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Renovating Buildings
Yes! But how?

Welcome!

Our project "Building renovation – yes! But how?" focuses on sharing the latest scientific insights about environmentally-friendly and future-resilient renovations for Swiss homes. We aim to spark conversations between the scientific community and society, encouraging decision-makers to embrace sustainable, low-carbon building practices. Check out our Impact Calculation Tool.

Our goal is to provide insights on the benefits of building renovations and provide clear pathways towards achieving a net-zero carbon footprint in Swiss residential buildings. Through this project, we hope to inspire informed decisions that contribute to a greener, more sustainable future for all.

Steps to
your Result

01
Calculate your
Building

02
Enter the exact data
to obtain a more
accurate result

03
Analyse your
results and make
a decision

Why
Renovate?

Argument #1

Buildings are major contributors to CO2 emissions, primarily due to fossil-based heating sources like oil and gas, and the fossil energy required to produce construction materials.

Argument #2

The highest emissions come from buildings constructed before 1980, which are energy-inefficient and largely dependent on oil and gas heating.

Argument #3

Energy Efficiency and Cost Savings. Upgrading insulation and heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems can drastically reduce energy consumption.

Argument #4

Environmental Impact. Renovations can significantly cut a building's carbon footprint. By using sustainable materials, we can reduce CO2 emissions, support climate change mitigation, and promote a sustainable future.

Argument #5

Thermal Comfort and Health. Renovating buildings thermal comfort and living conditions. Bio-based materials help reduce pollutants, regulate humidity, and create a comfortable environment for occupants.

Is an increased renovation rate the only parameter that will align us with carbon budgets?
Read more
What are the carbon targets for buildings in Switzerland to align with the Swiss climate strategy?
Read more
How can renovating buildings today shape a sustainable, low-carbon future?
Read more

Survey Insights

Rating & Reviews

What would be a situation where a tool like this could be useful for you?

Informing a broud public, especially private home owners and consulting or making aware institutional investors. (I work in consulting for sustainable construction)

What field do you work in?
Architecture

What would be a situation where a tool like this could be useful for you?

Mainly for teaching purposes.

What field do you work in?
Teaching

What would be a situation where a tool like this could be useful for you?

For convincing the customer/architect/policy maker in going for a well informed decision based on how environmentally efficient and cost effective a given solution can be.

What field do you work in?
Engineering

Our Partners

Details Material

Material

Discover the future of sustainable renovations in Switzerland with biogenic and low-carbon insulation materials like straw, hemp, cellulose, and wood fiber. These eco-friendly options not only reduce your carbon footprint but also enhance energy efficiency and promote healthier indoor environments. Transform your home with these innovative, renewable materials and contribute to a greener, more sustainable future.
Material

Meet the Team

Our team consists of researchers, designers and engineers from ETH and ZHdK.
Guillaume Habert
Project Lead
ETH Zurich
Guillaume Habert
Alina Galimshina
Postdoctoral Researcher
ETH Zurich
Alina Galimshina
Yasmine Priore
Senior Research Associate
ETH Zurich
Yasmine Priore
Flurina Gradin
Project Lead
ZHdK
Flurina Gradin
Patrik Ferrarelli
Senior Designer
ZHdK
Patrik Ferrarelli
Christian Pohl
Project Lead
ETH USYS Td-Lab
Christian Pohl