immo!nvest – Die Plattform für Standorte und Immobilien

Category: Energy

  • Switzerland needs 87 million tons of material a year

    Switzerland needs 87 million tons of material a year

    Researchers at the Federal Materials Testing and Research Institute ( Empa ) investigated the question: How much does Switzerland consume? The basis was the mass and energy flows for the year 2018. According to the press release , this means that domestic material consumption is 87 million tonnes net per year. That is the mass of material needed to keep the Swiss economy running. This includes, for example, buildings, streets, cars and electricity.

    As an example of outflowing masses, the announcement mentions that 12 million tons end up in the final disposal. The export in the research year 2018 amounted to 18 million tons. A large part of the incoming material remains in the system and allows the "warehouse" to grow by 52 million tons per year (as of 2018). The total weight of the “material warehouse” in Switzerland is around 3.2 billion tons.

    The study is the fourth part of the MatCH project. The abbreviation stands for "Material and energy resources and associated environmental impacts in Switzerland". The project was launched in 2013 on behalf of the Federal Office for the Environment (FOEN) and extended over several stages. The first part recorded all material and energy flows in the construction sector; the second covered mobility. And part three was devoted to the production and consumption of the other goods that are imported, obtained domestically and exported.

    The work now presented is part four, which brings a synthesis of the findings from the three previous ones. The team also analyzed how the behavior of the population affects greenhouse gas emissions. In addition to per capita consumption data, the researchers also analyzed personal behavior. The message states that if all residents behaved like the fifth of the population with the most exemplary lifestyle, Switzerland's total greenhouse gas emissions could be reduced by 16 percent. If, on the other hand, everyone behaved like the fifth with the least ecological lifestyle, emissions would rise by 17 percent.

  • Axpo wants to produce hydrogen

    Axpo wants to produce hydrogen

    Axpo wants to produce green hydrogen from the hydropower of the Rhine in the future. For this purpose, a hydrogen production plant at the Eglisau-Glattfelden power plant is to be put into operation as early as autumn 2022, according to a media release . This should produce 350 tons of hydrogen annually. According to Axpo, this can save over 1.5 million liters of diesel per year in road traffic.

    The new hydrogen production plant will have an output of 2.5 megawatts. However, it can be expanded to 5 megawatts. Axpo is also planning to implement additional systems at other locations. The company has already set up its own department for the hydrogen business area.

    Axpo works with Opfikon-based Hydrospider AG to transport the hydrogen to the filling stations. This is a joint venture between H2 Energy , Alpiq and Linde GmbH . Both Axpo and Hydrospider see great potential for hydrogen in the mobility sector. There are already more than 50 trucks with fuel cells in Switzerland today. According to the partners, it should be more than 1,600 by 2026.

    Axpo had already planned a hydrogen production plant for the same power plant in 2015. At that time, however, the project was not pursued because the sales volume of hydrogen remained below the company's expectations. "Since then, the fight against climate change has gained significantly in importance and hydrogen has proven to be a suitable energy source for the decarbonisation of mobility and industry," said Guy Bühler, Head of Hydrogen at Axpo, quoted in the press release.

  • Sonova inaugurates zero-energy building

    Sonova inaugurates zero-energy building

    Sonova Holding AG has realized one of the first zero-energy company buildings in Murten, Freiburg, writes the hearing aid manufacturer from Stäfa in a press release . The new Wireless Competence Center will accommodate 180 employees from the Phonak Communications subsidiary and serve the development of miniaturized communication and hearing protection systems. The new building is part of Sonova's sustainability program. By the end of the year, the hearing aid manufacturer wants to have made all of its business operations CO2-neutral.

    “As one of the first zero-energy company buildings in Switzerland”, the new building in Murten “also belongs to the first generation of CO2-neutral buildings worldwide,” Sonova CEO Arnd Kaldowski is quoted in the press release. According to her, the building adapts to the respective outside climate, so that the temperature inside is always between 21 and 26 degrees. High and perfectly adapted window areas guarantee maximum natural light incidence and regulate the air renewal via controllable ventilation blades. The humidity is regulated by walls and ceilings plastered with lime.

    A photovoltaic system installed on the roof of the building will generate around 260,000 kilowatt hours of electricity per year, the press release further explains. This is more than Sonova needs to run its Competence Center. The excess electricity is to be fed into the power grid.

  • Global Real Estate Run: Global event for innovation and sustainability in the real estate industry

    Global Real Estate Run: Global event for innovation and sustainability in the real estate industry

    In the home office, slowly but surely, the ceiling is falling on the head of some people. Even if Corona continues to require you to keep your distance from one another, it is time for a sense of community. For this reason, the Global Real Estate Run initiative is launching a run for everyone.

    On April 30, 2021, 6 kilometers must be completed in a time window of 24 hours: every participant is free to run, run or walk. Anyone can take part – anywhere in the world. The run is of course 100 percent corona-compliant: the 6 kilometers are completed on a route of your choice, regardless of location. Registration on the Globalrealestaterun.com website is required to participate. Each participant then has access to a geotagged app that is compatible with other running apps.

    In addition to the community feeling and the health aspect, the initiators would like to draw attention to innovation and sustainability in the real estate industry. The real estate industry is currently responsible for around 30 percent of all CO2 emissions. This proportion must be reduced quickly and efficiently. And everyone can contribute something. Because sustainability is not a local but a global issue. Just like the Global Real Estate Run.

    Of course, the initiators have also made sustainability a priority: thanks to the commitment of the main sponsors Homegate, SPG Intercity Zurich AG and PropTechMarket, a tree can be planted for each participant. This is done in cooperation with qualified organizations in suitable regions and under fair conditions. The goal: to get as many people as possible to complete the 6 kilometers on April 30th – and thus to plant as many trees as possible.

