SNBS certifications

Sustainable construction using the SNBS standard

Property owners and developers who build in accordance with the Swiss Sustainable Building Standard (SNBS) obtain independent certification confirming that their construction project meets specific criteria relating to environmental, social and economic sustainability. SNBS certification thus makes sustainability an objectively measurable factor and is a compelling argument when buying or selling property, as well as in ESG reporting. The SNBS standard enjoys particular credibility in Switzerland: supported by the Sustainable Building Switzerland Network (NNBS), it emerged from the Federal Council’s sustainable development strategy, integrates existing concepts such as Minergie-Eco and SIA Standard 112-1, and was developed through dialogue between the public sector and industry.

The SNBS standard can be applied to residential buildings, office buildings, educational buildings and infrastructure: 

• SNBS Building Construction: For residential, administrative and educational buildings, or mixed-use developments. 35 sustainability criteria are assessed. A construction project can achieve one of three awards: Platinum, Gold or Silver.
• SNBS Site: Suitable for sites under development, undergoing transformation or in operation, with an energy reference area of 10,000 m² or more. Individual buildings do not need to be certified.
• SNBS Infrastructure: Suitable for structures relating to transport, hydraulic engineering, protection, energy or communications. Unlike SNBS Building and SNBS Site, it is not formally certified. It serves as a tool for developers to plan, build and operate infrastructure projects sustainably.
• SNBS Existing Buildings/Operation: Is currently being finalised and should be available as a standard from April 2026. Applies the criteria of SNBS Building Construction to existing buildings. Analyses the current condition of properties and helps to identify measures to improve sustainability.

SNBS Pre-Check: Assess the sustainability potential of your construction project with minimal effort

Is your construction project suitable for SNBS certification? If so: Which level of certification can you aim for, and what effort is involved – Platinum, Gold or Silver? Or would another sustainability label be a better fit for your company’s sustainability strategy and ESG reporting requirements? With the ‘SNBS Pre-Check’, we can determine with relatively little effort whether your construction project is suitable for SNBS certification and identify any potential obstacles to successful certification at an early stage of the project. In a personal consultation with you, we will define your sustainability goals and outline the necessary measures required for successful SNBS certification.

SNBS criteria assessment and specifications for your construction project

Following a detailed assessment of the building project against the SNBS sustainability criteria, we work with the client to determine the measures to be implemented. This forms the basis for the specifications, in which we set out the sustainability requirements for the architects and specialist designers to follow when drawing up the preliminary design and construction plans.

Applying for a provisional SNBS certificate

Alongside obtaining planning permission, we will submit an application on your behalf to the SNBS certification body for the provisional certification of your building project. For SNBS sites, provisional certification takes place as early as SISA Phase 2 (preliminary studies), as the groundwork must be laid at an earlier stage of the project. Together with the architects and specialist planners, we compile the necessary documents and handle all communication with the certification body on your behalf. As soon as we receive a response, we will discuss any necessary adjustments to the project with you to ensure that nothing stands in the way of successful sustainability certification once construction is complete. This provides all project stakeholders with the necessary planning certainty.

Sustainability in construction: consultancy and management

The ground-breaking ceremony has taken place. Questions regarding sustainability frequently arise, particularly during the construction phase of building projects. We provide expert advice to specialist planners and contractors, for example, to compare different building products in terms of sustainability and make recommendations. During construction, we continue to manage the specifications and, through site visits, ensure that what is being built meets the client’s sustainability requirements.

All's well that ends well: your SNBS certificate

Finally, we will compile all the necessary supporting documents for you and submit the application for the definitive SNBS certificate on your behalf. A certificate provides independent verification of your commitment to sustainable construction.