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PATH is a global nonprofit dedicated to achieving health equity. With more than 40 years of experience forging multisector partnerships and expertise in science, economics, technology, advocacy, and dozens of other specialties, PATH develops and scales up innovative solutions to the world’s most pressing health challenges. Our Mission is to advance health equity through innovation and partnership.
PATH has been present in the region Grand Genève since 2000. The Foundation for Appropriate Technologies in Health (FATH) was founded by PATH and has operated in the Geneva canton, Switzerland, since 2011.
In 2020, FATH embarked on a pioneering journey to chart a greener future, conducting an environmental factors survey that meticulously mapped out the primary sources of greenhouse gas emissions (GHG), water consumption, and waste. This initiative, rooted deeply in PATH’s overarching commitment to environmental stewardship, marked a significant stride towards sustainability. Motivated by a collective desire to make a meaningful difference, the Switzerland team’s efforts have not only spotlighted the path to reducing GHG emissions but have also served as a beacon of inspiration for all of PATH to rally behind the sustainability cause.
Following these actions, another important commitment to reducing carbon footprint by 50% by 2030 was undertaken by FATH and on December 5, 2023, during the second 2050Today High-Level Meeting, FATH- the Swiss affiliate of PATH, signed the 2050Today Charter, that establishes a reference framework for decarbonizing International Geneva.
We are proud to be part of the 2050Today initiative and are deeply committed to reducing our GHG emissions through sustained, long-term initiatives across various thematic areas.
FATH office in Geneva is the property of the Foundation for the International Organisations Buildings (FIPOI), a private non-profit foundation that is a member of the 2050Today initiative. Our building is Minergie certified and is designed to minimize its impact on the environment and contribute to long-term sustainability.
Furthermore, FATH advocates for sustainable energy practices in the office. To foster awareness among employees regarding the importance of water and energy conservation and to promote responsible daily habits, we have created informative and instructive posters displayed within the workplace. These posters feature ecological facts, statistics, and clear instructions aimed at influencing behaviors such as:
Operating from a small-sized office with no cafeteria, our approach to food revolves around promoting sustainability among employees. This entails prioritizing vegetarian options, sourcing local, organic, and seasonal produce, minimizing food waste, and avoiding single-use containers. To foster these practices, FATH is implementing a communication strategy, highlighting easily adoptable best practices through informative presentations during staff meetings. We anticipate a ripple effect, as encouraging sustainable behaviors not only diminishes FATHs carbon footprint but also extends to employees adopting eco-conscious habits in their personal lives.
During in-house events and meetings, we favor vegetarian and/or vegan meals. We have compiled a list of local restaurants and caterers specializing in sustainable, nutritious offerings, which was shared with our team. Labels such as “Fait maison”and “GRTA”, alongside the Ville de Genève’s website, help us identify establishments in Geneva committed to balanced, sustainable dining choices.
Moreover, FATH ensures appropriate/reasonable food ordering tailored to the number of attendees to minimize surplus, with any leftovers promptly communicated to staff for their consumption. Whenever feasible, we opt for bicycle delivery to further diminish our carbon footprint.
Mobility accounts for the majority of FATH’s carbon footprint, at 97.6%. To mitigate emissions stemming from business travel, PATH’s global travel policy mandates that employees consider the CO2 footprint when submitting booking requests. Additionally, out of respect for donor funding, PATH advises employees to exercise prudence when selecting airline class of service, ensuring cost-effectiveness and environmental responsibility. All travel bookings are made through a central travel agency which allows us to closely monitor our carbon footprint.
To reduce the environmental impact of commuting and encourage low-impact transportation alternatives, FATH offers full coverage for public transport for employees, as opposed to partial coverage for parking spaces. Additionally, we facilitate the charging of electric bikes free of charge in the office premises. Moreover, FATH is participating in the 2024 Bike to Work Challenge, to advocate for soft mobility options for commuting.
FATH prioritizes sustainable approaches in our IT operations. For instance, rather than providing work mobile phones to our staff, we opt for mobile phone stipends for the use of a personal phone. Additionally, we moved landline phones to digital technologies; thus hardware setup is no more required. We are committed to reducing our environmental footprint by minimizing new IT equipment purchases, through the actions listed above and by focusing on reusing and repairing existing devices whenever possible.
FATH has taken several initiatives to enhance waste management at workplace. Recycling boxes and compost bins are now stationed in both kitchens, accompanied by informative posters detailing the environmental consequences of various waste types. Additionally, FATH has banned single-use containers and cutlery, opting instead for reusable kitchenware. To tackle disposable packaging waste during lunch breaks, FATH has joined the reCIRCLE initiative, procuring reusable containers for staff members to utilize when ordering takeout. Furthermore, we’ve minimized printing activities to reduce paper waste. Moreover, we are building sustainable procurement practices and purchasing decisions that aim to meet our requirement for goods or services, and at the same time minimize the impact on environment which involves considerations like using eco-friendly or recycled materials, minimizing waste, and reducing carbon emissions through responsible transportation and manufacturing methods.
2050Today’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions measurement methodology follows the GHG Protocol. The Protocol provides standards and guidance for organizations to measure and manage climate-warming emissions. It was created in 1998 through a partnership between the World Resources Institute (WRI) and the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD).
According to the GHG Protocol, the distribution of emissions is done by scopes:
Scope 1 represents direct emissions linked to the consumption of fossil fuels.
Scope 2 represents indirect emissions from the generation of purchased electricity, steam, heating and cooling consumed by the reporting company.
Scope 3 includes all other indirect emissions that occur in a company’s value chain (i.e. purchased good or services, business travel, employee commuting).
The 2050Today carbon footprint takes into account the reported emissions generated by the activities of the institution over one year and is divided by categories:
Energy and water
It takes into account the amount of the consumed electricity produced and purchased by the institution. The energy consumed to heat and/or cool the institution’s building area and the consumed water are included as well.
Mobility
It takes into consideration business travels and commuting (on a survey basis).
Food
The CO2 impact of food includes the catering of the institution and individual consumption (on a survey basis) during working hours.
Purchased goods
The perimeter of purchased goods is set to a list of new office equipment, new mobility equipment (vehicles) and construction materials.
Waste
The perimeter of the waste inventory is set to waste production from facilities and internal operations of the institution
It has to be noted that the collected data of the 2050Today members resulting in each carbon footprint are not yet fully standardized and might not be entirely complete. Data collection is being progressively harmonized and improved. Therefore, direct comparisons between tCO2 / employee among institutions – be it in general or per sector – are not yet possible nor relevant.
To ensure the reliability, the accuracy and a recurrent updating of the carbon footprint assessment, 2050Today is advised by an international Carbon Footprint Scientific Committee.
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