In Switzerland, the question is increasingly raised: is sustainable real estate investment just an extra expense, or a genuine strategic opportunity?
Recent data shows that focusing on Minergie-certified or high-standard renovated buildings delivers a measurable ROI, strengthens asset value, and gives access to green mortgages offered by cantonal banks.
Today, sustainable real estate investment in Switzerland is no longer just about image; it is a fundamental requirement for competitiveness and profitability.
Why the transition to sustainable buildings is unavoidable
In Switzerland, sustainable real estate investment is not limited to a financial calculation. Choosing sustainable buildings means anticipating new regulations, reducing energy dependency, and protecting the value of your assets.
This is exactly GoEko’s mission: a B2B cleantech platform that connects the real estate sector with sustainable solution providers. The aim is not to promise abstract returns, but to enable a concrete and measurable transition towards a more efficient and competitive building stock.
Measurable ROI (Return on Investment): The key figures
The latest figures show that sustainability is not a luxury, but a profitable investment.
University of Basel Study
In 2024, a study conducted by the University of Basel, relayed by Minergie, demonstrated that the additional cost of sustainable construction is paid back as early as the first year.
The reason is straightforward: high-performance buildings attract tenants who are willing to pay more, as they benefit from lower energy costs and greater comfort.
Comparison Between Standard, Minergie and Minergie-P/A
Minergie data clearly highlights the difference between a standard building and a certified property:
| Certification | Extra construction cost | Increase in rents/year | Payback period |
| Standard (no label) | CHF 0 | CHF 0 | – |
| Minergie | CHF 160,000 (+1.6%) | CHF 260,000 (+2.6%) | < 1 year |
| Minergie-P / A | CHF 510,000 (+5.1%) | CHF 660,000 (+6.6%) | ≈ 1 year |
– ROI comparison for Minergie buildings in Switzerland –
👉 These results show that a Minergie or Minergie-P/A certified project generates an almost immediate ROI.
Enhancing property value and green financing
Sustainable real estate assets certified by Minergie not only generate quick rental returns, they also increase property value and open access to advantageous financing.
Added value of Minergie-certified properties
The Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW) has shown that Minergie-certified properties generally sell for 5–10% more than comparable non-certified buildings.
In practice, this represents a premium of CHF 50,000 to 100,000 for a property valued at CHF 1 million. This premium reflects not only expected energy savings but also greater buyer confidence in the long-term value and quality of the property.
Green mortgages from cantonal banks
Beyond added value, financing becomes a strategic asset. Several cantonal banks now offer green mortgages with preferential conditions for Minergie-certified or high-rated CECB buildings.
These loans make it possible to reduce the total project cost while reinforcing its financial appeal.
The risks of inaction
Doing nothing carries very real risks for property owners and investors.
Impact on energy costs
Non-optimised buildings consume more energy and expose occupants to constant increases in energy bills. In a context of volatile energy prices, this dependency becomes a competitive disadvantage.
Consequences for value and compliance
Failure to invest in sustainable buildings leads to asset depreciation and gradual exclusion from public tenders.
In Geneva, for example, the HPE (High Energy Performance) standard is already mandatory for new constructions and major renovations.
The trend is quickly moving towards the even more demanding THPE standard.
Cleantech innovations and concrete solutions in Switzerland
Switzerland stands out for its dynamic cleantech ecosystem, which transforms sustainability theory into practical solutions
Enerdrape: Geothermal panels for parking structures
Enerdrape has developed geothermal panels for underground parking facilities.
These systems harness geothermal energy to reduce CO₂ emissions by up to 80%, while generating local renewable energy.
– Swiss Enerdrape cleantech solution for underground parking –
Yord: Digitalising energy management
With its digital platform, Yord helps companies monitor and optimise their energy consumption. From the first year, users report 15–25% savings thanks to more precise energy flow management.
GoEko as a cleantech hub
GoEko centralises nearly 40 Swiss cleantech providers. The platform enables real estate players to quickly find reliable partners for their projects, whether for renovation, energy optimisation, or sustainable construction.
Why invest in sustainable real estate now
Sustainability is no longer just a communication tool, it is a condition for competitiveness and profitability. The numbers speak for themselves:
- Up to 30% energy savings
- Over CHF 100,000 per year in savings for a typical building
- A 5–10% premium for Minergie-certified assets
- Attractive green mortgages via cantonal banks
👉 With GoEko, Swiss enterprises gain access to a network of cleantech players and proven solutions, as well as funding to support their adoption. Turn your real estate projects into sustainable and profitable opportunities.
Contact GoEko today to discover the solutions tailored to your needs. More information at: www.goeko.ch.
FAQ on sustainable real estate in Switzerland
-
What is the average cost of a Minergie energy renovation?
Depending on the building type, the additional cost ranges between 5–10% of the
initial budget, but is quickly paid back through energy savings and higher rents -
How quickly is a sustainable project paid back?
Most Minergie-certified renovations achieve ROI in less than one year.
-
Which banks offer green mortgages?
The majority of cantonal banks now offer preferential rates for Minergie or
CECB-certified buildings. -
What is the difference between HPE and THPE in Geneva?
The HPE standard sets a mandatory energy performance level, while the THPE
standard represents an even higher level, increasingly required in public tenders. -
What is the CECB?
The Cantonal Building Energy Certificate evaluates a building’s energy efficiency
and is a reference across Switzerland -
Why do Minergie-certified buildings sell for higher prices?
Because they consume less energy, offer greater comfort, and are recognised on the
property market. -
How does GoEko support companies?
GoEko facilitates connections with cleantech suppliers to accelerate the
implementation of sustainable projects. -
What tangible environmental benefits can be expected?
Up to 30% reduction in energy consumption and a significant decrease in CO₂
emissions (up to –60% depending on the solution).
Related Posts
Daniel has 20 years of experience in business and financial journalism, having worked in Zurich, Tokyo, Buenos Aires, and Mumbai. Over the years, he has covered start-ups, cleantech, and the Swiss construction sector in depth.
Deeply concerned about environmental issues and fully aligned with Raphaël’s vision of making the ecological transition more accessible and impactful for companies, he joined the project and co-found GoEko alongside him.