Energetic refurbishments: Whitepaper part 2 now available
Energetic refurbishments hold great ecological and economic potential, but owners often lack comprehensive information. The white paper "Energy-related refurbishments as an opportunity for the real estate industry", developed in cooperation with intep and ewz, closes this gap. The first part highlights the urgency, the legal framework, the benefits and possible strategies. The new part 2 of the white paper shows measures for the building envelope and technology and explains the renovation process using two project examples.
Links to download:
Whitepaper 1 “Energy-related refurbishment as an opportunity”
Whitepaper 2 “Energy-related refurbishment as an opportunity”
Practical example: Innovation behind a historic facade on Zurich’s Bahnhofstrasse
Energetic refurbishments are relevant
Buildings in Switzerland are responsible for around a quarter of greenhouse gas emissions – in particular due to the use of fossil fuels and poorly insulated buildings. In order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to net-zero by 2050, the remediation rate must be at least doubled. Energetic refurbishments hold great potential to increase energy efficiency, conserve resources and reduce marketing risks. Since around 40% of the apartments in Germany are owned by institutional owners, they play a key role in reducing environmental and climate pollution.
Legal framework and funding
The federal climate strategy and the Energy Strategy 2050 form the framework for energy-efficient refurbishments; implementation is the responsibility of the cantons. Sustainable energy solutions are financially supported by the Confederation, cantons and municipalities. For example, the federal government promotes the construction of photovoltaic systems and supports efficiency measures to reduce electricity consumption. With the building program, the Confederation and the cantons are helping to finance measures to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.
Basis for decision-making through analyses
Portfolio, status and potential analyzes show energy saving potential and options for switching to a renewable energy supply. With a life cycle analysis or the life cycle costs, the environmental impact and the economic impact over the life cycle of a building can be determined. National and international labels such as GEAK, GEAK Plus, Minergie and SNBS or DGNB, LEED or BREEAM can also be used for quality assurance.
Determine remediation strategy, measures and timing
The condition of the building fabric and criteria such as market and expansion potential are decisive for the choice of strategy (complete or partial renovation with or without expansion). When it comes to building technology, the focus is on switching from fossil-fuelled systems to renewable ones. At best, the production of solar power with the inclusion of electromobility is also an option. Energy service providers such as ewz have suitable tools to exploit potential savings in energy management. It is advisable to combine energetic refurbishments with modernization measures that are already planned and a replacement heating system with a building envelope refurbishment.
Refurbish the building envelope and building technology
Since around 20% of energy losses are caused by an uninsulated roof, roof renovation is very effective. Older windows have a heat loss of around 8%, which is why replacing them quickly pays off. If the facade is insufficiently insulated, this can result in losses of up to 30%. However, comprehensive facade renovations are often complex and expensive.
Climate-friendly energy sources such as lake, river or ground water, geothermal energy, wood, air, sun or waste heat can be used either as individual solutions or via heat networks for heating and cooling. If electricity is produced with a photovoltaic system, as much of it as possible should be consumed on site. A merger for self-consumption (ZEV) and the charging of electric vehicles contribute to the profitability of photovoltaic systems.
Advice from experts
With many years of experience, ewz advises builders throughout Switzerland on renovations and offers them comprehensive support from planning through implementation to operation. The specialists check which local and climate-friendly energy sources and technologies are available on site and how these can be combined.
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