The municipality of Saas-Fee has repeatedly demonstrated its commitment to energy policy with numerous projects and activities. The certification as an Energy City in 2002 recognised its achievements up to that point and also served as a tool for coordinating further activities. Thanks to its great commitment and dedication, the municipality of Saas-Fee was awarded the Energy City ‘Gold’ label in 2020.

Swiss Climate has been supporting the municipality of Saas-Fee with various energy policy activities and advice since 2016. This has included helping it to achieve the internationally recognised Energy City ‘Gold’ label. The Energy City Gold label is Europe’s highest award for cities and municipalities that meet particularly high standards and make a continuous commitment to the efficient use of energy, renewable energy and climate protection. The process and the criteria are both based on those of the Energy City label. Energy Cities that have implemented at least 75% of the measures possible for them can apply for European Energy Award Gold status. The certification process is based on the one for the Energy City label, but the requirements are stricter.

Swiss Climate supported the municipality of Saas-Fee with the analysis and assessment of the existing situation, as well as with reporting, audit preparation, communication activities and the development of the energy policy activity programme.

Leading the way with successful measures

Saas-Fee has made a name for itself in Switzerland and beyond as a sustainable tourist destination. Furthermore, as a dynamic municipality, it continuously carries out innovative projects to promote renewable energy, energy efficiency and sustainability. One pioneering project of the car-free tourist resort is the solar district heating network, which was created together with EnAlpin and is now being expanded. The municipality is also supplied with 100% natural energy, some of which is produced by its own hydropower plant. It can even be used to charge electric cars for free in the multi-storey car park. The world’s highest-altitude electric PostBus is used as a shuttle between the bus terminal and the mountain railways in Saas-Fee. Furthermore, in 2019, the primary school in Saas-Fee became the first school in Valais to be awarded the ‘Energy School’ label.

Swiss Climate provided the following services on this project:

• Energy City consulting
• Energy space planning
• Territorial carbon and footprint
• Energy school
• Energy Weeks
• Employee workshop