Standards, labels, and energy diagnostics: what you need to know before starting your work

Standards, labels, and energy diagnostics: what you need to know before starting your work

Renovate according to Swiss standards for more performance and value 

In Switzerland, energy renovation has become a real challenge. 
Reducing energy consumption, improving thermal comfort, and increasing property value are now priorities for many homeowners. 
To achieve these goals, it is essential to understand and comply with current energy standards and labels, such as Minergie, SIA standards, or MoPEC. 

At Avenir Rénovations, we assist individuals in ensuring their projects comply, to combine performance, comfort, and profitability. 


The main energy standards in Switzerland 

The Minergie label: the reference for energy performance 


Minergie is the best-known label in Switzerland. It distinguishes buildings, new or renovated, that offer excellent indoor comfort and low energy consumption. 

There are three levels: 

  • Minergie, the basic standard focused on insulation and controlled ventilation. 
  • Minergie-P, for very low consumption buildings, equivalent to passive houses. 
  • Minergie-A, for constructions capable of producing as much, or more, energy than they consume. 

The benefits are numerous: better quality of life, healthy air, stable temperatures, significant reduction in energy expenses, and increased property value in the real estate market. 
The label can also provide access to certain cantonal subsidies or preferential mortgage conditions. 

Certification costs start at around 1,400 CHF for a single-family home in Minergie standard, and can reach 2,600 CHF for the Minergie-P level. 
These amounts are generally offset by the energy savings achieved over the long term. 

SIA standards: the technical basis for any renovation

The SIA standards (Swiss Society of Engineers and Architects) define the technical requirements to be met during the construction or renovation of a building. 
They serve as a reference to ensure the quality, durability, and energy performance of the works. 

Among the most important: 


  • SIA 380/1, which defines the heating needs. 
  • SIA 380/2, which assesses overall energy consumption. 
  • SIA 390/1, which takes into account greenhouse gas emissions throughout the building's life cycle. 

For homeowners, these standards guarantee a coherent renovation that complies with national standards. 
At Avenir Rénovations, our experts rely on SIA standards to design and plan efficient, sustainable projects aligned with cantonal requirements. 

The MoPEC: the energy regulations of the cantons

The MoPEC (Model of Energy Regulations of the Cantons) harmonizes energy requirements in Switzerland. 
Each canton adapts it according to its legislation, but the goal remains the same: to reduce energy consumption and gradually phase out the use of fossil fuels. 

The MoPEC 2025 version introduces stricter criteria: 

  • Gradual replacement of oil and gas heating, 
  • Obligation to use renewable energies during major renovations, 
  • Consideration of the grey energy and carbon footprint of materials. 

In practice, this means that every renovation must now integrate a comprehensive approach to energy performance. 
Avenir Rénovations supports its clients in identifying available cantonal aids and adapting the work to local requirements. 

How to ensure the compliance of your work?

1. Conduct an energy diagnosis 

Before starting a project, it is essential to assess the energy status of the building. 
A complete audit allows for the analysis of insulation, heating system, ventilation, and overall energy consumption. 
This step identifies weaknesses and guides the most relevant renovation choices. 


2. Design a coherent and compliant project 

Based on the diagnosis, we develop a renovation plan tailored to your home and budget. 
This may include strengthening insulation, replacing the heating system with a heat pump, installing controlled ventilation, or photovoltaic panels. 
Each decision is validated according to SIA standards and Minergie criteria to ensure real and measurable performance. 

3. Control the quality of execution 

During the work, we ensure rigorous monitoring to verify the technical compliance of the installations. 
We pay attention to the quality of materials, the proper implementation of insulation, and air tightness. 
At the end of the site, a final check confirms that the announced performances are indeed achieved. 

Costs, subsidies, and profitability

An energy renovation can represent a significant initial investment, but the benefits are quick and lasting. 
On average, work that achieves a Minergie standard or complies with SIA standards can reduce energy consumption by up to 50%. 

The cantons also offer financial aids to encourage high-performance renovations. 
In Geneva, for example, homeowners can benefit from subsidies of up to several hundred francs per renovated square meter depending on the level of energy performance achieved. 

In the long term, energy savings, combined with the appreciation of the property, guarantee a return on investment between 10 and 15 years. 

The benefits of a renovation compliant with Swiss standards

Renovating according to Swiss standards means choosing a healthier, more comfortable, and more sustainable home. 
You benefit from better insulation, quality indoor air, stable temperatures, and a significant reduction in your bills. 
It is also a way to anticipate future regulations and ensure the value of your property in the real estate market. 

Avenir Rénovations: your partner for efficient and sustainable renovations 

At Avenir Rénovations, we put our expertise at the service of your energy renovation projects. 
Our support includes: 

  • Energy audit and needs analysis, 
  • Project design according to SIA and Minergie standards, 
  • Administrative management and search for grants, 
  • Complete execution of the works, 
  • Final quality control and post-renovation follow-up. 

Our goal: to enable you to renovate your home with peace of mind, combining energy performance, comfort, and sustainability. 

Want to improve the energy performance of your home?

With Avenir Rénovations, benefit from a personalized energy diagnosis and discover the most suitable solutions to reduce your consumption, increase your comfort, and enhance your property. Obtenir un devis gratuit