How Financial Institutions Contribute to Green Real Estate
Buildings are responsible for more than a third of all greenhouse gas emissions worldwide. Nevertheless, owners often see too little incentives to tackle energy-efficient renovations.
The school building from the 70s, the glass office building in the style of the 80s, the single-family house with 90s standard: old buildings are usually energy guzzlers. And they make up the majority of our towns and villages. Worldwide, buildings are responsible for 37 percent of all greenhouse gas emissions, as the UBS Sustainability and Impact Institute writes in its white paper "Rethinking Construction". Switzerland is no exception.
In its climate strategy, the Confederation has stipulated that greenhouse gas emissions in Switzerland will be reduced to net zero by 2050. However, half of today's buildings will still be standing by then. They therefore represent a considerable hurdle on the way to the goal. However, the buildings can be sustainably renovated with structural measures. Technically, energy-efficient modernizations such as insulation, insulation and ventilation are not complicated, but they work small miracles. Refurbished properties increase their value, reduce ancillary costs and improve the quality of life – which benefits the environment and society.
