The measure will be rolled out progressively from 2019 onward.
Keystone
The Swiss Federal Railways has announced that it will be lowering the temperature in the carriages of suburban trains in Zurich by up to two degrees Celsius to reduce energy consumption.
A pilot project in January that involved reducing carriage temperatures from 22˚C to 20˚C (71.6 to 68 degrees Fahrenheit) on selected trains received a favourable response from over 6,000 passengers. Posters informed passengers on the experimental trains, inviting them to give their opinion on the company’s website.
On Thursday, the rail operator announced that it would commence progressively reducing carriage temperatures on Zurich regional trains from 2019 onwards.
If the measure is applied to 100 first-generation Zurich regional (RER) trains, it will save 1.6 gigawatt hours, the equivalent of the electricity consumption of about 400 households. While if the temperature is reduced by 2 degrees on all RER trains, the savings could be as much as 3.7 gigawatt hours – the equivalent of the consumption of a town of 2,200 inhabitants.
The trial took its cue from guidelines published by SuisseEnergiee,External link a government-backed body working to promote environmental awareness, which places the optimum room temperature at 20 degrees Celsius.
The experiment comes as Switzerland’s rail network – one of the world’s busiest – looks for ways to secure funding, become more efficient, and move towards a more environmentally friendly future.
More
More
Swiss trains to experiment with lower carriage temperatures
This content was published on
In a bid to save energy and the environment, Swiss Federal Railways is experimenting with a lowering of temperatures in selected trains around Zurich.
Swiss invention: 90-year anniversary of first T-bar ski lift
This content was published on
On Monday it will be 90 years since the world’s first T-bar ski lift went into service in Davos. This Swiss invention was an instant success.
Iran summons Swiss ambassador over US and Italy arrests
This content was published on
Iran has summoned the Swiss ambassador, who represents US interests, to protest against the arrest in the US and Italy of two Iranians.
Swisscom receives greenlight for acquisition of Vodafone Italia
This content was published on
The takeover of Vodafone Italia by Swisscom is nearing completion. All relevant authorities have now approved the €8 billion (CHF7.45 billion) deal.
Novo Nordisk stock market plunge drags down Swiss device maker Ypsomed
This content was published on
The Danish pharmaceutical giant, Novo Nordisk, faced setbacks on Friday that weighed on the share price of Swiss injection device manufacturer Ypsomed.
Swiss press react to EU deal with mix of euphoria and scepticism
This content was published on
Swiss media reaction to the agreement between Switzerland and the EU varies widely. Some are celebrating, while others worry about what is to come.
Swiss Solidarity donations to tackle child abuse top CHF4 million
This content was published on
Swiss Solidarity, the humanitarian arm of the Swiss Broadcasting Corporation (SBC), has raised over CHF4 million ($4.3 million) to tackle child abuse.
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.
Read more
More
Swiss railways – you get what you pay for
This content was published on
The Swiss are not only the European champions in travelling by train, but they also invest the most in their country’s rail network.
Swiss railway field tests white paint to keep tracks from buckling
This content was published on
The Rhaetian Railway in the eastern canton of Graubünden is testing a technique commonly used in Italy to fight the distorting effects of heat on metal.
This content was published on
The Swiss Federal Railways is responding to the problem of suicides by erecting barriers on certain “black spot” bridges and sections of track.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.