Summary
The Federal Office for Housing (BWO) has published an expanded new edition of the material catalog "Building Materials for Cities in Climate Change." The reference work demonstrates how the choice of building materials influences the urban heat island effect in urban areas and regulates the microclimate. The second edition has been methodologically updated and expanded – new categories such as roofs and green spaces have been added. The work serves planners and building developers as a working basis for climate-resilient new construction and renovation projects. The simulations are based on current calculations by the Northwest Switzerland University of Applied Sciences commissioned by the Federal Office of Energy (BFE).
Organizations
- Federal Office for Housing (BWO)
- Federal Office of Energy (BFE)
- Northwest Switzerland University of Applied Sciences
Topics
- Climate change and heat resilience
- Urban heat island effects
- Sustainable building materials
- Urban microclimates
- Building planning and renovation
Detailed Summary
The heat island effect represents an increasing challenge for densely populated areas. Climate forecasts show that average summer temperatures, the number of heat days, and extreme weather events in Switzerland will increase significantly by 2060. Cities and urban areas warm up considerably more than surrounding regions and cool down more slowly at night – a phenomenon directly linked to construction methods and material choices.
The new edition of the material catalog (first published in 2022) addresses this issue systematically. The work compares materials for external use – floor coverings, façades, roofs, and green spaces in dry and moist conditions – and documents their influence on ambient temperature. Additionally, factors such as solar radiation reflection, material lifespan, and for floor coverings, infiltration capacity are considered.
The methodological update is based on improved simulations by the Northwest Switzerland University of Applied Sciences. All material values have been recalculated to ensure comparability and methodological consistency. Buildings and built structures are long-lasting – the materials used today shape the urban microclimate for decades to come.
Key Findings
- Heat island effects in cities are directly linked to material choice and building design
- The expanded new edition documents 8 material classes with updated simulation methodology
- Climate forecasts show significant increases in summer temperatures and heat days by 2060
- Building materials influence the urban microclimate over several decades
- The catalog now also integrates roof surfaces and green systems
- Infiltration capacity of floor coverings is documented as a planning criterion
Stakeholders & Affected Parties
| Group | Role |
|---|---|
| Planners & Architects | Use the catalog as a working basis for climate-resilient project design |
| Building Developers & Real Estate Developers | Integrate material recommendations into new construction and renovation projects |
| Urban Population | Benefits from reduced heat loads and improved well-being |
| Healthcare System | Uses findings for prevention of heat-related illnesses |
| Federal Offices (BWO, BFE) | Responsible for publication and research coordination |
Opportunities & Risks
| Opportunities | Risks |
|---|---|
| Systematic reduction of heat island effects in cities | Delayed adoption due to cost factors in material selection |
| Early integration of climate resilience in planning processes | Limited regional availability of recommended materials |
| Improved health outcomes through reduced heat exposure | Long-term effects only measurable after decades |
| Guidance for sustainable renovation strategies | Dependency on correct on-site implementation |
| Harmonization of planning standards at national level | Additional planning costs for detailed analyses |
Action Relevance
Decision-makers should prioritize the following measures:
- Anchor catalog in planning requirements: Integration of the material catalog into cantonal and municipal building guidelines and energy standards
- Training of professionals: Continuing education for architects, planners, and developers on practical application
- Cost-efficiency analysis: Investigation of additional costs and financing mechanisms for climate-resilient materials
- Monitoring & evaluation: Long-term studies on actual temperature reduction in implemented projects
- Regional material availability: Securing supply chains for recommended materials
Quality Assurance & Fact-Checking
- [x] Central statements and figures verified
- [x] Unconfirmed data marked with ⚠️
- [x] Publication date and source validated (19.01.2026, news.admin.ch): 19.01.2026
- [x] Government statements (BWO, BFE) verified
- [x] Bias or political one-sidedness: none detected
Note: Specific temperature reduction values for individual materials are documented in the catalog and are not fully listed here.
Additional Research
Federal Office for Housing (BWO): Official catalog downloads and research reports
https://www.bwo.admin.chFederal Office of Energy (BFE): Energy research and climate adaptation
https://www.bfe.admin.chNorthwest Switzerland University of Applied Sciences: Simulation studies on urban microclimates
https://www.fhnw.ch
References
Primary Source:
Press Release Federal Office for Housing – "Material Catalog Building Materials for Cities in Climate Change – Expanded New Edition" (January 19, 2026)
https://www.news.admin.ch/de/newnsb/IFmO69EvXG6lbL-rihzkC
Catalog Download:
- Building Materials for Cities in Climate Change. Material Catalog with Recommendations. 2nd Edition (PDF, 12.52 MB)
- Summary (PDF, 1.21 MB)
Verification Status: ✓ Facts checked on January 19, 2026
Footer (Transparency Notice)
This text was created with the assistance of Claude.
Editorial responsibility: clarus.news | Fact-checking: 19.01.2026