Complete guide for renovations in Sion

Sion, located at an altitude of 515 meters, presents distinct climatic characteristics that directly influence the durability of your renovations.9 °C and about 57 days of frost per year, interior thermal comfort remains a top priority.7 °C, requires robust construction choices to limit heating needs.

The building stock in Sion consists of varied structures, ranging from old buildings in the historic center to more recent constructions on the outskirts. This diversity, combined with global irradiation of 1421 kWh/m²/an, offers interesting potential for integrating solar solutions.

9-32 °fh), which requires special attention to protect your technical and sanitary installations from limescale.

Improving energy efficiency is currently a central concern in Sion. The Sion Region Climate Plan, which includes several municipalities, aims for a significant reduction in overall energy consumption.

For an owner, this means prioritizing the building envelope : high-performance thermal insulation of facades and roofs allows for a drastic reduction in heat loss.

Replacing old windows with triple glazing is an essential complementary measure to avoid thermal bridges. By insulating better, you minimize heating needs, which is consistent with municipal policy seeking to optimize technical installations.

Every renovation project should be thought of in the long term, in order to align with the sustainable development goals of the Climate Plan municipalities, while enhancing your property value through a better energy efficiency rating.

The energy transition in Sion involves a profound change in heating systems. The flagship project is the Sion district heating (CAD), commissioned in June 2022. Operated by OIKEN, this network utilizes heat from the Central Valais Waste Treatment Plant (UTO).

This system heats the equivalent of 10,000 households, offering a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels for connectable buildings.

If your building is not located near the CAD network, the installation of heat pumps remains a preferred solution, supported by cantonal subsidies. The network has two backup and emergency plants, located on Rue de l’Industrie and in the hospital parking lot, ensuring the reliability of supply during very cold periods.

Before any modification, inquire about the specifics of your neighborhood to check eligibility for connection to the CAD, a step that is fully in line with municipal energy policy.

Sion possesses a rich architectural heritage, particularly in its medieval old town, which implies strict constraints during facade or roof work. Although the ban on solar panels in the old town has been lifted, it is subject to rigorous conditions.

For listed buildings (degrees 1, 2, and 3), the installation of solar panels is either prohibited or subject to a strict weighing of interests.

For non-listed buildings in protected areas, solar projects are in principle authorized provided that architectural integration (colors, shapes, regularity) is respected. Installation on flat roofs visible from neighboring properties is generally prohibited.

In sensitive hillside areas, increased requirements are imposed to preserve the landscape.

It is imperative to consult the authorities before submitting any application, as each file is evaluated individually to ensure your work respects the visual identity of the city while allowing for necessary technical modernization.

The canton of Valais offers active support via the Buildings Program for your energy renovation projects.

You can benefit from subsidies for the installation of heat pumps (flat-rate contributions according to technology and power), thermal insulation of the facade, replacement of windows as part of a comprehensive renovation, as well as for solar thermal installations.

For photovoltaics, a one-off federal remuneration is provided, sometimes supplemented by municipal premiums.

On the tax side, it is important to note the municipal tax coefficient of the city of Sion, which is 176. To optimize your tax burden during major work, inquire about the deductibility of maintenance and renovation costs.

Rigorous financial planning, including these aids and tax deductions, is essential for the profitability of your investment in Sion. Official websites such as the Buildings Program and Pronovo are your reference points for submitting your applications before work begins.

A successful renovation in Sion begins with structured planning. Before contacting companies, list your priorities based on the current state of your property: insulation, heating, or sanitary standards.

Given the diversity of the trades required, prioritize local companies that know the specificities of the Sédunois heritage and the technical requirements related to the climate of our region.

Systematically request several detailed quotes to compare services and ensure that the companies are authorized to install subsidized equipment. Good coordination between craftsmen is crucial to avoid delays.

By planning your work in the long term, you can stagger investments according to the aid available and the goals of the Sion Region Climate Plan.

Transparent communication with your service providers about your expectations for energy efficiency will ensure a result that meets your needs and the standards in force in the municipality.