immo!nvest – Die Plattform für Standorte und Immobilien

Category: Energy

  • Riehen receives the green light for geothermal expansion

    Riehen receives the green light for geothermal expansion

    Riehen can continue with its planning for the expansion of another geothermal system. It would increase the number of residents supplied with climate-friendly thermal energy from the current 8,500 to 12,500. The referendum period expired at the end of October. The positive decision from the residents' council is now legally binding. This is now announced by Wärmeverbund Riehen AG ( WVR ).

    In the next step, seismic surveys to explore the subsurface for the geo2riehen project are due in summer 2021. A suitable location for the boreholes is thus sought. If the feasibility of the plant is confirmed, drilling could begin in 2023. They should open up more naturally occurring thermal water for heat utilization.

    An already existing feasibility study confirms that the project has “good prospects for success”. The drilling to promote the thermal water and the construction of the facility will cost around 20 million francs. The costs are shared between the two shareholders, the municipality of Riehen and the Basel energy supplier IWB . The Swiss Federal Office of Energy has promised a grant of 1.2 million francs and has announced a further 5.1 million francs.

    IWB's stake has risen from initially 27 to 50 percent. According to the WVR, this not only makes financing easier. The operation of the systems and the growing supply network can also be better coordinated with IWB: "The gradual and partial shutdown of the gas supply is thus optimally coordinated with the growth of the Riehen heating network."

  • Built Too Much? The fact that the real estate market no longer absorbs everything is an opportunity.

    Has too much been built in Switzerland? Maybe too much in the wrong place? It is true that one cannot speak of THE Swiss real estate market, as it is divided into different sub-markets, but the absorption time has generally lengthened, say the seven real estate developers who met in June for the HIG expert discussion. They assume that a basic set of apartments is always needed – just where and which, that is the question. A question that leads to rethinking quality.

    “Quality before quantity” – this phrase was used fifty years ago. But while quality was then associated with luxury, today people think of needs-based, sustainable building. This may be more expensive to create, but it pays off in the long term. The fact that the market no longer absorbs everything is also a gain. After all, everyone benefits from better quality – residents and users as well as creators and investors.

    “Perhaps too much has been built and the result is interchangeable apartment blocks. That is why we are now dealing more intensively with the issue of quality. That is the positive aspect of this development. "

    Roland Thoma

    The ABC of the situation – quality over quantity
    Around 75,400 apartments were vacant in Switzerland in 2019 * and the trend is rising. While two or three years ago the sales or letting rate when a property was completed was an average of 95 percent, today it is only 80 to 85 percent. The more peripheral the location, the longer the absorption time. In the urban centers there are up to 1000 inquiries for an apartment, and because the capacities are limited, the demand has to shift. There is also solid demand beyond the centers and A locations, for example for condominiums in the medium and low price segment. On the other hand, the once coveted luxury apartments are also among the slacks in the centers, while rental apartments in the low price segment are absorbed almost everywhere immediately.

    So it's about the right location with a product for the right segment. Nevertheless: "In structurally weaker regions, even in the middle segment, we need longer than two to three years ago," says René Frauenknecht from Steiner AG, for example. “Today we are keeping our hands off places that already have high vacancies and are reluctant to develop in B and C locations”. The risk of doing so is due to the relatively high pressure to acquire: “There are still large pension funds that are very aggressive on the market and secure land. It is very important that the quality of the location comes before quantity. That is new. Up until a few years ago you couldn't go very wrong if you had acquired a plot of land in a bad location, ”says Frauenknecht. “The low interest rates can also lead to wrong decisions, as risks may not be properly assessed. The wrong product in the right position no longer works today, ”adds Tobias Rotermund from Odinga Picenoni Hagen AG.

    The ratings from analysts such as Fahrländer or Wüest Partner are an important basis, say the developers, but these location analyzes have to be verified and interpreted on site in order not to simply repeat what has worked in the past. "Most of the location analyzes are data-based and digital," says Marc Lyon from Implenia Schweiz AG. «If we strictly followed the software's suggestions for our development strategies and product definition, we would always have the same without innovations. We would just make a copy of what has been built up over the past few years. These data-based foundations are indisputably important, but human interpretation is really necessary. We perceive a property in a completely different way and have a completely different reference when we get an idea of the location and not just look at the property via Google Maps and Street View ».

    "If we were to strictly follow the software's suggestions for our development strategies and product definition, there would be no innovation."

    Marc Lyon

    As simple as it is convincing – new concepts
    Once the potential of a place has been determined, it is a matter of developing a future-oriented concept. How can this look?

    Since an automatic price increase is no longer readily accepted by users today, space efficiency is the focus of the developers. It is achieved, for example, through a reduction in space, compact floor plans, prefabricated products, standardized construction processes and the elimination of gadgets. The result doesn't have to be zero-eight-fifteen. "You can achieve good quality even in difficult locations with simple but convincing architecture and inexpensive production with local companies", is Tobias Rotermund's experience. Large balconies are popular and not necessarily expensive, good furnishing makes up for the missing square meters and architecture can be as simple as it is convincing.

    You can achieve good quality even in difficult locations with simple but convincing architecture and inexpensive production. "

    Tobias Rotermund

    As far as the variety of apartment typologies is concerned – it is more expensive to build, but it is useful for renting in the long term. Other components that affect the quality of living are accessibility, exterior design, sustainability, mobility and neighborhood. "There are a whole range of options for diversifying rental living and for setting yourself apart on the market," says Valentin Müller from UTO Real Estate Management AG. “These include residential typologies that focus on a specific target group as well as integrated mobility concepts that optimally network the apartments with their surroundings. And not to forget: the quality of the settlement. We are talking here of 'living space', of spaces with a high quality of stay. Concepts are required for this. With a good development, you can create a good micro-location that meets human needs ».

    But what needs does the specific target group have at the specific location? Do people want representative architecture or identify with the place where they live? Do you value neighborly exchange or do you prefer privacy? Do you accept the lush, green outdoor space as compensation for the B or C location? … Who determines what quality is? The architecture elite? The users?

    A central finding in real estate communication is that the involvement of those affected promotes the acceptance and quality of a project. In addition to the quality of the product, the quality of the development process becomes more important.

    "Whether a project is accepted depends not least on the involvement of the population."

    Claudia Siegle

    "The early involvement of the population in the Mattenhof project in Lucerne South has paid off," says Claudia Siegle from Mobimo Management AG. “It is important that people can identify with the place where they live. In this case, this includes the creation of neighborhoods. In the Mattenhof, you don't just live in a residential building, but in a mixed-use area, where you can network with each other using apps, for example ». For Tobias Achermann, former CEO of Zug Estates AG, the dialogue with those affected has also proven its worth: “In the further development of the 'Metalli' district, we have had good experiences with involving the Zug population. Over a thousand people contributed their thoughts and suggestions. I see this procedure as the cornerstone for the further course of a project ».

    Involving the population not only benefits the product and its future users, but also improves political acceptance. For example, the claim that too much is being built appears regularly in the media and is a difficult argument in referendum battles: “The construction industry is often perceived as a driver of growth that is not welcomed everywhere – especially in the peripheral and rural areas people get the impression that building is being done primarily because investors have to invest money and not because it meets a need. Allowing those affected to participate in a project and creating real needs-based justice not only increases the quality, but also the social and political acceptance of a project ”, is the experience of Werner Schaeppi, an expert in construction and real estate communication.

    Innovation versus bureaucracy – problem child on the ground floor
    The development of the industry has meant that not only the real estate projects, but also their creators have to position themselves. For example through innovations such as a CO2-free energy system and building with wood in the “Suurstoffi” in Rotkreuz, which Tobias Achermann mentions as an example. Or through innovative mobility concepts that are developed and implemented by UTO Real Estate Management AG. In general, the company is committed to innovation, says Valentin Müller. This is a mind set that flows into the corporate culture and flows into the development projects. However, new concepts also need staying power, for example running the gauntlet through the density of regulations.

    The number one problem child for the developers is ground floor usage. Bringing ground floors to life with commercial uses is difficult, and this will become even more acute with increasing online trade and changes in the retail sector. The hygiene measures in the context of new viruses such as Covid-19 are also difficult to assess; for example, long-term guidelines such as distance rules would increase the space requirement in the trade. Innovative concepts are required, especially for ground floor uses, but these often fail because of the long-lasting planning instruments. Because if a development plan is ten to fifteen years old, it may no longer meet the current requirements.

    “Why should there be no residential use on the ground floor, for example?” Ask the developers. The fact that commercial ground floor uses per se generate a lot of foot traffic is a romantic notion. Ground floors must be appropriate to the situation and location and match the district infrastructure. “You have to ask yourself whether the development with a ground floor will be more attractive,” summarizes Roland Thoma from the HIG Immobilien Anlage Foundation. "A bookstore is not attractive in terms of returns and has to be cross-subsidized, but it can perhaps offer the neighborhood added value".

