A legitimate question... but a complex one
The environmental impact of **the money we put **into savings accounts, pension funds, etc. is a legitimate concern. Banks can finance polluting projects, such as oil extraction or the construction of high-emission infrastructure.
However, the Nos Gestes Climat calculator does not take this dimension into account, for several methodological reasons.
Problem #1: the risk of double counting
If your bank finances an oil project, that oil will then be used by:
- Someone who drives a car
- Someone who heats their home
- A company that manufactures plastic
These uses are **already accounted **for in the carbon footprint of these users. If we also added the impact to that of savers, it would amount to counting the same emissions twice.
Problem #2: the lack of a standardised method
There is still no **agreed methodology **for:
- Accurately measuring the carbon footprint of a savings product
- Determine what falls under the responsibility of the saver
- Defining a clear scope of impact
Initiatives are emerging, such as: - **Climate rating of pension funds **(Climate Alliance, Switzerland)
- **Fund rating tools **in Europe
But these methods are still in their infancy, variable, and difficult to compare with each other.
A subject to be explored further
The creators of Nos Gestes Climat fully recognise that this topic deserves to be addressed. The current exclusion of savings does not mean that it is insignificant, but simply that it:
- Cannot be reliably measured at present
- Risks **misleading **rather than informing
- Requires an appropriate educational approach
Discussions are ongoing to integrate this component in the future, as soon as a robust and comprehensible approach is available.
What you can already do as a saver
Even if the calculator does not include it, you can **influence your financial footprint **by:
- Asking your bank where your money goes
- Choosing sustainable investment products
- Supporting local projects or eco-friendly cooperatives
- Consulting rankings and labels such as Globalance, Ethos, or the Swiss Climate Alliance
Conclusion – An ongoing reflection
The carbon footprint of savings is a crucial issue. For the time being, the calculator chooses **not to include this item **in order to ensure consistency and clarity.
To go further:
https://www.ge.ch/document/bilan-carbone-du-territoire-cantonal-resultats-encourageants