In the energy sector, the Energy Strategy 2050 sets a number of priorities to assure the future energy supply, such as reduction in energy consumption, broadening of the portfolio of energy sources, expansion and restructuring of the electricity transmission grid as well as energy storage. Emphasis is placed on increased energy savings (energy efficiency), the expansion of hydropower and implementation of new renewable energies. With regard to concrete policies and measures in the energy sector, the SwissEnergy programme represents a major policy instrument engaging cantons, municipalities, industry, as well as environmental and consumer associations for awareness raising and the promotion of increased energy efficiency and the enhanced use of renewable energy. The national buildings refurbishment programme increases the energy efficiency of buildings and promotes the use of renewable energies in the buildings sector, financed by one third of the revenues from the CO levy on heating and process fuels. The building codes of the cantons, which were agreed on by the cantonal energy directors, provide a set of common energy and insulation standards (model ordinances) aimed at reducing energy consumption of buildings. Negotiated commitments on energy efficiency entitle energy-intensive companies to receive a full or partial refund of electricity network surcharges (raised for the promotion of renewable energies) if they commit to enhancing energy efficiency in a target agreement with the Swiss government. The obligation to offset emissions from gas-fired combined-cycle power plants ensures that planning permissions for such power plants are only given if operators commit to offset the CO emissions in full. In the framework of the negotiated reduction commitment of municipal solid waste incineration plant operators, the Swiss Association of municipal solid waste incineration plants committed to reduce net CO emissions (e.g. through the effective use of the heat generated or the recuperation of metals) and to establish a monitoring system to track progress towards the goals set in the agreement with the Swiss government.