SVGW – Schweizerischer Verein des Gas- und Wasserfaches
Founded in 1873 by gas specialists in Switzerland
The “Association of Gas Experts in Switzerland” was founded in 1873 by Karl Emil Ringk von Wildenberg from Schaffhausen with headquarters in Zurich. After the water branch was added 14 years later, the Swiss Association of Gas and Water Experts was born.
1911 – the TISG was founded
A massive gas explosion in Geneva in 1909, which resulted in 13 deaths, led to the creation of the Technical Inspectorate of the Swiss Gas Works in 1911. The inspectorate was later integrated into the SVGW. Step by step the association built up a set of rules and training programs.
1970s – change in the gas sector
The 1970s were important for the gas supply industry. At that time, the industry stopped using town gas and started to import natural gas instead. Later, its quality as a low-pollutant energy source gave natural gas a further boost.
Resource protection, hygiene and professionalization in the water sector
In addition to technology, the protection of water as a natural resource and focus on hygiene became a central element in the water supply industry after the post-war period. The professionalization of the industry and the transfer of knowledge also steadily gained importance. In 1979 the association changed its name to “Schweizerischer Verein des Gas- und Wasserfaches (SVGW)”.
District heating and cooling as the newest sector
The association has more and more been involved in district heating / cooling since 2015 and has accumulated technical competence in this field. The Swiss Energy Strategy 2050 makes renewable gases and grid convergence an increasingly important source of energy.
Purpose of the association
The purpose of the association is the safe and sustainable supply with water, gas and heat. In the energy sector, the SVGW promotes the efficient provision and use of conventional and increasingly renewable gases and heat. The association is also committed to the prevention of technical disruptions and accidents.
In the domain of drinking water, the SVGW helps to ensure the supply of drinking water in sufficient quantities and quality. Furthermore we support the coordination of activities within the industry and are committed to the protection of natural water resources