Zurich – on the way to being the 2,000-watt society

By 2050 the residents of Zurich want to reduce their power consumption per capita to 2,000 watts. This goal is so important to them that they have embedded it in their city’s constitution.

Per inhabitant from 5,000 to 2,000 watts of energy and from 5.5 metric tons to 1 metric ton of CO2 – by 2050 at the latest. The climate concept of the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich explains how this can succeed: through efficient technologies, economical handling of resources and renewable energies. Hamburg is pursuing a similar approach: By 2050 CO2 emissions are to have dropped in the Hanseatic City by around 80 percent compared to 1990 levels.

Eco-friendly homes for everybody

In 2008 76 percent of Zurich voters decided in a referendum to embed the goal of the 2,000-watt society in the city’s constitution. In order to achieve the watt reduction, Switzerland’s largest city is emphasizing eco-friendly dwellings for everyone. On a 40,000-square-meter industrial area, eco-friendly, yet affordable housing is being developed. After completion, the new district will offer approximately 1,000 people space for living and working.

Bus and train travel to be promoted – not car driving

Nearly 80 percent of all journeys within Zurich’s city limits are made by foot, bike or public transportation. With its mobility strategy the city is promoting the expansion of local public transportation, like Hamburg and other European cities. Bike and footpaths are also being expanded. Driving a car, however, is expensive in the downtown area. Hard-to-come-by parking spots subject to a charge are intended to stimulate the change to buses and trains.

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