    Individuals, families, teams and entire companies can take part. Employees and customers can thus be offered variety and distraction. There are therefore special event packages for companies and teams. Participation is free for private individuals – a voluntary amount can be added at your own discretion.

    In order to shorten the time until April 30th, the initiators continuously publish exciting and informative articles on the topics of innovation and sustainability in the real estate industry on Globalrealestaterun.com. This includes, for example, a checklist on how private individuals can save energy.

  • Sika invests in Qatar

    Sika invests in Qatar

    Sika has increased the production capacities for concrete admixtures at its location in Qatar's capital Doha, informs the Zug-based building materials group in a press release . In addition, the production of epoxy resins has now also started there, it says there. They are needed for the production of floor coverings and adhesives.

    The expansion investments are intended to put Sika in a better position in the competition for major government contracts in Qatar. Here, the national procurement policy stipulates that primarily domestically manufactured products are procured, explains the group. According to the announcement, high investments in the supply infrastructure for energy and water are pending in Qatar.

    "Our latest investment in Qatar positions us for further growth and strengthens our competitiveness in the country", Sika Regional Manager EMEA Ivo Schädler is quoted in the press release. "As a result of the expanded production, we are assuming a significant increase in demand and volume for our high-quality adhesive and flooring solutions for our business."

  • LafargeHolcim green building solutions receive certificate

    LafargeHolcim green building solutions receive certificate

    Among the 1000 solutions identified by the Solar Impulse Foundation that protect the environment in a profitable way, ten are from the building materials group LafargeHolcim . In 2018, the Lausanne Foundation of environmental pioneer Bertrand Piccard set out to find, evaluate and certify at least 1000 solutions worldwide. Now they are presented to decision makers to accelerate their scaled application.

    According to a company release, LafargeHolcim's products that have been awarded this environmental label include the green concrete ECOPact, which enables CO2-neutral construction, as well as bioactive reef concrete, which restores marine ecosystems, and 3D printing technologies for the faster creation of affordable housing and infrastructure.

    "It's great to see companies like LafargeHolcim committed to implementing several such solutions that are positive for the planet," said Piccard. "Given the global reach and size of the company, that can make a real difference in tackling today's climate crisis."

    LafargeHolcim CEO Jan Jenisch is proud of his company's “strong contribution” to the goal of the Solar Impulse Foundation. "More than half of our development activities focus on sustainable building solutions," he is quoted as saying. "Today's confirmation of our clean technologies is a great encouragement for our teams to continue pushing the boundaries of innovation for sustainable building."

  • ewz involves citizens in further solar systems

    ewz involves citizens in further solar systems

    ewz offers people who want to actively participate in the energy transition the opportunity to acquire stakes in photovoltaic systems. This type of crowd financing enables the construction of new systems, for example on school roofs. According to a press release , ewz is offering a total of 4,000 square meters of new space for this purpose.

    Of this, 1,100 square meters of photovoltaic area are now available on the Falletsche municipal school building in Leimbach. The Rebhügel school buildings in Wiedikon, Kolbenacker in Seebach and Mattenhof in Schwamendingen will go online in the course of the year. A maximum of ten square meters of participation at CHF 250 per household can be purchased on the Internet. In return, customers receive 80 kilowatt hours of sustainably produced solar power from Zurich per square meter of participation credited to their electricity bills.

    The last square meters of participation are still available for the first large-scale high-alpine solar system in Switzerland, which has already been completed on the ewz dam in Graubünden's Bergell. Because the yield is more than twice as high as in the Unterland, both the participation price and the credit are higher there.

  • Energie Zukunft Schweiz takes over Broenner AG

    Energie Zukunft Schweiz takes over Broenner AG

    According to a press release, Energie Zukunft Schweiz AG has taken over Broenner AG from Lucerne. The project developer for renewable heating, photovoltaics and energy efficiency is thus expanding its portfolio to include Broenner AG's competencies in the field of building technology: process energy for industrial and commercial customers, planning of heating, ventilation, air conditioning and cooling as well as heating networks.

    Thomas Birrer, founder and managing director of Broenner AG, is satisfied with this succession plan. It offers employees a perspective "from which our customers also benefit, since we can bring our competencies into a larger network".

    According to the managing director of Energie Zukunft Schweiz AG, Aeneas Wanner, Birrer and his employees impress “with their high level of competence and innovative strength. With their specialized know-how, they are an ideal addition to our rapidly growing team. This puts us in an even better position to support our customers holistically in the implementation of the energy transition. "

    The location and all jobs are to be retained. In addition to the previous branches in Basel, Lausanne and Zurich, Energie Zukunft Schweiz will thus have a new location in Central Switzerland in Neuenkirch.

  • New energy solutions at the start

    New energy solutions at the start

    The use of fossil fuels still dominates, especially in the area of heating living space. Thanks to innovative technologies, new climate-friendly alternatives are emerging here – for example, heating with sea thermal systems or the use of waste heat from computers. Both approaches use existing heat sources to heat buildings.

    Lake thermal energy is one of the youngest forms of energy generation and makes use of the lakes as huge heat stores. In summer, the lakes absorb the sun's warmth and give it off slowly. Even when it is below zero, the lake water retains a certain temperature in the depths – ideal for extracting heat from the water in the lower layers and using it as a natural source of heat. The water is then returned to the lake in a cooler condition. This is harmless to the ecosystem and to a certain extent even counteracts climatic warming. With this technology, the largest lake thermal project in Switzerland is successfully launched in Lucerne.