    "Innovation is rooted in the corporate culture and flows into the projects."

    Valentin Müller

    Building construction and home office – a look into the crystal ball
    What's next Will the market be saturated twenty, thirty, fifty years from now, and will other investment activities be needed? According to the participants in the HIG expert discussion, there will be a shift in the area of building construction from new buildings to modernization, renovation, extension and conversion. The area of infrastructure will grow with public buildings such as hospitals and railway maintenance etc., and the topic of sustainability will also continue to establish itself. "Today, certain sustainability principles are part of the development of a project," says Tobias Achermann. In addition, age-appropriate building is a major issue: “By 2030, the 65+ age group will increase by 30 percent. As an investor and developer, you are betting on the right card if you position yourself in this segment with appropriate infrastructure and community concepts, ”says Achermann.

    «If you position yourself today in the area of age-appropriate building, you have to sit down
    you as an investor and developer on the right card. "

    Tobias Achermann

    Opinions differ on the topic of home office. The developers report that the joint creative process suffered enormously during the corona lockdown. For example, study assignments had to be postponed because the architectural offices could not be as productive as usual in the virtual exchange. Other areas, on the other hand, work very well in the home office. They open up the potential for a future in which there may be new forms of work, but at least less commuting. How this potential will be used cannot be foreseen at the moment. On the one hand, many companies are bringing their employees back into their company premises, on the other hand, industries such as the New Economy are driving the home office trend. For the construction of the future, home office would require more space and flexibility of use in the living spaces, which, however, collides with efforts to build cost-effectively by reducing space.

    Back to the ground floor once again: Would co-working spaces be conceivable here, for example, which expand the home office model? Perhaps as part of a sharing economy, or also non-commercially as an extension of the classic common room? Some developers have conceptual thoughts on this, but they stand and fall with whether it will be possible to get the authorities on board. As a developer, waiting for the development is seldom the right attitude. ■

    * Federal Statistical Office FSO,
    Collected on June 1, 2019, www.bfs.admin.ch

    Tobias Rotermund

    Tobias Rotermund has been a senior real estate consultant and member of the management board of Odinga Picenoni Hagen AG for six years, which as an independent project development and real estate consultancy is responsible, for example, for the overall project management of the first stage of the overall renovation of the University Hospital Zurich. Before that he worked as an architect in various offices. He studied architecture in Berlin and completed his Master of Advanced Studies in Real Estate (CUREM) at the University of Zurich.

    Marc Lyon

    Marc Lyon is Head Real Estate Development Switzerland at Implenia Schweiz AG, where he was Head of Development in German-speaking Switzerland for the past three years. Before that, he worked at Swiss Prime Site AG in the Development and Construction division throughout Switzerland and at Credit Suisse in the Real Estate Investment Management division for the development and implementation of large
    projects in Germany and abroad. Marc Lyon studied architecture at the EPFL in Lausanne and has a bachelor's degree in business administration.

    Claudia Siegle

    Claudia Siegle is a team leader in the development department at Mobimo Management AG. The graduate in business administration with a CAS in needs-based planning and construction as well as a master’s degree in community, urban and regional development is responsible for various site developments. For example for the Mattenhof area in Lucerne-South – a large development with 120 rental apartments, offices, restaurants and a Holiday Inn hotel, which opened in summer 2019.

    Roland Thoma

    Roland Thoma has been managing director of the HIG Immobilien Anlage Foundation, which invests in Swiss real estate, for three years. Before joining HIG, Roland Thoma was a member of the management team and was responsible for the transactions of H&B Real Estate AG. Roland Thoma graduated from the Swiss Hotel Management School in Lucerne and completed further training at CUREM and the St. Gallen University of Applied Sciences in the areas of real estate management and real estate development.

    René Frauenknecht

    René Frauenknecht has been with Steiner AG for five years. In his role as Head Sale and Lease he is responsible for the sale and rental of all apartments and service areas developed by Steiner AG. Before that he was managing director of Intercity AG Zug / Luzern for over seven years. The federally certified real estate trustee studied business administration at the Kaderschule Zurich and completed the master’s course in Advanced Studies in Real Estate CUREM at the University of Zurich.

    Tobias Achermann

    Tobias Achermann was CEO of Zug Estates Holding AG from 2014 to May 2020. With the model area development Suurstoffi in Rotkreuz, the trained real estate
    Economist established as an expert in sustainable and innovative site development. Zug Estates aims to become the first listed real estate company with a portfolio without CO2 emissions. Since June 1, 2020 he has been managing director of Achermann Consulting GmbH, which pursues the purpose of taking on board mandates and carrying out economic advice.

    Valentin Müller

    Valentin Müller has been CEO of UTO Real Estate Management AG for two years, which specializes in the development and management of third-party real estate portfolios. Current projects include the Tiny Houses on Zollikerberg and the Performative House in Zurich Unterstrass. Before his current position, the qualified architect was Head of Real Estate and a member of the group management of AMAG Automobil- und Motoren AG.

    Dr. Werner Schaeppi

    Dr. Werner Schaeppi works as a communications researcher and consultant at the communications agency Creafactory AG and at the market research institute mrc research & consulting ag in Zug. He is co-owner of both companies that are leaders in real estate, capital goods and financial services. Werner Schaeppi studied at the University of Zurich. He has a licentiate in linguistics and a doctorate in social psychology.

  • Zurich Airport: New hangar for business aviation

    Zurich Airport: New hangar for business aviation

    For business aviation, Zurich Airport is planning a new hangar in the far west, near Rümlang. The airport expects costs of 50 million francs. A hangar is planned in which the machines will be serviced and parked, a terminal for passengers with security and customs controls as well as office space. Flughafen Zürich AG has therefore submitted an application for planning permission to the Federal Department for the Environment, Transport, Energy and Communication (DETEC) for the "Zone West, building construction including apron and development" project, Flughafen Zürich AG writes in a press release. The planned building has an area of 80 x 280 meters and a maximum height of 30 meters. Business aviation is still located at the General Aviation Center in the east on the airport grounds. This location is to be relocated in the long term for other buildings such as a new freight facility. In the vicinity of the future new hangar, new stands are also to be created. For this reason, the spotter hill and the heligrill, which are popular with flight fans, have to give way. However, there will be a new spotter spot, says a spokeswoman for Zurich Airport AG. The start of construction of the new hangar has not yet been determined. ■

  • The intelligent electricity meters will come from 2021

    The intelligent electricity meters will come from 2021

    The intelligent electricity meters called Smart Meters will be available nationwide from 2021. The Zurich city council has approved tied expenditure of 194.2 million francs for this. In the coming years, the EWZ will replace 270,000 conventional meters with digital smart meters in order to meet the statutory requirements of the federal government.

    These contribute to a CO2-neutral energy supply and security of supply. The individual areas such as the generation of electricity from renewable energies, storage and more through to the charging infrastructure for electric vehicles must be networked. Smart meters are digital and internet-enabled electricity meters, consisting of a measuring device and an intelligent distribution network (smart grid). In addition to the smart meters in the buildings, these systems include other components that ensure remote reading of the new measuring devices via the EWZ fiber-optic network. The consumption data of the end users are transmitted to the billing center in encrypted form.

    In contrast to analog meters, which are read annually, digital smart meters can measure the consumption and power generation of a household around the clock and make this information available to customers. The new counters also enable definitive invoices to be created directly. In the future, billing will be based on the actual electricity consumption – every three months instead of bills on account and annual bills.

    Affected property owners will be informed in good time by EWZ about the replacement of the meter. ■

  • So stellen sich die Standortförderer der Kantone auf

    So stellen sich die Standortförderer der Kantone auf

    Kanton Solothurn, Sarah Koch

    Weshalb sollte sich ein ausländisches Unternehmen in Ihrem Kanton niederlassen?
    Sarah Koch: Weil wir Fachkräfte, Know-how, Innovationspartner und die notwendige Infrastruktur vor Ort haben, um zukunftsträchtige Entwicklungsprojekte voranzutreiben. Und weil der Kanton Solothurn als Wohn- und Lebensstandort besondere Qualitäten aufweist. Attraktive Jobs und Freizeitmöglichkeiten gehen bei uns Hand in Hand.

    Welche Art von Unternehmen interessiert sich für Ihren Kanton?
    Der Kanton Solothurn ist etabliert als Produktions- und Innovationsstandort, insbesondere im Bereich der Medizinaltechnik bzw. Life Sciences. Aus diesem Grund ist das Interesse der Unternehmen aus diesen Technologien besonders gross. Wir verfügen aber auch über ein spannendes Ökosystem im Bereich der erneuerbaren Energien – innovative Start-ups und Spin-offs zieht es in unsere Zentren.

