As a major player in decarbonisation in French-speaking Switzerland, the Romande Energie Group is confirming its position in the property segment by investing in the start-up YORD. YORD specialises in the intelligent optimisation of building heating systems, enabling efficiency and energy savings. The two partners are aiming for a considerable reduction in CO2 emissions from buildings.
Switzerland’s building stock is still responsible for 40% of greenhouse gas emissions. The recent plebiscite in favour of the Electricity Act and the Climate Act passed in 2023 confirm the ongoing energy transition and the need to renovate buildings to make them more energy-efficient. Switzerland has hundreds of thousands of buildings in need of renovation.
Romande Energie’s Property segment continues to grow
As a decarbonisation player, Romande Energie advises and supports its customers throughout the building renovation process. The Group aims to promote innovative solutions to improve energy efficiency and reduce its customers’ carbon footprint. Before making major, costly investments, Romande Energie offers audits that enable the stages of renovation to be staggered. Today, the energy company is investing in the start-up YORD, whose technology is perfectly aligned with these objectives.
YORD, intelligent optimisation for buildings
Founded in 2021 by four engineers and based in Fribourg, the young company offers a box that, when connected to existing heating installations – regardless of their type or age and without requiring any structural modifications – can analyse the thermal behaviour of the building and the habits of its occupants to optimise heating operation. This approach enables rapid energy savings of up to 40%, while maintaining optimum comfort levels. In addition, YORD offers complementary services such as air quality monitoring and annual reports detailing the savings achieved.
« The expertise of Romande Energie and its RE Ventures unit in the energy sector and their cross-disciplinary skills convinced us to choose them to accelerate our technical and commercial development. As a committed player in the Cleantech ecosystem, Romande Energie is a strategic partner for our growth. » says Sébastien Bron, CEO and co-founder of the start-up.
A logical partnership
For Romande Energie, the ability to integrate existing heating systems without major modifications, combined with significant energy savings from day one (up to 40%!), represents real added value for its customers.
« YORD’s approach, which combines energy optimisation with maintaining and even maximising occupant comfort, is in line with our vision of a positive, user-centred energy transition. This collaboration will enable us to offer cutting-edge energy efficiency solutions while strengthening our leadership position in the sector. » explains Thibaud Weick, Head of RE Ventures at Romande Energie.
