Geneva: owners required to improve energy efficiency

In Geneva, the results of an aerial thermography targeting all the cantonal territory roofs are available on the Internet. Homeowners can benefit from expert advice for data interpretation and diagnosis of their building energy.

“More than 35,000 buildings consume half the energy used in the township,” said Isabel Friday Rochat, head of the Department of Environment (DSPE). The greatest potential for energy savings lies in improving the energy efficiency of housing stock, noted the state councilor.

The overview of the township was made in early 2010 by a helicopter and an airplane equipped with infrared cameras. Data were synthesized on a map. These pictures to measure the heat losses of buildings are difficult to interpret for non-specialists.

The idea came forward to offer “eco tips” to interested owners at a customised discount by specialised engineers. The specialist makes a diagnosis of building energy efficiency, identifies and works to achieve the projected savings figure.

This engineer also examines the potential of solar roofs before proposing a renovation project. He also recalls how to apply for grants. The minimum benefit costs 50 francs to the owner (over 175 francs at the expense of the state) and more sophisticated variant amounts to 100 francs to the owner (more than 225 francs at the expense of the state).

Since this measure is an incentive, it is difficult to quantify the number of owners who may be interested. But a budget of CHF 100,000 was made available for this offer valid until March 2013, says Rochat. The objective is really to push the owners to take action, she adds