Reducing greenhouse gas emissions to net zero is an ambitious and wide-ranging project. It comprises the following sub-objectives:
- Reducing direct greenhouse gas emissions from ewz to net zero by 2040
- Reducing direct greenhouse gas emissions from our products and services for the municipal authorities to net zero by 2035 as an interim target
- A 30% reduction in indirect emissions for the construction of our plants and grids by 2035 compared to 1990 levels
To achieve net zero by 2040, we have defined clear areas of action and objectives, as well as established concrete measures. There are set out in a net zero roadmap and a corresponding action plan, which are reviewed regularly.
We monitor the progression of our greenhouse gas emissions with a carbon footprint. It encompasses:
- Direct greenhouse gas emissions (Scope 1)
- Indirect greenhouse gas emissions from energy sources (Scope 2)
- Indirect greenhouse gas emissions from upstream and downstream value chains (Scope 3)
Our net zero strategy is aligned with the city of Zurich’s climate action plan and follows a clearly defined reduction path. It includes all significant sources of emissions within our operational control, including majority shareholdings, and covers the period up to 2040. The underlying assumptions are based on the city of Zurich’s energy planning and ewz’s internal expansion and transformation programmes. Emissions development is modelled and documented in the net zero roadmap.
Temporary increases in emissions are to be expected in the coming years, particularly as a result of the expansion of the thermal grids. This requires construction of additional infrastructure, equipment, materials and building and expansion activities. The expansion of the thermal grids is planned for completion by 2040; the merger of existing energy networks will take place between 2027 and 2032. The decarbonisation of heat supply to the city administration will be completed by 2035; that of the remaining plants will take place gradually by 2040.
Emissions that cannot be completely avoided remain, in particular due to refrigerant leaks and the use of SF6. Targeted reduction measures have been introduced for these sources of emissions. The remaining residual emissions are to be offset by the use of negative emissions technologies (i.e. carbon dioxide removal, CDR). This involves removing CO₂ from the atmosphere and binding it in rock or biomass for the long term.
The roadmap, including the reduction pathway, is reviewed regularly and further developed in line with changes in regulatory, technological or strategic conditions.
One prerequisite for reducing direct greenhouse gas emissions is an expansion of the electricity and heat supply. As an energy service provider, we assume that the electrification of mobility and heating will lead to an increase in electricity demand despite lower energy consumption. We are responding to this development with the following measures:
- At home and abroad, we are consistently expanding our power production from renewable sources (wind, water and solar).
- At the same time, we are optimising our power grid in line with the electricity needs of our customers.
- In Switzerland, we are continuously expanding the heating and cooling supply. The aim is that around 60% of the properties in the city of Zurich will be connected to ewz heating networks by 2040.
- In 2025, ewz will operate the largest district heating network in Switzerland with a length of 250 km. The aim is to expand this to 400 km by 2040.
We reduce indirect greenhouse gas emissions by prioritizing low-carbon materials and services while actively involving our supply chain. With initiatives such as sustainable and climate-prioritised procurement, we provide targeted incentives for low-emission solutions and promote dialogue with our suppliers. Through a direct dialogue with them, we support our suppliers in reducing our own emissions and driving innovation. We also work closely with project developers and technology providers to minimise the need for negative emissions and jointly implement effective climate protection measures.
CO₂-eq is a unit of measure used to standardise the greenhouse gas impact of different climate gases. Here’s an example: Methane (CH₄) is 25 times more damaging to the climate than CO₂. The greenhouse gas potential of 1 g of methane therefore corresponds to 25 g of CO₂-eq.
