Impact Projects
The third pillar of our BVCM approach complements our investments and creates space for accelerating innovation and promoting climate resilience. The aim is not only to achieve net zero, but to maintain it in the long term.
We specifically target investments in nature conservation projects and technology solutions as complementary levers on the path to net zero. The aim is to strengthen and protect ecosystems and advance research and development to store or remove CO2.
First pilot project on the feasibility of CO2 injection in Switzerland
1100 meters below ground
The project
The CITru pilot project, the first of its kind in Switzerland, is being conducted under the leadership of ETH Zurich to test the feasibility of a CO2 injection test through a disused borehole in the municipality of Trüllikon (ZH). The aim is to gain insights into the behavior of CO2 in the Swiss subsurface and to build up knowledge and expertise for future CO2 management in Switzerland.
Technology and impact
CO2 captured from hard-to-abate emissions must be stored permanently in order to achieve global climate targets. Until now, national efforts have focused primarily on exporting CO2 to other countries. In Switzerland, geological CO2 storage sites have not yet been explored or developed (Federal council, 2020).
Swisscom is therefore providing financial support for the CITru project in order to further research the CO2 storage potential in Switzerland.
More Information
Infrastructure as a carbon sink: PATH – the new demonstrator from Empa and Eawag for next-generation CO2-negative road surfaces.
Utilisation and storage of carbon from CO2
The project
In 2026, the new PATH demonstrator will be built on the Empa campus to research and demonstrate CO2-negative blue-green road surfaces and other innovations in road construction, dealing with urban heat islands and the water cycle. From the base and frost layer to drainage and substructure to the surface, complete road structures can be tested and examined under real conditions. PATH thus combines materials research, water management and road infrastructure in an integrated research environment and makes targeted use of synergies to promote a climate-resilient urban future and systematically reduce atmospheric CO2 pollution.
Technology and impact
Empa is developing asphalt with a negative carbon footprint and, with the commissioning of the PATH demonstrator, is significantly accelerating its introduction into the real built environment. The carbon used in this process reduces the concentration of CO2 in the atmosphere and also has the potential to remove a wide variety of pollutants from rainwater runoff, thereby effectively relieving the burden on natural water bodies.
The combination of innovations developed in the PATH demonstrator makes it possible to store CO2 in building materials in the long term, reduce the environmental impact of asphalt and specifically support the development of blue-green cities with a natural water cycle.
Swisscom is therefore providing financial support for the PATH project to further research the potential for CO2 utilization in Switzerland.