The canton of Vaud has adopted a new energy law (LVLEne) and, on 9 October 2026, its implementing regulation. Both texts enter into force on 1 January 2027. They organise the phase-out of fossil fuels and require the energy renovation of the largest, most energy-hungry buildings. Here is what Vaud property owners should anticipate — and, conversely, what does not concern them.
The timetable: everything starts on 1 January 2027
After a year and a half of debate, the Vaud cantonal parliament adopted the complete revision of the cantonal energy law (LVLEne) on 3 February 2026. The cantonal government set out the details in an implementing regulation adopted on 9 October 2026. Both texts enter into force on 1 January 2027 (State of Vaud press release, 9 October 2026, in French).
To support implementation, the canton is opening an online desk from 27 October 2026, the Guichet Énergie Vaud, to guide owners and professionals through the procedures (vd.ch/energie, in French).
Heating: renewable at the next replacement
This is the rule that affects the most owners, whatever the size of the building:
| Situation | What the LVLEne provides |
|---|---|
| New building | Renewable heating and hot water only (heat pump, wood, mainly renewable district heating…) |
| Replacing an existing heating system | Only with an approved renewable installation; the replacement must be reported to the canton within 3 months |
| Oil or gas installed before 1 January 2020 | Replacement required by 2042 at the latest |
| Oil or gas installed since 1 January 2020 | Replacement required by 2047 at the latest |
| Direct electric heating | Installing or renewing it is prohibited; replacement is governed by a decree, with a deadline set at 2033 |
Where a district heating network runs nearby, the law gives priority to connecting to it, provided this is technically feasible and economically bearable. For a comparison with other cantons, see our overview of fossil heating replacement.
Large energy-hungry buildings: class D becomes mandatory
The envelope renovation obligation targets the largest, most energy-hungry buildings:
| Building | Obligation |
|---|---|
| 750 m² SRE or more, CECB class G | Reach at least class D by 2037 |
| 750 m² SRE or more, CECB class F | Reach at least class D by 2042 |
| Under 750 m² (detached house, small building), class F/G | No obligation to renovate the envelope |
An exemption can be requested where actual energy consumption is low, in addition to the general grounds (technical obstacles, disproportionate costs, an overriding interest such as heritage protection). Owners of several buildings can sign an agreement with the canton setting a renovation strategy for all or part of their portfolio.
CECB: mandatory before 1986 and on sale
- Buildings constructed before 1 January 1986: the owner must have a CECB drawn up at their own expense by the end of 2031. A building holding a recognised energy label (Minergie or an equivalent listed in the regulation) is exempt. Without a CECB by the deadline, the law subjects the building to the renovation rules for energy-hungry buildings.
- Sale: the seller provides a CECB or a recognised label at their own expense and mentions it in every document describing the property. In a condominium (PPE), the selling co-owner is responsible.
To understand the classes and what the certificate covers, see our guide to the building energy certificate.
Solar: on new builds and roof renovations
The law requires the solar potential to be used when constructing a new building, renovating the roof or adding at least one storey. Other buildings have no obligation. Federal and cantonal requirements are detailed in our guide to the solar obligation.
Exemptions and support for landlords
Measures can only be imposed if they are technically feasible and economically bearable. Exemptions are possible to avoid harming an overriding interest, or in the case of technical obstacles or disproportionate costs for the owner; they also apply to the mandatory CECB, the renovation of large buildings and the replacement of fossil boilers.
Landlords of dwellings subject to the renovation obligation can receive additional subsidies if they undertake not to terminate leases and not to pass the cost of the works on to rents. Like any subsidy, it must be granted before works begin: check the conditions on the Vaud subsidies page.
What this means in practice
Note the age of your heating system
An oil or gas boiler installed before 2020 must be replaced by 2042 at the latest. Planning the replacement avoids having to do it at the first breakdown, and leaves time to compare a heat pump with a district heating connection.
Know your building's CECB class
If your building dates from before 1986, a CECB will be required by the end of 2031 in any case. It sets the energy class (A to G) and shows whether the renovation obligation applies to you.
Check the floor area (SRE)
The 750 m² threshold of energy reference area separates buildings subject to renovation from those that are exempt. A multi-dwelling building can exceed it without you realising.
Plan and apply for support before the works
Assessment, phasing, subsidies: an energy renovation needs preparation. Grants must be awarded before work starts on site.
Renovate and add value: think of the two together
For Vaud property owners, energy renovation is also an opportunity to add value to the property. A major renovation project can be the right moment to consider an added storey or an extension — provided the zone, the utilisation index and the building envelope allow it.
Renovation support is substantial in the canton (the Vaud Buildings Programme mobilises tens of millions each year), but it says nothing about the building potential of your plot. Before choosing between renovating what already exists and building more, the decisive piece of information remains what your plot actually allows, backed by official sources.