Emissions Trading in Liechtenstein

The Office of Environment is the competent national authority responsible for implementing the market-based climate protection instruments of the Paris Agreement in Liechtenstein. Under the Paris Agreement, greenhouse gas emissions are to be reduced primarily through national measures.

About one-third of the CO2 reductions required under the Kyoto Protocol can thus be achieved through national measures.

In addition, to meet reduction commitments, Liechtenstein must also rely on the use of flexible mechanisms.

Such projects must achieve measurable climate impacts and contribute to the sustainable development of the host countries, for example through the use of environmentally friendly technologies. Liechtenstein intends to fulfill its reduction commitment using high-quality certificates (Gold Standard).

In addition, the Office of Environment maintains and manages Liechtenstein’s Union Registry for the EU Emissions Trading System. This is a web-based application similar to an online banking system, through which transactions can be carried out, account balances checked, and emission allowances submitted to the national account to fulfill an emission reduction obligation.

As a modern and results-oriented agency, we provide comprehensive and expert support to project operators, traders, facility operators, and other participants in emissions trading with regard to:

• the implementation and application of legal provisions
• exercising their rights
• fulfilling their obligations.

Contact information for the relevant departments can be found here

Brief information on the history of the Kyoto Protocol and Liechtenstein’s current emissions can be found here.