Written by *An interview with SFP AST Swiss Real Estate Senior Asset Manager Philippe Bach*
Meet the Decision Maker
Philippe Bach is Senior Asset Manager Direct Real Estate at SFP AST Swiss Real Estate. He brings over nine years of experience in real estate valuation and consulting for funds, banks, and private clients, and is a certified property manager and MRICS member.
What were your main objectives when launching this pilot project?
Philippe Bach: Our strategic focus is clear—reduce CO₂ emissions and accelerate our trajectory towards net-zero. The pilot was designed to validate whether AI-driven optimisation could reliably deliver 10–20% savings without burdening tenants or property managers.
Beyond CO₂ reduction, we also looked at tenant benefits. Lower heating costs and improved comfort were important added value. We wanted to prove that technology could create value not just environmentally, but financially and socially as well. Based on the pilot’s outcome, we have initiated the deployment across the AST portfolio to have data over a full heating season over the whole portfolio.
“Our clear objective was to validate AI-driven optimisation as a fast, low-burden path to CO₂ reduction.”
How did you find the process of deploying the energy efficiency solution?
Philippe Bach: Surprisingly smooth. We had expected resistance from caretakers or tenants, especially regarding sensors. But the rollout achieved 100% installation without complaints. Clear and regular communication and the added value for tenants, such as direct access to their own indoor climate data, helped tremendously.
Of course, not everything was flawless. One new construction site had poor indoor wireless connectivity, which complicated matters. But overall, the collaboration with the suppliers, property managers, and caretakers was excellent, with proactive communication and transparency on third-party costs.
“Deploying across 14 buildings in winter ran smoother than expected—without disruption or tenant complaints.”
What kind of value has the project generated so far?
Philippe Bach: The system learned and delivered savings quickly—nearly 15% in the first partial heating season, equivalent to over 250 MWh and 59 tonnes of CO₂ saved. Importantly, excess savings benefited tenants directly, strengthening trust.
The project also reinforced our ESG positioning, which is increasingly important for institutional investors. From an operational property management perspective, the monitoring of existing heating systems and indoor temperatures helps reduce risks and complaints, and provides data-driven insights not available before.
“This project shows that energy efficiency can drive financial, environmental, and social value simultaneously.”
How do the results compare to your expectations?
Philippe Bach: The results have matched our expectations. We had aimed to validate savings potential in the 10–20% range, and the fact that we already reached close to 15% after just a partial heating season was a strong confirmation. We expect stronger performance in future phases.
“Our expectations were fully met, reaching close to 15% savings after only one partial heating season.”
What do you consider the biggest success of this project so far?
Philippe Bach: The major success was proving that significant energy and CO2 savings can be achieved at scale without creating friction with tenants or caretakers. We initially thought that deploying across 14 buildings in winter would be very challenging.
The speed of optimisation was another highlight. The AI-based system adapted rapidly to the specific building conditions, delivering results much faster than traditional manual adjustments would allow.
“The major success was achieving tangible savings at scale without tenant friction.”
What advice would you share with peers considering similar projects?
Philippe Bach: The key lesson is that this is not a “fire and forget” project. Owners must commit resources during rollout—about 10% workload for a few weeks—to ensure proper coordination and follow-through. Treat it like any other strategic project within asset management, not as an add-on.
Another important point is budgeting flexibility. Caretakers and third-party providers such as heating technicians or energy suppliers need to be included, and their involvement comes with costs. Having this flexibility ensures data quality and complete installation.
Also, selecting the right partner was absolutely critical. We deliberately chose a provider with proven experience and financial stability, rather than a small startup. This gave us peace of mind during deployment and for the long-term operation.
Finally, timing matters. To maximise results, start the process early enough to align with the heating season. Beyond signing contracts, there are inspections, deployment steps, and communication with property managers, caretakers, and tenants. Allowing sufficient lead time ensures a smooth experience.
“This is not a fire-and-forget project—owners must actively support rollout for success.”
What are your next steps?
Philippe Bach: Following the successful pilot across 14 buildings and 293 apartments, we are now expanding the approach to a larger share of our AST portfolio.
Scaling this solution is a fast, low-investment path to accelerate our CO₂ reduction trajectory. By staging expansion over the coming years, we can integrate lessons learned while steadily advancing toward our 2030 and 2050 ESG targets.
“Scaling this solution is a fast, low-investment way to accelerate our net-zero trajectory.”
Conclusion
The SFP AST pilot project demonstrates how AI-driven optimisation can deliver tangible benefits for property owners, tenants, and the environment. With rapid deployment, measurable savings, and strengthened ESG alignment, it sets a precedent for how institutional real estate portfolios in Switzerland can embrace energy efficiency as both a responsibility and an opportunity.
