Sustainability on Lake Lucerne - leading by example!

At the Lake Lucerne Navigation Company (SGV AG), we care about the sensitive Alpine environment, in which we operate. Therefore sustainability and environmental protection are a big part of our corporate philosophy.  We take into consideration the impact of our activities on the region and seek to ensure harmony between economy and ecology. As a local company with a long-standing tradition dating back almost 200 years, we are aware of our obligation to lead and set a good example.

Therefore we are committed to reduce our carbon footprint during the coming years and lessen the emissions that are typically associated with the operation of passenger ships. We see these commitments as our contribution to local climate protection. Aside from directly reducing our own carbon emissions, we also strive to offset our footprint through global carbon compensation and support the environmental initiatives of the Swiss non-for-profit foundation myclimate. 

In addition to these efforts, we seek to raise awareness about sustainability and climate protection, both with our employees and customers.

Thanks to myclimate, the SGV is able to reduce carbon emissions by up to 5,5000 tonnes per year.

As the first large shipping company in Switzerland, we are proud to make a contribution to climate protection for the generated carbon emissions on Lake Lucerne by supporting a significant climate protection project in Uganda. Thanks to our voluntary financial contribution, over 5500 tons of carbon emissions can be reduced each year. In recognition of our efforts, we have been designated with the myclimate impact label and have been formally classified as a sustainable operator. 

Additionally, SGV works with its subsidiary Shiptec AG to develop and implement new technologies that can successively reduce carbon emissions on passenger vessels

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Our climate protection project „Clean drinking water for schools and homes in Uganda”

The primary goal of this environmental project is to ensure the safe and clean supply of drinking water to low-income households and schools in Uganda through the use of modern technologies. These technologies help process and clean the drinking water, thereby reducing the need to burn coal or wood to generate power. This reduction in air pollution also contributes to the improved health and quality of life of thousands of local residents. For more information about this noteworthy project, please visit the official website of the Swiss non-profit foundation myclimate.

Make a difference - with myclimate Cause We Care

We offer our charter cruise customers the opportunity to compensate the carbon emissions from their events, thus making a valuable contribution to climate protection and sustainability. The carbon emissions of any charter cruise or special event can be calculated and the corresponding financial amount is then paid into a special fund. Half of these voluntary contributions are used by the Lake Lucerne Navigation Company (SGV AG) for local climate protection measures in Switzerland. The other half is then allocated to the myclimate project in Uganda.

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Climate protection projects

During the past decade, we have already implemented a number of significant climate protection and carbon reduction projects, but our tireless work never ceases and a number of new activities are currently already in the pipeline, including the installation of solar panels on our shipward in Lucerne in summer 2023.

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A sustainable fleet

Our newest vessels all feature excellent energy efficiency and optimized hull design, in order to reduce drag beneath the water surface. We intend to apply the same proven concepts and lessons learned on all of our older ships, as they will be modernized or refitted during the coming years.

MS Bürgenstock

This catamaran ferry is fitted with an innovative hybrid propulsion system that was developed by our own subsidiary Shiptec in cooperation with Siemens. In the Bay of Lucerne the vessel only runs on electric power from its batteries, before switching to diesel mode in the open part of the lake. During that cruising time the diesel generators also recharge the batteries. Thanks to this effective balancing process, half of the cruise can be made in electric mode. 

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MS Diamant

MS Diamant is one of the largest and most modern vessels on Lake Lucerne. It is actually unique in Switzerland and truly a state-of-the-art superyacht that combines stunning visual design with comfortable accommodation and clever technical innovations. Launched in 2017, the ship is fitted with a hybrid propulsion system that uses peak power sharing. During off-peak periods, the excess capability of the diesel generators is used to recharge the batteries. This unique system is a first in Switzerland and has helped set a new standard!

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Engagements with distinction

Swisstainable
 
Swisstainable
Level II

With the certification and the receipt of the Swisstainable label, the SGV commits to implementing at least three measures on different sustainability aspects within the next two years. These steps will include business diversification, income equality and C02 reduction for the five paddle steamers. 

 

Accessible Switzerland Association
 
Accessible Switzerland Association
OK:GO Initiative

The Lake Lucerne Navigation Company (SGV AG) is a proud member of the OK:GO initiative. OK:GO promotes barrier-free accessibility and social inclusion in tourism. The goal is to provide greater access to leisure activities and tourist services for people with disabilities, seniors or families with small children.

Future projects
 
Future projects
We continue our efforts

We do not rest on our laurels and are continuously seeking to further reduce our carbon footprint and eliminate more carbon pollution from the atmosphere, both in terms of direct measures as well as through compensation schemes. You may have a look at this list, to view some of our most recent sustainability initiatives.

 

Questions and answers on the topic of sustainability

Sustainable development means more environmental protection! The environment, society and economy are all interconnected. The impact of human activities on the environment must be considered and measured. Wherever possible, it should be compensated! Sustainable development requires long-term planning and should bring with it a significant paradigm shift over time, in order to benefit society as a whole. For more information, please visit myclimate.org.

Carbon dioxide (CO₂) is an odorless and colorless gas, which is a normal part of our air. Excessive carbon levels in the atmosphere, however, lead to global warming and therefore have an impact on both the climate and the environment. By burning fossil fuels, carbon emissions are generated. You can find more information here. 

The CO2 emissions of all SGV ships from the fuel consumed are currently around 5,500 tonnes per year.

On average, a person living in Switzerland produces about 14 tons of carbon emissions a year. Compared to other countries, this is quite a high per capita value. More information here.

Already in the past, we have made significant efforts to reduce our own carbon emissions, by introducing hybrid propulsion or finding other ways to reduce our energy consumption. For the coming years we seek to make further progress and seek to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels. You may view some of our specific activities here. 

SGV AG is proud to be the first large passenger navigation company in Switzerland that completely compensates the carbon emissions from its ships. We have done so by investing in a climate protection project in Uganda, which allows the elimination of 5500 tons of carbon emissions from the atmosphere each year.  

In order to achieve the international targets of the Paris Agreement, the contributions of the private sector are more important than ever. The myclimate impact label recognizes those companies that are proactive in the area of climate protection and which have already implemented a number of voluntary measures, including the finance of compensation measures. Such achievements are an important stepping stone in the process of reaching official net-zero goals and creating a global paradigm shift. 

The international projects of the Swiss non-for-profit foundation myclimate help reduce or eliminate carbon emissions, while improving the quality of life, public health and economic opportunities of local populations. The carefully selected projects of myclimate also ensure local empowerment and include a transfer of knowhow and technology. Such international organizations as Gold Standard, Plan Vivo or Verra VCS have verified the myclimate projects.

The international projects of myclimate help reduce or eliminate carbon emissions by exchanging fossil fuel sources with renewable energy or implementing more energy-efficient technologies or processes. These environmental protection projects also create a positive social impact at their location, allowing the local community to benefit from improved public health or economic opportunities in the region.

A comprehensive FAQ on climate change, climate policy, climate protection, emissions, footprint and carbon finance can be found on the myclimate website.

Our engagement
Swisstainable
myclimate