Switzerland’s commitment to Sustainable Development is enshrined in Articles 2 and 73 of the Federal Constitution. However, unlike numerous European and extra-European countries including Italy, France, Spain, UK, US and Canada, Switzerland does not have a legal framework promoting sustainable enterprises. 

 

As shown in a recent academic research, the absence of such a legal framework does not meet the need of social entrepreneurs, regulators, and consumers for the identification of clear, objective, comparable and verifiable commitments and targets. 

 

Policy and regulation play a vital role in encouraging Swiss businesses to transition to sustainability. We advocate for a new regulatory framework establishing a ‘Sustainable Enterprise’ status, linked to a wide range of social, environmental, and governance indicators, in line with the latest European and international standards. 

 

This regulatory framework would not only recognize the sustainability efforts that many businesses are already making but would also provide indispensable guidance to those determined to undertake this transformative journey.