AFC Air Flow Consulting AG

What AFC Air Flow Consulting AG does

AFC Air Flow Consulting AG is a Swiss engineering consultancy founded in 1995 as a spin-off of ETH Zurich, providing integral solutions across fire protection, energy efficiency, sustainability, and building physics for complex construction and renovation projects. The firm serves investors, developers, architects, planners, and public-sector clients in Switzerland, with offices in Z\u00fcrich (headquarters at Technoparkstrasse 1) and Basel. Its core methodology, the LessTech Prinzip, uses physical simulation (CFD via Ansys CFX, Fire Dynamics Simulator, IDA ICE, TAS thermal simulation, and ASET/RSET egress analysis) as a 'digital test bench' to right-size building systems and systematically avoid the 2-3x over-dimensioning typical of prescriptive designs, generating documented client savings of CHF 100k to over CHF 2M per project.

The company's commercial offering spans four service pillars (Brandschutzplanung, Energieeffizienz und Nachhaltigkeit, Bauphysik, and AFC Simulationen) plus ancillary services including the AFC Label-Pre-Check certification selection tool, an AFC Fire Safety Compliance Health Check for governance, and a digital portfolio analysis offering delivered in partnership with ETH spin-off Scandans for real estate estates of 100+ properties. AFC monetizes through project-based, per-mandate consulting engagements priced via senior-level consultative sales, with no public pricing and no channel partners. The AFC Akademie sub-brand operates as a fire protection training academy and industry positioning channel. Across its 30-year history, AFC has completed over 3,500 projects since 2001 and counts Swiss Re, Roche, AXA Investment Managers, Flughafen Z\u00fcrich, SBB, and Kernkraftwerk Leibstadt among its enterprise client base, alongside cantonal and federal government mandates.

The firm is privately held by founders and management, with no disclosed external investment, and is led since 2023 by co-CEOs Dr. Philip Lengweiler and Dr. Daniel Gubler, with founder Dr. Alois Sch\u00e4lin serving as Chairman of the Board. Revenue figures are not publicly disclosed; operating scope is Switzerland-only. Brand recognition includes two German Brand Awards in 2024 and EFQM R4E certification in 2019.

Name

AFC Air Flow Consulting AG

Legal name

AFC AG

Website

https://afc.ch

Company type

Private

Founded year

1995

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

AFC Air Flow Consulting AG is a Swiss engineering consultancy, founded in 1995 as an ETH Zurich spin-off, providing simulation-based fire protection, energy efficiency, sustainability, and building physics services to investors, developers, architects, and public-sector clients across Switzerland.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Building Engineering Consulting

NAICS

Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services (54169), Environmental Consulting Services (54162)

akta.pro primary industry

Industrial & Process Engineering Consulting (BPAHAIAF)

akta.pro secondary industries

Instrumentation, Controls & Automation Engineering Consulting (BPAHAIAM), Air Quality & Emissions Management (BPAHAJAI)

Keywords

• Building physics consulting
• Fire protection engineering
• Energy efficiency consulting
• Building performance simulation
• Sustainability certification services

Headquarters

HQ city

Zürich

HQ country

Switzerland

HQ region

Europe

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Engineering Consulting Services: AFC generates revenue primarily through project-based engineering consulting engagements. Services are priced per mandate and span fire protection concepts and quality assurance, energy efficiency and sustainability concepts, building physics consulting, and building simulations. Engagements typically run from early project phases through to construction supervision and operational support, with scope and duration varying by project complexity.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

AFC Air Flow Consulting AG is a Swiss engineering consultancy that provides integrated building services across fire protection (Brandschutz), energy efficiency (Energieeffizienz), sustainability (Nachhaltigkeit), and building physics (Bauphysik). The firm advises investors, property owners, developers, architects, and planners on complex construction projects, using CFD airflow simulations, dynamic thermal building simulations, and performance-based fire safety engineering to deliver right-sized, cost-efficient building solutions under its proprietary LessTech methodology.

