Successes include the introduction of a procurement guideline for CO2-free vehicles in the cantonal administration and the creation of a legal basis for financial support for flood protection measures. Two measures that have been finalised, while a further 47 are currently being implemented. New administration vehicles must now have a CO2-free drive system, which represents an important step towards a more climate-friendly administration. In addition, the Water Management Act has created the basis for promoting flood protection projects, which are essential for adapting to climate change.
Public relations work as the key to raising awareness
Another key aspect of the climate strategy is raising public awareness. Every year, a “climate walk” is organised on a climate-related topic to present projects to citizens. This year’s focus was on the energy-efficient refurbishment of an apartment block, which was upgraded from efficiency class G to class B. This shows how effective refurbishment measures can help to reduce energy consumption and CO2 emissions.
Challenges in the area of fossil fuels and renewable energies
The latest climate figures show that the proportion of oil heating systems in residential and service buildings has fallen by 5 per cent, while the proportion of heat pumps has risen by the same amount over the same period. Nevertheless, the proportion of natural gas heating systems remains unchanged, which contradicts the climate policy goals. In order to achieve the goal of a climate-friendly energy supply, the transition from fossil fuels to renewable energies must be accelerated.
On a positive note, electricity production from photovoltaic systems in the canton has more than doubled since 2015. This shows that the use of renewable energies is progressing, even if considerable efforts are still required to achieve the climate targets that have been set.
Potential for improvement in the cantonal administration
The cantonal administration has set itself the goal of acting as a role model in climate protection. Despite initial progress, it is clear that energy consumption for heating and hot water in cantonal buildings has only been reduced by 2 per cent. More than half of the heating energy is still obtained from fossil fuels. CO2 emissions from the combustion of these fuels have remained virtually unchanged since 2016, indicating a need for additional action.
Adjustments to energy requirements and future steps
The Government Council has submitted measures that can be implemented quickly for consultation in order to increase the use of renewable energies. Among other things, these relate to the replacement of heating systems and the generation of self-generated electricity in new buildings. One example is the requirement that a renewable energy system should always be used in future when replacing heating systems in canton-owned buildings.
Overall, it is clear that the canton of Schaffhausen is on the right track, but that targeted measures are still required to accelerate the transition to a climate-neutral future.
