Building renovation and reducing CO2 emissions in Switzerland

Buildings: a key sector for the energy transition

According to the Swiss Federal Office of Energy, the building sector accounts for around 40% of final energy consumption and a third of greenhouse gas emissions in Switzerland. Energy upgrades of existing buildings therefore represent an essential lever for reducing the country's environmental impact and reaching the goals of the Energy Strategy 2050. According to the Federal Office for the Environment (FOEN), the Swiss property stock comprises more than 1.5 million buildings, a large proportion of which were built before modern energy standards. These older buildings suffer significant heat losses and consume excessive amounts of energy for heating.

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Upgrading a building: a multi-faceted solution

An energy renovation of a building encompasses a set of measures aimed at improving the performance and comfort of homes. Here is a list of the main interventions:

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Thermal insulation

Strengthening the insulation of walls, roofs, façades, floors and windows significantly reduces heat losses and therefore energy consumption for heating. Subsidies are available to renovate the building envelope and lower energy costs.

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Replacing heating systems

Installing more efficient and less polluting heating systems, such as heat pumps, condensing boilers, district heating or wood heating, helps reduce CO2 emissions. It is also possible to upgrade an oil or gas heating system to reduce your energy needs.

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Optimising ventilation

Controlled ventilation helps renew indoor air while limiting heat losses.

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Renewable energy production

Integrating photovoltaic or thermal solar panels allows you to produce energy on site and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. The FOEN also highlights the growing importance of photovoltaics in the Swiss energy mix.

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Improving airtightness

Limiting air leaks helps optimise the effectiveness of insulation and ventilation.

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The benefits of upgrading buildings energetically

Carrying out these technical installations on an older building offers many benefits:

• Reduction of CO2 emissions: by improving the energy efficiency of your building, you contribute significantly to lowering greenhouse gas emissions.
• Energy savings: your upgraded building consumes less energy, which translates into lower heating and electricity bills.
• Improved comfort: better insulation and optimised ventilation improve thermal comfort and indoor air quality.
• Property value enhancement: your renovated, energy-efficient building is more attractive on the property market.
• Job creation: the energy renovation sector is booming, creating local, skilled jobs. Good to know: the Cantonal Energy Certificate for Buildings (CECB) is a document that assesses the energy performance of a house or building and proposes ways to improve it. It assigns an energy class to the building, similar to the energy label on household appliances.

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Financial aid to apply for before work begins

Upgrading a building energetically represents a significant investment. Fortunately, various forms of financial aid exist to ease the financial burden on owners and encourage energy renovation.

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The Buildings Programme: concrete support for energy renovation

This is a joint programme of the Confederation and the cantons that aims to promote energy efficiency and the use of renewable energy in the building sector. It offers funding for a wide range of upgrade measures, such as:

• Thermal insulation.
• Replacement of heating systems
• Ventilation
• Installation of solar panels
• Analysis and advice

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How to benefit from the Buildings Programme?

The procedure for obtaining aid from this programme varies from one canton to another. It is essential to check with the cantonal energy service to find out the specific conditions and the steps to follow. Generally, the procedure includes the following stages:

1. Contact the cantonal energy service: get in touch with the cantonal energy service before work begins to obtain information on the subsidised measures and the incentive rates.
2. Request energy advice: have a Cantonal Energy Certificate for Buildings (or CECB) Plus carried out to assess the energy performance of the building and identify possible improvement measures.
3. Develop a renovation plan: develop a detailed plan with a qualified professional. You can consult the EDIREX directory to find a professional near you.
4. Submit a subsidy application: submit a subsidy application to the cantonal energy service before work begins.
5. Carry out the work: carry out the work in accordance with applicable standards and regulations.
6. Declare completion of the work: declare the completion of the work to the cantonal energy service in order to receive payment of the subsidies.

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Other financial aid

In addition to this programme, other financial aid may be available at cantonal or communal level. It is important to check with the relevant authorities to learn about all funding possibilities. Do not hesitate to seek support from an energy advisor.

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EDIREX: your partner for a successful upgrade

EDIREX supports you with your building upgrade project by connecting you with qualified, trusted professionals in your region. Our platform lets you obtain free, no-obligation quotes for your upgrade work. You also benefit from personalised support for the completion of your work. Do not hesitate to contact us to learn more and launch your upgrade project with complete peace of mind.