| Topic | Core indicator | DPSIR | Main topic |
|---|---|---|---|
| Climate | Response |
Energy efficiency of buildings
In Switzerland, the building sector is responsible for around one-quarter of CO2 emissions. This means it is a sector with great potential for reducing emissions. The federal and cantonal Buildings Programme subsidises various measures to reduce the energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions of buildings. One-third of CO2 levy proceeds, and a maximum of CHF 450 million, has been earmarked for this programme annually. Cantonal subsidies are also available (approximately CHF 80 million per year).
Besides the Building Programme, Minergie® standards also improve energy efficiency in buildings. These voluntary construction standards stand for high energy efficiency and low greenhouse gas emissions.
poor
positive
In 2024, around CHF 530 million in subsidies were paid out under the Building Programme. This was the same amount as in 2023. Since funding began in 2010, around CHF 4.1 billion has been paid out for six areas of measures in the Buildings Programme. Payments for indirect measures have been available since 2018.
While payments for thermal insulation projects remain at a high level, payments for building services projects have increased more than sixfold since 2019. In most cases, these involve replacing oil heating systems with air source heat pumps. As a result, they are the category with the highest payments (43%), ahead of thermal insulation projects (25%) and system renovations (16%). The strong momentum in this area lead to a new record CO2 impact in 2024.
Thanks to the measures supported by the Buildings Programme since 2010, 1.251 million tonnes of CO2 can be saved each year, calculated over the lifetime of the systems in question (see graph "CO2 impact").
The energy reference area of buildings constructed or renovated to the Minergie-P® standard has been rising steadily for more than 20 years (see graph "Minergie®"). Between 2023 and 2024, the energy reference area certified to the Minergie-A® standard more than doubled.
The amounts paid out each year under the Buildings Programme have been rising continuously since 2017. Since the impact of the measures extends over several years, the cumulative impact increases every year. The trend is therefore assessed as positive. However, because the great potential for reducing emissions in the buildings sector is far from being achieved, the state is assessed as negative.
- Related indicators
- CO2 Emissions from thermal and motor fuels
- Energiebezugsfläche
The CO2 effect of the Buildings Programme has been calculated since 2017 based on the cantons’ harmonised funding model (ModEnHa 2015). It takes the energy and CO2 savings generated per subsidised measure into consideration. These savings are significantly higher than the effect represented here and directly attributable to the Buildings Programme. Some project owners have actually implemented certain energy measures without a subsidy (deadweight effect). The represented effect of the Buildings Programme corresponds to the energy or CO2 savings of subsidised projects, minus the deadweight effects.
Data for buildings carrying Minergie-P® and -A® certification are surveyed and published by Minergie®. Minergie® is a registered association whose membership includes the Confederation, the cantons, trade and industry and numerous individual members.
Long-term CO2 effects of the Buildings Programme
| Targeted trend | Initial value | Final value | Variation in % | Observed trend | Assessment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Growth | Average 2010-2012 | Average 2022-2024 | 846.36% | Growth | positive |
Energy reference area of Buildings meeting the Minergie standards®
| Targeted trend | Initial value | Final value | Variation in % | Observed trend | Assessment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Growth | Average 2010-2012 | Average 2022-2024 | 137.46% | Growth | positive |
Further information
