In the municipality of Zermatt, energy policy is an important topic. The municipality has demonstrated its commitment to energy policy with several projects and activities. The certification as an Energy City in 2016 recognised its achievements up to that point and also served as a tool for coordinating further activities. Thanks to its commitment and dedication, the municipality of Zermatt has made further progress over the past four years and was awarded the Energy City label for the second time.

Swiss Climate supported the municipality of Zermatt with its first and second certification as an Energy City. In each case, this included a comprehensive analysis and assessment of the existing situation, as well as support with reporting, audit preparation, communication activities and the development of the energy policy activity programme.

Territorial energy and carbon footprint forms the basis

In addition to providing advice on issues related to energy and climate policy, Swiss Climate worked with Zermatt in 2018 to create a territorial energy and carbon footprint (calculation year 2016). The footprint formed the basis for the subsequent Energy City activities. Among other things, the Energy City of Zermatt has developed a comprehensive energy and climate strategy and an innovative waste concept (System Alpenluft, Watt d’Or 2012). Organic waste is recycled in the biogas plant and used to generate electricity and heat.

The share of renewable energy in the heat supply was increased to 40%, and water efficiency is also very high at 67%.

At 70%, the municipality of Zermatt has a very high degree of self-sufficiency with renewable electricity from hydropower. Even with up to 2 million overnight stays in the municipality each year, Zermatt is sustainable, car-free and in touch with nature. As an Energy City, the municipality of Zermatt is continuously carrying out pioneering energy projects that point the way forward.

‘With the help of Swiss Climate, we were able to become certified as an Energy City and define various measures to reduce the carbon emissions of the municipality of Zermatt. Swiss Climate impressed us with their professionalism, creative ideas and all-round expertise in the field of energy and CO2 management.

Swiss Climate provided the following services on this project:

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