Product overview

AFC Air Flow Consulting AG is a Swiss engineering consultancy offering integrated solutions in fire protection (Brandschutz), energy efficiency (Energieeffizienz), sustainability (Nachhaltigkeit), and building physics (Bauphysik). Founded in 1995 as an ETH spin-off, the company operates as a single integrated service offering rather than a software product company. The core portfolio centers on four interconnected service pillars: (1) Brandschutzplanung und Brandschutzberatung covering fire protection concepts, evidence procedures, quality assurance (QSS 1-4), and integral testing; (2) Energieeffizienz und Nachhaltigkeit encompassing portfolio analysis, sustainability certification (Minergie, GEAK, SNBS, LEED, BREEAM), and building simulation; (3) Bauphysik providing thermal, moisture, acoustic, and noise protection services; and (4) AFC Simulationen delivering CFD airflow, thermal dynamic, daylight, photovoltaic, and evacuation simulations. These services are unified through the proprietary AFC LessTech Prinzip methodology—avoiding oversizing by planning only what is truly necessary. Supporting offerings include the AFC Label-Pre-Check for certification selection, the AFC Fire Safety Compliance Health Check for governance compliance, and digital portfolio analysis using Scandens software. The AFC Akademie provides professional education for fire protection specialists and experts, while the AFC Lab serves as an expert knowledge platform. The company maintains offices in Zürich and Basel.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Brandschutzplanung und Brandschutzberatung Comprehensive fire protection planning and consulting services for complex construction projects, including fire protection concepts, evidence procedures, smoke extraction simulations, quality assurance (QSS 1-4), integral testing, and expert opinions for new builds and renovations throughout Switzerland.
• Energieeffizienz und Nachhaltigkeit Energy efficiency and sustainability consulting services including portfolio analysis, sustainability concepts, building certification (Minergie, GEAK, SNBS, LEED, BREEAM), building physics, and building simulation for holistic HVAC concepts.
• Bauphysik Building physics services covering thermal protection, moisture protection, soundproofing, room acoustics, noise protection, energy certificates, and thermal building simulations according to SIA standards.
• AFC Simulationen Advanced simulation services including CFD airflow simulation, thermal dynamic building simulation, daylight simulation, photovoltaic simulation, evacuation simulation, earth probe simulation, and smoke extraction (ASET/RSET) analysis using software tools such as Ansys CFX, FDS, IDA ICE, TAS, Radiance/DAYSIM, and Polysun.
• Integrale Lösungen Integrated total solutions combining fire protection, energy efficiency, sustainability, and building physics under one umbrella, providing fourfold benefits: more planning security, more cost efficiency, better execution quality, and less effort.
• AFC LessTech Prinzip Intelligent, goal-oriented building planning methodology that consciously avoids oversizing by optimizing building technology through digital simulation models, delivering more effect with less technology, reducing construction and operating costs, and supporting sustainability through material conservation.
• AFC Label-Pre-Check Pre-certification analysis service helping architects, builders, general contractors, investors, and real estate professionals select the optimal sustainability label (LEED, BREEAM, DGNB/SGNI, SNBS, Minergie) for their building projects based on cost-benefit analysis.
• AFC Akademie

Quantifiable outcome

• Over CHF 1 million in savings through risk-based fire protection concept at Alte Hauptpost Basel
• +9 more outcomes

Named customers12 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature9 records

Partnerships

15 partnerships are on record, tiered core, minor and flagship.

