Swiss consider themselves environmentally conscious

Two-thirds of the Swiss describe themselves as environmentally conscious. This is shown by the survey conducted by homegate.ch The proportion in French-speaking Switzerland was as high as 81%. Of the nearly 2,000 respondents, 90% stated that they seek information on topics such as the environment, sustainability and ecological living. With 28% regularly seeking information, the people of Ticino take the top spot, followed by the French-speaking Swiss with 27%. The most important sources of information are the media (44%) and acquaintances, friends and relatives (38%). Scientific studies are rarely consulted.

The Swiss are loyal to their housing situation

Just under 40% of the survey participants own their own home, a further 56% are renters and 4% did not make any precise statement. At 48%, the proportion of property owners in Ticino is significantly higher than the Swiss average. The proportion of homeowners in Ticino is also above the Swiss average of 41% at 54%. The vast majority of respondents do not move frequently and have lived in their current apartment or house for more than 10 years. Only just 6% have moved in the last 6 months.

Topic environment does not matter in the choice of real estate

For the majority (52%), the topic of the environment played no role at all in the choice of property. The Ticino residents have dealt with the topic most intensively. This is probably also because the proportion of homeowners in this part of the country is above average. Among all respondents, 59% have dealt with the topic at least marginally.

If the issue of the environment played a role, it was primarily the residential location (no need for a car possible), good insulation and the desire for a new building that influenced the choice of property.

Little interest in the type of electricity purchased

When it comes to energy, the picture is somewhat bleak. Just under a quarter of the survey participants do not know what kind of electricity package they obtain. Of the other 75%, the majority obtain either a basic offer (36%) or a mix of different sources (34%). Interestingly, the proportion of those using the basic offer without renewable sources is highest in the French-speaking part of Switzerland, at 45%, although the French-speaking Swiss see themselves as very environmentally friendly. Whether this is due to the lack of supply or the lack of information was not surveyed here. According to the survey, 45% of respondents would be willing to pay more for energy in order to make a contribution to the environment. Another 45% would perhaps do so.

Most often, people try not to leave the lights on unnecessarily, turn off the faucet when not in use, and take showers instead of baths. However, only one in three uses a water-saving shower head. With this kind of energy saving, the comfort zone does not yet have to be left for the most part. Most save energy for environmental and financial reasons.

Showcase example of waste separation

First and foremost, the topic of waste separation is taken very seriously in Switzerland. Over 90% dispose of cardboard, paper, glass, PET and batteries separately. For green waste, the figure is still 69%. Furniture and appliances that are still usable are also passed on rather than disposed of. At 18%, however, only a few prefer to buy their furniture used rather than new.

Paying more to contribute to the environment

When it comes to food, the willingness to make a contribution to the environment through higher prices is highest at 52%, followed by energy. When it comes to travel, however, the Swiss do not want to do without and are reluctant to compromise. Not even a quarter are willing to spend more money on more environmentally conscious travel. The picture is similar when it comes to housing (32%).

Overall, it can be said that older people who are not employed or are employed part-time tend to consider themselves more environmentally aware and are more concerned about the issue. In addition, the topic was a factor in the choice of real estate, especially among older and more highly educated people. However, young people are also more likely to want to do something for the environment in the area of housing in the future.

Source: Homegate