Sustainability
Sustainable embassy
The Swiss administration is taking concrete measures to operate more sustainably within the framework of Agenda 2030. At the federal level, the RUMBA program aims to continuously reduce the ecological impact and greenhouse gas emissions caused by the administration's activities. As such, embassies also have a role to play and must set an example. The environment is also a priority issue in the Swiss Foreign Policy Strategy 2024–2027.
We are therefore getting down to work: the Swiss Embassy in Dakar has taken several measures to make our building and our daily activities more environmentally responsible (#SustainableEmbassy):
Energy efficiency
- Use of solar panels for most of our electricity consumption (excluding air conditioning).
- Installation of motion sensors to optimize lighting.
- Raising awareness among employees: setting the temperature to 25-26°C, turning off the air conditioning when leaving the office and when doors and windows are open. Setting the temperature of refrigerators to 6°C.
Recycling
- Introduction of a waste sorting system (paper, plastic, aluminum, glass, electronic waste, organic waste) and recycling in collaboration with a local company.
- Installation of composters.
Waste reduction
- Limiting the use of disposable products such as plastic bottles and cups.
- Reducing paper consumption, including through the introduction of a digital data management system.
- Joint organization of zero-waste lunches each week by employees.
Mobility
- Encouraging the use of public transport and carpooling.
- CO2 equivalent compensation for all business flights and travel in economy class only.
Biodiversity
- Use of the garden to plant several local species that promote biodiversity.
Cleaning products
- Replacement of conventional cleaning products with eco-friendly products.
By adopting these sustainable measures, our Embassy not only seeks to reduce its environmental impact but also hopes to inspire other institutions and individuals. What eco-friendly practices do you adopt to build a more sustainable and respectful future for our planet? Write to us on social media #SustainableEmbassy.