Following best practices for SN 591390/1:2025 compliance is crucial for organizations aiming to meet the Swiss standard for greenhouse gas accounting in building life cycles. Adhering to these practices not only prepares your organization for audits but also aligns with the pressing goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.

Best practices at a glance

This section introduces the essential checklist that consists of key practices designed to ensure compliance with SN 591390/1:2025. The checklist covers various aspects including greenhouse gas emissions calculations, energy efficiency measures, and resource conservation strategies, all aligned with the relevant clauses of the standard.

The practices

1. Conduct a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA): Implement a comprehensive LCA for all building types to quantify greenhouse gas emissions across their life cycle. This practice is vital as it meets Section 4.1 of SN 591390/1:2025, showcasing your commitment to scientifically-backed emissions data and facilitating transparency in reporting.

2. Establish Energy Efficiency Targets: Define clear energy efficiency targets in accordance with SIA 2040:2017 guidelines. Setting these targets not only prepares your organization for compliance but also minimizes energy consumption, thus reducing overall emissions as required by Section 5.2 of SN 591390/1:2025.

3. Utilize Renewable Energy Sources: Incorporate renewable energy solutions into building designs. This practice is outlined in Section 6.3 of SN 591390/1:2025, emphasizing the importance of reducing reliance on fossil fuels to achieve net-zero emissions.

4. Implement Circular Economy Principles: Adopt circular economy practices by promoting resource conservation and material recycling strategies as detailed in Section 7.4 of SN 591390/1:2025. This approach reduces waste and encourages sustainable resource management, mitigating environmental impact.

5. Incorporate Negative Emissions Technologies: Explore the use of negative emissions technologies and carbon storage techniques as recommended in Section 8.1. This is essential for balancing emissions and achieving compliance by capturing carbon dioxide effectively.

6. Engage Local Material Cycles: Source materials locally to minimize transportation emissions and support local economies. This aligns with the resource conservation goals in Section 7.2 of SN 591390/1:2025, thereby enhancing sustainability.

7. Maintain Comprehensive Documentation: Keep thorough records of all compliance-related activities and emissions calculations. This is crucial for audit readiness and aligns with the documentation requirements laid out in Section 9.1 of SN 591390/1:2025.

8. Train Staff Regularly: Provide ongoing training for staff on compliance requirements and best practices. This will ensure that everyone is informed and capable of contributing to the organization’s sustainability goals, as indicated in Section 10.3 of SN 591390/1:2025.

Audit preparation checklist

• Conduct a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) for all building types.
• Establish energy efficiency targets based on SIA 2040:2017.
• Utilize renewable energy sources in building designs.
• Implement circular economy practices for resource conservation.
• Incorporate negative emissions technologies and carbon storage.
• Engage local material cycles to reduce transportation emissions.
• Maintain comprehensive documentation of compliance activities.
• Train staff on SN 591390/1:2025 compliance requirements regularly.

Next steps

To enhance compliance with SN 591390/1:2025, consider investing in training programs, utilizing implementation guides, and purchasing the standard for detailed specifications.