Energy rehabilitation, new financing model (cross-border guide)

The Confederation and the Cantons are launching a new joint model to boost the energy efficiency of Swiss buildings. Consultation in the autumn.
Context
In a nutshell
- Energy renovation of buildings encouraged by the new model.
- Objective: to reduce consumption and CO2 emissions.
- Public consultation in the autumn.
Key facts
- What: New joint financing model for building energy renovation.
- When: Consultation in the autumn, revision of the energy ordinance.
- Where: Switzerland (Confederation and Cantons).
- Who: Cantonal Energy Directors' Conference (EnDK) and Federal Office of Energy.
- Objective: Improve energy efficiency, reduce consumption and emissions, protect from heat.
Switzerland is preparing for an acceleration in the field of building energy rehabilitation. A new joint financing model, the result of collaboration between the Confederation and the Cantons, aims to encourage interventions aimed at improving the energy efficiency of Swiss real estate. The primary objective is twofold: on the one hand, to reduce energy consumption and, consequently, CO2 emissions; on the other, to improve the protection of buildings from increasing climatic stresses, as demonstrated by the recent persistent heat waves. This new instrument is part of the broader framework of the Buildings Programme, which will undergo a reorganisation from 2028. The Conference of Cantonal Energy Directors (EnDK), together with the Federal Office of Energy, has drawn up the proposal that will be submitted to public consultation next autumn, as part of the
Operational details
Practical Implications for Real Estate Owners and the Market
The new joint financing model between the Confederation and the Cantons for the energy rehabilitation of buildings promises to have significant repercussions on the Swiss real estate market and on the finances of the owners. The objective of incentivizing the modernization of buildings to improve their energy efficiency translates into a potential reduction in long-term operating costs for owners, thanks to lower expenses for heating and cooling. In addition, energy-efficient properties tend to acquire greater value on the market, making investments in rehabilitation an economically advantageous choice also in terms of future capital gains. The public consultation in the autumn, which will take place as part of the revision of the Energy Ordinance, will be crucial in defining the details of the conditions of access to subsidies. It is likely that specific criteria will be established related to the type of intervention, the extent of the energy improvement achieved and the type of property. Industry associations and representatives from the construction industry will play a key role in providing feedback to ensure requirements are realistic and actionable. The new instrument fits into the broader context of the Buildings Programme, which will be reorganised on a new basis from 2028. This reorganization aims to simplify and optimize the programs of
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Key points
What to do and when: the procedure to access incentives
As the public consultation on the new financing model for building energy renovation approaches, scheduled for next autumn as part of the Energy Ordinance review, it is helpful to understand the steps that property owners will need to take. Although the specific details of the conditions for obtaining the subsidies will be defined during this consultative phase, it is possible to outline a general path based on the objectives declared by the new model. First, interested owners will need to monitor the start of the consultation to access official documents containing regulations and requirements for subsidies. It will be essential to consult the websites of the Federal Office of Energy and the cantonal energy directorates for up-to-date information. Subsequently, it will be necessary to carefully evaluate your property to identify the most suitable and potentially bankable energy renovation interventions. This could include insulating the exterior walls and roof, replacing windows and doors with energy-efficient models, installing higher performance heating and cooling systems, and integrating renewable energy sources. Industry associations and qualified energy consultants will be able to provide valuable support in this
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Source: rsi.ch
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the main objective of the new funding model?
- The main objective is to encourage the energy rehabilitation of Swiss buildings to reduce their consumption, reduce CO2 emissions and improve protection from the summer heat, thus modernizing the national real estate assets.
- When will the public consultation on the new model start?
- The public consultation is scheduled for next autumn, as part of the revision of the Energy Ordinance. During this phase, cantons, associations and other interested parties will be able to express their views on the model and conditions for obtaining subsidies.
- What are the expected benefits of energy renovation of buildings?
- Benefits include reduced consumption, lower CO2 emissions, better protection from summer heat and, potentially, an increase in the value of the property. In the long term, operating costs for owners are also expected to be reduced.
- Who developed the new funding model?
- The model was developed jointly by the Conference of Cantonal Energy Directors (EnDK) and the Federal Office of Energy, with the involvement of the Cantons and the Confederation.
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