Context
Switzerland, like other European countries, is facing a climate emergency. Several local authorities, including the Cantons of Geneva and Vaud, have even declared a “state of climate emergency” for their territory, which implies a very strong reorientation of public policies.
Part of the way could be done thanks to clean technologies and optimization linked to digitalization. Nevertheless, to reach the objectives set by the COP21 in the framework of the Paris agreements, it will also be necessary to rely on a major transformation of lifestyles.
The transformation of lifestyles concerns all spheres of activity:
- Work, with telecommuting, business travel.
- Leisure and shopping, with the whole question of shopping online, leisure and vacation destinations and the types of leisure activities carried out, for or without energy consumption.
- The family and the activities associated with it.
The transformation of lifestyles also concerns mobility, both in terms of the spatial scope of travel and the means of transport used. It also concerns the choice of residential location and the provision of shops and services in neighborhoods, as well as their accessibility.
The panel on the sustainability of practices
In order to be able to conduct cutting-edge research on the transition of lifestyles to carbon neutrality, the ENAC faculty of EPFL has decided to launch a 5-year panel survey. The aim of this survey is to measure the evolution of behaviors, uses and opinions on lifestyles in the manner of an observatory. The panel is composed of a representative sample of the population of the Lake Geneva area who agree to answer regular surveys (one major survey per year and 2-3 other targeted surveys).
The panel covers the Lake Geneva region, and will therefore cover the cantons of Geneva and Vaud, as well as the Bas Valais, the Pays de Gex, the Chablais and the French Genevois.
In order to allow for precise analyses, the panel is composed of a starting sample of about 10,000 people.
The methodology for the constitution of the panel was developed with the FORS team of the University of Lausanne, specialized in this type of survey. From an initial draw, respondents will be solicited for the various surveys planned over a period of 5 years. The size of the initial sample takes into account the forecasted mortality of the sample over time and so that the data from the last survey still have numbers that make it usable according to the territorial differentiations retained.
As a modality of passage of the surveys, the digital mode is retained, with paper mails for the 1st survey.
The challenge of the survey will be in particular to collect weekly travel and leisure practices. The question of kilometers traveled is also potentially important, as well as that of the population’s willingness to use different means of transportation.
The Lemanic Panel project is supported by LaSUR and the HERUS laboratory.
Information Sheet Panel Lémanique
First results of the Lémanique Panel mobility survey
First results of the Vaud survey on summer leisure activities