    The Paris startup “Qarnot” takes a different approach and relies on the waste heat from computers. Instead of laboriously cooling computers in large server rooms, they are built into radiators. In this way, data flows in the radiators instead of water. The decentralized computing power is sold to large companies, the digital radiators themselves to private households. After the initial investment, they no longer have any heating costs. The more heat is desired, the more data power is generated. The data is encrypted and is not saved, so it is not possible to trace which data is flowing. The same thing works with hot water boilers – an entire residential complex in Bordeaux has already been equipped with this technology. Due to the increasing amounts of data around the world, the future potential seems enormous.

    Read more about intelligent solutions here:
    https://proptechmarket.net/loesungen

  • Map helps with the restructuring of the energy system

    Map helps with the restructuring of the energy system

    For the first time, progress in the expansion of renewable energies can be publicly viewed and checked. For this purpose, according to a press release , the Swiss Federal Office of Energy ( SFOE ) is making its geospatial base data available online for all around 110,000 electricity production plants in Switzerland. More than 100,000 of them are currently photovoltaic systems.

    All systems are displayed transparently on the Internet on an interactive map and updated monthly. According to the SFOE, this would enable the municipality and cantons to monitor the local expansion and, if necessary, take measures to accelerate it.

    In addition to the location of the system, the data also shows its output in kilowatts and the date on which it was commissioned. All systems with an output of more than 30 kilovolt amperes and small systems with more than 2 kilowatts that have been voluntarily registered are included. The database also contains systems that are funded through a feed-in or one-off payment, additional cost financing or an investment contribution.

  • WWZ Group defies the pandemic

    WWZ Group defies the pandemic

    According to a statement from the WWZ Group , the Zug-based energy, telecommunications and water supplier generated total net sales of CHF 227.6 million in the 2020 financial year. In a year-on-year comparison, this corresponds to a marginal decrease of 0.3 percent.

    "Despite the corona pandemic, WWZ was largely able to achieve its goals," CEO Andreas Widmer is quoted as saying in the press release. "Although energy sales fell as a result of the lockdown and the warm weather, we were still able to keep net sales at the previous year's level." In addition, the group has pushed ahead with "expanding our strategic growth areas", explains Widmer.

    The CEO particularly points out the area of district heating. In the year under review, the group's flagship project, Circulago, put the first district headquarters into operation. Circulago uses the energy of the Zug lake water to generate heat and cold.

    In the year under review, WWZ invested a total of 87.0 million francs in maintaining the infrastructure and expanding district heating and telecommunications networks. As a result of these high investments and increased depreciation, the operating result at EBIT level fell by 10.8 percent year-on-year, explains WWZ. Specifically, an operating result of 37.4 million francs was achieved. At 39.0 million francs, consolidated profit was 19.1 percent lower than in the previous year.

    For the current year, the group assumes that investments, operating costs and depreciation will remain high. "The transition from fossil natural gas to renewable district heating and the establishment of further growth areas will temporarily burden the income statement," explains WWZ CFO Andreas Ronchetti Salomon. However, the group is well equipped to continue its strategic development “even under difficult conditions”.

  • High alpine solar system works highly efficiently

    High alpine solar system works highly efficiently

    The first large high-alpine solar system was set up last summer on the Albigna dam in Graubünden's Bergell. At an altitude of 2100 meters above sea level, 1200 photovoltaic panels were installed over a length of 670 meters at an angle of 78 degrees. The steep angle serves the better processing of the winter sun and prevents snow deposits on the modules, explains the electricity company of the city of Zurich ( ewz ) as operator of the system in a message .

    In the first six months after commissioning in September 2020, the high-alpine system has already produced 223 megawatt hours of electricity, ewz further informs in the press release. This fulfilled the “high expectation”, according to which high alpine locations have significantly better production conditions for solar power than the Central Plateau. The winter months have also shown that the system on the Albigna dam works just as efficiently in winter as it does in summer. Between October and March, the efficiency of a high-alpine system is more than a quarter higher than that of a flat-roof system in the Swiss Plateau, writes ewz.

    According to calculations, the system on the Albigna dam will generate around 500 megawatt hours of electricity annually with a total output of 410 kilowatts. Ewz customers can join the project via the ewz.solarzüri public participation model. Here, the 2170 square meters of the high-alpine facility are for sale at a price of 560 francs per square meter. The buyers are credited with 180 kilowatt hours of solar power annually for 20 years.

  • Winning project from study contract for further development of Aeschbachquartier Aarau

    Winning project from study contract for further development of Aeschbachquartier Aarau

    Winning project known from the Rockwell site study contract

    The Rockwell area belongs to the western part of the Torfeld Süd and was acquired by Mobimo in 2001. Rockwell Automation GmbH intends to discontinue production at the Aarau location at the beginning of 2022. Only the research and development areas will remain at the long-standing headquarters. This will free a large part of the area – and the further development of the Aeschbach district can be tackled.

    As of today, the Aeschbachquartier comprises 167 rental apartments, 92 condominiums, the Aeschbachhalle, the Oehlerpark and commercial space. The urban planning guidelines designed by the renowned Dutch architect and retired ETH professor Kees Christiaanse and the associated vision of the “Urban Village” – an urban village – with diverse uses should also shape the further development steps.

    Mobimo has invited five renowned architecture firms to take part in a study. In addition to the high demands on the sustainability of the project – it should be made of wood and meet the SNBS Gold standard – the results of the participation process from 2020 were also part of the task package.