• Felix Partner Design AGcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFelix Partner Design AG, based at Forchstrasse 59, 8032 Zürich, is responsible for the overall concept, design, editorial text and imagery for AFC's website and brand identity. They developed AFC's new corporate brand identity (2023) and the AFC Akademie brand, which were awarded two German Brand Awards in 2024. This is a core strategic creative partnership for AFC's brand positioning.
• Scandans (ETH Spin-off)coreTechnology or IntegrationAFC partners with Scandans, an ETH Zurich spin-off, to provide digital portfolio analysis software for creating dynamic renovation roadmaps for real estate portfolios of 100+ properties. AFC uses Scandans' platform in combination with its own interdisciplinary planning expertise to deliver ESG-aligned decarbonization strategies for large property portfolios.
• Felix Partner Architektur AGcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFelix Partner Architektur AG is the architect behind the Green Spin Winterthur project, which targets 100% sustainability and 100% work quality. AFC provided the overall concept for sustainability and energy efficiency, and the project relied on AFC's Label-Pre-Check for optimal certification strategy. The project demonstrates AFC's integral co-development approach with leading Swiss architects.
• Ghisleni Partner AGminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAFC collaborated with Ghisleni Partner AG on wind condition analysis and helicopter overflight influence on flow conditions for the AGNES project at Kantonsspital Baden. AFC conducted CFD simulation work while Ghisleni Partner AG provided specialist input on the Rega (Swiss Air Rescue) helipad planning.
• Swiss Air Rescue (Rega)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAFC collaborated with Rega to analyze expected facade pressure conditions, vortex patterns in interior courtyards due to helicopter overflights, and optimal wind watcher positioning for the AGNES project at Kantonsspital Baden. This partnership demonstrates AFC's role in complex hospital infrastructure safety analysis.
• FRZ Flughafenregion ZürichflagshipGTM or Marketing PartnerAFC holds a Gold Partner and Gold Sponsor relationship with FRZ Flughafenregion Zürich, one of Switzerland's strongest business networks with over 850 member companies. AFC's Co-CEO Dr. Daniel Gubler serves on the FRZ Sustainability Advisory Board as the responsible expert for energy efficiency. AFC participates in FRZ events including the annual ImmoSummit and Golf Tournament. This partnership provides AFC with access to key real estate developers, investors, and planners in the airport region.
• Gebäudesimulation Schweiz (IBPSA Switzerland)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAFC is a founding member of Gebäudesimulation Schweiz and holds a seat on its board. The association advocates for the adoption of physical simulation as a standard planning tool in the Swiss construction industry. AFC co-founded the organization alongside other simulation pioneers.
• Bauen Digital Schweiz / buildingSMART SwitzerlandcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAFC is a member of Bauen Digital Schweiz / buildingSMART Switzerland, the Swiss chapter of the international organization promoting digital planning, BIM, and open data standards in the construction industry.
• Brandschutzzentrum West / IBS (Institut für Brandschutz)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAFC participated in a collaborative exchange with Brandschutzzentrum West and IBS (Institut für Brandschutz) focused on preventive fire protection. The interdisciplinary mix of practice and theory was noted as valuable for advancing the industry.
• Swiss Engineering (STV)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAFC is a member of Swiss Engineering (STV), Switzerland's leading professional association for engineers.
• SIA — Schweizerischer Ingenieur- und ArchitektenvereincoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAFC is a member of SIA, Switzerland's most important professional association for engineers and architects, which sets key technical standards (SIA 180, SIA 380/1, SIA 380/2, SIA 181) that AFC applies in its engineering practice.
• IBPSA — International Building Performance Simulation AssociationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAFC is a member of IBPSA (International Building Performance Simulation Association), the global body for building performance simulation professionals, validating AFC's simulation expertise internationally.
• LIGNUM — Holzwirtschaft SchweizcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAFC is a member of LIGNUM and listed on the LIGNUM platform as a 'Fachspezialist Brandschutz im Holzbau' (Fire Protection Specialist in Timber Construction), validating AFC's expertise in the intersection of fire safety and sustainable timber construction.
• Handelskammer beider Basel (HKBB)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerAFC is a member of the Handelskammer beider Basel (HKBB), the leading business organization for the Basel region, which promotes exchange between business, politics, and authorities to create favorable conditions for companies. AFC joined as a new member in November 2024.
• Amstein + WalthertminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAFC met Amstein + Walthert at a welcome apéro hosted at their office in Zürich-Oerlikon when joining Bauen digital Schweiz / buildingSMART Switzerland as a new member. Relationship described in context of industry networking within the Swiss digital construction ecosystem.

Scale indicators12 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• Jensen Hughes: Global leader in fire protection engineering, security and risk consulting — competes with AFC internationally and demonstrates the scale ceiling of a fire/safety specialist firm; relevant for benchmarking service models.
• Arup: Global engineering consultancy with a substantial fire engineering practice and building performance simulation capability that overlaps with AFC's specialty but at much larger scale and broader project portfolio.
• WSP Global: Global engineering professional services firm with fire engineering and building performance practices that compete with AFC's service offering on internationally-sourced Swiss infrastructure mandates.
• AFRY (ÅF Pöyry): European engineering consultancy with fire safety, building performance and sustainability offerings that intersect with AFC's integral approach at the broader portfolio level, particularly for Nordic and German clients.

Others

• Swiss Safety Center AG: Swiss provider of safety, fire protection and risk management services adjacent to AFC's portfolio; partnership context (Brandschutzzentrum West / IBS) shows ecosystem overlap rather than direct project-level competition.

Direct peers

• Amstein + Walthert AG: Largest Swiss engineering consultancy with deep practices in fire protection, building physics, energy and sustainability — directly competing with AFC across the same primary service pillars and Swiss customer base.
• Gruner AG: Swiss engineering group offering fire protection, structural and building services engineering to similar developer, architect and infrastructure clients, including project references in Zürich and Basel.
• Basler & Hofmann AG: Established Swiss engineering consultancy providing fire safety, building physics, energy and infrastructure services, often on the same large public and private Swiss construction mandates as AFC.
• Waldhauser + Hermann AG: Swiss fire protection specialist firm offering Brandschutz concepts, quality assurance and integral testing comparable to AFC's core fire protection practice in the same Swiss market.
• HKG Beratende Ingenieure Sissach GmbH: Swiss engineering consultancy with fire protection, HLK and sustainability services competing for similar Basel-region enterprise and institutional mandates.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInch.linkedin.com/company/afc-energie-sicherheit

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles6 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about AFC Air Flow Consulting AG