The UNESCO Biosphere Entlebuch relies on sustainable energy sources and innovative technologies as it pursues the objective of an environmentally sound future in which it can produce all of its own energy by 2030. We promote renewable energies like solar power and wind power, and support projects aimed at energy efficiency. Through these measures, we are actively helping to protect the environment and sustain quality of life for forthcoming generations.

The UNESCO Biosphere Entlebuch was officially presented with the «European Energy Award» in gold at the end of October 2022. Our biosphere thus became one of the first regions in Europe – and the very first in Switzerland – to receive the accolade. Now we are not just a model region, we are an international award-winning model region.

The European Energy Award makes the achievements of the biosphere and the communities of Entlebuch in the areas of energy efficiency and climate protection quantifiable and visible. The «Energiestadt Gold» label is the highest award offered to cities, towns and regions that meet especially high demands as they commit to the consistently efficient use of energy, the promotion of renewable energies and the protection of the climate. An award is conferred where a municipality or region enacts more than 50 percent of all available measures aimed at improving energy efficiency, renewable energy supplies and climate protection. Where a municipality or region implements more than 75 percent of all possible energy-related and climate-relevant measures, it will receive the European Energy Award in gold.