Builders' Association pleads for replacement new buildings
At its annual media conference, the Swiss Builders' Association presented its action plan for the aggressive modernization of buildings. In order to achieve the climate goals, he relies primarily on new replacement buildings. They are also seen as an integral part of the circular economy.
At its annual media conference, the Swiss Builders’ Association ( SBV ) presented its action plan for the aggressive modernization of buildings . In order to achieve the climate goals, the pace of building renovation must be tripled, the SBV explained in a statement at the media conference. In its action plan, the association advocates new replacement buildings in particular. They are “an integral part of the circular economy and save much more energy and pollutants than old buildings,” says the statement.
In the action plan, the SBV calls, among other things, for the establishment of a utilization bonus of 30 percent for replacement new buildings. They should also be put on an equal footing with energy-related refurbishments when it comes to funding. In addition, the SBV pleads for a limit to the number of protected buildings and for the equal importance of densification with the protection of the townscape. The recycling of building materials, which is still being tested, should also “not be slowed down by over-regulation”, according to the action plan.
At the annual media conference, the SBV also addressed the situation in the construction industry. It “proved to be an important and stable pillar of the Swiss economy during the two years of the corona pandemic,” the statement said. Last year, with more than 91,500 full-time positions, the level before the outbreak of the pandemic was reached again.
Your association sees delivery problems and increased prices for many building materials as a risk for the industry. The SBV explains that six out of ten construction companies have been affected by them in the past few months. The industry is also assuming high prices for building materials for the current year. A rise in interest rates is also expected in the medium term, which could make real estate less attractive as an investment.