What the Buildings Programme is

The Buildings Programme (Programme Bâtiments) is Switzerland's main energy-policy instrument for residential buildings. Co-financed by the Confederation and the cantons, it has been managed since 2019 by PRONOVO for the federal portion. In practice, the support comes in two layers — federal and cantonal — with sometimes a third, communal, layer on top. Sos-travaux

In 2026, the Buildings Programme grants contributions in two broad categories: replacing fossil heating (oil, gas, direct electric) with renewable systems — heat pumps, wood heating, solar thermal, heat networks — and measures to insulate the building envelope: façades, roofs, walls. Sos-travaux

How much you can get: 2026 benchmarks

The amount of the subsidy depends heavily on the canton, the type of work and the equipment's output, so the figures below are benchmarks.

Heat pumps

This is the most in-demand measure. In 2026, replacing an oil or gas boiler with a heat pump can qualify for subsidies of up to 20,000–30,000 CHF depending on the canton and configuration. The base amounts are more modest and grow through combining measures: in the canton of Geneva, the cantonal heat-pump subsidy starts at around 9,000 CHF and stacks with insulation and tax deductions. For an average 150 m² house with a 10 kW air-to-water heat pump, the cantonal subsidy can be in the region of 6,000 CHF, plus a federal contribution of about 1,400 CHF, and communes (for example Lausanne or Yverdon) often add another 1,000–2,000 CHF. Sos-travaux + 2

Insulation

In the canton of Neuchâtel, the thermal insulation subsidy is 60 CHF/m² of insulated surface — one of the highest rates in French-speaking Switzerland, and a similar rate applies in the canton of Vaud. The subsidy is granted for improving the thermal insulation of the façade, roof, walls and ground-bearing floor. An important limit: no support is granted for replacing only doors and windows — windows are counted only within a comprehensive renovation. Subsidi + 2

Comprehensive renovation

The largest amounts are available for deep upgrades. In the canton of Vaud, these subsidies can represent up to 30% of the investment in the case of a comprehensive renovation, and the work is tax-deductible. Canton de Vaud

Three golden rules without which there's no subsidy

This is where the most expensive mistakes are made.

The application is submitted before the work begins. This is rule number one. Federal PRONOVO subsidies must be requested before work starts; an installation carried out without a prior application is generally not eligible for subsidy. Retroactive applications are not accepted. Sos-travaux

Certified equipment and installation. The chosen heat pump must hold a quality certificate recognised in Switzerland (often the PAC Système-Module certificate). Qbriq

CECB energy certificate for large amounts. In several cantons, such as Vaud and Fribourg, if the total of the subsidies exceeds 10,000 CHF, a CECB Plus report drawn up by an expert becomes mandatory. Qbriq

The right order of work: insulate first, heat second

There's a strategic subtlety that saves money twice. It's recommended to insulate the building first and then replace the heating: an insulated building needs a less powerful heat pump — you save on both purchase and running costs, and the two subsidies stack. In other words, the order of the work directly affects both its cost and the final amount of support. Subsidi

How SmartHaus Swiss helps with subsidies

The main difficulty with subsidies isn't the amounts but the right sequence: an application submitted on time, certified equipment, documents from the same year as the submission. We carry out the work that falls under the Buildings Programme — façade insulation, heat-pump installation, ventilation — and understand these requirements. We'll advise on what order to plan the work in and which measures in your canton are worth attention so you don't lose your right to support. Applications are always submitted through the official cantonal portals.

Frequently asked questions

Can you apply after the work has started?

Generally no. The application must be submitted and approved before work starts — retroactive applications are usually not subsidised.

Do insulation and heat-pump subsidies stack?

Yes, in many cantons these measures combine, and insulating first is even advantageous. But the stacking rules and ceilings are set by canton.

How much can you get for a heat pump?

Roughly from a few thousand francs at base up to 20,000–30,000 CHF when combining measures — depending on the canton, output and configuration.

Do you need a CECB energy certificate?

In several cantons it's mandatory if the subsidy amount exceeds a certain threshold (for example 10,000 CHF).

Where do you apply?

Through the official cantonal Buildings Programme portal or the canton's energy department. We'll point you in the right direction.

The amounts and conditions in this article are benchmarks for 2026 and vary by canton and year. Always check the current figures on the official cantonal and PRONOVO portals before starting work.