The report published in June 2023 by the Vaud statistics office does not take a position, but rather puts forward various possible futures for our canton. Delving into this report means exploring the different paths we can take to reduce our CO2 emissions by 2050…. And it means realizing that none of these paths is sufficient to achieve zero emissions by 2050.

Path no. 1 is called “continuity”. It means that we continue our efforts at the current pace, i.e…… slow! In this scenario, the renovation of buildings is helping to increase energy efficiency, and investments in renewable energies are being made, but are not enough to offset the rise in consumption caused by population growth. Industry continues to consume a great deal of energy, some of it fossil fuel. The switch to electric cars is only partial, and soft mobility (cycling, public transport, etc.) is struggling to take off. The result: only 39% reduction in our emissions.

Route no. 2 is called “change of pace”. Actions and investments to stimulate the energy transition are massively stepped up, but the way of life remains the same. The result: a 60% reduction in emissions.

Path no. 3 is called “switching to a new paradigm”. An unattractive name for a more profound change: the people of Vaud in this scenario consume less energy, and have therefore become more frugal. And so-called “new” renewable energies, such as solar, biomass, wind, environmental heat and geothermal, are growing very strongly. Result: a 79% drop.

The forward-looking approach, the journey into the future, sounds like a call to action. It allows us to explore our trajectory and become aware of the consequences of our (in)actions. That’s why at Hub des possibles we also use foresight in our training courses.

Chantal Peyer, co-director of Hub des possibles

Read the report “Energy transition in the canton of Vaud to 2050”.