How a district heating supply is created
20. May 2025
Buffer tank
30. September 2025Climate target 2050: What does “net zero” mean for Switzerland?
CLIMATE GOAL 2050
Switzerland has made a commitment, to become climate neutral by 2050 by 2050. This goal, known as “net zero”, means that from 2050, Switzerland should not emit more greenhouse gases into the atmosphere than are absorbed by natural and technical reservoirs.
What does “net zero” mean in concrete terms?
Reduction of emissions: All sectors; transportation, industry, agriculture and especially the building sector, must drastically reduce their emissions.
Compensate for residual emissions: Unavoidable emissions should be offset by natural sinks (e.g. forests) or technical solutions (e.g. CO₂ capture).
Switzerland's long-term climate strategy stipulates that the building sector should be virtually emission-free by 2050.
District heating as a key technology
District heating plays a central role in the decarbonization of the heating sector:
Replacing fossil heating systems: District heating makes it possible to phase out oil and gas heating systems, which currently still account for a large proportion of the building sector.
Integration of renewable energy sources: District heating networks can make efficient use of waste heat from industry, waste incineration plants, wood energy, solar thermal energy and geothermal energy.
Increased efficiency: Centralized generation and distribution can increase energy efficiency and reduce CO₂ emissions.
➡️ According to a studyup to 38% of Switzerland's heating requirements could be covered by renewable local and district heating under suitable framework conditions.
To the study: Aqua & Gas
Current developments in Switzerland
Around 8 % of Switzerland's heating requirements are currently met by district heating covered by district heating. However, over 75 % of Swiss heating networks are already supplied with renewable energy sources and waste heat.
Cities such as Zurich, Basel and Bern are investing heavily in the expansion of their district heating networks. The Energy Strategy 2050 and the Climate Protection Act, which was approved by voters in 2023, support this change through funding programs and legal framework conditions.
OUR ANSWER
GreenID pipe system
Recycled HDPE jacket
EN 253-compliant
Up to 120 °C continuous temperature
Reduced CO2 emissions
The GreenID pipe system supports ThermoNetz actively supports the Swiss 2050 climate target and the expansion of sustainable heating networks.
✅ Conclusion: District heating paves the way to climate neutrality
The 2050 climate target poses major challenges for Switzerland. District heating offers a proven and sustainable solution for decarbonizing the building sector and making a significant contribution to achieving the net-zero target.