Society as well as all industries can contribute to the net-zero goal by joining the net-zero initiatives and alliances that have been founded in recent years, or by adhering to standards which create transparency. This includes the financial industry, which mainly has an indirect impact on the environment through investments and financing, albeit a very significant one. While net-zero goals are also pursued and achieved without being a member of an alliance, participation in an alliance promotes credibility and enhances comparability among institutions.
With its strong commitment to sustainability and net zero in particular, Switzerland and its financial industry have a proactive role compared to shares of the respective industries on a global level, as benchmarking indicates. Institutions and associations are already supporting a healthier environment and the path to a net zero world, which should serve as motivation for the whole industry to intensify its efforts even further.
This report demonstrates a progress update on net-zero commitments within the Swiss financial centre. The aim of this study is to create awareness for the importance of decarbonization, provide context for net-zero levers and create transparency. It illustrates the role of the financial industry in achieving net zero and highlights net-zero engagement of banking, asset management and the insurance industry in Switzerland.