Preferential rate loans and eco-loans to finance your renovations in Switzerland

Why choose an eco-loan in Switzerland?

An eco-loan (or green loan) is a low-interest credit reserved for energy-efficient or ecological renovation projects.
Unlike a traditional loan, it rewards environmentally friendly work, such as:

• The installation of a heat pump or district heating,
• The thermal insulation of walls, roofs, or floors,
• The replacement of windows,
• The installation of solar panels,
• Comprehensive renovation according to Minergie, CECEB+, or equivalent standards.

This type of loan allows you to:

• Finance the remaining costs after deducting subsidies,
• Benefit from a favorable interest rate, often 0.5 to 1 percentage point lower than a traditional loan,
• Increase the value of your property by improving its energy class,
• Contribute to the reduction of CO₂ emissions, in line with the Confederation's 2050 energy strategy.

Main ecological financing solutions available in Switzerland

1. Bank green loans

Many Swiss banks offer specific financial products for energy renovation.

a. Vaud Cantonal Bank (BCV)

• Offers a Energy Loan at a preferential rate for ecological renovations.
• Rate reduction of up to 0.75% for projects compliant with the Buildings Program.
• Financing possible up to 80% of the cost of work.
• Conditions: energy audit (CECB+) and execution by certified professionals.

b. Geneva Cantonal Bank (BCGE)

• Offers a Energy Mortgage Loan at a reduced rate for energy improvements.
• Preferential fixed rate over 5 to 10 years.
• Financing possible from 20,000 CHF.
• Cumulative with cantonal and municipal subsidies allowed.

c. Valais Cantonal Bank (BCVs)

• Provides an Eco-energy loan for Minergie or equivalent renovations.
• Reduced rate of up to 1%.
• Loan available for private owners and housing cooperatives.

d. Raiffeisen Switzerland

• Offers a Sustainable Loan for insulation, heating, or solar production projects.
• Variable interest rate depending on the achieved energy performance.
• Assistance with grant application included.

e. UBS and Credit Suisse

• Offer “Green Mortgage” financing integrating the energy value of the property into the mortgage assessment.
• Favorable conditions for properties renovated according to Minergie, CECEB+, or equivalent labels.

2. Loans linked to energy labels (Minergie, CECEB+, etc.)

Buildings renovated according to a recognized energy label benefit from even more favorable conditions.

Examples:

• Minergie label: reduced interest rate of up to 0.8% on the mortgage loan.
• CECB+ certification: priority access to certain cantonal loans.
• Eco21 (SIG – Geneva) label: additional financial bonuses for achieved performance.

These labels attest to the seriousness of the project and reassure financial institutions about the sustainability of the investment.

3. Municipal and regional eco-loans

Some municipalities or cantonal authorities also offer complementary financing for energy work.

Examples:

• SIG Eco21 (Geneva): financial bonus or microcredit for high-efficiency equipment.
• Romande Énergie (Vaud): financial support for photovoltaic solar installations.
• Cantonal Energy Service of Valais: participation in insulation or district heating projects.

These loans are often interest-free or at a symbolic rate (0.5%) to encourage renovations.

Amounts and conditions of eco-loans

The amounts granted depend on the nature of the project, the type of building, and the financial capacity of the owner.

Rates can be fixed or variable but are always lower than those of a standard loan.
The essential condition: the work must improve the energy performance of the building.

Concrete example of combined financing

Situation: Owner of a single-family home in Lausanne...