SDG 12: Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns
Goal description
«[…] Sustainable consumption and production aims at “doing more and better with less,” increasing net welfare gains from economic activities by reducing resource use, degradation and pollution along the whole lifecycle [including trasportation], while increasing quality of life. It involves different stakeholders, including business, consumers, policy makers, researchers, scientists, retailers, media, and development cooperation agencies, among others. […] It involves engaging consumers through awareness-raising and education on sustainable consumption and lifestyles, providing consumers with adequate information through standards and labels and engaging in sustainable public procurement, among others.»
Significance of the indicator
The indicator shows the percentage of rail in overland goods transport in Switzerland (Swiss and foreign road and rail vehicles).
The transport of goods is necessary for an economy to function properly and to supply the population but it is also a source of pollution and of greenhouse gas emissions. It is possible to reduce this damage to the environment by increasing the share of goods transported by rail. A transfer of goods transport from road to rail is a step towards sustainable development.
Help for interpretation
Only overland goods transport is included (rail and road).
International comparability
This indicator is also calculated by Eurostat (Share of rail and inland waterways in total freight transport). Data are not, however, completely comparable. Switzerland uses a territorial concept to calculate goods transport performance whereas Eurostat’s road transport data is based on vehicles registered in the reporting country.
Tables
Methodology
The indicator shows the share of rail in overland goods transport (road and rail). Transport is measured in tonne-kilometres for road transport and in net tonne-kilometres for rail transport (i.e. without the weight of the vehicle, trailers, containers or swap bodies (in combined transport) transporting the goods). This means that both modes of transport can be compared with one another. Data come from the Federal Statistical Office’s goods transport statistics (road) and public transport statistics (rail).
Principles
12a Ecologically acceptable production
Companies' environmental burdens and risks must be minimized, their material and energy flows must be optimized.
16b Limits for consumption of non-renewable resources
Non-renewable resources should only be used in amounts that can be replaced by renewable resources.
17a Limits for degradable waste and toxins
Pollution of the environment with degradable waste and pollutants should be minimised. Contamination should not exceed the absorption capacity of the ecosystem.
Contact
Federal Statistical Office Section Environment, Sustainable Development, TerritoryEspace de l'Europe 10
CH-2010 Neuchâtel
Switzerland
- Tel.
- +41 58 460 58 46
Monday - Friday:
09.00 - 12.00 / 14.00 - 16.00