Tag: energetische Sanierung

  • Oil heating out, house value up?

    Oil heating out, house value up?

    Simon Lüthi from Wüest Partner recommends renovating the house as soon as possible. Any time is the right time for the environment. Economically, it is particularly attractive if subsidies, tax savings and lower ancillary costs additionally support the increased market value.

    Energy efficiency as a value factor
    The demand for energy-efficient properties is increasing. Investors, funds and pension funds are paying attention to sustainability, often for regulatory reasons. Investments in energy efficiency increase the value of real estate in the long term. This is particularly the case when renovation and modernization coincide.

    Tenancy law and urban regions
    Energy-efficient refurbishment is also worthwhile in cities. The market there is particularly responsive to sustainable improvements. Refurbishment also protects against future legal requirements. However, local tenancy law regulations can restrict the possibilities for apportionment.

    Replacing the heating system is a sensible step
    If you need to replace your heating system anyway, you should switch from an oil system to a heat pump or district heating. A heating system replacement is usually due every 25 years anyway and covers the repairs at the same time. For many homeowners, simply replacing the heating system is the most economically attractive option.

    Homeowners should start with a heating system replacement if the building envelope is intact. If the envelope is in need of renovation, it is worth combining the renovation of the roof, façade and windows with the replacement of the heating system.

    Regulations, subsidies and expert opinions
    Regulation is becoming stricter. The aim is to achieve a climate-neutral building stock by 2050. Subsidies and tax benefits make refurbishment profitable. If you are unsure, consult an expert for planning.

    Financing and grey energy
    Banks often offer more favorable mortgages for sustainable properties. In future, the focus will also shift to efficient cooling and the reuse of building components. Grey energy, i.e. the production energy contained in the building, is becoming increasingly important.

    Replacing oil heating is a real added value. It offers lower heating costs and a higher house value, for today and tomorrow.

  • Berner Kantonalbank focusses on climate-friendly mortgages

    Berner Kantonalbank focusses on climate-friendly mortgages

    Berner Kantonalbank wants to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions from its mortgage portfolio by 2030. To this end, BEKB is supporting energy-efficient refurbishments with the introduction of myky mortgages, BEKB announced in a press release. They are based on the renovation calculator of the myky online platform.

    “Our customers benefit from preferential conditions when renovating their homes in an environmentally friendly way”, BEKB CEO Armin Brun is quoted as saying in the press release. “At the same time, we as a bank are promoting the reduction of CO2 emissions in our market area.” By 2030, emissions from financed residential properties are to be reduced by 45 per cent and those from other properties by 35 per cent.

    The myky platform was launched at the end of 2021 by BEKB together with Energie Wasser Bern and Gebäudeversicherung Bern. The start-up specialises in practical tips and tools to support homeowners. In addition to BEKB, 16 other cantonal banks are currently involved, represented by NNH Holding AG.

  • Strategy for sustainable real estate portfolios

    Strategy for sustainable real estate portfolios

    The regulatory requirements for the real estate sector are increasing rapidly. EU building directives, the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive and national laws such as the Building Energy Act in the EU are increasing the pressure on real estate owners. “The transformation to sustainable portfolios is no longer an option, but a must,” explains Benjamin Klisa, Deputy Head of the DVFA Real Estate Commission. Inefficient buildings risk losses in value and declining rentability, the so-called “brown discount” is becoming a real danger.

    Energy modernization roadmaps as a key strategy
    The DVFA guidelines focus on energy modernization roadmaps. These offer real estate companies a strategic tool to reduce the energy consumption and CO₂ emissions of their portfolios in a targeted manner. The guide proposes a clear, four-stage approach.

    1. Status quo analysis: Identification of energy weaknesses and determination of the carbon footprint.
    2. Strategic planning: planning measures in compliance with legal requirements and corporate goals.
    3. Roadmap creation: Prioritization according to cost-benefit ratios and modelling of future energy prices.
    4. Implementation and monitoring: Efficient implementation with flexible adaptation to new technological or economic conditions.

    Patrick Hanssmann from DVFA emphasizes the necessary flexibility: “Modernization roadmaps must be alive and constantly adapt to changing conditions.”

    Opportunities through regulatory requirements
    Despite the challenges, the transformation also opens up economic opportunities. Sustainable buildings establish new market standards, reduce operating costs and ensure long-term value stability. Real estate companies are also benefiting from subsidy programs and the increasing demand for energy-efficient properties.

    Practical solutions for different portfolios
    The guide is aimed at both institutional investors and private owners. For large portfolios, the focus is on digital solutions such as AI-supported software, while individual renovation roadmaps offer owners of apartment buildings concrete steps for action.

    The DVFA Real Estate Commission’s guidelines make it clear that sustainability and profitability go hand in hand. Companies that rely on modernization roadmaps minimize risks, increase their profitability and position themselves as pioneers of a sustainable real estate industry. “The right approach turns transformation into an opportunity for long-term success,” summarize Klisa and Hanssmann.

  • Building program paid out record sum

    Building program paid out record sum

    According to a press release from the Swiss Federal Office of Energy ( SFOE ), around 361 million francs in subsidies for energy-efficient building refurbishment were approved by the federal government and the cantons in 2021. This is the highest amount that has been invested in renovation and new construction projects since the program was launched. Compared to 2020, the funding amount has increased by CHF 62 million.

    Thermal insulation projects, which were funded with CHF 126 million, received the largest amount. The highest increase of 70 percent compared to 2020 was achieved by building services projects, which received CHF 106 million in grants. The commitments for energy-related measures that will be implemented over the next five years have reached a new high of CHF 490 million.

    The high demand for subsidies can be attributed to the broad approval of owners for energy-efficient renovation of their properties or new builds. According to calculations, the measures approved in the year under review will lead to a reduction in energy consumption in buildings throughout Switzerland by 6.5 billion kilowatt hours and lower CO2 emissions by around 1.8 million tonnes over their lifetime.

    According to the statement, the building program has proven to be an effective instrument of Swiss energy and climate policy. A total of around CHF 2.7 billion has been paid out under the funding program since its introduction in 2010. The building program also has a positive effect on the economy. In 2021, 2,300 full-time jobs and around CHF 97 million in additional domestic value were created.