    The proposal by Baumberger & Stegmeier Architects from Zurich in collaboration with Hoffmann Müller landscape architects and Pirmin Jung timber construction engineers particularly impressed the jury and was chosen as the winning project. Your project envisages an increase in the historical Hall 5 and a new wooden building (see visualization). In addition to the ecological construction method, the winning project is characterized by many green areas with large trees. The project envisages 110 rental apartments of various sizes and suitable for families and senior citizens. Alternative forms of living such as cluster apartments are also to be created.

    Mobimo will invest around CHF 50 million (amount excluding land value). Realization can probably begin in mid-2023, which means that completion would be possible in mid-2025.

    Quote from project manager Thomas Schaz: “We are delighted to be able to open a new chapter in the Aeschbach district. Rockwell Automation remains an important and valued user of the quarter in a reduced space. "

  • From paper to quarters

    From paper to quarters

    “The construction progress of the five buildings of the first construction phase is on schedule despite the pandemic,” says the person responsible for communication, Kathrin Sonderegger. In the southernmost high-rise building with condominiums (Papieri-Suites), the shell is already up to the fifth floor. In the former PM1-4 paper machine halls, new staircases, floor ceilings and apartment partition walls are being installed, as well as the renovation of the facade for the spacious loft apartments and studios (Papieri-Lofts). The new building with 160 rental apartments running parallel to this – 30 of them in the inexpensive range – is also well advanced in terms of shell construction. The Maschinengasse that is emerging between the two buildings is also slowly becoming recognizable. This will be animated at the end of 2022 by the various users of the one or two-story adjoining studios. Underground car parks 1 and 2 are currently under construction, and their parking spaces can be equipped with charging stations for electric cars in a future-proof manner.

    Planning of the second construction phase is well advanced
    The newly renovated and listed Lokremise was handed over to its new owner at the end of the year. Sonderegger says: "After the renovation of the workshop building, the second commercial conversion of a historic building on the site became a reality." At the end of the year, the construction of the new Ringstrasse (Papieri-Ring) began, which is part of the main development of the area and encircles the buildings of the second construction phase. As part of the second construction phase, in addition to the commercially used replacement building for the silo building, two high-rise residential buildings with 61 owner-occupied and 36 rental apartments will be built. Commercial space and a day-care center are planned on the ground floors. 64 micro-apartments complete the housing offer.

    CO2-neutral energy system
    Those responsible for the site development pursue the goals of the 2000 Watt Society. It is worth mentioning the sustainable energy supply of the Papieri area with a self-sufficient, CO2-neutral heating and cooling supply. A significant amount of electricity is generated by the company's own river power plant and photovoltaic systems on the building roofs. The construction of the energy center has been completed and the installation of the technical systems is in full swing. Also as part of the energy system, around 100 geothermal probes have already been drilled and installed to a depth of 320 meters. The energy system will be put into operation in autumn 2021, so that the existing houses and the buildings under construction can already be supplied with sustainable heat this winter. “In addition to the building permit, the canton's concession for the operation of the run-of-river power plant is available, the renovation of which will start in early summer 2021. The area of the former wastewater treatment plant (ARA) will be completely renatured, landscaped and supplemented with a small river arm ”, says Sonderegger.

    Huge interest
    The Cham Group is already seeing a great deal of interest from the population: "The residents find out what is happening on the site and we try to get updates accordingly," says Sonderegger. Unfortunately, the corona pandemic is currently making events such as the open construction site day in 2019 for residents and interested parties impossible. The reactions at the time were overwhelming. “The same thing can also be seen in sales: there is great confidence in our site development and the quarter that is being created here. The first apartments that came on the market at the end of 2019 were reserved within a week. Over 3000 people have subscribed to our newsletter. » One reason for the trust is that the Cham Group will be there as the owner and builder. The team has its offices on the site and is on the pulse of what's happening. Suggestions can be reacted to, feedback and inputs flow directly, and any reservations are defused.

    On June 4, 2020, when the foundation stone was laid, a time capsule was filled with objects typical of the time and built into the foundation of the first construction phase. It should document the building project for future generations. What was the most special item? Sonderegger explains with a laugh: “In view of the fact that we can't even have lunch in a restaurant at the moment, and many people miss this time together in the team, the current menu cards from the surrounding restaurants are items of particular relevance. Who knows whether meat will still be eaten in 100 years' time – then minced meat tats might be part of a forgotten meal. "

  • Suurstoffi: Area development with a model character

    Suurstoffi: Area development with a model character

    «The Suurstoffi offers everything we need for our work. We can no longer be taken away so quickly here, ”says Sanofi Aventis CEO Andrea Meyer. A nice compliment for Zug Estates, which in the last ten years has developed a district in Rotkreuz that impresses with its architecture, greenery and energy efficiency. The once unattractive area has been revitalized. "The Rotkreuz community has an excellent macro location and is easily accessible by public transport," says Martin Jöri, Head of Strategic Site Management at Zug Estates. “The area is right next to the train station, but can also be easily reached by motorized private transport. The quarter is a kind of village within the village, and the campus concept is omnipresent. "

    A healthy mix
    All in all, Jöri appreciates the mix of living, business, research, school and gastronomy. He also likes the typical district infrastructure with a hairdresser or doctor. According to the latest construction status, the area is practically completed: “A construction site with two office buildings (Suurstoffi p. 18/19) has not yet been developed – but the building permit is available. The construction will be triggered in accordance with demand if sufficient occupancy has been achieved beforehand. " Looking back, Jöri regards the high construction speed with the aim of on-time commissioning as the greatest hurdle that had to be overcome.

