Swiss Tax On CO2 To Improve Energy Efficiency Of Buildings

by Ulrika Lomas, Tax-News.com, Brussels

11 June 2009

A parliamentary initiative, recently adopted by the Energy Commission of the Swiss National Council, aims to impose a new carbon dioxide (C02) tax on fuels from next year. One third of the revenue derived from the new tax, up to CHF200m per year, would then be used to improve the energy efficiency of buildings.

According to the text, revenue derived from the tax would not only be used in order to encourage the construction of buildings with a high energy efficiency, but would also enable existing buildings to be renovated, thus improving their energy efficiency. The text also sets out that up to CHF30m per year would be used in the promotion of renewable energy.

Defending the proposal, Ruedi Lustenberger of the National Council maintained that buildings are responsible for nearly a third of the total energy consumption, and account for 43% of all carbon dioxide emissions.

It is anticipated that the new C02 tax on fuels would initially generate in the region of CHF220m per year.

A period of consultation with the Swiss cantons will now begin.

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