Buildings offer enormous energy-saving potential
A new study by Energie Schweiz shows that 15% of energy consumption and 40 % of greenhouse gas emissions could be avoided through efficiency measures in building technology alone.
Around 45 % of Switzerland's energy demand is generated in buildings. A study by SwissEnergy shows the high savings potential in this area. For this purpose, a catalog of 150 efficiency measures was compiled by experts and reviewed by experts from technology, associations and universities in terms of feasibility, relevance and effectiveness.
Great savings potential available
According to this study, the energy demand of buildings could be reduced by 23 % by 2050 with today's marketable technologies and concepts, such as consistent use of best-in-class appliances, and this despite an expected growth in floor space of 30 %. Greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) decrease by 38 % in this scenario, in part due to a higher share of renewable energy.
If, in addition, more efficiency measures are implemented in building technology, an additional 15 % of energy can be saved and around 40 % of GHG can be avoided, in particular through more efficient heating systems, energy operation optimization and building automation.
Roadmap planned
In order to exploit this savings potential, the building sector, developers, and building owners and operators would have to focus even more specifically on high efficiency and renewable energies in every project - from planning to operation. A roadmap for the building technology industry is planned in order to pursue this potential across the board with a view to the Energy Strategy 2050.
The entire study is available free download.
(BFE)
