The standardized Swiss cantonal building energy certificate (called GEAK in the German-speaking part and CECB in the French-speaking part of Switzerland) assesses the following:

• The quality of the building envelope
• The overall energy balance
• The direct CO2 emissions

It classifies the inspected building into a predefined category based on a scale from A (very good) to G (poor), inspired by the energy label for electrical appliances. There is also a GEAK Plus certificate, which includes an advisory report with options for energy-related renovations in addition to the above standard assessment.

The application of the GEAK tends to be limited to residential buildings, administrative and school buildings, hotels, retail spaces, restaurants, and mixed-use buildings in these categories. The GEAK is only issued by certified GEAK experts. The property owner is free to choose such an expert.

In most cantons, obtaining the GEAK is voluntary. However, the GEAK is mandatory to obtain subsidies in some cantons. Obtaining a GEAK Plus is also mandatory throughout Switzerland for subsidies of more than CHF 10,000 from a building renovation program. In the cantons of Vaud, Fribourg and Neuchâtel, it is mandatory for certain changes of ownership of certain types of buildings, depending on their size and use cases. On the other hand, the canton of Basel-Stadt requires all buildings heated with fossil fuels and older than 15 years to have a GEAK Plus, although no further obligations are associated with this.

Minergie is also the Swiss building standard for comfort, efficiency and climate protection for new buildings and renovations. Again, this is entirely voluntary, as this label is based on a private initiative with no legal basis. There is a simplified certification procedure for refurbishments. The high-quality building envelope and controlled air exchange play a special role here. Minergie buildings also consistently use renewable energies and exploit the potential of solar energy. They are CO2-free in operation and minimize greenhouse gas emissions during construction.

Alternatively, the Swiss Sustainable Building Standard (SNBS) is suitable for larger properties owned by institutional investors. The SNBS, which is also voluntary, assesses the sustainability of buildings comprehensively. This means that SNBS equally considers the needs of society, the economy and the environment in the planning, construction and operation of a building. In addition to the topics of renewable energies, greenhouse gas reduction, environmentally friendly construction and operation, it also covers social issues such as participation, high quality of use (e.g., through barrier-free construction) and health. Under the social and environmental pillars, the SNBS also takes into account economic aspects, such as site selection and earnings potential.