The canton of Zurich looks to the north, or more precisely to Copenhagen, as a pioneering example. The Danish capital has impressively demonstrated that ambitious climate targets can be achieved without compromising on the quality of life. With an 80 per cent reduction in CO2 emissions since 2012, Copenhagen has achieved a remarkable feat. Inspired by this, the canton of Zurich is striving to achieve greenhouse gas neutrality by 2040, or by 2050 at the latest. This target, which will be put to a vote by Zurich’s electorate on 28 September 2025, is a clear commitment to a sustainable climate policy. It is not just a question of defining a target, but of consistently driving forward the effective reduction of CO2 emissions. This is an endeavour that requires determination and innovative strength.
Success through targeted measures
Alongside climate protection, the canton of Zurich is investing heavily in the preservation and promotion of biodiversity. Habitats for flora and fauna are being reclaimed through ecological upgrading, renaturalisation and near-natural maintenance. Successful monitoring impressively demonstrates how quickly nature adapts and thrives. One outstanding example is the upgrading of streams as part of the “Diverse Zurich Waters” programme, which led to the rapid reintroduction of dragonflies. The adapted maintenance of embankments along cantonal roads is also having an effect. Life is pulsating there, insects and small animals are once again finding a suitable habitat. These successes prove that the commitment to biodiversity is worthwhile and that nature responds quickly with targeted measures.
Setting the course for a sustainable future
The canton of Zurich is setting the course for a sustainable future by revising various laws and introducing new instruments.
Noise protection ordinance
The consultation on the revision of the Noise Abatement Ordinance, which is due to come into force on 1 April 2026, runs until 6 October 2025. This is a direct consequence of the amendments to the Environmental Protection Act adopted in September 2024.
“Core zone plans“GIS map
A new digital map now provides a comprehensive overview of the legally binding supplementary plans for “core zones” and their elements, based on the PLR-cadastre.
CO2 Ordinance
The Federal Council has brought the revised CO2 Ordinance into force with partial retroactive effect from 1 January 2025. It sets reduction targets for greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and specifies measures for adapting to climate change as well as subsidies for climate-friendly technologies.
Combating invasive organisms
The consultation on a revision of the Environmental Protection Act, which is intended to give the cantons more powers in the fight against invasive alien organisms, is open until 13 October 2025.
Parking regulations
An amendment to the Planning and Building Act from 1 August 2025 will make it possible to reduce the number of parking spaces in individual cases, provided that there is no relocation to public spaces.
ÖKOPROFIT
This tried-and-tested programme successfully helps companies to get started with environmental management in order to reduce costs, optimise resource efficiency and improve their environmental footprint. The canton of Zurich is endeavouring to get other cantons interested in ÖKOPROFIT.
Listed buildings
A bill currently undergoing consultation aims to simplify the construction and energy modernisation of listed buildings.
Deep geological repository
The general licence applications for the deep geological repository and the fuel element packaging facility, submitted by Nagra, are now publicly accessible after being reviewed and amended.
Expansion of large-scale hydropower
A report published by the Federal Council on 13 June 2025 highlights the considerable potential, but also the uncertainties surrounding the renewal and expansion of large-scale hydropower.
Zurich is ready to take on the challenges of climate change and utilise the opportunities for a more sustainable future. It’s time to act, or as they say in Denmark “Så kom nu i gang!”
