Heat as a Public Service (HaaPS)

Florian Habermacher Researcher and Lecturer

Abstract
This presentation proposes Renewable Heat-as-a-Public-Service (HaaPS) – a conceptual framing and implementation approach for accelerating heat pump adoption in Swiss multi-family buildings, where market mechanisms alone appear insufficient given binding political decarbonization timelines.
Three pathways by cantonal capacity:
• Case A (large cantons): Public utility as system integrator – municipal foundations own assets, competitive tendering, state-guaranteed low-cost financing, mandatory transparency ("Project Facebook")
• Case B (medium cantons): Public facilitator providing limited guarantees and templates; ESCOs or owners hold assets
• Case C (small cantons): Participation in pooled inter-cantonal guarantee schemes; reliance on external providers
Key framing: HaaPS redefines MFH heat provisioning as a public responsibility rather than purely private matter – justified by the mismatch between uniform political mandates and heterogeneous building situations owners cannot control. The public role may be temporary once markets mature, but this is presented as an option rather than a commitment – with benchmarking and exit provisions built in, while acknowledging that what constitutes "public service" is ultimately a political choice.

Author: Florian Habermacher