Switzerland

Details

  • Date: 9/19/2012

“We must take a leading role” 

Interviewee:

 

  • Nick Beglinger, President of swisscleantech

 

You attended the Rio+20 conference on sustainable development this summer. What insights were you able to gain?

Nick Beglinger: Yes, I was a member of the Swiss delegation and I feel very fortunate to have been able to attend such an important international conference in this capacity. For me, Rio was extremely interesting, but also sobering. On the one hand, the conference clearly showed that the issue of sustainability continues to gain in importance at an international level and that the majority of countries are really working hard to actively promote sustainable development. It was important that the “green economy” topic was formally raised. On the other hand, Rio also highlighted the fact that most developed countries have to lead the way and go beyond international negotiations by putting sustainable development into practice at home.

Where does Switzerland stand in comparison with other countries? Can we play a leading role?

Nick Beglinger: We can and must play a leading role. Today, Switzerland tops most rankings in terms of our competitiveness and innovation, and we also play a leading role in many areas of sustainable business, or 'cleantech'. At the same time, however, we are one of the most expensive countries and some economic activities from which we have benefited greatly up to now are in the throes of major changes – for example, the financial services industry. In order to secure our long-term prosperity and competitiveness, we should draw on existing Swiss strengths and set ourselves apart from the competition in terms of resource efficiency. As a pioneer, we are leading the way, are thus able to bring our influence to bear at an international level, and thereby gain commercial benefits. We are opening up new markets for businesses, and are able, once others follow suit, to deliver expertise, services and products.

Can Switzerland play a leading role in the energy debate, and what are the challenges that we face?

Nick Beglinger: Yes, the change in our energy strategy is a challenge, but it is also an excellent opportunity to put cleantech, i.e. the green economy, into practice. Switzerland has a lot to offer, specifically in the field of energy, for example with regard to energy efficiency, smart grids, construction or spatial planning. Look at companies like Landis & Gyr, ABB or Amstein + Walthert. The challenges posed by the energy revolution are multifaceted. It is important that we set ourselves clear targets and take specific regulatory action - regulation that is both effective and business-friendly. This requires the support of all stakeholders. In particular, I hope to see the large energy firms and the traditional business and trade associations abandoning outdated paradigms and ideologies by viewing the energy revolution not primarily as a problem but as an opportunity. Energy prices will increase with or without a change in our energy strategy, simply because we have thus far failed to count all the costs of energy generation and its emissions. When properly implemented, however, the net effect for our economy as a whole can be positive. For the few energy-intensive businesses we can grant exemptions and transitional arrangements. The change in strategy will make our energy supply more secure and, what is particularly important, the value added activities shift into our own country. It is not the oil supplier abroad that benefits, but the local SME, for example in the construction industry, when insulation measures are carried out.

In which areas could the Swiss economy benefit from the insights of other countries?

Nick Beglinger: There are many areas in which everyone benefits from an international exchange of knowledge. This is why our association calls for Switzerland to take an active role in international negotiations and for our universities to take part in international research projects, in addition to organizing selected international reference projects for our members. Switzerland can learn from Austria’s experience with biomass, from Taiwan’s experience in the field of batteries, from Denmark regarding wind energy, and from Iceland regarding geothermal energy. Generally speaking, less developed countries such as China or India can offer expertise in scaling measures and cost-effective production processes.

You are very committed to cleantech. What exactly is cleantech?

Nick Beglinger: First, let me tell you what it isn’t: cleantech is neither an industry nor a group of industries. It is not a magic word or a fad. Cleantech is a quality factor for resource efficiency and low emissions. Cleantech is synonymous with “green economy” or “sustainable economy”, i.e. an economy in which economic, ecological and social factors are taken into account, in both the short and the long term, according to the principle of full cost accounting. Cleantech concerns all companies, products and services. It is relevant along the entire value chain. In our 'Cleantech Strategy Switzerland' publication of October 2010, swisscleantech demonstrated the benefits that Switzerland would derive from a cleantech approach, and we continuously work to ensure that Switzerland remains a global cleantech pioneer. The federal government first published the “Cleantech Masterplan” for Switzerland in November 2010. The masterplan is widely supported by the Swiss federal offices SECO, OPET, SFOE and FOEN - and it is now being implemented on an ongoing basis. Globally, cleantech represents an increasingly important factor for competitive advantage.

What is the role of the swisscleantech? Which areas do you focus on?

Nick Beglinger: swisscleantech is a business association and the voice of Switzerland's green economy. I founded swisscleantech together with Bertrand Piccard and Christian Häuselmann in December 2009. We now represent over 300 direct corporate members and over 20 trade associations. CO2 was the first issue that we focused on. We campaigned for an stringent CO2 law and were instrumental in ensuring its adoption in Parliament. As a result, approximately 25 million metric tons of CO2 will be saved from now to 2020. Energy was and is our second key policy area. In November 2010, before the Fukushima event, we argued against nuclear power - for economic reasons. We started to promote a change in the Swiss energy strategy with a focus on efficiency, renewables and smart grids - which for us includes energy storage issues. We are currently the only business association to support ecological tax reform proposed by our Federal Council. Energy will remain one of our focus areas over coming three years. Because of their relevancy with respect to energy, we already to day have to deal with issues such as urban planning and construction, mobility, spatial planning, agriculture, material cycles, biodiversity or our relationship with Europe.
Interview: Simone Glarner, Marketing & Communications
 

Nick Beglinger

Image Nick Beglinger

 

President of swisscleantech