Save energy and money. What's funded by the government.
Anyone incorporating energy efficiency when building is planning ahead, and it pays off. The federal government, cantons, and municipalities have various funding programs for energy efficiency. Find out what is funded and the right way to apply for funding.
Energy efficiency pays off twofold
It pays off to incorporate energy efficiency when building or renovating. First, it is worth it for the homeowner to consume less energy and leave a smaller ecological footprint. Energy efficiency can also make sense financially: the less energy you consume, the less energy you need to pay for. Good thermal insulation, an efficient heating system, or solar-heated water will help save money in the long run.
The federal government and the cantons have also set a goal of reducing energy consumption in Switzerland. As a result, funding is being used to support numerous measures to increase energy efficiency. Examples of this include new builds under the Minergie-P standard and in most cases, under the Minergie-A standard, insulating the facade of an old building, or installing a heating system that uses renewable energy sources. With careful planning, property owners will only need to cover a portion of the costs themselves.
Funding programs vary based on residence
The particular projects funded vary based on the canton and municipality. You can find a basic overview for your place of residence on the Energiefranken website or at the building authority for your municipality. One of the most important funding programs is the building program from the federal government and the cantons. It funds energy-related building renovations, including improvements to thermal insulation. However, each canton decides on its own which measures it will support financially, what conditions it will specify, and how large the contributions are.
Replacing conventional oil and gas heating is also funded in many cantons, e.g. with heating systems using renewable energy or installing a heat pump. Some places also have additional funding for the ecological processing of hot water – for instance, when replacing electric boilers with heat pump boilers or solar heat.
Apply for funding on time
Solar energy is funded through various programs. For instance, you can apply for one-time compensation to harness solar energy on the roof of a single-family dwelling. The waiting period is currently around two years, however. Some municipalities have additional financial incentives for installing a solar unit.
For all funding programs, it is important to clarify early on what financial support there is in your place of residence. After all, it may be a long time before the request is approved and the funding is guaranteed. Typically, requests must also be submitted before construction starts. The advantage of this is that corrections can be made during the planning stage should the construction project not meet the requirements for funding. Otherwise, you would need to pay the entire amount yourself.
Energy efficiency increases property value
Even when government funding has been secured, it only covers a portion of the costs for the energy renovation. The home owner has to pay for the rest. There are several options for financing aside from free capital. You can sometimes increase an existing mortgage or apply for a construction loan. You can also withdraw Pillar 3a assets for a renovation.
Investments in energy efficiency pay off despite the financial costs. Not only do heating and electricity expenses go down, but property values rise as well. This investment is still worthwhile if you sell your home later on. And renovation has its tax benefits. These expenses can sometimes be deducted from your income tax. You should check with the federal government and the canton beforehand to be sure, however, since the rules on this can vary based on the circumstances.