    “Zero-Zero” goal
    The Suurstoffi is breaking new ground with an exemplary energy concept. On the site, solar use, several dynamic underground storage facilities and an anergy network form the basis for achieving the “zero-zero” goal. That means: the around 165,000 square meter Suurstoffi area is CO2-neutral. The energy for heating and cooling is generated by underground storage and building waste heat, electricity is provided by various solar power systems. The aim is complete self-sufficiency with primary energy for heating and water treatment. It was precisely this ambitious energy concept that particularly appealed to Jöri about the building: “It is a future-oriented vision of a CO2-free quarter with as much energy as possible, which is provided from our own production. But the architecture is also great. There is no uniformity here. Each construction site has a varied design. We also attached great importance to a green and high-quality outdoor space. "

  • Vogelwinkel: Family-friendly residential development in a preferred location in Baar

    Vogelwinkel: Family-friendly residential development in a preferred location in Baar

    The "Libelle" project is being implemented on the hillside, in Vogelwinkel, below the Himmelrich in Baar. The Zurich Park Architects were able to win the architecture competition with their four trumpet-like structures. Your project impressed the jury with its four finely graduated, two- to four-story buildings, which are integrated in a star shape into the topography of the rising slope. Seen from above, the new building resembles the wings of a dragonfly.

    The outside space opens up like a funnel into the center of the area. The new buildings are cubic so that they enter into dialogue with the existing buildings. The facade is striking: it should be kept in a brightly flamed shade of red. An underground car park connects the four buildings and offers 141 parking spaces. Instead of corridors, the 2.5 to 5.5 room rental apartments have a set of rooms that are offset at right angles. Construction is scheduled to start in early 2022. The first tenants are expected to move in in 2025.

    Thanks to its topography and traffic situation, the Himmelrich district in Baar is a sought-after place to live as well as a much sought-after local recreation destination. For this reason, the integration of the landscape into the Vogelwinkel development was a major concern for the client. A sustainable energy strategy has also been taken into account: the heat is generated using geothermal probes and solar collectors. Only proven, durable and ecological materials are used throughout the construction process. All apartments are designed to be barrier-free.

  • A new business center for Neuhof-Baar

    A new business center for Neuhof-Baar

    The Neuhof business district is the second and final stage of the Neufeld project. A modern, five-storey building with an area of around 5750 m² is being built between Zug and Baar. The demolition of the existing building is expected to begin in April 2021. Completion is planned for 2023.

    The first stage of the new field project comprised the construction of the European headquarters of Emerson Process Management. The second building and the proximity to the A4 motorway junction and Baar Neufeld train station are intended to attract further international companies. HCI International Corporate Architects are responsible for both stages. In the basement of the new business center on the second stage there is a parking garage with charging stations for e-cars and e-bikes. A roof terrace is planned for the second stage as a relaxation area for the employees.

    The interior is bright and the entire construction is environmentally friendly. The Minergie-certified building will have a triple-glazed facade, energy-efficient air conditioning, raised floors and a fully automatic LED lighting system. Future tenants can plan tailor-made areas such as reception areas, C-Suite and conference rooms – the construction costs are financed by the owner as part of the rental package.

  • Live and work in stackable towers

    Live and work in stackable towers

    The plans of the association Vision Zukunft Bösch are ambitious: 3000 jobs for 600 companies are to be created on 30 hectares in Hünenberg on the Bösch site. The aim is to upgrade the area and make it a leading location for innovative SMEs in the service, trade and industry sectors. Keeas designed the first development model in 2018 on behalf of the Zugwest Economic Region Association. At the same time the club was
    Vision of the future of Bösch founded.

    The challenge in developing the area: space is limited. So that numerous companies can still settle, three high-rise buildings are to be built. These are not classic high-rise buildings, but stackable towers: Energy self-sufficient boxes are attached to large lifts. Companies could easily grow taller here: Additional boxes can be flexibly stacked.

    Creative SMEs in particular are likely to feel addressed by this location: there are slides instead of stairs. But the topics of energy and sustainability are also taken into account. Due to its high daily consumption, Bösch offers optimal conditions for the installation of photovoltaic systems on the roofs. The waste heat from the nearby Perlen paper mill could be used as heating and cooling energy.

    A range of e-cars, car sharing and e-bikes through to pooled company and visitor parking spaces is conceivable. The so-called energy and mobility hub works with large batteries. These optimize the energy consumption of the solar systems and charge electric vehicles at the same time. Truck and commercial ramps are to be built around existing commercial buildings. In addition, an autonomous bus is planned that will provide direct access to the IT campus and the Rotkreuz train station.

    The municipality of Hünenberg owns a piece of land in the immediate vicinity of the International School im Bösch, which it would make available for the construction of a reference company. This future “Campus Bösch” is likely to lay the foundation for the overall project. The vision is constantly being developed.

  • Second stage of the Quadrolith activated in Baar

    Second stage of the Quadrolith activated in Baar

    You cannot overlook it: the Quadrolith in Baar immediately catches the eye with its golden facade. The plans of the real estate company Alfred Müller based in Baar envisage two modern commercial buildings with space for 1000 workplaces on 30,000 square meters. The first building alone, which was completed in 2018, takes up 12,600 square meters. From the beginning, the aim was to build it in two stages.

    The remaining 17,250 square meters are currently being built on. The reference date is set for September 30, 2021. Marketing is already in progress. Companies of all sizes should be addressed with a flexible usage concept. The areas can be divided up and expanded individually. The U-shaped new building is then directly adjacent to the headquarters of Alfred Müller AG.
    The office complex has a modular structure and a functional architecture. Thanks to the design, the overall depth of both buildings, each with six floors above ground, could be deliberately kept low. This ensures optimal lighting conditions and space efficiency. Gold-colored, vertical metal strips give the facade its striking color. The overhang of the top two floors creates a futuristic appearance. Numerous trees and two green inner courtyards also characterize the exterior.

