Increasing energy efficiency: funding opportunities for sustainable modernization

The great advantage of a property in forced auction lies in the lower entry price, exactly the capital that you can subsequently invest in an energy-efficient modernization. Switzerland supports you with a dense network of funding and bonus programs that, when cleverly combined, can cover up to half of the investment. This guide shows you which measures are the most energy-saving, which funding sources will be available in 2025, and how to strategically submit the application so that approval, payment, and tax optimization work smoothly together.

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1 Measures Matrix: Where every franc saves the most energy

Measure	Ø Investment CHF/m²	Saving kWh / m²a	Funding amount*	Amortization
Roof renovation 30 cm wood fiber	140	45	25% federal + cantonal	7 years
Windows triple-glazed, U = 0.8	430	22	15% cantonal	11 years
Heat pump A2W + SG-Ready	220	50 (oil substitution)	35% federal program	6 years
PV 10 kWp + battery 10 kWh	190	Self-consumption ≈ 9,000 kWh/a	EIV + KEV + myClimate	8 years

*Average funding rates for 2025, depending on the canton ±5%.

2 Funding Landscape 2025 at a Glance

2.1 Federal Level

• Federal Building Program (CO₂ Levy): Insulation, heating replacement, grants up to 40% of eligible costs.
• One-time Compensation (EIV): Photovoltaics up to 100 kWp, around 20% investment cost grant.
• ProKilowatt: Efficiency controls & peak load management, up to 30% grant.

2.2 Cantons & Municipalities (MuKEn 2014-plus)

• Additional contributions for heat pumps (BE, ZH, SG: 4,000-10,000 CHF).
• Solar thermal bonuses (BS, GE) 200 CHF/m² collector area.
• Wood construction premiums (JU, GR) 50-90 CHF/m³ Swiss wood.

2.3 Private & Industry Funds

• myClimate: Oil and gas substitution: 180 CHF per avoided ton of CO₂.
• Energy Switzerland "50-Plus": Interest discounts for multi-family homes ≥ 50 years.
• SBPV Leasing+: Zero-interest leasing for PV systems up to 30 kWp.

3 Funding Strategy: Seven Steps to Grants

1. Get a GEAK+ or energy renovation concept created, a basis for all cantonal contributions.
2. Prioritize measures (envelope → technology → renewable generation).
3. Use the funding database (foerderdata.ch) filtered by postal code.
4. Submit applications before contract award, otherwise the claim goes void.
5. Use the profitability calculator of EnAW to demonstrate CO₂ savings.
6. Check funding combinations: Federal grant + cantonal bonus are usually cumulative, but never exceed 60% of total investment.
7. Proof & payment: Submit invoices, GEAK upgrade, commissioning protocols.

4 Taxes: Save Twice Through Deduction and Depreciation

• All value-preserving measures immediately deductible (insulation, heating replacement).
• Value-increasing (PV, battery) can be depreciated degressively over 5 years, an ideal combination to smooth income peaks.
• In many cantons, exemption from property transfer tax for renovations ≥ 10% of property value.

5 Green Finance: Mortgage Discounts for Efficiency Houses

“Banks increasingly reward net-zero renovations with interest discounts of 0.25-0.40%.”

UBS, Raiffeisen, and some cantonal banks offer Eco-Mortgages or Green Bonds, prerequisites are GEAK A/B or Minergie-P. The interest savings cover up to 20% of renovation costs over the term.

6 Case Study: From Energy Gull to Climate Saver

A six-family house in Biel was auctioned off in 2024 (price 1.1 million CHF). Measures: Insulation roof/facade, heat pump, 35 kWp PV, smart metering. Investment: 520,000 CHF Funding: 217,000 CHF (federal + cantonal + myClimate) Interest discount: 0.3% Eco-Mortgage (20 years) Result: Energy demand 78%, tenant additional costs 45%, property value +350,000 CHF in two years.

7 Quick Checklist: Funding Turbo at the Push of a Button

1. Commission GEAK+ (includes funding check).
2. Prioritize insulation & heating packages, add PV later.
3. Submit all funding applications before signing the contract.
4. Have grants confirmed in writing (approval note).
5. Collect invoices → fill out proof form.
6. Claim tax deduction in the same year.
7. Negotiate interest bonus with the bank.

8 FAQ

Can I combine multiple cantonal programs if I am a cross-border commuter?

No. The location of the property is decisive, not your residence.

Are there grants for rental apartments?

Yes, programs apply to owners, regardless of self-occupation. Tenants benefit indirectly through lower additional costs.

What software helps with the CO₂ balance?

OneClick LCA (Pro) or the free “Ecocoach Calc” export directly SIA-compliant reports.

9 Conclusion: Funding Money Turns Every Auction into an Efficiency Upgrade

With the right funding mix, the sustainable modernization of your auctioned property becomes a win-win-win: you reduce energy costs, increase the building value, and contribute to Switzerland's net-zero strategy. Planning, timing, and the optimal combination of federal, cantonal, and green financing are key, turning every renovation franc into a maximum climate franc.