Rising energy costs and an awareness of climate protection mean that more and more property owners are thinking about energy-efficient refurbishment. But where to start? The GEAK - the cantonal building energy certificate - provides clarity. It shows how energy-efficient your building is today and which renovation measures will bring the greatest benefits.
In this article, you will find out exactly what the GEAK is, which variants are available, what costs are incurred, which subsidy programmes depend on it - and how SAGER provides you with concrete support during implementation.
What is the GEAK?
The GEAK (cantonal building energy certificate) is an official, standardised energy certificate for buildings throughout Switzerland. It categorises the energy efficiency of a property in classes from A (very efficient) to G (less efficient). The GEAK is generally voluntary; however, some cantons require it when selling a house or replacing a heating system.
The GEAK energy label illustrates this categorisation - from green (class A, very efficient) to red (class G, less efficient). Buildings in the lower classes are particularly in need of refurbishment.
What is the difference between GEAK Basis and GEAK Plus?
Building owners can have either a GEAK Basic (the pure energy certificate) or a GEAK Plus (certificate with additional consultation report) drawn up. While the GEAK Basic only assesses the current status and provides some general tips for improvement, the GEAK Plus includes a detailed refurbishment roadmap with specific proposals for measures. As a rule, several refurbishment options are analysed and compared - including the effects on energy consumption, costs and funding opportunities.
Who prepares a GEAK?
A GEAK may only be issued by certified GEAK experts. These are specialists (energy consultants, architects, engineers, etc.) who have completed specialised training. An official online list of all GEAK experts will help you to find an qualified experts in your region.
What does a GEAK or GEAK Plus cost?
The cost of a GEAK depends on the size and type of building. The following approximate values apply:
The costs depend on the type of building and the selected variant. Standard values:
| Building type | GEAK Basis | GEAK Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Detached house | CHF 450-650 | CHF 1'400-2'500 |
| Two-family house | CHF 500-1,000 | from CHF 1'500 |
| Apartment block | from CHF 1'000 | several thousand francs |
Although the additional expense for the GEAK Plus makes it more expensive, you will receive a concrete refurbishment plan including a cost estimate - a valuable basis for planning the refurbishment or applying for subsidies.
What refurbishment potential is shown in the GEAK?
The GEAK not only serves to assess the current situation - it also shows where energy-related improvements are possible. The GEAK Basic already contains brief recommendations on which areas you should prioritise for a renovation (e.g. "insulate the roof" or "optimise the heating"). In the GEAK Plus, the analysis goes deeper: specific measures are defined for various refurbishment options and their impact on energy consumption and the GEAK class is quantified. At the same time, you can see how quickly an investment is amortised - thanks to significantly lower energy costs - so that you can realistically assess the cost-benefit ratio of each measure.
What role does the GEAK play in subsidy programmes?
Many public subsidy programmes require a GEAK Plus. In particular, larger contributions from the federal government's building programme (over CHF 10,000) are only paid out if a GEAK Plus is available. The GEAK report serves as proof of the planned increase in efficiency and as the basis for the subsidy application. In addition, the preparation of a GEAK Plus is supported in most cantons with subsidies - typically around CHF 1,000 to CHF 1,500.
What are the benefits of the GEAK in practice?
A GEAK provides clarity: you can see in black and white where your home stands energy-wise and where the biggest weak points are. The GEAK Plus also provides you with a concrete roadmap of the steps you should take in the short, medium and long term - so you can target your renovation budget, avoid bad investments and maximise the benefits in terms of comfort, climate protection and lower energy consumption.
SAGER - Your realisation partner
SAGER helps you to efficiently implement the measures from the GEAK report. As a specialist in insulation materials and façade systems, we offer:
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Complete solutions for the building envelope
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Technical advice on choosing the right insulation
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Support with planning and implementation on the construction site
With the SAGER façade system you receive all components from a single source - from the insulation board to the airtight covering membrane.
Conclusion
A GEAK is worthwhile: it clearly shows where your building stands in terms of energy efficiency and how you can improve it. For private homeowners, the GEAK Plus in particular is a valuable first step towards planning targeted renovation measures and securing subsidies. With a GEAK report in hand and SAGER as an implementation partner, the refurbishment potential identified can be optimally utilised. Find out more about the GEAK. Do not hesitate to have a GEAK drawn up or to contact us for a Counselling to contact us.
