Today, APCAV speaks with Grégory Niedergang, head of construction within the Municipality, about the new cantonal energy law that came into effect at the beginning of this year.
What changes have been introduced by the new cantonal energy law (LcEne)?
Coming into force on January 1, 2025, the new legislation aims to adapt the building stock to the challenges of the energy transition.
The primary goal is to limit and/or reduce energy consumption and CO2 emissions from new buildings and existing buildings undergoing major renovation work.
The introduced changes mainly concern thermal insulation, the local production of a share of the electricity consumed, and heating systems that are remotely controllable and use renewable energy sources.
Can you give us some practical examples of these modifications?
For new buildings
For heating and hot water production in new constructions, oil and gas boilers are no longer allowed. Only heat producers using a renewable energy source are permitted.
Furthermore, the law requires the installation of solar photovoltaic systems to produce and consume part of one’s own electricity, thereby reducing energy bills. This measure is part of a strategy to lower the carbon footprint and enhance energy self-sufficiency.
For existing buildings
When replacing an oil or gas boiler, except in certain cases (Article 43 LcEne), it is now mandatory to prioritize heating systems that use renewable energy. However, it is possible to keep fossil-fuel boilers if energy needs are reduced by 20% or if the building already has good energy performance (CECB class D or better). Centralized electric heating systems must be replaced with renewable installations within 15 years.
Oil and gas boilers, as well as electric heating systems (Article 40 LcEne) in buildings that are only intermittently occupied (such as secondary residences, churches, etc.), must be equipped with a remote control system allowing for temperature reduction, within 10 years from January 1, 2025. This type of control should also be implemented for each individual dwelling.
The law also requires energy renovations when carrying out roof work. Buildings must be equipped with solar installations (photovoltaic or thermal) to produce part of their electricity or heat. Exceptions apply, for example, to buildings that achieve CECB class C or better after renovation, or buildings occupied only in summer (such as mountain pasture buildings, though this does not apply to secondary residences).
For solar panels, achieving economic viability for existing secondary residences can be challenging. Are there any exceptions?
Yes, exceptions are provided for in the following cases, as defined in Article 43 of the law (LcEne):
- Buildings that reach class C on the CECB global energy performance scale after renovation.
- Buildings undergoing simultaneous energy renovation of both facades and the roof.
- Buildings where work only concerns the north-facing slope of the roof.
However, the Municipality encourages overall improvements in building energy performance, given that solar panels are now more affordable than before. Additionally, solutions are being developed to promote self-consumption, making solar panel installations more cost-effective. This includes self-consumption groups (RCP) and virtual self-consumption communities (CA), as well as battery storage systems, which are also becoming more affordable.
What measures is the Municipality implementing to promote energy-efficient building improvements?
Through the Energithèque advisory and information service, managed by the Municipality in collaboration with ALTIS, property owners can benefit from free energy assessments and expert advice on energy efficiency. Regular information sessions are also offered to local property owners on renovation and energy efficiency topics.
Furthermore, the Municipality provides substantial financial support for renovation and heating system replacements by doubling the cantonal subsidies. The Municipality’s sustainability officer, Marie-Luce Duroux Barman, will provide more details on these initiatives in an upcoming interview.
You can find more information on this topic at the following link: https://lex.vs.ch/app/fr/texts_of_law/730.1.
Interview conducted on March 5, 2025.