    Was hat sich in den letzten fünf Jahren in Ihrem Kanton bezüglich Standortqualität konkret verändert?
    Unser Standort ist steuerlich attraktiver geworden. Die Steuerbelastung ist im Zuge der Steuerreform und AHV-Finanzierung per 2020 auf 16,8 Prozent gesunken und wird bis 2022 bis auf 15,3 Prozent gesenkt. Zudem hat der Kanton seine E-Government-Strategie stetig vorangetrieben. In diesem Jahr geht das Behördenportal online – eine administrative Erleichterung für Unternehmen und Privatpersonen.

    Welche Entwicklungen erwarten Sie in den nächsten fünf Jahren?
    Die Digitalisierung hat durch die Coronakrise enormen Rückenwind erhalten. Wir gehen davon aus, dass sowohl die Unternehmen wie auch die öffentliche Hand diese Entwicklung in den nächsten Jahren weiterverfolgen. Dateninfrastruktur und Download-Geschwindigkeit spielen in diesem Zusammenhang eine wichtige Rolle – der Kanton Solothurn ist diesbezüglich sehr gut aufgestellt. Auch im Bereich der Arbeitszonenbewirtschaftung hat der Kanton wesentliche Schritte initiiert, um die künftige Entwicklung der Wirtschaft zu stärken.

    Wie wirkt sich die Coronakrise auf die Wirtschaft Ihres Kantons aus?
    Der Kanton Solothurn befindet sich bezüglich der Arbeitslosenzahlen und Kurzarbeitsentschädigungen im Schweizer Durchschnitt. Noch sind die Folgen der Coronakrise nur sehr schwer abzuschätzen. Wir bleiben zuversichtlich und erhoffen uns, dass der Trend zur Renationalisierung von Wertschöpfungsketten und damit auch die Standortverbundenheit unserer KMU zunehmen wird. Das ist eine Chance für unseren Kanton.

    Was unternehmen Sie diesbezüglich?
    Wir stehen im engen Austausch mit den Unternehmen und unterstützen beispielsweise in der Vermittlung von Innovations- oder Finanzierungspartnern. Zudem werden wir unsere Standortstrategie 2030 für den Kanton Solothurn an die aktuellen Herausforderungen anpassen – dabei wollen wir natürlich auf die Bedürfnisse der Unternehmen eingehen.■

    Wirtschaftsförderung Kanton Solothurn
    Sarah Koch
    Leiterin Wirtschaftsförderung
    Telefon: +41 32 627 95 27
    www.standortsolothurn.ch
    wifoe@awa.so.ch

    Kanton Graubünden, Eugen Arpagaus

    Weshalb sollte sich ein ausländisches Unternehmen in Ihrem Kanton niederlassen?
    Eugen Arpagaus: Nebst der ausgezeichneten Verkehrslage an der Nord-Süd-Achse und der Nähe zum Wirtschaftsraum Zürich sowie der guten Anbindung an den Flughafen Zürich bieten wir eine attraktive Steuerbelas-
    tung, die Möglichkeit der Steuererleichterungen, eine sehr unternehmensfreundliche Abschreibungspraxis, die Fördermöglichkeit von innovativen Vorhaben sowie günstigere Kostenstrukturen gegenüber der Agglomeration. Immer mehr an Bedeutung gewinnen eine hohe Lebensqualität und eine gute Work-
    Life-Balance. Die Erfahrungen einzelner exportorientierter Unternehmen zeigt, dass neue Mitarbeitende wegen der hohen Lebensqualität sehr wohl gewillt sind, nach Graubünden umzuziehen.

    Für welche Unternehmen ist der Kanton Graubünden interessant?
    Wir sind überzeugt, dass der Kanton für produzierende High-Tech-Unternehmen in den Branchen Life Science, Medtech, MEM, Sensorik und Chemie/Kunststoffe sowie für Informations- und Kommunikationstech-
    nologie-Unternehmen von besonderem Interesse ist. Dies lässt sich durch das verfügbare Know-how im Sinne des Mitarbeiterpotenzials in der Region belegen. Auch zeigen die Daten der bestehenden Unternehmen, dass sie hier auf die Stückkosten bezogen ein attraktives Umfeld finden.

    Was hat sich in den letzten fünf Jahren in Ihrem Kanton bezüglich Standortqualität konkret verändert?
    In den letzten Jahren haben wir uns intensiv mit der Möglichkeit zur Erhöhung der Verfügbarkeit von attraktiven Industrieflächen beschäftigt. So konnten wir im Industriepark Vial in Domat/Ems eine Fläche von ca. 22 Hektaren umstrukturieren und den export- und technologieorientierten Unternehmen zur Verfügung stellen. Die ersten zwei Unternehmen mit einem Potenzial von rund 1000 Mitarbeitenden konnten wir bereits ansiedeln. Die sofortige Verfügbarkeit von Bauland ist gegeben, und dies zu einem attraktiven Bodenpreis. Des Weiteren hat Graubünden stark im Bereich Forschung investiert. So konnte dieses Jahr mit der ETH Zürich das Forschungszentrum «Climate Change and Extremes Research Center CERC» gegründet werden.

    Welche Entwicklungen stehen für Sie in den nächsten fünf Jahren an?
    Im Fokus steht die Umsetzung der Innovationsstrategie des Kantons Graubünden mit dem Schwerpunkt, die Voraussetzungen für Innovationskraft in Unternehmen zu steigern. Insbesondere die Verknüpfung der Exzellenz der Forschungsinstitutionen in Davos, den Universitäten sowie der Fachhochschule Graubünden in Chur zur Optimierung des Wissen- und Technologietransfers kann die Innovationskraft von Unternehmen erheblich steigern. Der Promotion des Wirtschafs-, Wohn- und Lebensraums Graubünden kommt im Regierungsprogramm 2021–2024 eine zentrale Rolle zu.

    Wie wirkt sich die Coronakrise auf die Wirtschaft Ihres Kantons aus?
    Derzeit ist es sehr schwierig abzuschätzen, was auf die Wirtschaft des Kantons Graubünden zukommt. Grundsätzlich teilen wir die Haltung, was das SECO bezüglich der BIP-Entwicklung und der Arbeitslosenzahlen prognostiziert. Wir stehen im engen Austausch mit den Wirtschaftsverbänden.

    Was unternehmen Sie diesbezüglich?
    In Zusammenarbeit mit der Dachorganisation der Bündner Wirtschaft und der Interessengemeinschaft Tourismus Graubünden (ITG) diskutieren wir, inwieweit mit Impulsprogrammen der Coronakrise entgegengewirkt werden kann. Wie diese ausgestaltet werden, wird noch diskutiert. ■

    AWT (Amt für Wirtschaft und Tourismus Graubünden)
    Eugen Arpagaus, Amtsleiter
    Telefon +41 81 257 23 77
    www.awt.gr.ch
    eugen.arpagaus@awt.gr.ch

    Kanton Glarus, Stefan Elmer

    Weshalb sollte sich ein ausländisches Unternehmen in Ihrem Kanton niederlassen?
    Stefan Elmer: Nach wie vor ist Glarus der am stärksten industrialisierte Kanton der Schweiz. Hier kommen heute verschiedenste Spitzentechnologien zum Einsatz. Die industrielle Tradition wirkt nach: Hohe Einsatzbereitschaft, Arbeitsmoral und Produktivität sind typische Eigenschaften der Glarnerinnen und Glarner. Dazu bietet der Kanton Glarus einen sehr attraktiven Wohnstandort in einer intakten Landschaft mit vielfältigen Freizeitmöglichkeiten und in nächster Nähe zu Zürich.

    Welche Art von Unternehmen interessiert sich für Ihren Kanton?
    Vielfach suchen KMU und Familienunternehmen einen Standort, wo sie sich zu noch bezahlbaren Kosten entwickeln können, motivierte und loyale Mitarbeiter finden sowie kurze Wege zu den Behörden. Unser Standort bietet vergleichsweise tiefe Preise für Land und Immobilien. Tiefe Strom-, Lohn- und Lebenshaltungskosten, eine gute Verkehrserschliessung, ein günstiges Steuerklima sowie ein innovationfreundliches Umfeld sprechen eigentlich alle Branchen an, sowohl aus der traditionellen Industrie, dem Gewerbe wie auch dem wissensbasierten Sektor.

    Was hat sich in den letzten fünf Jahren in Ihrem Kanton bezüglich Standortqualität konkret verändert, welche Entwicklungen erwarten Sie in den nächsten fünf Jahren?
    Das Glarnerland ist ein selbstbewusster Teil des Grossraums Zürich, brachliegende Industrieareale werden umgenutzt und von der Kreativwirtschaft, von Firmen aus der Information- und Kommuniukations-Technologie wie auch durch neuartige Wohn- und Lebensformen genutzt. Ein Beispiel ist die autarke Energieversorgung aus Wasserkraft. Ausserdem treiben innovative Jungunternehmer den Strukturwandel hin zur Wissensgesellschaft voran. Und zu guter Letzt: Das entschleunigte Bergtal ist eine attraktive Wohnalternative zur hektischen Metropole Zürich.

