This Wednesday, the Canton of Vaud announced that it had adopted its energy bill. The document is thus entering its parliamentary phase and the law could come into force in the first half of 2026. It mainly includes six measures: the renovation of energy-intensive buildings (nearly 28,000 buildings), the end of fossil fuel and end-of-life heating (responsible for 38% of GHG emissions in the canton), energy sobriety (fight against energy waste and limitation of commercial and public lighting), solar development (optimal roof coverage with photovoltaic installations), priority for local energy and increased support (more public subsidies and advice).
The first stage of implementation will be able to benefit from funding of nearly 800 million francs, including a significant portion of public subsidies for owners. In addition, “the draft energy law offers the canton the opportunity to aim for energy autonomy, while it currently imports more than 80% of the energy consumed”, estimates the State Council. The latter is counting on this reform to achieve its objectives within the framework of its Climate Plan and in its Legislative Program, in particular the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by 60% by 2030, and carbon neutrality by 2050 at the latest.
After this announcement, the Greens stressed that: “We are pleased to note that energy sobriety has been included in a law, making the Canton of Vaud the first canton in Switzerland to act in this way.” Overall, the Green Party welcomes the various measures proposed, but it fears that progress is not being made quickly enough. It therefore calls on the State Council to opt for new, effective and rapid measures, in the direction of sobriety, and to propose more financial resources to achieve the objectives.
