UN Division for Sustainable Development

Case Study Detail Record

Organization type:	Government

Name of Ministry/Agency:	Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation

Country:	Switzerland

Name of Focal Point:	Hanspeter Wyss

Initiative Title:	Minergie: More life quality, less energy consumption

Internet links:	http://www.minergie.ch

Scope:	National: - Switzerland

Status:	Ongoing

Timeframe:	Start: 1998 End:

Lead Institution:	Minergie

Stakeholders/Partners:	Different actors and institutions in Switzerland: building owners, architects and engineers, construc-tion and renovation business, Government and local authorities

Relevent issues:

Objectives/Challenges:

To increase energy efficiency in the building sector through the introduction of a volontary quality label

Policy Options:

Minergie mandates specific energy consumption indicators for all components and systems of buildings.

Summary:

In Switzerland, Minergie was introduced as a voluntary building-standard label in 1998. Minergie has become the norm for all new public buildings and renovations, as well as for federally subsidized construction in Switzerland. Minergie has become a quality label which enhances real estate values. Comfort levels are heightened by high-grade building envelopes and systematic ventilation. It allows architects and engineers more flexibility in design and materials.