Since 2010, Solar Agency Switzerland (SAS) has been organising the Norman Foster Solar Award (NFSA) to promote Plus Energy Buildings (PEB). The goal of this PEB Award to support architects and engineers according to the actual PEB level of technology in order to realise PEB possibly nationwide. The most creative architects, engineers and businessmen realise increasingly efficient buildings consuming less energy at full comfort: PEB produce more energy than they averagely need for their total heating, warm water and electricity supply. They sell their electricity excess to the public grid and therefore reduce CO2 emissions.

On 31 October in Geneva (Switzerland), the 35th Swiss Solar Prize 2025 ceremony took place, and we are delighted to announce this year’s winners of the Norman Foster Solar Awards 2025:

The kPEB Siedlung ALTE SCHMITTE development in Güttingen has been recognised for creating a climate-positive residential community around the historic “Schmitte”. Its timber buildings, equipped with integrated photovoltaic systems, generate more energy annually than they consume.

The Stanserhorn-Bahn in Stans has been honoured for proving that heritage conservation and climate action can align. The modernisation of its 130-year-old funicular resulted in Nidwalden’s first plus-energy site, with the new Minergie-A/-P “Remise” building producing more energy than it uses.

The Landhaus School in Teufen has been awarded for its exemplary commitment to sustainability. Its 1,284 m² in-roof photovoltaic installation, comprising 696 modules, supplies clean solar power to both the school and the grid, setting a benchmark for educational institutions.