Sufficiency-first: Combining sufficiency measures with optimal retrofitting to reach net-zero residential buildings in Switzerland

A sufficiency approach, alongside efficiency-focused retrofitting, presents a potential pathway towards achieving net-zero residential buildings in Switzerland. This study compares sufficiency measures with conventional retrofitting strategies to assess their impact on energy demand reduction and investigates their effectiveness across different municipality types. Using a clustering method, we categorize buildings based on municipality type, construction period, and building typology.

Through building energy simulation we evaluate behavioral, technical, and space demand scenarios. Results reveal that fast and easy-to-implement sufficiency measures can achieve substantial energy savings at lower costs and with fewer embodied emissions compared to conventional retrofits. These insights can guide policymakers to prioritize energy reduction strategies that align with social and economic feasibility.