Zurich Zoo relies on Reffnet.ch

Zurich Zoo is having its resource and energy consumption analysed by Reffnet.ch. Besides the zoo, the fledgling resource efficiency network advises companies in the packaging industry: Two weeks ago, a workshop was held for the industry.

Zurich Zoo’s Asian elephant enclosure may have potential for more efficient use of resources. (Photograph: Karsten Blum)

Many SMEs find it difficult to implement measures to ensure greater resource efficiency owing to a lack of time and expertise. Founded this summer, the resource efficiency network <link www.reffnet.ch - external-link "Öffnet externen Link im aktuellen Fenster">Reffnet.ch</link> therefore offers expertise in this area and helps companies apply for funding. myclimate and <link www.act-schweiz.ch - external-link "Öffnet externen Link im aktuellen Fenster">act - Cleantech Agentur Schweiz</link> are also involved in the association, which is supported by the <link www.bafu.admin.ch/index.html - external-link "Öffnet externen Link im aktuellen Fenster">Swiss Federal Office for the Environment (FOEN)</link>.

Zurich Zoo was one of the first enterprises to take advantage of the services of Reffnet.ch. As a partner of Reffnet.ch, myclimate performed a potential analysis for the zoo. Together with Effizienzagentur Schweiz, ways to improve resource and energy consumption were discussed and analysed at a meeting with those responsible at the zoo. A specific action plan should now help the zoo to achieve the desired goals.

Reffnet.ch can offer support for a wide variety of industries. Therefore, an industry event with various workshops for more efficient use of resources took place on 5 December in Brugg. Daniel Kammerer, Head of Carbon Management Services at myclimate, held the workshop for the packaging industry. He is delighted with the results: “We received valuable input from the participants as well as many examples displaying considerable potential for resource efficiency.” In addition to specific measures in individual packaging enterprises, transparency in new, resource-saving packaging solutions is especially important according to Kammerer.

But more is needed than just the commitment of the packaging industry. Reffnet.ch is currently developing an industry solution for the hotel industry in collaboration with hotelleriesuisse, <link www.hotelleriesuisse.ch/en/pub/index.htm - external-link "Öffnet externen Link im aktuellen Fenster">the Swiss Hotel Association</link>. In addition, Reffnet.ch is looking for more companies and organisations who want to actively implement resource efficiency.

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