In the building sector, a large share of CO2 emissions are generated during the construction phase. An important lever for reducing these grey emissions are conversions instead of new replacements. INFRAS has been looking for solutions on behalf of the federal government to reduce barriers to conversions and refurbishments.
More refurbishments and conversions, fewer new constructions - this is an important lever for reducing grey emissions in the building sector. A large share of emissions is generated during the construction phase. However, economic, legal, and socio-cultural barriers to conversion or renovation pose a challenge.
On behalf of the Swiss Federal Office of Energy (SFOE), the Federal Housing Office (BWO) and the Canton of Basel-Stadt, INFRAS has been looking for practical solutions to reduce the obstacles and thus ultimately also these grey emissions. Project partners are Norm the Zurich University of Applied Science ZHAW and UniDistance Suisse.
Different buildings - different hurdles
Key findings: Preserving existing buildings is a key driver of climate-friendly infill development and rarely fails due to a single factor. Effective solutions require a mix of tools.
The project begins by asking what different initial situations (e.g. ownership structure, building character, location) may exist that could influence the decision in favour of a conversion or a new replacement building. These types are then illustrated by 3D modelling of representative buildings. Subsequently, the specific obstacles that speak against a conversion are analysed depending on the initial situation. Based on this typology, solutions are developed to foster conversion and refurbishments.
Further information:
- Final report (in German)
- Summary (in German)
- Fact Sheet (in German)
Further INFRAS projects on this topic:
Project team
