When it comes to the environment the material topics and associated goals are reducing CO2 and other emissions and cutting the use of resources. The guidelines are set out in the label strategy and the Circular Building Charter. Responsibility for implementation lies with the divisions, with advice and support from the sustainability unit. Since 2023 Allreal has been represented on the board of the Sustainable Construction Network Switzerland (NNBS) and a member of the steering group of the Charter.
Diverse engagement
Allreal is rigorously committed to strategically integrating environmental aspects into all projects. We are constantly developing, so as to reduce our ecological footprint over the long term. We strictly adhere to the extensive Swiss environmental regulations and take our lead from the Sustainable Construction Switzerland standard (SNBS).
The CO2 reduction path is currently on track with a 52% share of fossil fuels in 2024 (taking 2021 as the base; the energy year runs from 1 July to 30 June). Investments to the tune of double-digit millions in renewable energies and efficiency measures are planned out to 2030 to hit the future targets on the reduction path.
Allreal offsets some of its CO2 emissions. In 2024 roughly 4,000 tonnes of CO2 were offset by climate projects certified to recognised standards such as the Gold Standard or the Verified Carbon Standard (VCS). These are carbon offset and removal projects that also generate social co-benefits.
During the reporting year, ten photovoltaic installations with a peak output of 2.2 MW went into operation, and various others are in the course of being implemented. All previously installed systems, in a total of 19 properties, together generated 2,271 MWh of renewable electricity in the energy year. We also further boosted the share of renewable energy in the portfolio and are encouraging heating systems that use renewable energy sources in new build and renovation projects. In e-mobility, a total of 96 further charging stations were installed in 2024.
By signing the Circular Building Charter, Allreal is committed to the shared ambition of cutting the use of non-recyclable primary raw materials to 50% of the total volume, logging and significantly reducing indirect greenhouse gas emissions and measuring and improving the recyclability of renovation work and new builds, by 2030.
Energy controlling is when consumption and measurement values of all the building’s installations are gathered, presented and analysed in one place.
Energy consumption and CO2 emissions
Allreal is committed to keeping energy consumption and the associated greenhouse gas emissions low and steadily reducing them. Apart from the structure of a building and its operation, environmental conditions affect the use of heating (and hence energy) in the winter.
Allreal uses the internationally recognised Greenhouse Gas Protocol to measure greenhouse gas emissions. Allreal includes Scopes 1 (direct emissions), 2 (indirect emissions) and 3.3 (fuel and energy-related emissions). The energy used by tenants shown in the reduction path (Scope 3.13) is currently based on estimates. Scope 3.13 will be shown systematically as soon as measured data are available.
Total energy consumption was down 3.3% year on year to 68.89 GWh. Energy intensity fell 1.2% to 88 kWh/m² of rentable area. This is mainly due to the mild winter, which resulted in a year-on-year decline in heating degree days.
Greenhouse gas emissions and greenhouse gas intensity again were cut from the previous year. This was largely due to the fact that we replaced oil and gas heating systems and are showing biogas separately. As a result, we significantly cut Scope 1 emissions (direct emissions from fuels burned on site). At the same time, Scope 3.3 emissions (indirect emissions from supplying energy) rose. This is because although biogas and PV are renewable energy sources, providing them releases more CO2.