    Wie wirkt sich die Coronakrise auf die Wirtschaft Ihres Kantons aus?
    Wie überall sind die einzelnen Branchen sehr unterschiedlich betroffen. Währendem vor allem die im Kanton traditionell starke Bauwirtschaft fast ohne Einschränkungen weiterproduzieren konnte, leidet die Exportindustrie aus dem Maschinen-, Metall- und Kunststoffbereich noch massiv unter der eingebrochenen Nachfrage. Die Tourismusbranche scheint mit einem blauen Auge davon gekommen zu sein, da die Wintersaison im Kanton Glarus jeweils Ende März beendet wird. Die Ferienregionen ziehen traditionell Schweizer Gäste an. So ist in den Sommermonaten mit einer guten Aus-
    lastung zu rechnen.

    Was unternehmen Sie diesbezüglich?
    Als Soforthilfe kamen auch im Kanton Glarus die klassischen Instrumente wie Kurzarbeit, Covid-19-Kredite und finanzielle Härtefallnetze zum Einsatz, die der Kanton mit eigenen Instrumenten zusätzlich zu den Bundesmassnahmen verstärkt hat. Die sehr solide finanzielle Lage des Kantons erlaubte es, die Wirtschaft in dieser Krise schnell und unbürokratisch zu unterstützen und eigene Investitions-
    projekte vorzuziehen. Mittelfristig unterstützt der Kanton unabhängig davon den Wandel zur Digitalisierung. Er hat dazu ein ambitiöses Massnahmenpaket verabschiedet, das der gesamten Wirtschaft und den Arbeitnehmern helfen soll, sich den zukünftigen Herausforderungen der digitalisierten Welt stellen zu können. ■

    Glarus
    Stefan Elmer,
    Leiter Standortentwicklung
    Telefon +41 55 646 66 13
    www.gl.c
    stefan.elmer@gl.ch

    Kanton Schaffhausen, Christoph Schärrer

    Weshalb sollte sich ein ausländisches Unternehmen in Ihrem Kanton niederlassen?
    Christoph Schärrer: Weil Schaffhausen vor allem die Grundlage für eine tolle Zukunft bietet. Dafür gibt es mehrere Gründe: Über 600 internationale Unternehmen haben Schaffhausen als Headquarter- und Produktionsstandort gewählt. Innovative und kreative Ideen und Vorhaben werden offen aufgenommen und aktiv unterstützt. Der Zugang zu Top-Fachkräften umfasst Süddeutschland und den Grossraum Zürich. Dank attraktivem Kosten- und Steuerniveau bleibt mehr zum (Re-)Investieren. Wir bieten beste Verbindungen zum Flughafen Zürich sowie lokal kurze Wege und unbürokra-
    tischen Entscheiden. Ausserdem profitieren Mitarbeitende von viel Lebensqualität.

    Welche Art von Unternehmen interessiert sich für Ihren Kanton?
    Firmen und Unternehmer/Innen, welche die Zukunft an der Schnittstelle Industrie und Digitalisierung mit neuen Technologien und Geschäftsmodellen aktiv gestalten. Dazu gehören internationale Grosskonzerne mit Headquarter-Funktionen und agile Produktions- und Entwicklungsunternehmen. Wenig bekannt ist, dass die Schaffhauser Pharma- und Medizinaltechnik-Branche sehr bedeutend ist. Unternehmen aus diesen Bereichen finden bei uns optimale Rahmenbedingungen.

    Was hat sich in den letzten fünf Jahren in Ihrem Kanton bezüglich Standortqualität konkret verändert?
    Dem Kanton Schaffhausen ist die Transformation vom Industrie- zum Hightech-Standort gelungen. Zahlreiche internationale Unternehmen wählen Schaffhausen heute für Hauptsitz-Funktionen. Die Geschwindigkeit der Veränderungen nimmt weiter zu. Als Antwort wurde der Strategiefokus auf Innovation und Technologie erweitert. Der Kanton Schaffhausen will sich zur führenden Region in der Anwendung zukunftsweisender Technologien entwickeln. Der Fokus unserer Ausrichtung liegt deshalb in den Bereichen Smart Mobility und Drohnen, Future Farming und Advanced Materials.

    Welche Entwicklungen erwarten Sie in den nächsten fünf Jahren?
    Die industrielle Tradition und Pionierrolle liegen in unserer DNA. Dazu gehört, die Zukunft zu gestalten, anzupacken – ohne das Engagement für die Umwelt und Gesellschaft zu vernachlässigen. Diese Charaktereigenschaften teilen innovative Firmen und unternehmerische Personen. Sie suchen ein Umfeld, wo Politik und Behörden aktiv Hand bieten, um ihre Vorhaben und ihre zukunftsweisenden Entwicklungen umzusetzen. Dies ist bei uns der Fall. Schaffhausen ist Vorreiter bei der digitalen Identität, hat weltweit als erster Standort einen selbstfahrenden Bus im Leitsystem des öffentlichen Verkehrs integriert oder spannt mit Drohnen- und Agrarunternehmen bei Feldversuchen zusammen.

    Wie wirkt sich die Coronakrise auf die Wirtschaft Ihres Kantons aus?
    Schaffhausen führt gemäss einer UBS-Studie beim Indikator «Wirtschaftsstruktur» die Rangliste aller Kantone an. Dies unterstreichen die hohe Wachstumsdynamik und die gute Wettbewerbspositionierung der kantonalen Unternehmenslandschaft. Es zeigt, dass sich die Schaffhauser Wirtschaft in den letzten Jahren gut aufgestellt hat, um diese schwierige Phase bewältigen zu können.

    Was unternehmen Sie diesbezüglich?
    Seit jeher ist die persönliche Bestandespflege ansässiger Unternehmen ein Hauptbestandteil der Schaffhauser Wirtschaftsförderungstätigkeit. Die Rolle der Wirtschaftsförderung als direkte Ansprechstelle für Unternehmen und Selbständige bewährt sich nun. Der Kanton Schaffhausen hat innert Tagen gezielt und konsequent mit einem umfassenden Sofortmassnahmenpaket reagiert. Dank kurzer Wege werden Lösungen für individuelle Bedürfnisse und Problemsituationen mit den einzelnen Firmen entwickelt. ■

    Wirtschaftsförderung Kanton Schaffhausen
    Christoph Schärrer, Delegierter
    für Wirtschaftsförderung
    Telefon +41 52 674 03
    info@standort.sh.ch

    Kanton Tessin, Stefano Rizzi

    Weshalb sollte sich ein ausländisches Unternehmen in Ihrem Kanton niederlassen?
    Stefano Rizzi: Abgesehen von der strategischen Lage zwischen zwei der wichtigsten Wirtschaftsregionen Europas – Zürich und Mailand – bietet das Tessin ein exzellentes akademisches Umfeld mit Forschungsinstituten von Weltrang. Wir haben eine gute Verfügbarkeit von qualitativ hochstehenden Berufsprofilen auf dem Arbeitsmarkt sowie ein regionales Innovationsystem, das alle Akteure auf einfache Weise miteinander vernetzt und optimale Bedingungen für die Realisierung von Forschungs- und Entwicklungsprojekten bietet. Das Tessin rangiert gemäss dem «Innovation Scoreboard 2019» der europäischen Kommission hinter Zürich auf dem zweiten Rang von 234 berücksichtigten Regionen Europas.

    Welche Art von Unternehmen interessiert sich für Ihren Kanton?
    Es handelt sich dabei vor allem um internationale Firmen, welche im Tessin eine Niederlassung zur Produktion, Forschung und Entwicklung suchen. Dazu kommen Hightech-Firmen und/oder solche, die hochqualifiziertes Personal benötigen. Die Unternehmen stammen vorwiegend aus den Sektoren Life Sciences, Lifestyletech, Mechatronik, Blockchain und generell Informations- und Kommunikationstechnologie.

    Was hat sich in den letzten fünf Jahren in Ihrem Kanton bezüglich Standortqualität konkret verändert?
    In den letzten Jahren haben wir das umfassende regionale Innovationssystem und eine Förderstrategie für innovative Start-ups ent-
    wickelt sowie positive Synergien zwischen Behörden, Instituten und Partnern auf dem ganzen Kantonsgebiet geschaffen. Zudem haben wir unsere Innovationsförderungsstiftung AGIRE stark ausgebaut. Ein weiterer Meilenstein ist unsere Mitgliedschaft in der Greater Zurich Area (GZA). Parallel dazu können wir eine stetig wachsende Zusammenarbeit zwischen Unternehmen und Forschungsinstituten und eine sehr erfreuliche Zunahme von Forschungsprojekten verzeichnen, welche auch dank der Unterstützungsbeiträge aufgrund unseres Gesetzes über wirtschaftliche Innovation möglich gemacht werden.

