They stop traffic to get things moving. The activists of the organization Renovate Switzerland say they have no time for politics – and therefore rely on civil disobedience. Their demand: more money for climate-friendly renovation of buildings. So get rid of gas and oil heating – and move on to solar panels and heat pumps. They are also calling for a state-funded training offensive in the solar sector.
2 billion francs for heating replacement
The activists in politics are breaking doors with their demands. Parliament has just passed a new climate law as a counter-proposal to the glacier initiative. It sets Switzerland’s goal of achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. To achieve this, there are specific milestones for the different sectors. For example, emissions in the construction sector must be reduced by 82 percent by 2040 compared to 1990. The federal government is investing a total of two billion Swiss francs over a period of ten years to replace fossil heating systems and renovate buildings.
The SVP has declared the referendum against the law and is currently collecting signatures to take it to the polls. But the chance is slim. Aside from the opposition of the SVP, the law enjoys broad support from the left to the bourgeois camp. In the National Council it was clearly accepted by 139 to 51 votes.
There is already a money pot for climate-friendly renovations of buildings. In 2020, the federal government and the cantons spent CHF 299 million on this. Buildings are now responsible for about a third of CO2-Emission responsible.
Education offensive already decided
The shortage of professionals in solar construction has also been on the agenda for a long time. The industry is currently exploring a new internship in this area. And together with the federal government, a package of measures was decided at the beginning of this year for an education offensive in the construction sector.
So much is already possible. But that is not enough for the activists of Renovate Switzerland. Instead of two billion, they are asking four billion francs from the federal government for the renovation of buildings. Politicians settle for small steps, they criticize. But when it comes to the future of the next generations, “we should not settle for half measures”. (lha)