New: the Minergie net zero label and timber construction

Avoid first, then account for carbon removed

Switzerland aims to be climate neutral by 2050, and municipalities and federally affiliated companies must build CO₂-neutral buildings from 2040. Since 1990, operational greenhouse gas emissions from buildings have fallen by 47 percent despite 50 percent more heated floor area. According to Primavesi, that is not enough for net zero. The new label builds on Minergie-P or -A-ECO for new buildings and on the Minergie standard for renovations.

The first step sets a limit for life-cycle emissions. Buildings made mostly of timber meet it more easily. The second step accounts for the carbon held in the building: one cubic metre of Swiss timber accounts for around one tonne of CO₂ removed, of which 64 percent is credited. The 36 percent deduction is based on a proposal by ETH researchers and reflects, among other things, losses at deconstruction.

Offsetting at 250 francs per tonne

Any remaining emissions are offset with verified negative emission certificates. Only permanent technologies from high-quality projects in Switzerland and neighbouring countries are eligible, currently at a price of 250 Swiss francs per tonne of CO₂. For timber builders, this creates an additional sales argument.

I bet that plenty of optimisations in the project still cost less than 250 francs per tonne of CO₂.

How Timber Carbon sees it

Minergie-Netto-Null gives clear weight to the carbon held in a building. Developers who plan a building under the label and also consider carbon removal credits should clarify early how the carbon is accounted for, so that the same carbon is not counted twice. Timber Carbon supports developers on this question. Contact us for an assessment of your project.