    Welche Entwicklungen erwarten Sie in den nächsten fünf Jahren?
    Wir schauen zuversichtlich auf unsere Kandidatur für den Anschluss an das Netzwerk Switzerland Innovation Park sowie die Schaffung von Kompetenzzentren in den Sektoren Life Sciences, Mechatronik, Drohnen sowie Blockchain und künstlicher Intelligenz. Grosse Hoffnungen hegen wir in die bereits laufende Entwicklung des neuen Arbeits-, Bildungs- und Wohnquartiers und zukünftigen Stand-
    orts des Innovationsparks auf dem Areal des jetzigen SBB-Industriewerks beim Bahnhof Bellinzona, das ab 2026 realisiert werden soll.

    Wie wirkt sich die Coronakrise auf die Wirtschaft Ihres Kantons aus?
    Das Tessin war einer der am stärksten betroffenen Kantone zu Beginn der Coronakrise. Dank der prompten Reaktion aller Beteiligten konnte Schlimmeres abgewendet werden. Auch die Unternehmen haben gut auf die schwierigen Zeiten reagiert und ihre Aktivitäten bereits wieder aufgenommen. Dieses gelungene Zusammenspiel hat gleichzeitig zur Stärkung des Images des Kantons Tessin als solider und sicherer Kanton beigetragen.

    Was unternehmen Sie diesbezüglich?
    Beim Ausbruch der Coronakrise haben wir unverzüglich Runde Tische mit Vertretern aus der Wirtschaft, Politik und Forschung einberufen, um gemeinsam kurz-, mittel und langfristigwirkende Massnahmen zur Wiederbelebung der Wirtschaft zu erarbeiten. Dazu kommt die vermehrte Unterstützung der Unternehmen im Bereich der wirtschaftlichen Innovation. Das vom Finanz- und Wirtschaftsdepartement initiierte Projekt «Vivi il tuo Ticino – Lebe dein Tessin» soll die Tessiner dazu anregen, den eigenen Kanton als Ferienort zu entdecken. ■

    Dipartimento delle finanze e dell’economia
    Divisione dell’economia
    Stefano Rizzi, Direktor
    www.ti.ch/economia

    Kanton Zug, Beat Bachmann

    Weshalb sollte sich ein ausländisches Unternehmen in Ihrem Kanton niederlassen?
    Beat Bachmann: Der Zuger Wirtschaftsraum bietet ein Gesamtpaket an herausragenden Standortfaktoren: Die ausgeprägte Wirtschaftsfreundlichkeit, politische und finanzielle Stabilität, attraktive Steuern für Firmen und Privatpersonen, Internationalität sowie der Pool an verfügbaren Fachkräften, der wiederum eine Magnetwirkung ausübt. Dazu kommen Investitionen in Bildung, die gute Erreichbarkeit, die hervorragende Lebensqualität sowie ein effektives Geschäftsumfeld. Der Kanton Zug ist Teil der Greater Zurich Area (GZA) und des Metropolitanraums Zürich, einer der weltweit attraktivsten Wirtschaftsräume.

    Welche Art von Unternehmen interessiert sich für Ihren Kanton?
    Unternehmen aus breit diversifizierten Branchengruppen: Life Science (Pharma / Biotech / Medtech), Grosshandel, High Tech Industrie, Finanzwirtschaft, Informations- und Kommunikationstechnologie (inkl. Fintech und Blockchain) sowie internationale Headquarters.

    Was hat sich in den letzten fünf Jahren in Ihrem Kanton bezüglich Standortqualität konkret verändert?
    Mit der Umsetzung der Steuerreform per 1. Januar 2020 bleibt der Wirtschaftsstandort Zug im internationalen Wettbewerb für Unternehmen und Privatpersonen langfristig weiterhin sehr attraktiv. Die führenden Branchen haben sich positiv entwickelt und sind noch stärker geworden, insbesondere Life Science mit Pharma und Medtech, Handel/Trading sowie Blockchain, Tech und IT. In diesen Bereichen sind auch viele Start-ups entstanden. Mit der Inbetriebnahme des Departements Informatik der HSLU in Rotkreuz und dem bevorstehenden Start der Höheren Fachschule für Informatik und Elektronik am Gewerblich-industriellen Bildungszentrum Zug investiert der Kanton in Talente und künftige Fachkräfte.

    Welche Entwicklungen erwarten Sie in den nächsten fünf Jahren?
    Wir hoffen, dass sich die – vor der Krise prosperierende – Wirtschaft gut erholt und erwarten, dass sich die Branchencluster erfolgreich weiterentwickeln und dass der Kanton weiterhin zu den attraktivsten Standorten zählt.

    Wie wirkt sich die Coronakrise auf die Wirtschaft Ihres Kantons aus?
    Der Zuger Wirtschaftsraum ist international stark vernetzt, globale Ereignisse haben eine grosse Auswirkung. Einen wesentlichen Einfluss hat die Entwicklung des Weltmarkts. Im dritten Quartal werden wir über klarere Informationen verfügen. Der Zuger Regierungsrat plant die kommenden Monate mit verschiedenen Szenarien; er verfolgt mit einem Monitoring ausgewählter Indikatoren die Erholung der Wirtschaft genau.

    Was unternehmen Sie diesbezüglich?
    Die Vertreterinnen und Vertreter des Kantons stehen im stetigen Austausch mit den ansässigen Unternehmen, Wirtschaftsverbänden und Organisationen. Dieses Netzwerk hat in den letzten Monaten seine Tragfähigkeit bewiesen. Die Nähe zur Zuger Wirtschaft und daraus folgend die Kenntnisse der Situation, auch die der Kleinst- und Kleinfirmen, hat geholfen, die Stützungsmassnahmen des Kantons, die die Massnahmen des Bundes ergänzen, so zu gestalten, dass zumindest die grundlegendsten Bedürfnisse gedeckt werden können. ■

    Volkswirtschaftsdirektion Kanton Zug
    Beat Bachmann,
    Leiter Kontaktstelle Wirtschaft Zug
    Telefon +41 41 728 55 04
    www.zg.ch/economy
    economy@zg.ch

    Kanton Zürich, Matthias Inhauen

    Weshalb sollte sich ein ausländisches Unternehmen in Ihrem Kanton niederlassen?
    Matthias Inauen: Das Wirtschafts- und Technologiezentrum Zürich bietet Unternehmen ein attraktives Ökosystem mit Weltruf. Dazu gehören die hohe Verfügbarkeit von Fachkräften, Spitzen-Hochschulen, höchste Lebensqualität, erstklassige Verkehrsin-
    frastruktur und ein dynamisches Netzwerk aus internationalen Grosskonzernen, innovativen mittelständischen Unternehmen und hochspezialisierten Kleinbetrieben. Die gut diversifizierte Zürcher Wirtschaft und eine nachhaltige Finanzpolitik des Kantons gewährleisten stabile Aussichten.

    Welche Art von Unternehmen interessiert sich für Ihren Kanton?
    Es sind Unternehmen, die ihre Innovationsstärke ausbauen möchten, Fachkräfte suchen, ihren internationalen Marktzugang aufbauen und dafür einen zentralen sowie langfristig stabilen Standort suchen. Wir begleiten vor allem wissens- und wertschöpfungsintensive Unternehmen aus den Branchen Informations- und Kommunikationstechnologie, Life Sciences, Finance sowie Business and corporate services.

    Was hat sich in den letzten fünf Jahren in Ihrem Kanton bezüglich Standortqualität konkret verändert?
    Verkehrsinfrastrukturprojekte wie die Limmattalbahn haben die Erreichbarkeit für Wirtschaft und Gesellschaft weiter verbessert. Für die Zürcher Unternehmen war es in den letzten eineinhalb Jahren zudem einfacher, qualifizierte Arbeitskräfte zu finden als noch im Jahr 2018. Der Steuersatz für juristische Personen wurde massvoll gesenkt und der Spielraum bei den neuen Steuerinstrumenten für forschungsintensive Unternehmen wird voll ausgenutzt.

    Welche Entwicklungen erwarten Sie in den nächsten fünf Jahren?
    Die Entwicklung des Standorts Zürich steht ganz unter dem Zeichen von Innovation und neue Technologien. Eines unserer grossen Projekte ist der Innovationspark Dübendorf, der auch ein Testlabor ist, um die Wettbewerbsfähigkeit noch weiter zu steigern. Weiter steht die Mobilität im Zentrum, ob auf der Strasse, auf der Schiene, auf dem Velo oder zu Fuss. Dabei sind wir auch offen für die Digitalisierung und Nutzung neuer Technologien wie Drohnen oder Hyperloop.

    Wie wirkt sich die Coronakrise auf die Wirtschaft Ihres Kantons aus?
    Die Mehrheit der Unternehmen im Kanton Zürich leidet unter der Coronakrise. Als höchst internationaler und vom Ausland abhängiger Standort bergen die protektionistischen Entwicklungen ein erhöhtes Risiko, Exporte und Wertschöpfungsketten werden unterbrochen, der Konsum sinkt, und auch der internationale Flughafenstandort Zürich leidet. Aber wir sehen auch positive Entwicklungen: Zum Beispiel im Bereich Life Sciences und Informations- und Kommunikationstechnologie mit einem Sprung im Bereich der Digitalisierung, Home-Office und flexiblen Arbeitszeitregelungen.

