Climate and Innovation Act (KIG)
The Climate and Innovation Act (KIG) requires businesses to intensify their efforts in climate protection and innovation. We are here to help you understand and implement the requirements of the KIG. With targeted information, we offer tailored solutions to strengthen energy security and enable sustainable business practices.
What is the Climate and Innovation Act (KIG)?
The KIG aims to significantly reduce Switzerland’s greenhouse gas emissions and promote the targeted use of negative emission technologies. It also supports adaptation to the effects of climate change and works to mitigate its impact. Furthermore, the law aligns financial flows with low-emission and climate-resilient development. The act came into force on 1 January 2025, along with the Climate Protection Ordinance (KlV).
The KIG legally enshrines Switzerland’s long-term climate goals, including the net-zero target by 2050. It obliges both businesses and the country to maximise the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and offset any remaining emissions through negative emission technologies. Interim targets include a 75% reduction by 2040 and 89% by 2050, compared to 1990 levels.
The Climate Protection Ordinance specifies the funding instruments outlined in the act and regulates specific measures for industry, the building sector, adaptation to climate change, and aligning financial flows with climate goals.
Key Areas of the KIG are:
Reduction of greenhouse gas emissions: Businesses and industries must achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, taking into account both direct and indirect emissions. Direct emissions originate within the company, such as emissions from production facilities or company-owned vehicles (Scope 1). Indirect emissions include those generated outside the company, such as purchased electricity (Scope 2) or emissions across the entire value chain, including suppliers, business travel, and product usage (Scope 3). The government supports the development of emission reduction roadmaps by providing standards, resources, and advisory services until 2029, helping companies transition toward climate neutrality.
Promotion of innovation and technologies: By 2030, funding is available for technologies and processes that reduce greenhouse gas emissions or remove and store CO₂. Businesses must develop a net-zero roadmap to qualify for funding, which will be allocated through existing funding instruments. Important difference: A subsidised roadmap from the former EnergieSchweiz programme does not automatically meet the stricter requirements of a net-zero roadmap under the KIG. Existing roadmaps must therefore be reviewed and adjusted if necessary.
Incentive programme for climate-friendly buildings: This programme promotes the replacement of fossil fuel heating systems with renewable energy solutions and supports energy efficiency measures. It complements existing programmes like the buildings programme and provides financial incentives to make the building sector more sustainable.
Climate-friendly financial flows: The ordinance establishes voluntary climate tests for the financial sector and strengthens its role in achieving climate goals by promoting investments in low-emission, climate-resilient projects.
Network for climate change adaptation: This network fosters collaboration between federal, cantonal, and municipal authorities, as well as businesses and academia, to mitigate climate risks and enhance resilience to climate change.
Why is the KIG relevant to your business?
Compliance with these legal requirements is not only an obligation but also an opportunity to remain competitive, reduce costs, and establish sustainable business practices.
The key areas of relevance include:
Commitment to net-zero emissions
All businesses in Switzerland are required to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. This includes reducing both direct and indirect emissions from production processes, energy consumption, and supply chains. The government supports the development of roadmaps that outline concrete measures to achieve net-zero.Opportunities through funding
- Technologies and processes to reduce emissions: The government provides financial support for the adoption of innovative, climate-friendly technologies. A net-zero roadmap is required to apply for these funds.
- Energy efficiency projects in the building sector: Financial incentives are available to promote the replacement of fossil fuel heating systems and implement energy efficiency measures. This programme is time-limited and complements existing initiatives.
Your Next Steps
- Analyse your current situation: Assess your company’s carbon footprint and identify areas for improvement.
- Seek expert advice: Consult experts to identify the most effective measures and implement them efficiently.
- Apply for funding: Explore government programmes and apply for financial support for eligible projects.
- Develop long-term strategies: Integrate climate protection into your business strategy to ensure sustainability and resilience.
Stay competitive and take proactive action. Request our no-obligation consultation for SMEs and discover how your business can benefit from the KIG. Together, we will prepare your company for a sustainable future.
Contact us today!
Contact us.
- +41 (0)32 510 14 74
- info@su-consulting.ch
Add Your Heading Text Here
The KIG is a Swiss law that legally enshrines the country’s long-term climate goals, such as achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. It defines measures for emission reductions, promotes negative emission technologies, and supports innovation and energy efficiency.
The law came into force on 1 January 2025, alongside the Climate Protection Ordinance (KlV).
The KIG aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, promote adaptation to climate change, and align financial flows with low-emission, climate-resilient development.
Businesses must achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. This includes reducing both direct and indirect emissions and compensating for residual emissions.
Yes, the law applies to all businesses in Switzerland. However, the specific requirements vary depending on the sector and size of the business.
Funding is available for technologies that reduce emissions, CO₂ storage projects, energy efficiency measures, and climate-friendly building programmes.
Applications can be submitted to the relevant authorities. A net-zero roadmap detailing planned measures is often required.
We are happy to support you – feel free to request a non-binding consultation.
Yes, SMEs are eligible and can benefit from grants for energy efficiency projects, innovation, and other initiatives.
The programme supports replacing fossil fuel heating systems with renewable alternatives and implementing energy efficiency measures.
Technologies that reduce emissions, capture and store CO₂, use renewable energy, or increase energy efficiency are eligible for funding.
While not mandatory, a roadmap is essential for accessing funding and helps businesses plan and implement emission reduction measures effectively.
Specialised consultancy firms and tools can help measure your company’s emissions and identify reduction opportunities.
Net-zero means that all greenhouse gas emissions are reduced to the maximum extent possible, with any remaining emissions offset through technologies or natural carbon sinks. The process starts with reducing direct emissions (Scope 1) and emissions from energy consumption (Scope 2). Subsequently, indirect emissions across the supply chain (Scope 3) are addressed. The primary focus is on reduction before offsetting is considered.