This third Environmental Performance Review of Switzerland examines the progress made in achieving the country’s environmental objectives since the OECD’s previous review, published in 2007. Much has changed since then. Just last May, on 21 May 2017 precisely, the Swiss population voted “yes” on a government proposal to revise the Energy Act to allow a gradual phase-out of nuclear energy while increasing reliance on local renewable energy sources. This is expected to lead to investment and jobs in Switzerland, benefiting not only the environment, but also the population and the economy. The Swiss carbon tax has been increased last year to EUR 77 per tonne and compares very favourably with that in the few OECD countries which introduced such a tax. The Swiss Emissions Trading Scheme will soon be linked to that of the European Union after a long negotiation period.

The principal aim of the OECD Environmental Performance Review programme is to help member and selected partner countries improve their individual and collective performance in environmental management by:

The following signs are used in Figures and Tables:

Against the backdrop of economic growth in line with that of the OECD average since 2000, Switzerland has made progress in decoupling by reducing emissions of greenhouse gases (GHG) and other main atmospheric pollutants, curtailing freshwater abstraction and enhancing material productivity. Energy consumption is decreasing and becoming less intensive. There is an increasing modal shift of freight from road to rail. Half of municipal waste is recycled. Well-being perception is generally high.

The Assessment and recommendations present the main findings of the Environmental Performance Review of Switzerland and identify 42 recommendations to help Switzerland make further progress towards its environmental policy objectives and international commitments. The OECD Working Party on Environmental Performance reviewed and approved the Assessment and recommendations at its meeting on 27 June 2017. Actions taken to implement selected recommendations from the 2007 Environmental Performance Review are summarised in the Annex.