    Was unternehmen Sie diesbezüglich?
    Mit einer enormen Geschwindigkeit hat neben dem Bund komplementär auch der Kanton Zürich ein Notstandmassnahmen-Paket im Umfang von einer halben Milliarde Franken zur Unterstützung der Wirtschaft beschlossen. Wir stehen dabei in engem Austausch mit der Wirtschaft. Ziel ist es, Arbeitsplätze und Einkommen im Kanton Zürich möglichst weitgehend zu sichern. Auch die Städte und Gemeinden unterstützen in Koordination mit dem Kanton mit bedürfnisnahen Lösungen, beispielsweise für Selbstständige und die Kreativitätsbranche. ■

    Amt für Wirtschaft und Arbeit Kt. Zürich
    Matthias Inauen,
    Leiter Firmenansiedlungen
    Telefon +41 43 259 26 78
    www.standort.zh.ch
    matthias.inauen@vd.zh.ch

    Kanton Uri, Stefan Büeler

    Weshalb sollte sich ein ausländisches Unternehmen in Ihrem Kanton niederlassen?
    Stefan Büeler: Der Kanton Uri liegt direkt an der zentralen europäischen Nord-Süd-Achse und besitzt sowohl auf der Strasse als auch auf der Schiene schnelle Verbindungen Richtung Norden und Süden. Wir bieten ein optimales Kostenumfeld, wo ein Unternehmen seine Pläne preiswerter umsetzen kann und den Arbeitnehmenden dank tiefen Steuern und Abgaben am meisten Geld zum Leben übrigbleibt. Arbeitskräfte schätzen es, im Naturparadies leben und arbeiten zu können.

    Welche Art von Unternehmen interessiert sich für Ihren Kanton?
    Es sind Unternehmen aus allen möglichen Branchen, welche hier noch gut erschlossenes Bauland oder Gewerberäumlichkeiten zu vernünftigen Preisen finden. Branchenbezogen sind es oftmals Unternehmen aus dem tourismusnahen Umfeld, aus der Metallverarbeitung, aus der Wintersporttechnologie (z. B. Seilbahnen) oder aus dem Bereich Verkehr/Mobilität. Jüngst lassen sich auch immer mehr digitale Nomaden nieder, die ortsunabhängig arbeiten.

    Was hat sich in den letzten fünf Jahren in Ihrem Kanton bezüglich Standortqualität konkret verändert?
    Im Kanton Uri wurden in den letzten fünf Jahren enorm viele Infrastruktur-Investitionen getätigt. Der Gotthard-Basistunnel wurde eröffnet, und in Altdorf ist der neue Kantonsbahnhof im Bau. Gleich daneben entwickeln wir mit der Werkmatt Uri ein grosses Industrie- und Gewerbegebiet. Andermatt wurde der wohl aufstrebendste Tourismusort der Alpen mit entsprechenden zeitgemässen Inf-
    rastrukturen. Zudem hat der Kanton Uri die Unternehmenssteuern deutlich gesenkt.

    Welche Entwicklungen erwarten Sie in den nächsten fünf Jahren?
    Der Kantonsbahnhof Altdorf wird zu einer neuen ÖV-Drehscheibe auf der Nord-Süd-Achse. Dabei entwickelt sich ein neues urbanes Zentrum mit vielen privaten Immobilienprojekten. Dazu trägt auch das Areal Werkmatt Uri in unmittelbarer Umgebung bei, das einen eigenen Autobahnanschluss erhält. Ende 2022 wird das neue Kantonsspital eröffnet. Der Bau des zweiten Gotthard-Strassentunnels wird zusätzliche Wertschöpfung in den Kanton bringen, und die touristische Entwicklung in Andermatt wird weiterhin für positive Schlagzeilen sorgen.

    Wie wirkt sich die Coronakrise auf die Wirtschaft Ihres Kantons aus?
    Natürlich ist es für die meisten Unternehmen keine einfache Zeit. Bisher haben die Urner Betriebe die Krise jedoch mit viel Eigeninitiative im Grossen und Ganzen gut gemeistert. In verschiedenen Bereichen gibt es denn auch bereits wieder positive Signale, insbesondere auch aus dem Tourismus. Dennoch stehen die meisten Unternehmen in den nächsten Monaten weiterhin vor sehr grossen Herausforderungen, um die Folgen der Krise bewältigen zu können.

    Was unternehmen Sie diesbezüglich?
    Wir stehen im regelmässigen Austausch mit unseren Unternehmen und den Wirtschaftsverbänden und suchen nach massgeschneiderten Lösungen. Für Härtefälle stellen wir Mittel aus dem Wirtschaftsförderungs-Fonds zur Verfügung. Wir unterstützen verschiedene Initiativen zur Schaffung von neuen Angeboten, insbesondere im Tourismus. Mit dem neuen Umsetzungsprogramm der Neuen Regionalpolitik steht uns hierzu ein wirksames Impulsprogramm zur Verfügung. ■

    Volkswirtschaftsdirektion
    Stefan Büeler, Leiter Abt. Wirtschaft
    und Tourismus
    Telefon +41 41 875 24 08
    www.standort-uri.ch
    stefan.bueeler@ur.ch

    Kanton Schwyz, Roman Morger

    Weshalb sollte sich ein ausländisches Unternehmen in Ihrem Kanton niederlassen?
    Roman Morger: Der Kanton Schwyz bietet eine ideale Lage im dynamischen Wirtschaftsraum Zürich, ein grosses Angebot an hoch qualifizierten Arbeitskräften und dazu eine der tiefsten Steuerbelastungen für Unternehmen und Privatpersonen in der Schweiz. Ausserdem finden sich hier zahlreiche europäische und weltweite
    Headquarters sowie internationale Schulen.

    Welche Art von Unternehmen interessiert sich für Ihren Kanton?
    Nationale und internationale Headquarters sowie Unternehmen der Finanzindustrie aus den Bereichen Vermögensverwaltung, Private Equity, Hedge Funds und Family Offices. Dazu kommen Unternehmen des Gesundheitswesens wie Medizintechnik, Pharma, Biotechnologie, Diagnostik und Dienstleistungsfirmen allgemeiner Art sowie Hersteller von hochwertigen Produkten.

    Was hat sich in den letzten fünf Jahren in Ihrem Kanton bezüglich Standortqualität konkret verändert?
    Der Baustart des Bauprojekts «Hertipark» in Brunnen ist erfolgt. Der Baustart der Etappe 1 des Bauprojekts «Nova Brunnen» in Brunnen ist auf anfangs 2021 geplant. Abgeschlossen ist der Studien-
    auftrag für die Umnutzung Zeughausareal Seewen-Schwyz und die Schnellzugsverbindung Mailand –Zürich mit Halt in Arth-Gold-
    au wurde eröffnet. Die Neugestaltung des Bahnhofplatzes Arth-Goldau sowie die Umnutzung des Areals Bahnhof Süd für Arbeiten und Wohnen ist im Gange.

    Welche Entwicklungen erwarten Sie in den nächsten fünf Jahren?
    Wir erwarten eine Zunahme von Home-Office und Co-Working Arbeitsplätzen sowie eine internationale Steuerharmonisierung in Bereichen wie Umsatzbesteuerung und Mindestbesteuerung (BEPS). Firmenansiedlungen erfolgen dort, wo entsprechend hoch qualifizierte Arbeitskräfte vorhanden sind. Unternehmen evaluieren ihre Wertschöpfungsketten – das internationale Interesse, um wertschöpfungsstarke Arbeitsplätze in der Schweiz aufzubauen, wird zunehmen.

    Wie wirkt sich die Coronakrise auf die Wirtschaft Ihres Kantons aus?
    Zahlreiche Unternehmen haben Kurzarbeit eingeführt. Stand 17. Juli 2020 haben rund 3000 Unternehmen Kurzarbeitsentschädi-
    gung erhalten, insgesamt wurden 85 Millionen Franken ausbezahlt.

    Viele Firmen werden 2020 wirtschaftlich ein schlechtes Jahr verzeichnen – der Kanton Schwyz erwartet deshalb einen Rückgang der Steuereinnahmen bei Unternehmen und Privatpersonen. Die Arbeitslosenzahlen dürften sich in den kommenden Monaten erhöhen.

