Cantonal subsidies for energy renovation in Switzerland

Why are cantons encouraging energy renovation?

Swiss buildings account for nearly 40% of energy consumption and one-third of CO₂ emissions.
In light of this observation, the cantons have chosen to strengthen their commitment by supporting renovations aimed at:

• Reducing thermal losses,
• Decreasing greenhouse gas emissions,
• Promoting the use of renewable energies,
• Enhancing the existing real estate heritage.

These subsidies have a dual objective:

1. Reducing costs for property owners who are committed to a sustainable approach.
2. Achieving the carbon neutrality goals set by the Confederation by 2050.

Cantonal aids in French-speaking Switzerland: a complete overview

Each canton has its own energy encouragement program, often linked to the Buildings Program of the Confederation.
Here is an overview of the main aids available.

1 - Canton of Vaud (VD)

Managed by: Directorate of Energy (DGE-DIREN)

Platform: energie.vd.ch

Eligible works:

• Roof, facade, floor, and window insulation.
• Replacement of oil heating with heat pumps, wood boilers, or connection to a district heating network.
• Solar thermal or photovoltaic installation.
• CECB+ energy audit (partially funded).

Indicative amounts:

• 30 to 50 CHF/m² for insulation.
• 3,000 to 8,000 CHF for a heat pump.
• 1,500 to 3,000 CHF for a solar water heater.
• Up to 1,000 CHF for establishing a CECB+.

Main conditions:

• The building must be over 5 years old.
• The application must be submitted before the start of the work.
• The project must comply with cantonal standards and be executed by an approved company.

Vaudois particularity: subsidies can be combined with those from the Buildings Program and cantonal tax deductions.

2 - Canton of Geneva (GE)

Managed by: Department of Territory - Cantonal Office of Energy (OCEN)

Platform: ge.ch/energie

Eligible works:

• Roof and facade insulation.
• Complete renovation with obtaining a better energy label.
• Installation of heat pumps, wood boilers, or solar thermal collectors.
• CECB+ energy audit.

Indicative amounts:

• 40 to 50 CHF/m² for high-performance insulation.
• 2,000 to 5,000 CHF for ecological heating systems.
• 500 to 1,000 CHF for the CECB+.

Complementary programs:

• Éco21 (SIG): bonuses for energy efficiency (lighting, ventilation, appliances).
• Energy subsidies for collective buildings: for condominiums or multi-family buildings.

Conditions:

• The application is made via the SIG-éco21 platform.
• The works must be validated before their start.
• The building must be located in the canton of Geneva and have a primary residential use.

3 - Canton of Fribourg (FR)

Managed by: Energy and Environment Service (SEnE)

Platform: fr.ch/energie

Eligible works:

• Roof, facade, and floor insulation.
• Replacement of fossil heating systems.
• CECB+ audit.
• Photovoltaic or solar thermal installations.

Indicative amounts:

• Up to 45 CHF/m² for insulation.
• 3,000 to 8,000 CHF for heat pumps.
• 500 to 1,000 CHF for the energy diagnosis (CECB+).

Fribourg particularity: Subsidies are often increased for comprehensive renovations or collective buildings.
The canton also values projects certified Minergie or CECB A/B.

4 - Canton of Valais (VS)

Managed by: Energy and Hydraulic Forces Service (SEFH)

Platform: vs.ch/energie

Eligible works:

• Thermal insulation (walls, roofs, floors).
• Heating replacement (heat pump, pellets, solar).
• Energy audit.
• CECB+ studies.

Indicative amounts:

• 30 to 50 CHF/m² for insulation works.
• 2,000 to 8,000 CHF for renewable heating.
• 300 to 1,000 CHF for the CECB+.

Particularity: Valais offers a “Complete Renovation” bonus if several items are completed simultaneously (insulation + heating + solar).
This bonus can reach up to 10,000 CHF.

5 - Canton of Neuchâtel (NE)

Managed by: Energy and Environment Service (SEnE)

Platform: ne.ch/energie

Eligible works:

• Roof, facade, and floor insulation.
• Substitution of fossil heating with renewable energies.
• Solar thermal installation.
• Energy audit.

Indicative amounts:

• 35 to 45 CHF/m² for insulation.
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