GEAK explained: interview with a GEAK expert

In the same way as organic food or the power consumption of electrical appliances, the energy efficiency of buildings is also classified by various labels. The most important labels in Switzerland for single-family houses and condominiums are GEAK, GEAK Plus and Minergie. In the following interview with Andreas Meyer Primavesi, CEO of both the Minergie association and the GEAK association, you will find a description of the key labels.

The abbreviation GEAK stands for “Gebäudeenergieausweis der Kantone” (cantonal building energy certificate). It is uniform throughout Switzerland and evaluates the quality of the building shell as well as the overall energy efficiency of the building technology. GEAK forms the basis for renovation decisions and for any applications for subsidies. GEAK works like a traffic light system in a similar way to the label for electrical appliances. It classifies buildings into one of seven energy classes: from A for excellent thermal insulation and highly efficient building technology to G for old buildings without insulation and with outdated building technology.

Classes A to C are green, D is yellow and E to G are red, which is why GEAK is also referred to as an upside-down traffic light.

A building energy certificate is issued by a GEAK expert. You can find a list of experts on the GEAK website along with this tip: “Ask for a no-obligation quote from several experts.” Most cantons and individual municipalities offer a financial contribution toward GEAK and GEAK Plus applications. In many cases, the subsidy covers about half of the costs. Important: subsidies must always be applied for before construction work begins.

GEAK Plus supplements the standard GEAK with an advisory report. Based on the GEAK, a GEAK expert will propose two to three specific measures that can improve the energy consumption of the property. Like GEAK, GEAK Plus is valid for 10 years.

Minergie is the highest energy standard for low-energy houses in Switzerland and is a protected brand for sustainable construction. The label is awarded to residential and commercial buildings that do not require heating powered by fossil fuels (with the exception of district heating) due to their high thermal insulation and special construction method. This means that they are very energy efficient. Depending on the canton, Minergie projects receive either direct financial support or indirect assistance, as in the canton of Valais, with a higher utilization rate.

Minergie offers various labels for both new buildings and renovations. Applications can be submitted to the regional certification bodies. Details of the various labels and certification bodies are listed on the Minergie association website.

Minergie and GEAK Plus are of central importance in Switzerland, as many subsidy programs are based on them. Some cantons already require a GEAK to be issued, for example, when transferring the ownership of a property.

With a GEAK, you can not only obtain subsidies but also discounted mortgage loans for energy-efficient renovations. UBS offers the following special mortgages, for example:

Green

A mortgage interest rate reduced by 0.40% for properties that meet the Minergie standard or GEAK class A or B.

Renovation

UBS also offers a special UBS Mortgage Renovation. Owners receive an eco-bonus of 0.3% on their mortgage interest rate if the renovation leads to the achievement of GEAK class A or B or the Minergie standard.

Andreas Meyer Primavesi is a forestry engineer and CEO of the Minergie and GEAK associations. In this interview, he explains what the labels mean and which energy-efficient renovations make the most sense.

Andreas, who do you think should consider an environmentally friendly renovation?

Today, a new building will be rated class B GEAK for overall energy efficiency. If an existing building is fully renovated, for example, by replacing the windows and renovating the roof, including installing a photovoltaic system and switching to a heat pump, it will no doubt be rated class C. If you also insulate at least part of the facade, you will be good for class B. So if you are not at least in class C, you have a lot of untapped potential. However, a majority of existing Swiss buildings are in classes E, F and G. If we don’t manage to bring most of them into class C or higher in the next 10 to 20 years, Switzerland’s energy and climate targets will not be achievable.

Consequently, the majority of property owners should carry out environmentally friendly renovation work. There are several options. What is a “Minergie system replacement” and how does it differ from the procedure for GEAK Plus?

The Minergie system replacement is perfectly coordinated with GEAK Plus – the GEAK expert usually includes a variant that lists the measures necessary for total Minergie renovation. This puts the building in at least class B for energy performance, but it must meet a few more requirements to ensure comfort and value retention. Above all, this includes installing a simple ventilation system, i.e., basic ventilation. The quality assurance associated with Minergie certification is definitely valuable for homeowners when it comes to planning, implementation and commissioning. Most people only build a home once in a lifetime, so construction is new territory for nearly all of us.

What are the most common questions from people who want to carry out environmentally friendly renovation work?

Which heat pump should I choose: soil probes or air and water? What are the advantages of geothermal probes? Or would it be better to use wood as an energy source, or possibly connect to a district heating system? People rarely ask me anymore whether they should stick with oil or gas. The answer to that question now seems to be clear. I often get asked whether a photovoltaic system is really worthwhile and how large it should be. And whether to embark on insulating the building facade as well as replacing the windows. I couldn’t answer any of these questions in general terms – homeowners need to call in a specialist who can come and look at their property on site and clarify their financial possibilities and preferences.

What do you consider to be the biggest challenges for Switzerland in making its building stock environmentally friendly?

Insulating facades. I assume that fossil fuel systems will now be replaced relatively quickly across Switzerland; the war in Ukraine has had a major impact in pushing this forward. I also give a lot of credit to photovoltaics, partly for political reasons and partly because the economic conditions for photovoltaic systems and for feeding the electricity produced into the grid are improving rapidly.

However, when it comes to facade insulation, I don’t see much changing for the better at the moment. The state would need to improve the general framework first. This is important, because if we shut down our nuclear power plants, switch to electromobility and replace almost all our fossil fuel systems with heat pumps, we will have a problem with security of supply in the winter. And when it comes to heat pump efficiency, it all depends on the quality of the building shell.

What would have to happen to Swiss building stock for it to achieve the federal government’s climate targets? What can each individual person do to help?

Today, we are in the privileged position that all the technologies needed to transform the building stock are mature, which was not the case 10 years ago. At the same time, the state is now required to improve the framework conditions again – individual cantons such as Basel-Stadt show how this can be done. And in addition to this, a great many homeowners are taking their responsibility for the environment and society seriously and are finally renovating their homes. The best part is that it’s also worthwhile for anyone who invests and lives in these houses!

When applying for GEAK certification, the GEAK Association recommends you follow these steps:

1. Choose a GEAK expert in your area. You can find the list of all GEAK experts here.
2. Request a quote from a GEAK expert. Obtain several, as prices vary.
3. Clarify possible funding. Many cantons and municipalities provide financial support for obtaining a GEAK certificate.
4. Property is inspected by the expert.
5. GEAK or GEAK Plus is issued.
6. GEAK sent digitally and as a hard copy.
7. Discussion of possible steps towards energy-efficient refurbishment.

Obtaining the certificate can be worthwhile. Only then will you know exactly which efficiency class your property belongs to. With a GEAK Plus, you will also get tips on which renovations make the most sense for your property.

Certificates such as GEAK or Minergie can also help you obtain low-interest loans or subsidies. Viewed in this light, the costs of obtaining a GEAK hardly matter.