    Was unternehmen Sie diesbezüglich?
    Wie bezahlen Kurzarbeitsentschädigungen aus sowie Erwerbsersatz-Entschädigungen durch die Ausgleichskasse Schwyz. Unternehmen erhalten Überbrückungskredite durch den Bund und den Start-Ups wird ebenfalls mit Überbrückungskrediten durch den Bund und den Kanton Schwyz unter die Arme gegriffen. Ausserdem haben wir das Impulsprogramm «Hopp Schwyz» lanciert. ■

    Amt für Wirtschaft Kanton Schwyz
    Roman Morger, Projektleiter
    Wirtschaftsförderung
    Telefon +41 41 819 16 48
    www.schwyz-wirtschaft.ch
    roman.morger@sz.ch

  • E-buses connect Zurich's ETH locations

    E-buses connect Zurich's ETH locations

    The transport company Eurobus , based in Bassersdorf ZH, is now using three fully electric articulated buses from Mercedes-Benz . The vehicles from the eCitaro G model series, which were presented just a few weeks ago, are used on the so-called ETH link between the two locations of the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich. They are the first to run in regular service.

    The 18.13 meter long, fully electric articulated buses run 100 percent on green Swiss water. Their capacity is 38 seated, 93 standing and two wheelchair places. They also offer public WiFi, USB charging sockets and air conditioning. With immediate effect, they will replace the previous diesel-powered shuttle buses between the center of Zurich and Hönggerberg. They fill up with new electricity at the Hönggerberg stop.

    “In addition to their environmental friendliness, the new electric buses are characterized above all by their quiet driving style, comfortable low-floor entry and attractive interior and exterior design,” said the managing director of Eurobus welti-furrer AG, Patrick Nussbaumer, in a media release from Daimler. "With this, the ETH is sending a clear signal and strengthening its position as a future-oriented educational institute."

    Armin Krieg, Head of Sales for City Buses at the Winterthur Daimler subsidiary EvoBus (Schweiz) AG , is satisfied “that with the introduction of the eCitaro G we are consistently continuing our announced timetable for e-mobility in city buses and Daimler Buses is the innovation and technology leader in the epicenter of technical and scientific research and teaching, of all places. "

  • K118: A building made from construction waste

    K118: A building made from construction waste

    A project that could hardly be more sustainable: the extension of hall 118 on the storage area in Winterthur ZH was increased by five floors. And wherever possible with reusable building materials. The presence of such materials from demolitions in the region was decisive for the current appearance. The building is not yet completely finished: “The construction should be completed in early 2021,” says Benjamin Poignon, architect and civil engineer at “baubüro in situ”.

    The Abendrot Foundation, based in Basel, bought the Lagerplatz area from Sulzer Immobilien AG in 2010. The direction of focus was quickly clear to the pension fund, which is committed to sustainability: the already existing mixed use should be further developed in cooperation with the tenants. Several new studios of up to 60 square meters for start-ups and small businesses are planned for each of the upper floors.

    Although the buildings and their footprints were to be retained, they were to be further developed in terms of energy and in accordance with legal standards. The “construction office in situ” is responsible for the project. The project managers Marc Angst and Pascal Hentschel sum up the concept: «Repairing what can still be used. Remove what disturbs or is no longer suitable – and add what is new. "

    Finding building materials is half the time
    The supporting framework consists of an used steel structure. Prefabricated facade elements made of wood, which are filled with straw insulation, are attached to this. Such simple ecological building materials as straw, excavated earth and wood accumulate in large quantities and can be processed and used with a minimal use of gray energy. They also ensure a pleasant room climate.

    The slightly overhanging south facade in bright brick red-orange comes from the sheet metal facade of the former Ziegler print shop in Winterthur Grüze. The windows in the new recycling building are inconsistent, but overall they are consistent. In order for the insulation to meet today's standards, the glazing was doubled in nine windows, the others had sufficient insulation. The staircase on the east facade is over 30 years old and previously adorned the facade of the Orion office building in Zurich-West. 80 windows and facade panels made of granite, which are recycled for the balcony floors, also come from this building, which was erected in 1989. The respective components are not reprocessed – this differentiates the project from so-called downcycling, in which building materials are initially reworked in a energy-intensive manner.

    The architects have already learned a lot from this unique pilot project: “It is the first time that we have reused a supporting structure. But we also noticed that there are components that are cheaper to buy than to reuse. For example, we have tried to reuse limestone sandstone. But the cleaning and preparation work was so high that we decided to buy a new one here, ”explains architect Poignon. The project also created a new job: component hunter. The “baubüro In situ” hired interns specifically for this purpose, who looked for suitable demolition objects and any reusable materials that might arise. But the architects, too, are always on the move with open eyes. Usable materials are dismantled and picked up by the architectural office with roots in Basel. The architects spend half of the time evaluating and procuring possible components. "In situ" did not have any problems finding the right material: of the approximately 7.5 million tons of construction waste that is generated in Switzerland every year, only 0.1 percent is directly reused, according to the Federal Office for the Environment (FOEN) has. «In situ» assumes that ten times more can be reused.

    Book publication planned
    If you think about the costs at this point: 4.8 million Swiss francs have been budgeted for the project so far. One of the stated goals was to build in such a way that it does not cost more than a completely new building. “It is difficult to make direct comparisons,” says Benjamin Poignon.

    In general, “in situ” always relies on the reuse of materials during construction – even if rarely on this large scale. With its uniqueness, K118 has definitely attracted interested parties: A research and teaching project at the ZHAW University of Applied Sciences in Winterthur and a case study in environmental systems science at ETH Zurich accompanied the planning. Among other things, the environmentally relevant (waste, resources, lifespan, etc.) and legal as well as those relating to the construction process are examined. A joint publication is planned in cooperation with the Federal Office for the Environment: The book is intended to comprehensively shed light on the reuse of components in building construction and to make the knowledge and experience gained publicly available. ■

    This is what building K118 should look like after construction work is complete.
  • The federal government supports renovations in non-profit housing construction

    The federal government supports renovations in non-profit housing construction

    The non-profit housing developers in Switzerland have a portfolio of almost 170,000 apartments, the Federal Council informed in a message . Many of these apartments, which are mainly located in cities and agglomerations, are more than 30 years old and no longer meet today's energy requirements. A special federal program is intended to motivate non-profit housing developers to renovate their buildings sustainably.

    The program drawn up by the Federal Council provides for loans of up to CHF 50,000 per apartment to be renovated. With a term of 25 years, no interest is charged for the first ten years. The prerequisite is that the renovation work improves the condition of the building envelope to level B of the building energy certificate of the cantons ( GEAK ) or meets the Minergie standard.

    A similar program for rural areas is being launched by the Foundation for the Promotion of Home Ownership ( SFWE ), the Federal Council informs in the announcement. Here you can apply for CHF 90,000 per apartment for a maximum of three apartments. Applications for both programs can be submitted to the umbrella organizations for non-profit housing construction or the SFWE by mid-October 2023.

  • Gotthard wind farm is officially inaugurated

    Gotthard wind farm is officially inaugurated

    The Parco eolico del San Gottardo has been officially inaugurated on the Gotthard Pass. It is currently the only wind farm under construction in Switzerland. It will start its regular operation in November. According to a press release by the operator Azienda Elettrica Ticinese ( AET ), “numerous restoration and soil remediation measures” are planned for the coming summer months.

    State Councilor Claudio Zali, Director of the Territorial Department, Airolo's Mayor Franco Pedrini, the General Director of Services Industriels de Genève ( SIG ), Christian Brunier, and the Director of AET, Roberto Pronini, symbolically put the plant into operation. There were also representatives from companies and institutions involved in the project.

    The summer months of the past two years were used for the construction phase. Commissioning was planned as early as autumn 2009. However, according to an article in the “Luzerner Zeitung”, those responsible at the time “admitted that they underestimated the effort involved in the project”. As a justification, the then Chairman of the Board of Directors cited Switzerland's lack of experience with wind farms.

    There are now five instead of the originally planned seven wind turbines on the Gotthard Pass. They were supplied by the German company Enercon . The annual production of these generators of 2.35 megawatts each is estimated at between 16 and 20 gigawatt hours, according to the announcement. They can cover the electricity demand in the Leventina valley between the south portals of the Gotthard tunnel near Airolo to Biasca.

    The investment of 32 million francs was supported by the shareholders of the Gotthard wind farm: AET holds 70 percent, SIG 25 percent and the municipality of Airolo 5 percent. The system receives subsidies from the fund for the cost ceiling feed-in remuneration ( KEV ) for renewable energies for 20 years. This is a federal instrument to promote renewable energies. It is financed by a consumer levy on the electricity price.

  • Bellinzona gets innovative quarters

    Bellinzona gets innovative quarters

    In Bellinzona, a new model district will be built right in the center. From the five proposals submitted, a jury of experts from the city has now decided on the Porta del Ticino (Gateway to Ticino) project. It pays a lot of attention to the topics of sustainability, intergenerationality and slow mobility. In particular, an innovation park is planned there, writes the city in a media release .

    In addition, living space for 2500 people is planned, writes the Ticino newspaper “La Regione”. The urban development project described by the city in its communication as "epochal" and "profound" has now been presented to the public by the partners Bellinzona, SBB and Canton Ticino. All designs are on display in Piazza del Sole until November 7th.

