Electricity in buildings

A useful tool for the accurate dimensioning of systems and calculation of specific electricity requirements for lighting systems and for air-conditioning and cooling systems in commercial buildings is available from www.energycodes.ch. It is also suitable for meeting the "Minergie" requirements (thresholds) in commercial buildings. A charge applies for this tool (contribution towards costs). Other software tools for making such calculations are available from private providers on the market.

Dimensioning aids for heating systems

The following documents are intended as guidelines for the optimum dimensioning of heating systems in residential buildings, and thus make a valuable contribution towards efficient energy use. They may be used for both new and replacement installations.

Planning and evaluation tools for compressed air systems

In the area of planning the installation of a new compressed air system or replacing an existing one, the way is being paved for the use of more energy-efficient and cost-effective systems. The documents show how an existing system is properly analysed, which questions need to be asked (and when), and which decisions have to be taken (and when) in order to ensure that the right solution can be found.

Guidelines to assist cantons with the implementation of the legislation governing large-scale consumers

In collaboration with representatives from the energy offices of the cantons of Zurich and Neuchâtel and the Energy Agency for Industry (EnAW), the Swiss Federal Office of Energy (SFOE) has formulated guidelines to support cantons with the implementation of the legislation governing large-scale consumers. The new guidelines report on the findings of the federal government and the Energy Agency for Industry regarding the existing target-agreement models for increasing energy efficiency in companies. They also document the experiences of the cantons of Zurich and Neuchâtel with the implementation of the legislation governing large-scale consumers and the corresponding enforcement models. The guidelines are intended to assist cantonal energy offices with the implementation of Article 1.28 of the 2008 model provisions of the cantons in the area of energy (MuKEn).  

A summary of documents from the cantons of Zurich and Neuchâtel that may be useful to other cantons in connection with the implementation of the legislation governing large-scale consumers is available on the home page of the Conference of Cantonal Energy Directors (EnDK).

Energy and historical buildings

For the renovation of buildings, how can energy-efficiency measures and the preservation of the historical substance be harmonised? The Swiss Federal Office of Energy and the Swiss Federal Commission for Historical Monuments (FCHM) have drawn up recommendations intended to help property owners, planners and authorities to weigh up the various interests and define optimal, individual solutions.