Canton and city

The cantonal sustainable development concept defines the guidelines and strategic priorities for sustainable development up to 2030.

The canton has set ambitious goals:
• Reduce greenhouse gas emissions within its territory by 60% by 2030 compared to 1990 levels, with the aim of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.
• Commit to managing the consequences of climate change, as its effects are already being felt.

The climate plan is structured around seven key action areas representing the core themes of sustainable development:

Axis 1: Energy and buildings
Axis 2: Mobility 
Axis 3: Consumer goods
Axis 4: Spatial planning
Axis 5: Health
Axis 6: Natural spaces and biodiversity
Axis 7: Support for change

To assist all stakeholders in achieving climate objectives, a public awareness campaign on the cantonal climate policy has been launched and can be explored at monclimat.ge.ch.

At the same time, the canton has developed various climate protection strategies, including a dedicated strategy for air quality, biodiversity, and environmental protection.

The Agenda 21 – Sustainable City service is responsible for the City of Geneva’s sustainable development policy. Its activities are structured around four main areas:
 

• Geneva Sustainable City: implementation, monitoring and communication of the municipal sustainable development strategy and secretariat of the G’innove programme.
   
• Local and sustainable economy: promotion of the local economic fabric, with a focus on a sustainable economy, particularly in the food, reuse and repair sectors, and on entrepreneurship geared towards ecological and social transition.
   
• Equality and diversity: promoting equality between all residents, regardless of their gender, sexual orientation or origin. The service also promotes the integration of all communities present in Geneva.
   
• Delegation Geneva – Supportive City: active collaboration at an international level to finance development and humanitarian aid projects.
  
  In addition, the department is responsible for assessing the municipality’s sustainability through the Cercle Indicateurs and offers residents various ways to participate in the sustainable development of their area.