Switzerland bases its understanding of sustainability formulated by the World Commission on Environment and Development in 1987. “Sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs”. Based on this statement, four main actions emerge, which can be summarized in the word A-G-I-R as follows:
- A for concrete actions; to promote sustainable development by establishing a carbon footprint after each issue that includes concrete measures to reduce environmental impact.
- G for future generations; preserving and reducing the impact on the natural environment by applying the principle of “as little as possible and only as much as necessary”;
- I for innovation; the use and integration of innovative solutions through technological progress. Replacing environmentally harmful elements and processes with technologies or other means that have less impact on the environment.
- R for Responsibility (or Recycling): Reducing waste throughout the value chain effectively reduces environmental impacts. Waste is separated and recycled appropriately. This allows the waste to be upgraded as well as given a second life. This starts with the implementation of the sustainable development principle in the value chain.
Sustainable development is now an integral part of the values of the Patrouille des Glaciers. It is part of a long-term perspective. After all, it is about being able to offer future generations the exceptional natural environment in which the Patrouille des Glaciers has been operating since its beginning. Let’s build a sustainable future together by applying the 5 rules for an environmentally conscious behavior.
Based on the “think global, act local” approach, the Command of the Patrouille des Glaciers has drawn up 5 rules that complement the 4 main actions. These rules apply to every person involved in the Patrouille des Glaciers as well as to the service providers.
- “Sorting and recycling”; By sorting your waste, this t is appropriately recycled while adding value;
- “Use public transport”; by using public transport, everyone increases their contribution to slow-moving traffic and reduces their impact on the environment. In addition, Switzerland has one of the densest transport networks in the world.
- “Sustainable consumption”; by using services and products that meet our needs and contribute to a higher quality of life, while minimizing the consumption of natural resources, we contribute to preserving natural resources so that future generations can also meet their needs.
- “I protect the environment!”; By behaving in an environmentally conscious way, everyone contributes to protecting the environment and the available natural resources.
- “Every action counts!”; by doing small actions everybody contributes in one way or another, to protect the environment. Small cumulated actions significantly reduce waste and the environmental impact.
In order to establish a carbon footprint, the Patrouille des Glaciers relies on the expertise of a recognized civilian company from issue to issue. In order to achieve better results in terms of environmental impact, the balance drawn up in accordance with the latest ISO standards makes it possible to identify those areas where progress should be made.
The carbon footprint of the 2022 edition of the Patrouille des Glaciers can be downloaded here. (In french)
In collaboration with the HES-SO Valais-Wallis, various opportunities for improvement were identified. Among them, the mobility of the public. During the 2024 edition, a study will be carried out with the HES-SO Valais-Wallis to develop a more sustainable mobility strategy.
The Patrouille des Glaciers is a huge technological challenge and an open-air laboratory. Because survival, communication, organization and respect for the environment at high altitude are a real challenge. The consequences of climate change at high altitudes are now visible and concern not only the organizer of the event, but also the entire population.
In collaboration with the Patrouille des Glaciers Foundation, various studies are being carried out to determine the impact on the organization of the race as well as to identify measures that will not only preserve the existing natural environment but also contribute to the necessary actions towards sustainable development.