    Inside, the stairwells and toilet facilities are made of natural stone. The floors of the terraces on the 3rd and 5th floors are made of porcelain stoneware tiles. The height of the room varies from 2.40 to 2.54 meters depending on the floor. The windows are room high. An environmentally friendly heat pump heating system with energy piles and support from natural gas heating ensures reduced operating costs and reduced CO2 emissions. The concrete energy piles connected to the subsurface are provided with plastic pipes in order to exchange heat or cold with the subsoil. In addition, there are charging stations for electric vehicles in the open air and in the garage.

  • «Alpha»: a novelty in the canton of Zug

    «Alpha»: a novelty in the canton of Zug

    The windows of the Alpha office building, which has been under construction in Baar since summer 2020, are a novelty in the canton of Zug. Stephan Häusler, owner and CEO of Stephan Häusler AG and owner of Alpha, says: “We are foregoing classic sun blinds and relying on the SageGlass product for the glass facade. This adapts to the respective conditions depending on the amount of sunlight. " The glass darkens automatically, preventing the interior from heating up. Nevertheless, you can enjoy the view without restriction at any time. “This saves us energy as well as the maintenance and repair costs that are regularly incurred with classic sun blinds. The windows are a first in our canton. "

    The Alpha office building also has a lot to offer: An ideal location, a beautiful entrance area and timeless architecture. But these attributes alone are no longer enough to score points with the targeted clientele. Häusler: “In the Alpha, tenants benefit from exclusive advantages. There is, for example, the large garden, which is also ideal for outdoor meetings. There are also two cozy loggias on each floor, which are more familiar from apartments. " On the ground floor there is a lounge with direct access to the outside area. In addition, the construction of a larger meeting room is planned. This can be reserved selectively and is suitable for events with up to 30 guests.

    Fresh air thanks to ventilation blades
    The interior design of the individual office complexes can be freely designed. Two showers are already planned in the basement – if the employees want to jog, fit or bike over lunch and then continue working after having showered. Häusler emphasizes the careful interior design: “For example, we manufacture the interior doors that lead into the offices from high-quality wood. This looks homely and differs from the run-of-the-mill office groove. We value beautiful colors and shapes. " The entire planning is based on the “New Work” working model: Everyone works differently. “New Work” enables more independent and freer doing and letting go. New forms of creative activities are possible in the Alpha. And if your heads do smoke, fresh air can be supplied without any problems: “Thanks to the built-in ventilation blades, the facade windows can be opened manually. This is something that people really appreciate. You don't feel like you're in an office glass box in the Alpha. "

  • NaturLoop wins CHF 150,000 for composites made from coconut

    NaturLoop wins CHF 150,000 for composites made from coconut

    The start-up company NaturLoop from Biel BE won 150,000 francs from Venture Kick for its project to manufacture sustainable biocomposites, or composite materials, from coconut shells. According to a press release, NaturLoop wants to use the money to strengthen its marketing activities and to set up a new pilot project in the Philippines by the end of 2022. A factory for the production of cocoboard is to be built there. The natural fiber board is made from coconut shells. By using coconut shells instead of wood, the Biel-based start-up aims to limit deforestation, increase the local availability of furniture and building materials, improve farmers' livelihoods and promote a circular economy.

    NaturLoop wants to replace wood-based composite materials with Cocoboard. According to the communication, these release formaldehyde and other harmful gases, which leads to indoor air pollution. In addition, their production leads to excessive waste generation and energy consumption. The start-up now wants to use part of the around 21 million tons of coconut shells that are produced around the world every year and are either burned or thrown in the trash. NaturLoops Cocoboard is a natural fiber board made from coconut shells and pressed into boards with natural tannin glue. It can be used to make furniture, cupboards, floors or ceiling tiles.

    "What distinguishes Venture Kick from other startup programs are the people behind it: The feedback I got during the Kickers Camp was honest and unbiased," Daniel Dinizo, co-founder and CEO of NaturLoop, is quoted as saying.

    NaturLoop is a spin-off from the Bern University of Applied Sciences (BFH) and was co-founded by Daniel Dinizo (CEO) and Michail Kyriazopoulos (CTO). The team is currently working on exclusive supply contracts, pre-sales orders, the completion of the production concept and the opening of the seed financing round. According to the announcement, NaturLoop estimates the market for imported wood-based materials at $ 1 billion.

  • This is how the paper energy system works

    This is how the paper energy system works

    The Papieri area is to be operated in a CO2-neutral manner and to play an important role in the implementation of the desired 2000 watt society. The sophisticated energy system consists on the one hand of its own river power plant, which has been producing electricity since 1890. Now it has been upgraded with the latest technology as part of the site development. In addition, the water from the Lorze is used as a heat source and electricity production is supported by photovoltaic systems on the building roofs. Newly installed heat pumps complete the advanced energy system. Not only is the CO2 neutral
    Real heating of the buildings in winter, but also the cooling of all residential and commercial units in summer.

    Modern technology also sets the tone when it comes to living: All apartments are equipped with fiber optic connections and a smart living system. The control of the heating, ventilation, shading or also the light and energy management can be controlled via a centrally installed touch panel or via mobile devices such as smartphones or tablets.

