and 1600, 3500 and 10,000 for projects between 500 and 2000 metres squared, 2000 and 5000, and over 5000 metres squared, respectively.) System audit and verification For all categories of building except newly built single-family homes the expected energy consumption per surface area must be declared and verified. For new single-family homes and apartment blocks 38 kWh/m2/annum must not be exceeded. For refurbishment projects the limiting value is 60 kWh/m2/annum. For reasons of simplicity, energy consumption for hot water preparation is included in these figures. For buildings at altitudes above 800 m, the limit values are increased. New buildings must also leak less than or equal to 0.9 air changes per hour at 50 pascal. Depending on the building's category, various additional requirements are made: For single-family homes and apartment blocks, restaurants and indoor pools a ventilation system with heat recovery is compulsory. In this way, it can be guaranteed that Minergie buildings are not only energy-saving, but also are considered comfortable by their residents. For offices, schools and sales premises, an energy-efficient lighting concept according to the Swiss SIA 380/4 standard is prescribed. Standard solutions Five simplified standard solutions are available for single-family homes. These are: Heating and hot water preparation over the whole year using heat pump with a ground-probe as energy source Wood-fired heating and hot-water preparation using solar collectors Automatic pellet-fired heating and hot-water preparation Use of district heating with waste heat Air-water heat-pump-based heating and hot water preparation. In addition, a high level of insulation is recommended. A ventilation system with heat-recovery is also called for. See also Effinergie in France Passivhaus in Germany References External links Minergie International Website Minergie Congressional Briefing Addressing Climate Change with Energy Efficient Buildings: Best Practices from Switzerland Sustainable building rating systems