The Next 30 Years Are Crucial (German only)

In this contribution to the 2014 Swiss Energy Handbook, Prof. Peter Steiger and Severin Lenel discuss the urgent challenges and opportunities in energy and environmental planning that will be critical over the next 30 years.

The article addresses, among other topics, cantonal spatial planning, the necessity of deep energy renovations in the building sector, the use of energy-efficient building materials, and the responsibility of the construction materials industry regarding “embodied energy.”

The authors explore how well-considered open space and energy planning can reduce CO2 emissions and minimize energy consumption, emphasizing the importance of the legal and social framework that either supports or hinders these developments. They argue that only a combination of technological innovation, legal adjustments, and societal acceptance can lead to a sustainable transformation.