State subsidies for the construction industry
State subsidies for the construction industry
"I've heard that when you build a house, you are entitled to a state contribution towards any work that saves energy.
How does it work?"
Michel, Vaud
At national level, the Federal Law on Subsidies establishes a general framework for the granting of financial aid and compensation by the Confederation. It defines the principles applicable to legislation and lays down the general provisions governing the various aid and compensation schemes.
Under the Federal Act on the Promotion of the Construction and Acquisition of Residential Property and its ordinance, building projects must take account of the need to protect nature, the landscape and the environment, as well as the economical and rational use of energy. Federal aid may be granted for buildings that are economical, profitable, of good quality and offer a high degree of habitability. It is only granted if construction costs remain within acceptable limits. As a general rule, no federal subsidy will be granted for work that is already under way, unless written authorisation has been obtained to start work in advance. In addition, the work must be started within six months of the grant being awarded and, if possible, without interruption. Subsequent modifications to completed buildings for which federal assistance has been granted require the written approval of the Federal Housing Office.
The Federal Energy Act stipulates that the cantons must issue regulations on the economical and rational use of energy in existing and new buildings.
However, in the canton of Vaud and in accordance with the cantonal law on subsidies and its implementing regulations, there is no entitlement to financial assistance; subsidies awarded may be subject to conditions. Work carried out prior to the grant application or in progress when the application is submitted is not eligible for a grant. According to the Vaud Energy Fund Regulations, all applications for assistance must be submitted to the Environment and Energy Department, which then presents the project to the head of the department responsible for energy (for cantonal grants of CHF 200,000 or less) or to the State Council (for cantonal grants of over CHF 200,000). For example, you can apply for a grant if you choose a wood-burning heating system for domestic hot water, if you replace your direct electric heating with a hydraulic heat distribution network, or if you opt for insulating windows. There are many possible applications, so don't hesitate to consult the Programme vaudois d'encouragement des énergies renouvelables et de l'efficacité énergétique, valid since 16 August 2010, available on the canton of Vaud website.
In Geneva, this is governed by the law establishing two funds for the development of renewable energies and energy savings and its implementing regulations. Please refer to the ChèqueBâtimentEnergie programme available on the website of the Republic and Canton of Geneva.
