• Heat pumps now heat 21% of Swiss buildings, with three-quarters of new buildings using this efficient technology.
  • Fossil fuels still dominate, but government subsidies support energy-efficient upgrades like heat pumps and insulation projects.
  • Programs like myclimate and Energie Zukunft Schweiz offer financial incentives to replace fossil-fuel heating systems.

Subsidies encourage energy efficiency as over 20% of Swiss homes adopt heat pumps

The use of heat pumps in Swiss households has skyrocketed. According to new data from the Federal Statistical Office (FSO), the proportion of buildings heated by heat pumps has increased fivefold since 2000. Today, 21% of buildings use this energy-efficient technology.

Heating oil remains the most common source of heating in Switzerland, used in 37% of buildings. That’s followed by gas (17%), wood (12%), and electricity (8%). However, newer buildings are leading the way in the shift toward greener options. Three-quarters of buildings constructed in the last decade have heat pumps installed. On top of that, one in four detached homes now use one.

The government is pushing for even greater energy efficiency across Switzerland

To support this, both federal and cantonal authorities offer subsidies. Homeowners can receive funding for energy-saving projects. These include installing a heat pump, adding thermal insulation, or meeting Minergie standards.

Programs like myclimate and Energie Zukunft Schweiz also provide incentives. Myclimate offers funding for replacing fossil-fuel systems with heat pumps, while Energie Zukunft Schweiz provides a “climate bonus” for similar upgrades.

It’s clear that subsidies and support work for the nation’s energy efficiency. Strict new building regulations and support for homeowners and landlords is essential. The rest of the world will need to take note to catch up.