A Promising Step towards Circular Economy in Switzerland
Text by Nils Moussu, Program manager Circular Economy at sanu durabilitas
Last week, a large majority of the “Environment, Spatial Planning and Energy Committee” of the Swiss National Council took an important decision fostering Circular Economy (CE) in Switzerland. This Committee launched a parliamentary initiative with the aim of increasing the efficiency of resource-use, support material valorization and promote sustainable consumption in the country. Supported by the majority of the Committee, this initiative is a synthesis of seven individual initiatives on CE proposed a year ago by Members of Parliament from various political parties. It will be now discussed in the Committee of the Council of State before the enactment change can take place in the Federal Environmental Protection Act.
Since this in a legislative initiative, its goals are expressed in broad and pretty general terms. Yet, several dimensions are worth mentioning:
The Confederation as well as cantons are required to safeguard natural resources and increase the efficiency of resource-use in order to reduce environmental harm in Switzerland and possibly abroad. The government has to report regularly to the Parliament on measures concerning the use of natural resources and to propose related quantitative targets.
·A platform promoting CE in Switzerland should be created by the Confederation, gathering and fostering collaboration with cantons, business associations as well as scientific and civil society organizations.
Specific provisions are developed regarding packaging (use of circular materials, avoidance of unnecessary packaging) and material valorization (metals in waste, materials in construction waste, phosphorus in sewage sludge and other wastes…).
Other provisions are mentioned on energy recovery, packaging collection, and collaboration with economic organizations.
While this Committee decision is just a first step in a long decision-making process, it shows a promising acknowledgement of the Circular Economy as a sustainable and resilient economic strategy for Switzerland. It also represents a very welcome encouragement for all the actors involved in the transition towards CE, as for instance the movement Circular Economy Switzerland that gathers individuals and organizations from the private sector, civil society, public administration, academic research, as well as political representatives.