Sustainable real estate projects by private and institutional players benefit from cantonal energy subsidies, partly financed by the federal government through the national building program (Gebäudeprogramm) and the proceeds of the federal CO2 tax. Employers, associations, trade unions and the Asloca (tenants’ association in the French-speaking part of Switzerland) have recently reached a historic agreement on a CHF 500 million package of energy subsidies for building renovation in Geneva, which must still be approved by the legislative power of the canton of Geneva.

Green financing initiatives are promoted by nonprofit associations that align with environmental, social and governance principles (i.e., Climate Bonds Initiative, Swiss Sustainable Finance, Swiss Green Economy Symposium). Several banks offer green financing initiatives such as green bonds and mortgages. For instance, UBS’ “Mortgage Green” initiative offers a reduction in interest rates for residential properties with green certification (Minergie, GEAK Class A/B or HPE/THPE).

Private foundations such as myclimate and Energy Future Switzerland offer subsidy programs for heat pumps to replace fossil fuel heating systems. The following online tool gives an overview of the existing subsidy programs in each canton: https://www.energiefranken.ch/de.