  • Unique office and commercial space on the Papieri site

    Unique office and commercial space on the Papieri site

    Tailor-made office space and studios for every business idea
    Spread over the entire area, an extraordinary variety of areas will emerge over the next few years, which are suitable for the most varied of uses and sizes of businesses. Do you want 5m high rooms with industrial charm or something more modern in a contemporary new building with a representative appearance? Do you only need a small retreat to fine-tune your latest ideas, or as an anchor tenant would you like to play a key role in the planning process for your new headquarters? Everything is possible on the Papieri site and, thanks to the state-of-the-art infrastructure with fiber optic connections, you don't have to compromise anywhere. Areas from 50 m2 to 5,000 m2. Move-in from the end of 2022.

    Kesselhaus bistro with coworking.

    Lively ground floors for small businesses and services
    Lively ground floors are an important quality feature of any functioning quarter. Whether gastronomy, graphics office or physiotherapy, whether yoga room, flower shop or showroom: Innovative ideas with added value for residents and visitors are very welcome on the Papieri area. Areas from 100 to 1,000 m2. Move-in from the end of 2022.

    Sustainability is a top priority
    Thanks to our own hydropower plant on the Lorze and large-area photovoltaic systems on the roofs, all buildings are cooled and heated 100% CO2-neutrally. In addition, around a third of the electricity consumed is produced on site. All parking spaces are prepared for electromobility and are equipped as required. In addition, there are several quick charging stations available on the site. Don't own a car? Car and bike sharing offers ensure that you are still mobile.

    Maisonette studios in the new building.

    Become part of a lively neighborhood
    As a tenant, you can benefit from the attractive framework conditions on the Papieri site. Do you need a room for a new employee for a few months? Book a micro apartment directly on the area! Fancy a business lunch? The future Kesselhaus bistro is only a stone's throw away. Or do you feel like jogging or jumping into the cool water to clear your head? The attractive location of the Papieri area directly on the Lorze, not far from Lake Zug and the idyllic Villette Park, offers you countless opportunities to switch off and recharge your batteries and then start over.

    Get in contact with us and convince yourself of all the possibilities that are open to you here. Grow with us!

  • "The city of Zug should become greener"

    "The city of Zug should become greener"

    To person
    Eliane Birchmeier (FDP) has been city councilor and head of the building department of the city of Zug since January 2019. The 58-year-old studied business administration and is federally certified. dipl. PR consultant and founded Birchmeier Communications AG based in Zug in 2005. She was a member of the Board of Directors of Kursaal-Casino AG from 2004 to 2017 and co-owner of C-Matrix Communications AG from 1992 to 2004.

    You are the head of the building department of the city of Zug. Where do you see your core tasks?
    Eliane Birchmeier: My core tasks include the classic areas of responsibility in construction: On the one hand, there are building permits and building projects for city-owned civil engineering and structural engineering projects. On the other hand, we deal with planning, design and legal aspects in town planning and urban planning. This is about the future development of the city of Zug in terms of urban development and spatial planning with settlement, landscape and traffic.

    The city of Zug is forecast to have around 10,000 population growth by 2040. What structural measures are planned to do justice to this development?
    The forecast growth depends on the development of the project by private owners and investors. We have already done our homework in many areas. For example, when it comes to infrastructure projects in the areas of drainage, energy and disposal. In education, we – like other communities in Switzerland – have a certain amount of catching up to do. Various plans are currently underway for expanded and new school facilities. But we also want to upgrade the green and open spaces and improve the network of footpaths and bike paths in the coming years.

    The economy should also continue to grow. Where do you see the greatest potential for new commercial buildings?
    There is still great potential for expansion for trade and services in various former industrial and urban areas. These include the technology cluster with the V-Zug area, urban areas east and west of the station such as Metalli, Baarerstrasse West and the LG area. Then there is the area on the Aa II, which is being developed by the Zuger Verkehrsbetriebe, the Hertizentrum and the outer Lorzenallmend. In the future, these areas will offer mixed, urban uses of living, leisure and work.

    Where in the canton can you find larger land reserves?
    As elsewhere in the canton, growth in the city of Zug will mainly take place in the interior through densification. In addition, there are a few construction areas that have not yet been built up, such as the outer Lorzenallmend, areas in the Herti and Unterfeld, in the Lüssi / Göbli and in a southerly direction in the Salesianum and in Oberwil. Actual zoning is not the focus of ongoing local planning.

    "We expect planning applications for the Lüssi / Göbli area and the area of the Salesianum country house soon"

    Which projects are planned there?
    In the outer Lorzenallmend, a development plan is being drawn up for a residential and work area and in Herti Süd one for a residential development. There are currently no plans in the Herti Nord, Unterfeld or Spielhof. In the Lüssi / Göbli and the Salesianum there are legally binding development plans for residential developments. We expect planning applications for this in the near future.

    What are currently the most important construction projects that you are involved in?
    City-owned projects are the construction of the recycling center and the Ökihof in the north of the city. School complexes are being planned and projected throughout the city. The project competition for the extension of the lido starts this year, and in summer the Zug population will be able to use the new emergency rooms in the Göbli district.

    The city of Zug is in the middle of the local plan revision process. Is there already an initial strategy for mobility and open space?
    The city's spatial development strategy will be drawn up in several stages and steps up to autumn 2021. The first thrusts based on the technical basis, the population survey and the first participation phase are clearly emerging: the city should become greener. In addition, a diverse and high-quality range of different open spaces should be available to the population.

    What does the population want?
    She would like the growth in mobility to be absorbed by expanding and promoting pedestrian and bicycle traffic as well as public transport. Traffic routing in the center is to be simplified and designed in a way that is compatible with settlement. Particular attention is paid to optimizing commuter traffic. In cooperation with the canton and neighboring communities, but also with employers, we are focusing on an increased shift towards public transport, which is already excellently developed, and non-motorized private transport.

