in Switzerland, ahead of housing (24%) and mobility (12%). For Permanent Missions, Food accounts an average for 4% of emissions, making it the third-largest emitting sector. Emissions arise primarily from meals funded or provided during receptions and events organized by the Missions. Although its impact on overall emissions reduction may be smaller than other sectors, food-related actions allow for tangible improvements that can be implemented quickly and with minimal investment
By promoting sustainable food choices at events and receptions, Missions have the opportunity to raise awareness among their guests and staff, and highlight their commitment to reducing their environmental impact in line with the 2050Today Charter.
By implementing the recommended actions, it is possible to achieve a -50% reduction in food-related GHG emissions
▶ Proposed actions
▶ Explanation
→ Offer an extensive selection of products farmed in Switzerland, or meeting the PER standards, for a minimum of x % (based on quantities)
Favoring Swiss-farmed products or those meeting PER standards supports national agriculture, reduces import-related emissions, and ensures high environmental and quality standards. The City of Geneva’s Sustainable Food Charter recommends a minimum of 70% Swiss food products.
→ Offer an extensive selection of local products with regional labels, such as GRTA, Vaud+, or similar, for a minimum of x % (based on quantities)
Prioritizing local products with regional labels supports the local economy, reduces transportation emissions, and promotes sustainable agriculture. The City of Geneva’s Sustainable Food Charter recommends a minimum of 30% GRTA products.
→ Select products with a credible label such as Bourgeon Bio, Demeter, ordonnance bio Suisse, AB bio (EU), for a minimum of x % (based on quantities)
Choosing certified organic products ensures sustainable agricultural practices that protect biodiversity, reduce chemical use, and support local ecosystems. The City of Geneva’s Sustainable Food Charter recommends a minimum of 20% organic products.
→ Offer a majority of vegetarian meals (without meat or fish) at receptions or event
Meals containing meat emit, on average, 2 to 3 times more CO2e than vegetarian meals. The City of Geneva’s Sustainable Food Charter recommends offering 2/3 vegetarian dishes at events.
→ Ban all single-use consumables (straws, stirrers, chopsticks, coasters, etc.) at receptions or events
Single-use consumables create excessive waste and often require long decomposition times. Eliminating them reduces waste and supports sustainability goals by encouraging reusable or compostable alternatives.
To discover more actions and enlarge the scope of your climate journey
please consult the comprehensive Action Plan
Defining a comprehensive Action Plan
- Biodiversity
- Energy
- Food
- Mobility
- Sustainable IT
- Waste management
2050Today Charter © 2023 by 2050Today is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0
