Swisstainable

How the sustainability program for Swiss Tourism is integrated into Zurich as a destination, plus an overview of the businesses that are participating.

Swisstainable at a glance

The name “Swisstainable” combines the words “Swiss” and “sustainable” and serves as the umbrella brand for the sustainability program for Swiss tourism. The program aims to support businesses and destinations in their development across various areas of sustainability. Through its rating system, it highlights existing and planned sustainability initiatives by tourism businesses and destinations.

It is important to note that Swisstainable is not a standalone sustainability certification – instead, it recognizes existing, external certifications and accreditations, provided they meet the program’s requirements.

Any tourism business or destination in Switzerland may participate in the program.

There are three levels, depending on the degree of commitment:

Level I

committed

At this level, companies meet the program’s basic requirements: They sign the commitment and pledge to continuously advance their sustainability efforts. In addition, they conduct a sustainability assessment covering economic, social, and environmental aspects. Based on this, they develop an action plan with at least three specific measures that they will implement within three years.

Level II

engaged

In addition to the requirements of Level I – committed, businesses must submit a valid, recognized, and externally audited sustainability certification that covers at least one of the three areas – economic, social, and the environmental.

Level III

leading

Building on the requirements of Level I – committed and Level II – engaged, participants at this level hold a valid, recognized sustainability certification that covers all three areas (economic, social, and environmental) and is regularly audited by an external body.

Swisstainable Level III – leading for Zurich

Thanks to its EarthCheck certification, the city of Zurich has been rated at Level III – leading in the Swisstainable program.
Zürich Tourism, as an organization, also participates in the Swisstainable program with its sustainability strategy and has been rated at Level III – leading.

Partner businesses

In the Zurich region, many tourism businesses are already part of the Swisstainable sustainability program. This page features a curated selection of them – but there are many more businesses in Zurich that are participating.

Accomodation

Several hotels have already joined the Swisstainable program with representatives across different star ratings, size, and locations. A selection of them can be viewed here.

Food and drink

This selection presents Zurich restaurants, cafés, and bars that have received a Swisstainable rating – with various cuisines, locations, and sizes.

Experiences

Experience providers can also be classified as businesses under Swisstainable. Here is a selection of experiences offered by businesses with Swisstainable program.