Housing renovation: 2,650 tons of CO2 saved (cross-border guide)

Context

In a nutshell

• Federal program concluded: 2'413 public utility homes rehabilitated (2021–2025)
• Energy consumption reduced by 75%, saving 2,650 tons CO2/year
• 71 zero-interest mortgages, CHF 119 million, moderately increased rents

Key facts

• What: Special energy rehabilitation program for public utility homes
• When: 2021–2025 (completed)
• Where: All language regions of Switzerland
• Who: FOHA (Federal Office of Housing)
• Amount: CHF 119 million (71 zero-interest loans in the first 10 years)
• Result: 2'413 renovated homes; savings 2'650 tons CO2/year

The Confederation has concluded its special programme for the complete energy rehabilitation of public utility housing, with significant results throughout Switzerland. According to the Federal Office of Housing (FOHA), the project has reduced the energy needs of rehabilitated buildings by three quarters, resulting in savings of more than 2,650 tons of CO2 per year.

Between 2021 and 2025, the program granted 71 zero-interest loans in the first ten years for a total amount of 119 million francs, allowing the rehabilitation of 2,413 homes distributed in all Swiss language regions. A national scale that testifies to the Confederation's commitment to improving the energy efficiency of the public housing stock while maintaining economic accessibility.

Energy savings in figures

Operational details

New construction standards achieved

After renovation, all buildings meet the legal requirements relating to the building envelope of new construction. But the most relevant data concerns the achievement of certified standards: 95% of buildings have achieved the CECE standard (Cantonal Energy Certificates of Buildings) for new buildings in terms of building envelope, overall energy efficiency and direct CO2 emissions.

This means that the 2,413 renovated homes not only comply with current legislation, but to a large extent exceed it, assimilating to new buildings from an energy point of view. A construction quality that will have lasting effects on management costs and the healthiness of interior spaces, with positive effects also on real estate values.

The shift to fossil-free heating

A fossil-free heating system was installed in 68% of cases, marking further progress towards the decarbonisation of the Swiss residential sector. The use of heat pumps, biomass systems or other renewable technologies represents a paradigm shift in the heating methods of public utility homes.

Practical Implications for Tenants and Landlords

For tenants, remediation means lower energy consumption, reduced heating and hot water bills, and better sound insulation and

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Key points

How to Access Funding for Abatement of Habitation

Although the special program has concluded, the funding structure remains relevant to understand how the Confederation supports abatement of habitation. Property owners of public utility dwellings who wish to continue or plan energy efficiency interventions can refer to the cantonal subsidy and funding programs, which often operate in coordination with the federal UFAB lines.

Cantons have their own multipliers to encourage energy renovation, and several offer subsidized credits or grants for thermal insulation, heating system replacement, and installation of renewable systems. Some cantons recognize tax deductions for owners who undertake renovation works. The cantonal administrations remain the first point of contact for specific information and access to available contributions.

Concrete Steps for Property Owners and Tenants

If you are a property owner of a public utility dwelling in Switzerland, the first step is to contact the energy, environment, or planning office of your canton to verify available incentives. The building energy assessment (through cantonal certificates such as CECE) provides a clear roadmap of priority interventions and their urgency.

For tenants, energy renovation is a daily deadline: read the annual energy bill, check if the building has already been renovated (checking CECE data available at the cantonal administration), and understand how these works impact the management of the property and potential rent increases.

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