CommunicationPublished on 31 July 2025

The Hague – Living Sustainability

At the Embassy of Switzerland in the Netherlands, sustainability is more than a goal – it’s a daily practice. From energy-saving measures and waste reduction to eco-friendly commuting and staff-led initiatives, the Embassy integrates sustainability into every aspect of its operations. Guided by strong leadership and team engagement, it sets an example of how diplomacy and green innovation go hand in hand.

Ambassador Corinne Cicéron Bühler promotes sustainable mobility by using her official bike for work in The Hague — leading by example at the Swiss Embassy. — © Nathalie Simons

At the Embassy of Switzerland in the Netherlands, sustainability is not just a buzzword – it is a daily commitment. As part of Switzerland’s global efforts to advance the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, our Embassy is proud to be a driving force. Our efforts show how diplomacy and sustainability can go hand in hand. In line with this commitment, the Embassy is also an active member of the International Greening Network. The Network brings together diplomatic missions and international organizations committed to reducing environmental footprints and supporting The Hague’s goal of becoming climate-neutral by 2030.

Through this engagement, we continuously implement eco-conscious practices and champion green innovation. Our goal is to lead by example by integrating sustainability into every facet of our work. This dedication is not only driven top-down, with clear direction from our leadership, but also supported bottom-up, with an internal sustainability group: The staff is actively engaged and encouraged to contribute towards achieving our sustainability goals.

We have rolled up our sleeves and taken tangible action and the results speak for themselves:

• Less waste, more conscious choices

  We introduced clearly labeled bins for easy waste separation and set up garden composting. Staff swapped single-use plastics for Tupperware, making lunch breaks a little greener. We are also embracing sustainable office practices by following a “think twice before printing”-policy which includes printing as little as possible, using recycled white paper, and transitioning from paper to digital storage.

• Greener grounds

  Our gardening practices follow The Hague’s Green Gardening Manifesto. This initiative promotes sustainable, biodiversity-friendly practices that prioritize eco-friendly techniques, local plant species, and the reduction of environmental impact in urban gardening.

• Smart energy, big impact

  Through targeted measures such as installing energy-saving water pumps, LED lamps, heating timers, and reducing heating temperatures, we achieved a remarkable 30% decrease in energy consumption compared to the previous year. Additional energy-saving measures include switching off lights and screens in rooms when not in use and turning off printers overnight and on weekends.

• Sustainable commuting

  Many colleagues are already swapping four wheels for two, biking to work as part of our push for greener commuting. This year, we are launching a month-long “kilometer challenge” to track the distances traveled by staff on foot or by bike, encouraging even greater participation. The Ambassador also leads by example, using an official bike for professional travel within The Hague, further supporting our commitment to sustainable practices.

• Sparking a culture of sustainability

  From vegan potlucks and sustainability quizzes to posters, talks, and town halls, we have made sure everyone in the Embassy is part of the conversation. This year, our team outing will center on the theme of sustainability. We will continue organizing internal events to encourage knowledge sharing and inspire collective action.

• Everyday actions, lasting impact

  We are also encouraging the use of stairs instead of the elevator. This reminds us that even the smallest daily choices can lead to meaningful change and benefits the health of our staff at the same time.

All these steps may seem small, but together they are helping build a more sustainable future - one action, one team, one Embassy.

Links

• Embassy of Switzerland in the Netherlands