Building program for energy-efficient renovations records record demand
The Swiss federal and cantonal building program recorded a record year in 2023, with 528 million francs allocated for energy-efficient renovations. The funded measures help reduce CO₂ emissions and energy consumption while boosting the economy.
A record year has been reported for the federal and cantonal building program. According to a press release, subsidies amounting to CHF 528 million were paid out in 2023. This is the highest amount since the program was introduced in 2010 and represents an increase of 25 percent compared to the previous year.
Over their lifespan, the funded measures led to an energy reduction in buildings of 11.2 billion kilowatt hours and 3.4 million tons less CO2 emissions, according to the report.
The reasons for the increased demand are the topics of energy supply security and energy saving, which continue to be of great importance to the public. As a result of rising energy costs, the cantons have increased their funding budgets and, in some cases, subsidies, thereby creating incentives in the renovation sector.
It also states that, in addition to disbursements, commitments for subsidies for energy-related measures that will be implemented and paid out over the next five years have almost reached their 2022 peak of CHF 592 million at CHF 587 million.
Most of this was spent on renovation projects for building services. The subsidy francs will be used to replace 26,500 heating systems over the next few years. CHF 114 million has been earmarked for system renovations.
In addition to the climate targets, the building program had a positive effect on employment and added value. 3,000 full-time equivalents and 150 million francs in additional domestic added value were generated as a result.