More than one third of the global energy demand and around 40 percent of CO2 emissions are due to buildings. In Switzerland, 26 percent of greenhouse gas emissions are caused by buildings.
Sustainable building management is key to counteracting climate change. This approach considers the fields of society, the economy and the environment for all functions and processes.
Since 2013, Zurich Invest Ltd has continuously focused on renewable energy sources in all real estate portfolios.
The investment group invests in residential properties. The annual real estate valuation is carried out by the Swiss market leader Wüest Partner. The real estate is well diversified in terms of size, age structure and geographical distribution.
More about the product.
Greenhouse gas emissions have been calculated according to the KBOB methodology since 2010, and from 2020 onwards on the basis of the Greenhouse Gas Protocol, which replaces the KBOB methodology.
The Greenhouse Gas Protocol methodology is also in line with the requirements of the Asset Management Association Switzerland (AMAS), which were added later, and has been audited accordingly as part of an assurance report since 2021.
The measures initiated in the Zurich Investment Foundation's residential portfolio since 2010, such as operational optimization, energy-efficient renovations and new buildings as well as heating replacement measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, will be continued and accelerated.
In addition, with the targeted switch from fossil to non-fossil energy sources in selected properties, we have achieved the reduction in greenhouse gas emissions that can be achieved in this way and will continue to strive to do so.
We strive for labels such as Minergie and the Swiss Sustainable Building Standard (SNBS) «Gold», particularly for complete refurbishments and development projects. This enables us to guarantee the consistently high quality of our construction projects. Among other things, this strategy has a positive impact on the efficiency of projects and leads to a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.
The reduction path shown illustrates how greenhouse gas emissions in the Zurich Investment Foundation's residential portfolio have developed since 2010. The graph also illustrates how the reduction in greenhouse gas emissions is expected to develop up to 2050 based on the specific project pipeline and the renovation cycles taken into account.
Greenhouse gas emissions are calculated on the basis of energy sources and energy consumption per building.
The greenhouse gas emission factors for the building sector according to Integrale Planung GmbH (Intep) are used for the calculation. Further information on the calculation methodology can be found in our methodology section.
For the 2020 greenhouse gas intensity presented, an assurance report from the external auditor is available.
With a score of 81 (out of 100), the portfolio achieved three stars in 2025. The identified measures to improve data transparency have already been partially implemented, which is reflected in the improved score (1 point more). The optimization of the technical systems in our properties is being consistently continued to further improve the energy balance.
The installation of smart meters enables real-time data reading and allowed data collection over the entire calendar year, instead of only during individual billing periods provided by utility companies.
The aim is to implement a label for every property project. In the medium and long term, the focus is on the continuous optimisation of data coverage. We are constantly driving forward the replacement of fossil fuels with renewable energy sources. We are also optimising tenant support by considering the findings from tenant surveys.
The valuation period refers to 01.01.2024-31.12.2024. The results are published in the fourth quarter of the following year.
| Assessment area | Max. | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 |
| Environment |
62 | 39 | 47 | 43 | 43 |
| Social | 18 | 16 | 18 | 18 | 18 |
| Governance | 20 | 19 | 19 | 19 | 19 |
| Total | 100 | 74 | 84 | 80 | 81 |
| Assessment area | Max. | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 |
| Management |
30 | 30 | 29 | 29 | 29 |
| Performance | 70 | 45 | 55 | 51 | 51 |
| Total | 100 | 74 | 84 | 80 | 81 |
Due to rounding errors, the total score may differ by one point.
The Global Real Estate Sustainability Benchmark is a real-estate-specific, global sustainability platform that reviews and compares the ESG (environmental, social, governance) performance of real estate vehicles every year.
7 areas are assessed:
GRESB is the leading rating system for measuring the sustainability performance of real estate funds. Unlike other rating systems, GRESB checks the sustainability performance of the individual real estate, which is then aggregated at the portfolio level.
GRESB makes it possible to assess ESG performance in comparison to other real estate funds and companies with similar conditions, and to assess where sustainability performance can be improved.
In December 2023, the Swiss Pension Fund Association ASIP published an ESG reporting standard for Swiss pension funds.
Zurich Invest Ltd and Zurich investment foundation follow this standard and publish the key figures of their funds and investment groups in accordance with the ASIP standard.
Here you will find the ASIP-ESG key figures for «ZAST Real Estate Residential Switzerland».
The greenhouse gas intensity indicates the emissions from the energy consumption of the building per square metre (in relation to the energy reference area).
Energy intensity per m2 is calculated on the basis of the energy consumption per property, divided by the energy reference area of the property.
According to the Greenhouse Gas Protocol, three emission scopes are defined:
Scope 1
Includes the emissions caused by the property itself. For example, heating oil or natural gas.
Scope 2
Includes the upstream emissions that are led to the property. For example, district heating or general electricity.
