The ETH spin-off Scandens reports a successful first financial year since the market launch of its restructuring planning software in June 2023. The software is already having a significant impact on the Swiss real estate industry. Planning offices, architects, real estate companies, insurance companies, pension funds and housing cooperatives have used the software to optimize 274 properties in terms of costs and CO2. This will lead to estimated savings of CHF 42 million and 116,500 tons of CO2 over the next 25 years.
The web-based software solution developed by Scandens combines artificial intelligence with building modeling and life cycle costing. This enables energy consultants and building owners to plan their refurbishment projects quickly and comprehensively. The automated process includes data acquisition, feasibility checks, component planning and component design, as well as profitability and CO2-accounting, incl. gray emissions.
Satisfied customers and big savings
In the first 7 months since the market launch, housing cooperatives, planning offices, real estate companies, architects and insurance companies have analyzed and optimized 274 properties via Scandens. Over the next 25 years, customers will save an estimated CHF 42 million and 116,500 tons of CO2.
Chris Steffen, energy transition engineer at the consulting firm dieProjektfabrik, has been using Scandens for three months: "One address, a few clicks and a check from my side - and a comprehensive renovation plan is ready. It covers the legal requirements, is aligned with the current reporting standards and even shows the technical feasibility, costs and subsidies. Scandens is the ideal software solution for our "ImmoStrat" consulting product and saves our team at least 3 hours of work per building on average."
Relevance of decarbonization in the building sector
With a share of 26% of direct CO2-emissions in Switzerland, the building sector plays a central role in the climate debate. Optimizations in existing buildings have the greatest leverage. "The current renovation rate of 1% is not enough to achieve the net zero target. With our software, we want to give decision-makers the tools they need to plan refurbishments more efficiently and cost-effectively - and thus increase the refurbishment rate," says Diego Sigrist, co-founder of Scandens.
About Scandens
Scandens, an ETH spin-off based in Zurich, offers a web-based software solution that optimizes the renovation process for energy consultants and institutional building owners. Supported by the Migros Pioneer Fund, Scandens aims to make energy-efficient building renovations simpler and more cost-effective. This is accelerating the transition to a more sustainable building sector in Switzerland.