A useful basis for comparison... but to be interpreted with caution
When you launch the Nos Gestes Climat calculator, a reference footprint is displayed before you even answer the questions. This figure allows you to **start from an initial individual carbon footprint level calculated in relation to **Swiss or Geneva **average values **, but it does not correspond exactly to the averages published in regional carbon assessments.
Different figures depending on the source
Here are some estimates of per capita carbon footprints:
| Source | Year | Estimate |
|---|---|---|
| Swiss Confederation | 2020 | 12 tCO₂e/inhabitant |
| Canton of Geneva | 2022 | 13 tCO₂e/capita |
| City of Geneva | 2021 | 13 tCO₂e/inhabitant |
| Simulator starting point | Current | Approximately 10 tCO₂e/inhabitant |
| The discrepancies between these values can be explained by significant methodological differences. |
"Macro" vs. "micro" approach
Top-down (macro) approach:
- Used by public institutions.
- Measures total emissions for a given territory (industry, services, agriculture, consumption, etc.).
- Calculates an average by dividing the total by the number of inhabitants.
✅ Advantage: provides an overview of the territory
❌ Disadvantage: does not necessarily reflect individual lifestyles.
Bottom-up (micro) approach: - Used by the calculator.
- Adds up reported emissions **item by item **(food, housing, transport, etc.).
- Also includes an estimated share of **shared public services **(health, security, education, etc.).
✅ Advantage: reflects your personal impact.
❌ Disadvantage: is not exhaustive or fully comparable with regional data.
The goal is not perfection, but awareness
The calculator seeks a balance between comprehensiveness, clarity and test duration. It does not capture all your emissions (e.g. those related to savings or certain very specific purchases), but covers the vast majority of significant items.
This "simplified but relevant" model aims to:
- Provide a reliable order of magnitude
- Identify **the main levers **for action
- Avoid overwhelming the user with complexity
Conclusion – Compare, but above all, take action
Yes, you can compare yourself to the Swiss or Geneva averages, but keep in mind that approaches differ. The important thing is to **understand your own impact **and seek **effective and sustainable actions **to reduce it.
To go further:
https://www.ge.ch/document/plan-actions-2025-2030-du-plan-climat-cantonal-2030
https://www.bfs.admin.ch/bfs/fr/home/statistiques/espace-environnement/indicateurs-environnement/tous-les-indicateurs/emissions-et-dechets/emissions-gaz-effet-de-serre.html