Scope 3
Can include various upstream and downstream emissions such as tenant electricity.
The investment group invests primarily in commercial properties. The annual real estate valuation is carried out by the Swiss market leader Wüest Partner. The real estate is diversified in terms of size, age structure and geographical distribution.
More about the product.
MethodologyGreenhouse gas emissions have been calculated according to the KBOB methodology since 2010, and from 2020 onwards on the basis of the Greenhouse Gas Protocol, which replaces the KBOB methodology.
The Greenhouse Gas Protocol methodology is also in line with the requirements of the Asset Management Association Switzerland (AMAS), which were added later, and has been audited accordingly as part of an assurance report since 2021.
The measures initiated in the Zurich Investment Foundation's residential portfolio since 2010, such as operational optimization, energy-efficient renovations and new buildings as well as heating replacement measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, will be continued and accelerated.
In addition, we have realized the achievable reduction in greenhouse gas emissions with the targeted conversion from fossil to non-fossil energy sources in selected properties and will continue to strive to do so.
We strive for labels such as Minergie and the Swiss Sustainable Building Standard (SNBS) «Gold», particularly for complete refurbishments and development projects. This enables us to guarantee the consistently high quality of our construction projects. Among other things, this strategy has a positive impact on the efficiency of projects and leads to a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.
The reduction path shown illustrates how greenhouse gas emissions in the Zurich Investment Foundation's business portfolio have developed since 2010. The chart also illustrates how the reduction in greenhouse gas emissions is expected to develop up to 2050 based on the specific project pipeline and the renewal cycles taken into account.
Greenhouse gas emissions are calculated on the basis of energy sources and energy consumption per building.
The greenhouse gas emission factors for the building sector according to Integrale Planung GmbH (Intep) are used for the calculation. Further information on the calculation methodology can be found in our methodology section.
For the 2020 greenhouse gas intensity presented, an assurance report from the external auditor is available.
With a score of 81 (out of 100), the portfolio achieved three stars in 2025. The identified measures to improve data transparency have already been partially implemented, which is reflected in the improved score (2 points more). The optimization of the technical systems in our properties is being consistently continued to further improve the energy balance.
The installation of smart meters enables real-time data reading and has made it possible to collect data over the entire calendar year, rather than just during individual billing periods provided by utility companies.
The aim is to implement a label for every property project. In the medium and long term, the focus is on the continuous optimisation of data coverage. We are constantly driving forward the replacement of fossil fuels with renewable energy sources. We are also optimising tenant support by considering the findings from tenant surveys.
The valuation period refers to 01.01.2024-31.12.2024. The results are published in the fourth quarter of the following year.
| Assessment area | Max. | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 |
| Environment |
62 | 34 | 43 | 42 | 44 |
| Social | 18 | 16 | 18 | 18 | 18 |
| Governance | 20 | 19 | 19 | 19 | 19 |
| Total | 100 | 69 | 80 | 79 | 81 |
| Assessment area | Max. | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 |
| Management |
30 | 30 | 29 | 29 | 29 |
| Performance | 70 | 40 | 51 | 50 | 52 |
| Total | 100 | 69 | 80 | 79 | 81 |
Due to rounding errors, the total score may differ by one point.
The Global Real Estate Sustainability Benchmark is a real-estate-specific, global sustainability platform that reviews and compares the ESG (environmental, social, governance) performance of real estate vehicles every year.
7 areas are assessed:
GRESB is the leading rating system for measuring the sustainability performance of real estate funds. Unlike other rating systems, GRESB checks the sustainability performance of the individual real estate, which is then aggregated at the portfolio level.
GRESB makes it possible to assess ESG performance in comparison to other real estate funds and companies with similar conditions, and to assess where sustainability performance can be improved.
In December 2023, the Swiss Pension Fund Association ASIP published an ESG reporting standard for Swiss pension funds.
Zurich Invest Ltd and Zurich investment foundation follow this standard and publish the key figures of their funds and investment groups in accordance with the ASIP standard.
Here you will find the ASIP-ESG key figures for «ZAST Real Estate Commercial Switzerland».
The greenhouse gas intensity indicates the emissions from the energy consumption of the building per square metre (in relation to the energy reference area).
Energy intensity per m2 is calculated on the basis of the energy consumption per property, divided by the energy reference area of the property.
According to the Greenhouse Gas Protocol, three emission scopes are defined:
Scope 1
Includes the emissions caused by the property itself. For example, heating oil or natural gas.
Scope 2
Includes the upstream emissions that are led to the property. For example, district heating or general electricity.
Scope 3
Can include various upstream and downstream emissions such as tenant electricity.
The fund invests in real estate throughout Switzerland and has broad regional diversification. Most of the portfolio objects are located in major Swiss cities or their agglomerations. The strategy focuses on existing real estate objects in residential use, as well as some projects. The fund pursues a sustainable growth strategy and holds the properties directly.
