Support Programme for Heat Pumps in Apartment Buildings in Switzerland

Heat pumps on the roof of an apartment building

Project type: Energy Efficiency

Project location: Switzerland

Project status: Completed, exclusive

Annual emission reduction of the whole project: 1,326 t

The myclimate support programme for heat pumps offered funding for the replacement of old oil and natural gas heating in rented residential properties. The Switzerland-wide funding programme did finance geothermal, water and air source heat pumps with an output of between 15 and 400 kW.

This Switzerland-wide support programme will fund all three types of heat pump systems. Photo: EnergieSchweiz

Air-source heat pumps on the roof make it possible to comply with noise emissions even in the city. Copyright: Stiebel Eltron, Photography: Eliane Dürst

By arranging them in a cascade, heat pump systems can also achieve very high heat outputs for apartment buildings. Copyright: CTA AG, Photography: Reto Andreoli

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.

Where does the funding come from?

This climate protection 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 contributions to climate protection.

Notes regarding sustainable renovations

We recommend the following points for sustainable refurbishment:

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