In Focus
Global Sustainability
Sustainability has become an indispensable issue that is of central importance for companies in all sectors as well as for Switzerland as a business location. For S-GE’s mission and its customers’ business, sustainability is an opportunity and responsibility alike. S-GE therefore sees sustainability as an integral part of its core business and a key factor for success. S-GE is publishing its first-ever sustainability report for the year 2024.
In 2024, we supported a total of 1,444 export companies with sustainability issues. These include 573 companies with innovative solutions in the cleantech sector, which we supported in their international expansion. We have also been publishing a sustainability report since 2024 – this targeted tracking helps us to continuously improve our activities.
Export Promotion
A Success Factor in Global Business
In export promotion, S-GE supports Swiss companies, on the one hand, in implementing all aspects of sustainability in their international business. On the other hand, S-GE promotes the global business development of Swiss sustainability solutions. In 2024, S-GE identified a high need for information and advice among Swiss companies and was able to make a positive impact by deploying targeted measures.
1,444
companies supported with sustainability issues
S-GE identified a high need for information about new developments and sustainability-related requirements among Swiss companies. More than 20% of all SMEs assisted by S-GE in 2024 received support on sustainability issues. Information on sustainability regulations in target markets and support in the search for sustainably certified business partners are particularly in demand.
92%
satisfaction
S-GE helped 573 Swiss companies roll out innovative solutions in the cleantech sector internationally. These companies were very satisfied with the information and consulting services provided by S-GE and its partners. S-GE uses the satisfaction measurement to check whether its offering is meeting the needs of the companies.Examples from Export Promotion
Toolbox for SMEs: Sustainability at a Glance
In April, S-GE launched a sustainability toolbox on its website. This is aimed at supporting Swiss companies on their path to sustainability in the export business. The toolbox provides an organized overview of existing tools and suitable partners in areas such as ESG reporting, sustainable supply chains, and compliance.
Support with Establishing Sustainable Supply Chains
Sustainable supply chains are a key element of sustainable global trade. The demands placed on Swiss exporters are on the rise. They are increasingly having to ensure that their business partners meet specific sustainability criteria or are certified accordingly. S-GE helps to evaluate existing partnerships and find new partners along the global supply chain. To this end, S-GE works with the internationally recognized organization EcoVadis.
Upgrain brings the barley grain produced during beer brewing back into food production using a unique upcycling process. This allows us to use valuable proteins and fiber sustainably as an alternative to soy and other conventional raw materials – making an innovative contribution to reducing CO2 and conserving resources. The support from Swiss export promotion is helping us to find new markets and the right partners to drive this vision forward internationally
With its new upcycling facility for spent grains, Upgrain from the canton of Appenzell Innerrhoden exemplifies the favorable position of Swiss companies in relation to sustainability. It is positive to see Swiss export promotion supporting such companies so that they can also enjoy international success with their innovations.
Investment Promotion
A Sustainable Business Location
By focusing on global innovation leaders, investment promotion is able to deliberately settle companies with sustainable business models in Switzerland. These companies often come with progressive ideas and practices, thereby promoting the development of sustainable technologies and the exchange of knowledge with Swiss industry. S-GE actively looks for foreign companies that will strengthen Switzerland as a sustainable business and innovation location. In addition, S-GE reviews all interested companies and projects for sustainability.
100%
of target companies assessed on sustainability criteria
S-GE reviews the selected target companies for ESG risks using the Swiss database RepRisk. This helps S-GE to ensure that only companies with certain standards are actively addressed.
44%
of settlement projects reviewed for sustainability criteria
Whenever a foreign company expresses an interest in Switzerland as a business location and has a project, S-GE assesses it using a specific evaluation grid.Examples from Investment Promotion
Exotec Revolutionizes Swiss Warehouse Systems
French company Exotec, which was founded by two developers, has created an innovative robot system for warehouses. The robots, which have a load capacity of up to 30 kg, use 80% less energy than conventional automated solutions. With over 1,300 employees, Exotec equips more than 50 industry-leading brands such as Decathlon, Gap, and Uniqlo to improve their operations at over 120 locations worldwide.
In September 2022, Exotec opened an office in Geneva with the support of the Swiss Business Hub France. Thanks to Exotec’s 260 Skypod robots, Digitec Galaxus was able to increase the capacity of its central warehouse in Wohlen (Aargau) to 35,000 parcels per day while also reducing energy consumption.
We strive to make our business as sustainable as possible. In 2023 alone, our initiatives saved 3,801 tons of CO2 emissions and 2,930 tons of new plastic. Switzerland is a global leader in innovation, technology, and sustainability, which fits perfectly with Exotec’s vision.
S-GE Activities
A Sustainable Organization and Employer
S-GE also attaches importance to the environmental, social, and economic aspects of sustainability in its own operations and day-to-day work. It sets itself the goal of becoming more sustainable in all its operating activities, such as business trips and acquisitions, to make a positive contribution to the sustainability goals of the UN and the Confederation.
11
tons of CO2 footprint per full-time equivalent
S-GE endeavors to continuously reduce its own CO2 footprint to help achieve global climate targets. Already in 2024, S-GE introduced specific reduction efforts for its two main drivers, trade fairs and business travel.
66 %
proportion of employees who take part in further training
S-GE places a special focus on the further training of its staff. As an employer, S-GE therefore promotes the skills of the team and the personal development of its employees. It offers internal training and development programs and supports participation in external training.Examples of S-GE as an Organization
Partnership with UN Global Compact
S-GE has joined the UN Global Compact Network. In doing so, S-GE has committed itself to reflecting the ten principles of the UN Global Compact in the areas of human rights, labor law, the environment, and anti-corruption in its strategy and operations, raising awareness of sustainability among companies, and reporting on its sustainability efforts on an ongoing basis. Participation in the UN Global Compact Network has a direct advantage for Swiss companies: through this partnership, S-GE strengthens its own expertise in the area of sustainability and expands its network for the benefit of its customers.
External Point of Contact: Krisenintervention Schweiz
S-GE attaches great importance to diversity, equality, and inclusion. The proportion of women in management positions is already high. In addition, S-GE is SQS-certified for Fair Compensation, facilitates the compatibility of career and family through flexible working hours or working from home, and promotes the further training of employees. S-GE concluded an agreement with Krisenintervention Schweiz at the beginning of 2024. Employees of S-GE Switzerland can obtain external professional support in the event of a crisis. With this offer, S-GE provides an alternative and independent partner that employees can turn to if they cannot resolve their issue within S-GE.
Downloads
Sustainability Report
