In defiance of all spatial planning, the process of suburbanization is still continuing in Switzerland. The consumption of land persists on a high level. The use of economic instruments in terms of "tradable area-certificates" (handelbare Flächenzertifikate) could contribute a share to sustainable spatial planning. One condition for a successful application is to freeze the cantonal construction zones at this stage. The application of "tradable area-certificates" and the freezing of the construction zones would foster developments that work against urban sprawl. From a spatial planning point of view, such developments would be appreciated, but the acceptance of society regarding this point is being heavily discussed and must be decided on a political level. Crucial points are the reduction of the autonomy of the communes and a stronger concentration of settlements.