Aids for the replacement of windows and high-performance glazing in Romandy Switzerland

Why replace your windows?

Replacing old windows with modern double or triple glazing models allows you to:

• Reduce thermal losses and drafts,
• Improve indoor comfort and acoustic insulation,
• Lower the annual energy bill,
• Enhance the property's value,
• Contribute to reducing CO₂ emissions.

Modern windows, compliant with Minergie standards or equivalents, achieve very low U-values (thermal conductivity), ensuring optimal energy performance.

Main aids available for window replacement

Several programs partially fund this work.
Aids mainly come from the Building Program (federal and cantonal), supplemented by local subsidies and tax benefits.

1. The Building Program (Confederation + Cantons)

The Building Program, jointly managed by the Confederation and the cantons, is the primary source of subsidies for window replacement work.

Eligible work:

• Replacement of single or old double-glazed windows with high thermal performance windows,
• Improvement of frames (joinery) and seals,
• Work aimed at improving the overall insulation of the building envelope.

Indicative amounts:

• From 100 to 150 CHF/m² of window replaced, depending on the performance achieved and the canton.
• The subsidy can reach several thousand francs for a complete project on a single-family home or a building.

General conditions:

• The building must be over 10 years old.
• The new windows must achieve a U-value of less than 1.0 W/m²K (or comply with cantonal standards).
• The application must be submitted before the start of the work.
• The installed products must be certified as compliant with Swiss standards (Minergie, CE, ISO).

Required documents:

• Energy report (CECB+ or equivalent),
• Detailed quote with total area and type of glazing,
• Performance certificates for the windows.

2. Cantonal subsidies

The French-speaking Swiss cantons complement the Building Program with their own amounts and criteria.
Here is an overview of the main premiums by region.

Canton of Vaud (VD)

• Support of 100 to 150 CHF/m² for the replacement of single-glazed windows.
• Subsidy conditioned on a U-value ≤ 1.0 W/m²K.
• Possible cumulative with federal aids and cantonal tax deduction.

Canton of Geneva (GE)

• Premium of 120 CHF/m² for high energy performance windows.
• Increased aid for collective buildings or condominiums.
• File to be submitted to the Cantonal Office of Energy (OCEN) before work.

Canton of Fribourg (FR)

• Subsidy of 100 to 140 CHF/m² for the complete replacement of glazing and frames.
• Bonus for comprehensive renovations (insulation + windows).
• Requirement for an energy audit (CECB+) to benefit from funding.

Canton of Valais (VS)

• Flat-rate aid between 80 and 130 CHF/m², depending on the thermal performance achieved.
• Subsidy cumulative with the "Complete Renovation" bonus if other energy works are carried out.

Canton of Neuchâtel (NE)

• Subsidy of 90 to 120 CHF/m² for glazing replacing single glazing.
• Aid reserved for existing residential buildings over 10 years old.

3. Municipal aids

Some municipalities provide additional support at the local level, often for aesthetic and environmental reasons.

Examples:

• City of Lausanne (VD): premium for the replacement of windows in historic neighborhoods, subject to architectural compliance.
• City of Fribourg (FR): subsidy for listed or protected buildings.
• City of Neuchâtel (NE): local aid for high-performance glazing integrated into a comprehensive insulation project.

Average amount: 50 to 100 CHF/m² additional, depending on the municipality.

4. Tax deductions

The cantons allow the deduction of energy renovation costs from taxable income.
Expenses related to window replacement are therefore tax-deductible, under certain conditions.

General conditions:

• The work must improve the energy performance of the building,
• The materials must comply with current standards,
• Invoices and certificates must be provided with the tax return,
• Cumulative with subsidies is allowed, but the subsidized portion cannot be deducted a second time.

The tax deduction represents on average 20 to 25% of the non-subsidized amount.

Technical criteria for obtaining aids

To ensure energy quality...