Niesenbahn Cable Car Has Once Again Compiled A Co2 Balance Sheet,
The Niesenbahn cable car has once again compiled a CO2 balance sheet, this time including the travel routes of its guests. Guest mobility accounts for approximately 80 percent of total CO2 emissions and therefore cannot be ignored. The Niesenbahn also wants to live up to its responsibility and strive to halve its emissions by 2030 and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. The challenges are significant, and addressing this issue is crucial.
Since 2020, NIESENBAHN AG has been compiling an annual CO2 balance. In the first year, this resulted in 183 tons of CO2 emissions. Over the years, the figures have been collected with increasing accuracy due to the improving quality of the data. In addition, the leased Berghaus Elsigenalp was partially included in the greenhouse gas balance in 2023 and fully included in 2024.
The elephant in the room – sustainability doesn't begin in the parking lot.
The "elephant in the room" is well-known, and it was also a central point of discussion in the Niesenbahn's CO2 accounting. Ultimately, those responsible decided to fully include guest mobility in the company's CO2 balance. They concluded that this was essential due to the extensive nature of the business activities. "Either you account for it correctly and completely, or you don't account for it at all." Furthermore, "Sustainability doesn't begin in the Niesenbahn parking lot, but with the arrival of the guests" is the Niesenbahn's mantra when it comes to the ecological dimension of sustainability. Accordingly, the CO2 balance was compiled for the first time in 2024, including guest mobility. This report is now available and proves that it was the right decision to fully include guest mobility.
Guest mobility produces 80 percent of emissions.
The results are in: 1,817.1 tons of CO2 are attributable to guest mobility alone, representing 78.9 percent. Food and beverages account for 14.7 percent (337.4 tons), energy (70.9 tons) for 3.1 percent, and the remaining 3.3 percent comprises waste and recycling, material requirements, and fuel. Guest mobility was determined using the same methodology applied in 2022 for the comprehensive impact analysis of the Niesenbahn funicular. Factors such as place of residence, guest type, mode of transport, and the event factor were used to calculate the CO2 emissions of guests traveling to and from the region. The latter was assessed in a representative guest survey and measures the importance of the Niesenbahn in the decision to visit the region.
Climate protection for 658 tons of CO2e
Of the 1,817.1 tons of CO2 emissions recorded in 2024, the equivalent of 658.43 tons was invested in climate protection. In cooperation with the MyClimate Foundation, a water project in Uganda has been supported for many years. This project support is financed through the "Cause We Care" initiative. Niesenbahn guests contribute directly through webshop bookings and a portion of their parking fees. The total amount is then matched by the Niesenbahn; 25 percent goes to the international project, and 75 percent to its own projects, such as purchasing renewable energy, implementing the energy concept, reducing food waste, and environmentally friendly maintenance.
Despite international blockades, trade always takes place locally.
The 30th Climate Conference of the 194 signatory states in Brazil in November 2025 failed to agree on a roadmap for the global phase-out of fossil fuels such as oil, coal, and gas. The recently published climate scenarios CH2025 predict that here in Switzerland, the future will be too warm, too dry, too wet, and greener in winter. Discussions are taking place internationally and nationally, while action is being taken locally. As an SME in the Bernese Oberland, we too have a responsibility – to our employees, to the region and its people, and to our families. We approach this with enthusiasm, optimism, and a focus on opportunities and solutions. Doing nothing is not an option.
Uncovered emissions – reduce and avoid
In accordance with the revised CO2 law of January 1, 2025, the Niesenbahn cable car company intends to seize the opportunity to voluntarily and through technological advancements also strive to halve its emissions by 2030, and to achieve net zero by 2050. This will require considerable effort. Urs Wohler comments: "It is crucial to conduct a thorough and honest accounting and to address the issue of guest mobility. The dilemma of travel remains and is difficult to resolve, but only with transparency will it be possible to arrive at better and more credible solutions. It is particularly interesting to reflect on this topic on International Mountain Day!" In addition to reducing and avoiding emissions, this also includes investing in interesting local projects. For example, in measures in regional forests; initial contact has been made with the local forestry operation, Thunersee-Süd.
Objectives within the framework of the strategy
The Niesenbahn funicular railway will begin its next multi-year strategic cycle in 2026. At the same time, the recertification of its environmental management system according to ISO 2015:14001 is due. For Daniel Fischer, Chairman of the Board of Directors of NIESENBAHN AG, one thing is clear: "Given the significant environmental challenges and what has been achieved so far, a review of the strategic sustainability agenda is essential. The Niesenbahn's positioning must be further strengthened and responsibly focused on the existing pillars of regionality, sustainability, and authenticity." Accordingly, another CO2 balance sheet will be prepared for 2025, and corresponding targets will be formulated.
