Banque Cantonale de Geneve : BCGE receives the "renewable thermal" award from SIG

BCGE continues to transform and renovate its premises, in collaboration with the cantonal authorities, architects and engineering offices. The Bank always uses energy optimisation measures when modernising its equipment and systematically seeks to implement eco-efficient solutions. For example, it has opted for environmentally friendly electricity, produced in Switzerland and 100% hydroelectric, provided by its current electricity supplier, Services Industriels de Genève (SIG).

In this way, BCGE is participating in the Cantonal Electricity Supply Project (NOE) of the Geneva Department of Energy (OCEN). It received the SIG-éco21 certificate for its commitment as a participant in the SIG's Ambition Négawatt Vision programme. According to SIG, "participants in the éco21 energy saving programme saved more than CHF 2.4 million on their electricity bills last year. Half of these savings were achieved by 420 companies and local authorities, representing a total of 15 GWh, or the equivalent of the annual consumption of 5,000 Geneva households."

The Bank's head office at Quai de l'Ile has been connected to the GeniLac^® thermal network since October 2021. The buildings are cooled and heated by water from Lake Geneva, a solution using 100% renewable energy and, ultimately, without CO₂ emissions. By choosing this solution, the Bank is reducing its CO₂ emissions and electricity consumption by up to 80%.

As a result, BCGE has just been awarded the "renewable thermal" trophy by SIG. The Energy Transition Trophies are awarded to the institutions with the best results. They are divided into 13 categories and cover the entire Geneva economy, companies, the real estate sector, public authorities and building professionals (heating, ventilation and solar specialists).

"BCGE is doing a great deal to advance the energy transition, from recycling consumer goods and supporting soft mobility to reducing its carbon footprint and resource consumption. The Bank has chosen a renewable solution for its thermal needs in cooling and heating. The project to connect BCGE's head office to the GeniLac^® thermal network corresponds to another aspect of this transition: energy efficiency. It is a first, not insignificant step in a comprehensive project to completely renovate the Bank's head office premises." Céline Orlandini, Head of Logistics and Purchasing Management at BCGE, at the presentation of the "Renewable Thermal Energy" Trophy by SIG, on 9 June 2022, at the Bâtiment des forces motrices (BFM), in the presence of the State Counsellor Antonio Hodgers, in charge of the Department of the Territory (DT).