More about the product.
The model calculation is based on the initial situation of 2020, which was calculated using the methodology according to KBOB (Coordination Conference of the Building and Real Estate Bodies of Public Builders). The conversion of the target to the new methodology according to the Greenhouse Gas Protocol will take place at a later date.
Information on the calculation methodology can be found in our methodology section.
Greenhouse gas emissions have been calculated according to the KBOB methodology since 2010, and from 2020 onwards on the basis of the Greenhouse Gas Protocol, which replaces the KBOB methodology.
The new Greenhouse Gas Protocol methodology is also in line with the requirements of the Asset Management Association Switzerland (AMAS), which were added later, and has been audited accordingly as part of an assurance report since 2021.
The measures initiated in the Zurich Investment Foundation's residential portfolio since 2010, such as operational optimization, energy-efficient renovations and new buildings as well as heating replacement measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, will be continued and accelerated.
In addition, we have realized the achievable reduction in greenhouse gas emissions with the targeted switch from fossil fuels to non-fossil fuels in selected properties and will continue to strive to do so.
We strive for labels such as Minergie and the Swiss Sustainable Building Standard (SNBS) «Gold», particularly for complete refurbishments and development projects. This enables us to guarantee the consistently high quality of our construction projects. Among other things, this strategy has a positive impact on the efficiency of projects and leads to a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.
The reduction path shown illustrates how greenhouse gas emissions in Zurich Invest Ltd's real estate portfolio have developed since 2020. The chart also illustrates how the reduction in greenhouse gas emissions is expected to develop by 2050 based on the specific project pipeline and the renovation cycles taken into account.
Greenhouse gas emissions are calculated on the basis of energy sources and energy consumption per building.
The greenhouse gas emission factors for the building sector according to Integrale Planung GmbH (Intep) are used for the calculation. Further information on the calculation methodology can be found in our methodology section.
For the 2020 greenhouse gas intensity presented, an assurance report from the external auditor is available.
With a score of 81 (out of 100), the portfolio achieved three stars in 2025 – as in the previous reporting period. The identified measures to improve data transparency have been partially implemented. However, due to the dynamic nature of the portfolio (including some construction measures and a major construction project), their effects will only become clearly noticeable in the coming years.
The optimisation of the technical systems in our properties is being consistently continued in order to further improve the energy balance. The installation of smart meters allows for real-time data reading, thus enabling data collection throughout the entire calendar year rather than just during individual billing periods provided by utility companies.
The aim is to implement a label for every property project. In the medium and long term, the focus is on the continuous optimisation of data coverage. We are constantly driving forward the replacement of fossil fuels with renewable energy sources. We are also optimising tenant support by considering the findings from tenant surveys.
The valuation period refers to 01.07.2023-30.06.2024. The results are published in the fourth quarter of the following year.
| Assessment area | Max. | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 |
| Environment |
62 | 39 | 45 | 44 | 44 |
| Social | 18 | 16 | 18 | 18 | 18 |
| Governance | 20 | 19 | 19 | 19 | 19 |
| Total | 100 | 74 | 82 | 81 | 81 |
| Assessment area | Max. | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 |
| Management |
30 | 30 | 29 | 29 | 29 |
| Performance | 70 | 44 | 53 | 52 | 51 |
| Total | 100 | 74 | 82 | 81 | 81 |
Due to rounding errors, the total score may differ by one point.
The Global Real Estate Sustainability Benchmark is a real-estate-specific, global sustainability platform that reviews and compares the ESG (environmental, social, governance) performance of real estate vehicles every year.
7 areas are assessed:
GRESB is the leading rating system for measuring the sustainability performance of real estate funds. Unlike other rating systems, GRESB checks the sustainability performance of the individual real estate, which is then aggregated at the portfolio level.
GRESB makes it possible to assess ESG performance in comparison to other real estate funds and companies with similar conditions, and to assess where sustainability performance can be improved.
In December 2023, the Swiss Pension Fund Association ASIP published an ESG reporting standard for Swiss pension funds.
Zurich Invest Ltd and Zurich investment foundation follow this standard and publish the key figures of their funds and investment groups in accordance with the ASIP standard.
Here you will find the ASIP-ESG key figures for «ZIF Real Estate Direct Switzerland».
The greenhouse gas intensity indicates the emissions from the energy consumption of the building per square metre (in relation to the energy reference area).
Energy intensity per m2 is calculated on the basis of the energy consumption per property, divided by the energy reference area of the property.
According to the Greenhouse Gas Protocol, three emission scopes are defined:
Scope 1
Includes the emissions caused by the property itself. For example, heating oil or natural gas.
Scope 2
Includes the upstream emissions that are led to the property. For example, district heating or general electricity.
Scope 3
Can include various upstream and downstream emissions such as tenant electricity.
