Bern is dealing with the future of the climate

The city government of Bern presented its new climate strategy “Climate Bern 2035” on Wednesday. By 2035, CO2 emissions in the city of Bern are expected to drop to one ton per capita. The new strategy provides for 49 measures in six areas of action, as the full city council of Bern told the media. The town is on the way, but more efforts are needed, the five members unanimously agreed.

Outgoing environment director Reto Nause (Die Mitte) even said the city was “doing an excellent job”. The previously decided measures were effective and the reduction targets for 2025 were already achieved in 2023. The city’s climate regulations define the reduction pathways – ie how much the city’s CO2 emissions must decrease. In 2035 this should still be one ton per inhabitant.

The city has divided the action areas of the strategy into energy supply and buildings, mobility, green emissions and a circular economy as well as adaptation to climate change. There is also a new focus on communication measures for the strategy.

More district heating, less gas

The local council wants to achieve its goals, among other things, by expanding district heating, gradually eliminating fossil gas supplies by 2045 and offering more sustainable feeding options in municipal facilities . The city wants to raise capital sustainably in the future, for example with so-called green bonds.

The city also wants to set a good example when it comes to a circular economy, said Mayor Alec von Graffenried (GFL). In future, property owners should be supported at an early stage to ensure “careful and critical handling” of existing properties. Building materials should be reused wherever possible.

The city of Bern wants to focus on better communication.

The city is also focusing on traffic, which is responsible for 17 percent of direct emissions in the city, as the director of traffic and construction Marieke Kruit (SP) said. In this area, for example, the electrification of public transport should make a contribution. Kruit’s management also includes the design of climate-adapted public spaces, which should be further encouraged.

Sustainable solutions for the economy

The local council agreed that the goals could only be achieved if everyone involved worked together. Business is the city’s largest energy user, Nause said. “So it’s important that we work with business and provide them with sustainable solutions.”

The city now wants to draw attention to the new strategy with the application “Climate Bern 2035”. A biennial report will also show whether the city is on track.

The 2035 climate strategy is based on the city’s climate regulations. It builds on the previous strategy, which was used in 2015. It is also based on the Paris Agreement.