  • Bern is testing street lamps as charging stations

    Bern is testing street lamps as charging stations

    The municipal energy supplier Energie Wasser Bern (ewb) wants to convert street lamps in two Bern quarters into charging stations for electric vehicles. At the end of March, according to a press release, ewb will put two upgraded lanterns into operation at Thormannstrasse 62 and 64 and at Huberstrasse 16. The two masts will be equipped with type 2 sockets, the European standard for charging e-cars.

    ewb is responding to the growing demand for e-cars and thus also for charging points in Bern. The test stations are located on residential parking areas marked blue. According to the press release, this makes them particularly suitable for residents of Thormannstrasse and Huberstrasse who have an e-car and a resident parking card.

    ewb wants to expand the e-charging stations specifically in the blue zones, because this is where most people from Bern park. The energy supplier is technically supported for the project by Siemens and ubitricity as well as MOVE as an e-mobility service provider. The City of Bern and EnergieSchweiz are also involved.

    For owners of diesel and gasoline cars as well as e-vehicles that are not supposed to be charged, the areas will no longer be available until the end of the pilot phase in spring 2022. They should be able to recognize this from the corresponding signs. At the end of the test phase, ewb and its project partners want to evaluate the data and decide whether to introduce such charging lanterns across the board.

  • AEW takes a stake in the Aargau energy start-up

    AEW takes a stake in the Aargau energy start-up

    AEW Energie AG has entered into a strategic partnership with Virtual Global Trading , according to a media release . It will gradually acquire a stake of up to 35 percent in the start-up company based in Aarau.

    With eNet, Virtual Global Trading has developed a digital trading platform for the energy sector. It offers customers of energy suppliers various business models. For example, companies can present offers for battery storage or solar systems on the platform. These can then be used by private individuals – the customers of energy suppliers.

    The platform uses the daily updated data from the network operator's intelligent meters. The traded and processed energy data are automatically compared with the systems of the distribution network operator. When the platform registers a new smart meter, it creates a one-time token. Thanks to this token system developed and patented by Virtual Global Trading, the proof of origin of the energy is provided. Overall, the platform also enables all participants to react quickly to market developments.

    Together with the Liechtenstein power plants ( LKW ), the start-up is already implementing its system in Liechtenstein. The use of the platform there is also intended to serve as a model for other regions. The goal now is to roll out eNet continuously in Switzerland and Europe.

    “With our involvement in the start-up company, we are securing market experience from neighboring countries, where the regulation and liberalization of the electricity market are well advanced. We want to use this experience for our preparation for the complete liberalization of the electricity market ”, said Marc Ritter, Head of the Energy Business Unit at AEW, in an AEW announcement . Together with the start-up, AEW also wants to develop new market models for Switzerland.

  • Basler Quartier will soon have climate-neutral heating

    Basler Quartier will soon have climate-neutral heating

    Work on the construction of a heating network is allowed to start around Lehenmattstrasse from July. According to a press release , the Lehenmatt Birs AG (WVLB AG) heating network, which was founded specifically for this purpose, has now received permission from the government council of the canton of Basel-Stadt.

    In the first expansion step, the client is laying 1.2 kilometers of new heat pipes. Up to 2900 households can be connected to it, the first probably from spring 2022. The heat that WVLB AG supplies should be up to 80 percent CO2-neutral. According to a press release, it is a by-product of the treatment processes in the nearby Birs wastewater treatment plant.

    The first owners have already expressed their interest. "In the last few months we have already been able to conclude numerous heat supply contracts with large heat consumers in the Lehenmatt district," WVLB managing director Urs Hodel is quoted in the media release. WVLB AG is a joint venture between Industrielle Werke Basel ( IWB ) and the energy cooperative ADEV .

  • Switzerland is looking for sustainable tourism projects

    Switzerland is looking for sustainable tourism projects

    The innovation generator 2.0 is intended to help ensure that the upcoming change in Swiss tourism is sustainable. The Innotour project, supported by the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs ( SECO ), aims to trigger sustainable innovations for the tourism industry. Together with the project sponsors, the best ideas should be financed, professionally supported and further developed until they are ready for implementation. The sponsors include various tourism associations as well as the tourism institutes of the Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts and the Western Switzerland University of Applied Sciences .

    According to a media release from one of the project sponsors, the Swiss Tourism Association, interested parties can benefit from various support offers. The two universities will be offering two workshops each from May 2021. Ideas should be concretized and the project input prepared in the innovation generator. In addition, individual coaching is offered by experienced specialists.

    The first deadline for submission on the innovation generator's website is July 15th. A jury of experts then selects the most original and sustainable ideas. In the subsequent second project phase, implementation steps are planned, including a cost and financing plan. At the end, the jury will vote for the most promising project plans.

  • Portal documents the development of charging stations

    Portal documents the development of charging stations

    More than a third of energy consumption occurs in traffic, writes the Federal Office of Energy ( SFOE ) in a press release . The increased use of electric cars is intended to increase efficiency here. The communication names the expansion of the corresponding charging infrastructure as an important factor in promoting e-mobility.

    In order to be able to document the development of the charging infrastructure, providers of charging stations and the SFOE have set up a joint data infrastructure, the SFOE explains further in the communication. With their help, the availability of public charging stations in Switzerland is displayed in real time on the www.ich-tanke-strom.ch portal. This data is used by the SFOE to generate key figures for the public charging infrastructure. They are made available on the portal as data visualization. The SFOE makes the underlying data available as open data on the opendata.swiss portal.

    20 providers are now taking part in the project to document the development of the public charging infrastructure, including the largest charging networks in Switzerland, evpass, MOVE, swisscharge and Plug'n Roll. Interested providers of public charging stations are invited to join the project.