Overview of the implemented measures

Constructional improvement

• Use of sun exposure and shadowing
• Greenery on façades and roofs
• Double and triple glazing

Optimal use can be made of sun exposure and shadowing through architectural elements and the positioning of buildings. Double and triple glazing provide better insulation, and greenery on façades and/or roofs ensures natural insulation and protection against sunlight. Retention systems to collect rainwater are also often installed. Such architectural elements reduce energy costs on heating and cooling systems while sometimes also saving water.

Efficient cooling and heating systems

• Reduction of energy used for heating and cooling
• Blinds instead of cooling systems
• Maintenance of heating and cooling systems

The smart use of blinds is a simple means of protection against the sun and reduces the use of air conditioning systems.  Energy costs can be reduced through regular maintenance and the optimal setting of heating and cooling systems. This is cost-effective as well as helping to save on resources and protect the climate.

Other measures concerning buildings

• Building certification

Swiss representations can obtain certification for their measures aimed at sustainable management of resources, thus highlighting their commitment. 

Costa Rica
UAE

Electromobility

• Electric bikes
• Electric cars

Using electric vehicles – cars and bikes – avoids relying on fossil fuels and in turn helps cut emissions.

Emission-free mobility

• Walking to work
• Cycling to work

Staff can walk or cycle to work every day thanks to the embassy’s central location. This means zero emissions and has health benefits for staff.

Not using private transport

• Avoiding the use of service vehicles
• Shared taxis
• Car sharing
• Car pooling
• Use of public transport

If vehicles are used by more than one person, the CO₂ footprint per person is reduced and fossil fuels are used more efficiently. There is also less congestion in cities owing to the reduced volume of traffic.

Australien
Südkorea
VAE
Russia

Other measures concerning mobility

•  Eco-driving
• Use of videoconferencing
• Avoiding flying

Eco-driving means less fossil fuels are used, thereby cutting emissions.

Using videoconferencing avoids the need for long, regular journeys and ensures more efficient time management.

Avoiding flying has a significant impact on emissions, which means that alternative options of transport or videoconferencing should be used whenever possible.

Australien
Indien
VAE

Renewable energies

• Photovoltaic systems
• Solar energy systems
• Battery storage devices
• Procurement of renewable electricity

Electricity – using photovoltaic systems – and heat – with solar energy systems – can be generated independently as sustainable energy if the opportunity exists. The electricity generated is either fed into the local grid, used directly or stored in batteries, where possible. Alternatively, renewable electricity (for example, from hydropower plants) can be purchased.

Energy efficiency

• Use of energy-efficient devices
• Energy-saving bulbs
• Implementation of other energy-saving measures

Embassies are implementing energy-saving measures to reduce energy consumption. Optimal lighting systems are installed, efficiency is taken into account when purchasing new devices and staff awareness about simple routines, like turning out lights and switching off devices, is raised.

Climate protection measures

• Compensation of emissions

Emissions caused, such as by taking flights, can be offset by buying certificates.

Costa Rica

Awareness-raising measures

• Staff training
• Organisation of awareness-raising campaigns
• Communications activities on climate and energy

Staff awareness about implementing sustainable measures is raised through training and newsletters. Embassies also organise events for a wider audience to raise awareness of sustainability issues amongst the local population.

Australia
Costa Rica
India
UAE
Russia

Water management

• Water-saving fittings
• Water recycling
• Use of rainwater
• Reduced garden irrigation
• Raising staff awareness
• Active water management

Various water-saving measures are undertaken, such as using rainwater for toilet flushing and water-saving fittings as well as raising staff awareness to promote careful use of water.

Algeria
Australia
Brazil
South Korea
UAE

Waste management

• Reducing the use of paper
• Recycling
• Composting
• Active waste management

Despite implementation being challenging in some countries, the embassies implement active waste management through recycling and composting. Additionally, the use of paper is reduced through targeted steps (e.g. printer settings).

Biodiversity

• Protecting and encouraging biodiversity

Indigenous plants are used in embassy gardens. Trees felled are replaced and additional ones are planted.

Australia Brazil
Kenya
Russia