Energy in the context of Expo.02's environmental policy

The federal government's mandate to Expo defines specific energy policy goals: "The national exhibition will lead by example in the field of energy supply and present solutions that meet both the objective of rational energy consumption and the promotion of renewable energies. Visitors will thus be encouraged to commit themselves to an efficient and sustainable energy policy."

In view of this message, Expo.02 had drawn up an energy concept with clear procedures and measures.

ExpoEnergy

The energy fiver was levied on all the electricity used to run the exhibition as a contribution to the future. The five centimes per kilowatt hour roughly correspond to the environmental costs incurred in the production of electricity.

The surcharge was used to finance forward-looking energy solutions such as the purchase of eco-electricity with the naturemade star label.

The Arteplages were operated entirely by Expo.02 with naturemade star-certified electricity. This means that 15 GWh came from renewable energy sources. According to the eco-balance, this saved around 3.2 million litres of crude oil.

The ExpoEnergy campaign was effective: municipalities, companies and private individuals who invested in energy measures before 31 October 2002 were rewarded by Expo.02 with free tickets (this project was supported by the Swiss Federal Office of Energy).

Expen SA

Expen SA was the general contractor responsible for the infrastructure tasks of energy, water, waste water and waste removal for Expo.02. The four electricity companies BKW FMB Energie AG, Romande Energie SA, Electricité Neuchâteloise SA and Entreprises Electriques Fribourgeoises founded Expen SA in December 1997. 

Expen SA worked together with the five local energy supply companies to build, operate and dismantle a forward-looking, efficient, economical and environmentally compatible infrastructure on behalf of Expo.02.