Real Estate
Towards Greener and More Sustainable Real Estate
Real estate has a significant impact on the environment. Buildings are currently estimated to account for 24% of carbon emissions and 40% of energy consumption in Switzerland. The Swiss Federal Office of Energy (SFOE) has set ambitious targets for the sector by 2050, including a 60% reduction in energy consumption per square metre compared with 2010 and the phase-out of oil, gas and direct electric heating systems. Achieving these objectives will require a range of measures, including the modernization of new buildings.
A More Ecological and Responsible Approach to Construction
The term “eco-construction” is becoming increasingly common. It refers to an approach that places sustainable development at the forefront of the construction and operation of buildings.
Energy standards play a key role. Labels such as Minergie, SNBS Building, DGNB, LEED, BREEAM, and the ISO SIA 112/1 standard have become recognised benchmarks. They can also enable property owners to benefit from government subsidies while ensuring lower energy consumption.
Innovation Serving Real Estate
Innovation also plays an important role in the choice of construction materials and building management technologies.
In the best-case scenario, it can enable a building to become energy-positive, meaning it produces more energy than it consumes.
Connected devices and smart home technologies contribute to this shift. By collecting, aggregating and analysing building data, they make it possible to optimise various aspects of a property, such as room temperature and lighting, while reducing energy consumption.
Other recent technologies include increasingly common photovoltaic panels, thermal regulation through windows that act as solar collectors (Fluidglass), and even air-purifying plaster.
Eco-Neighbourhoods: The Ultimate Expression of a Sustainable Development Strategy
Beyond improving individual buildings, eco-neighbourhoods represent a form of urban planning that reflects this changing mindset.
In addition to promoting environmentally responsible buildings, these neighbourhoods encourage waste reduction and recycling, improved mobility management, lower energy consumption, and the creation of numerous green spaces designed for community use.
As such, they represent the culmination of a sustainable development strategy in real estate and are emerging as the future of urban environments in response to climate challenges.
NewHome Services’ Commitment to Sustainability
Founded in 2007, NewHome Services specialises in the residential real estate and property development markets in the cantons of Vaud and Geneva.
For many years, the company has been committed to the ecological transition of the real estate sector and actively contributes to it through its projects.
If you would like to learn more about our commitment to sustainable development and how we can support you in this area, we invite you to contact us today.
