Support Programme for Heat Pumps in Apartment Buildings in Switzerland

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Large apartment buildings in Switzerland continue to be heated using mostly fossil fuels, and as such make a substantial contribution towards Switzerland's CO₂ emissions. At the same time, in around 70 per cent of properties, one form of fossil heating will be replaced by another; in cities such as Geneva, Biel, Lucerne, Bern or Zurich, the percentage is even higher. However, technology is available nowadays to ensure that heating pump systems can also reliably supply heating to large properties in an environmentally friendly manner. The financial contribution provided by this support programme removes the obstacles presented by high investment costs.

Attractive funding contributions

The amount of subsidies for the heat pump is calculated by myclimate on the basis of the previous annual energy consumption (after registration in the subsidy programme). Our funding calculator provides an initial estimate of the amount of the subsidies. The subsidies from this programme are sometimes higher than those from the cantonal subsidy programmes, so it is worth comparing them.

The subsidies from myclimate will be paid out in full after submission of the valid commissioning documents (valid registration required). 

Funding criteria

In order to benefit from the funding, certain criteria must be met:

• Replacement of existing oil or gas heating with a heat pump system
• The main purpose of the rental property is residential. Permitted building categories include apartment buildings and tenanted residential buildings with an ancillary function.
• Properties under the condominium or cooperative housing association model of ownership do not qualify for funding.
• The total heating capacity must be between 15 and 400 kWth (for smaller  projects, please see our funding programme up to 15 kWth)
• No double funding: no additional private financial assistance, or funding from the federal, cantonal or municipal government may be applied for.
• The order and work (significant investments) must not have been commissioned already.
• At the property location, there are no regulations at federal, cantonal or communal level that exclude replacement with a fossil heating system or require a renewable heating system. Accordingly, properties in the following cantons are excluded from funding: BS, NE, ZH

Further criteria can be found in the registration form.

Apply for funding for your heat pump in just a few steps

1. Register your project using our form before awarding the job to a contractor.
2. myclimate will send the funding agreement to the building owner or building administration, if they represent the building owner.
3. The building owner awards the contract to the installation company and permits the installation of the heat pump system.
4. Submit the commissioning report to myclimate and you will receive the funding contribution, provided that all criteria for participation in the programme have been met.

Where does the funding come from?

This carbon offset programme has been made possible thanks to funding from the KliK Foundation. Go to our Info page to learn how the funding mechanism works for mandatory carbon offsetting.

Notes regarding sustainable renovations

While the following points are not participation criteria for the support programme, we nevertheless strongly suggest that they be taken into consideration:

• Natural refrigerants: So-called natural refrigerants are a new trend as they have little to no greenhouse gas potential if they happen to escape. These include carbon dioxide (R744, CO₂), hydrocarbons (propane R290, isobutane R600a) and ammonia (R717, NH₃). A list with efficient heat pumps and their refrigerants can be found under topten.ch. You often have to explicitly ask the company whether the device or system is offered with a natural refrigerant.
• Renovating the building shell: Prior or simultaneous renovation of the building shell is recommendable when replacing your heater. The new heating system can be smaller because of this and the running costs can be decreased

Enquiries and contacts

If you have technical or planning questions relating to heat pump systems, please contact a heat pump specialist in your area.

Do you have general questions relating to the funding programme? Don't hesitate to send us an email or give us a call (+41 44 500 43 50).

This project contributes to 2 SDGs:

Around 9 000 MWh of renewable heat will be generated annually.

2.50  t CO2 will be saved annually.