We explain minergie to you!

On everyone’s lips and yet one asks oneself: “What does Minergie mean?”

The name "Minergie" is often mentioned in the construction industry. The term has long been part of everyday language and is used in almost every discussion about a construction project. But rarely can a person actually classify the term correctly. We will explain the characteristics behind the word "Minergie" and provide an overview of its categories.

Over the years, the Minergie building standard has become increasingly well-known, which has enabled it to be widely recognized and accepted. One of the reasons for this is that planners, architects and building owners are completely free to design, choose materials and construct the building. This is not always guaranteed with other energy labels, which can result in restrictions in floor plan planning, for example.
The best-known standards are Minergie, Minergie-P and Minergie-A. These ensure that the highest quality and efficiency are taken into account in the planning phase. Basically, these primarily refer to the following building characteristics:

• High-quality building envelope
• energy recovery
• Renewable energy

The aim of these Minergie standards is basically to enable a high level of living and working comfort. In addition, the energy requirements of the components in the building are very low. For example, heat generation in the building for heating or hot water should be provided by renewable energies wherever possible.
In addition to the standards, Minergie offers additional products that relate to implementation or operation in addition to the planning phase. Below you will find a list of the categories and additional products to give you an overview.

Minergie building standards

Minergie
Is the most important label for comfortable and energy-efficient buildings in Switzerland. The most important points are a well-insulated building shell combined with air renewal by means of controlled room ventilation. The Minergie index (total building balance) of 55 kWh/m2a must be adhered to. Particular attention must also be paid to heat protection in summer. This means that even for the normal Minergie standard, a PV system is necessary to compensate for the electrical devices in the building.

Minergie-P
The Minergie-P standard designates and qualifies buildings that aim for even lower energy consumption than Minergie. A very well-insulated and airtight building shell is essential for Minergie-P buildings. The building shell requirement is at least 30% lower than the legal requirements. The special Minergie index is set at 50 kWh/m2a, which is slightly lower than the normal Minergie standard.

Minergie-A
A Minergie-A house has at least a zero-emissions energy balance. This means that the costs for space heating, water heating and air renewal, and possibly also for air conditioning, are covered entirely by renewable energies on an annual average. That is, by solar energy and biomass, by geothermal energy and heat from the outside air. Typical Minergie-A houses combine systems for using these energies, for example heat pumps and solar cells or solar collectors and wood heating. Due to the consideration of the entire system, the Minergie index is set particularly strictly at 35 kWh/m2a.

additional products

ECO
This additional certification combines qualities of the Minergie standards with healthy and ecological construction. Energy includes building ecology requirements.

MQS Bau
This ensures quality assurance and transparency during the construction phase.

MQS operation
This additional certification involves an effective operational check.

PERFORMANCE
Is for accompanying operational optimization. This was developed for maximum comfort and optimal operation.

The three construction standards can be freely combined with the additional products. They can also be combined with the Swiss Sustainable Building Standard (SNBS), which places emphasis on socio-economic aspects.

We hope that this overview has been of assistance to you on the subject of Minergie. As a Minergie specialist, W&P Engineering AG is your ideal partner for all matters relating to the certification of your building. Contact us, we will be happy to help you.

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