    The project convinced with "its courageous urban development and landscape design approach to leave the central area of the area undeveloped in order to provide the entire population with free green space and to open up the new district as a natural and attractive addition to the city", it says on the part of the city.

    The 120,000 square meter area that is intended for the new quarter is currently still occupied by the historic SBB workshops. Once they have been relocated, they will start operating in Arbedo-Castione in 2026. Then the realization of the model quarter should be tackled. The vision for this should become reality in 20 years at the earliest, reports the online newspaper ticinonews.ch. Further development steps are planned in 30 and 40 years.

    As a video of the development project published on YouTube shows, the district is to be built around the 101-year-old so-called cathedral, the listed heart of the SBB workshops. 500 old and new locomotives are serviced there every year to this day. It is considered to be one of the most important industrial buildings in Ticino.

    This urban development project was developed by a team made up of sa_partners from Zurich, TAM associati from Venice and the Milanese landscape architect Franco Giorgetta.

    Susanne Zenker, member of the management board of SSB Immobilien , reminded “La Regione” that the workshops were “always closed to the outside”. In the future, however, this area will “open up to its population and become an attractive space. With regard to the rapprochement between private and public actors, which is particularly targeted in the technological area, the new area will be “a calling card for the Bellinzona of the future”.

  • Clean charging current can also cost a little more

    Clean charging current can also cost a little more

    The research and development department of Juice Technology AG in Cham has published a current study on charging behavior and energy use in e-cars. A survey of 5154 e-car drivers was supposed to clarify how the behavior at the charging station is and what role the origin of the charging current plays.

    Almost 50 percent of the kilometers driven are charged at home, according to the press release , and around 22 percent at work. Only 17 percent of the charging processes are carried out at so-called super chargers or quick charging stations. For 85 percent of e-car drivers, the use of clean energy is very important or important, according to the report in the study.

    They also asked about their willingness to pay a higher amount for clean energy that would be produced in real time. 87 percent answered “yes”. There were differences in the amount: 60 percent would pay up to 4.89 cents per kilowatt hour more, 27 percent up to 3.01 cents per kilowatt hour.

    The survey took place online from October 12-14, 2020 in Switzerland, Germany and Austria. A total of 5154 people were interviewed. The response was 576 responses, of which 82 percent came from Germany, 12 percent from Switzerland and 6 percent from Austria.

  • Switzerland has the best energy system

    Switzerland has the best energy system

    Taking into account the three criteria of energy security, equity and ecological sustainability, Switzerland has the most exemplary energy system in the world. As in the previous year, it thus achieved the top spot. That comes from the World Energy Trilemma Index 2020 of the World Energy Council. He created this together with the global strategy consulting firm Oliver Wyman .

    As the World Energy Council writes in a press release , this index analyzes historical trends. They are designed to enable energy policy makers and stakeholders to track their performance over time and compare it with others.

    Above all, its high share of hydropower gives Switzerland the top spot in this ranking of a total of 130 countries. It is also in the top 10 for affordability. This is thanks to the overall high level of prosperity. Only when it comes to security of supply does the country not make it into the top ten. The Swiss energy mix is not diversified enough for that. Canada holds this top position, followed by Finland and Romania. All three countries have large hydropower resources and invest heavily in solar and wind energy.

    The three countries with the biggest leap up in the overall rating are Cambodia, Myanmar and Kenya. This is primarily due to their performance in providing universal access to energy. This criterion, which the World Energy Council calls energy justice, has seen the most significant improvements since 2000, especially in developing countries.

    Instruments such as the World Energy Trilemma Index are more important than ever, according to the Secretary General of the World Energy Council, Dr. Angela Wilkinson: "The index enables individual countries to learn from each other what works and what doesn't when connecting the dots between people, planet and prosperity."

    One thing is certain, says François Austin, Partner and Global Head of Energy at Oliver Wyman: "The top performing nations achieve their energy goals by balancing politics, entrepreneurship, national resource use and changes in individual behavior with environmental issues." Giving political decision-makers and business leaders the direction for shaping the future of energy ”.

  • Fischermätteli Burgdorf: Future-oriented area in the Minergie-A-Eco standard

    Fischermätteli Burgdorf: Future-oriented area in the Minergie-A-Eco standard

    In December 2019, the excavators drove into the former industrial site in Burgdorf and the new Fischermätteli district should soon come to life: the first apartments will be ready for occupancy in summer 2021. By 2024, ten apartment buildings with 169 inexpensive 2.5 to 5.5 room apartments and living spaces between 52 and 140 square meters are to be built in a total of three construction phases. Located in an idyllic location in the immediate vicinity of the forest, the buildings are grouped around a central meeting zone with five differently designed outdoor spaces.

    Largest Minergie-A-Eco quarter made with Swiss wood

    The Fischermätteli settlement will one day be the largest development in Switzerland that will not only be built with Swiss wood, but also meet the Minergie-A-Eco standard. This requires a positive energy balance and the expenditure for space and water heating, air renewal as well as for all electrical devices and lighting must be covered by renewable energies. The addition Eco focuses on the issues of health and building ecology and ensures a high level of living comfort. "Based on the positive experiences we have made so far, it was the only right decision for us in terms of ecology and sustainability to build the Fischermätteli in the Minergie-A-Eco standard," explains Bruno Kälin. He is Head of Marketing and a member of the management team at Strüby Konzept AG. The Strüby companies act both as builders and as full service providers (project development, architecture, engineering, production, implementation, customer service, customer service) and are also responsible for sales.

    For the Fischermätteli, the client relies on spruce and silver fir from Swiss forests: “There is no better building material than wood. It is available locally, is growing steadily, is CO 2 -neutral, creates jobs in the region and ensures a good and healthy indoor climate, ”explains Kälin. The wood required for construction is bought directly from the forest owners, sawn, glued and processed in the region. Long transport routes are eliminated, which means that the embodied energy is very low.

    Sophisticated energy concept

    The client had put out a tender for the energy concept, which ewz won. The energy service company is responsible for planning, financing, realizing and operating the energy supply. The contracts run until December 2044 and begin in stages according to construction stages. The ewz Energy Solutions division has developed an integral concept for the Fischermätteli district, which, in addition to a sophisticated heat and power supply, also includes ancillary costs accounting that covers all media.

    All buildings on the site are connected to an area heating network. The heart of the heat supply is the heating center with an output of 550 kW. Wood pellets from the region are used as energy sources. The quality management system of the working group QM wood heating plants ensures efficient heat production. The energy service provider finances and implements the heating center and the lines for heat distribution to the house. The client, on the other hand, builds the installations for the domestic hot water and for the fine distribution of heat in the houses. A heat pump instead of wood heating could not be considered due to the geological conditions at the site.

    100 percent renewable solar power

    In addition to the heat supply contracts, ewz agrees electricity supply contracts with the owners. These regulate the supply of electricity to a total of seven floor and site owners. Since the Minergie-A building standard requires 100 percent coverage with renewable electricity, a photovoltaic system is installed on every house roof. The ten plants in the final stage will have an output of 722 kWp. According to project manager Christian Rolli from ewz Energielösungen, the challenge was to achieve the required solar power yield and still have enough space on the roofs for maintenance and servicing of the photovoltaic modules. The solution was to choose monocrystalline high-performance modules with a higher degree of efficiency, which produce more yield in less space, but this is reflected in a higher price. Around 3200 m 2 of photovoltaic modules are installed on the site. If, for example, there is such a high overproduction during the summer holidays that not all of the electricity can be fed into the grid, production can be reduced.

    The overall concept worked out by ewz Energielösungen convinced the client: "Our specifications for an ecological and economical solution that can be implemented and maintained holistically by one partner were implemented very well by ewz," says Bruno Kälin.

  • The population of Freiburg wants wind farms

    The population of Freiburg wants wind farms

    The population of Freiburg is behind the cantonal wind power projects. This is shown by a survey that MIS Trend carried out on behalf of Groupe E in September. According to a statement from the cantonal energy supplier, 72 percent are in favor of building wind farms in the canton. 65 percent also have no concerns about the installation of the systems.

    Groupe E wants to set up wind farms at four locations. These locations are entered in the canton's structure plan, which has already been approved by the federal government. The four wind farms should allow an additional electricity production of 156 gigawatt hours of electricity per year. Two thirds of electricity production should occur in winter, when photovoltaics are less productive. Compensation measures for the benefit of biodiversity are planned for the projects.

  • Green asphalt permanently removes CO2 from the air

    Green asphalt permanently removes CO2 from the air

    In Dornbirn, as part of the expansion of the district heating network, new asphalt is being laid on a stretch of road. So-called green asphalt is used for the first time. 1.7 percent charcoal from the production of theEnergieWerk Ilg is added to the asphalt. This allows the carbon contained in the charcoal to be stored and the CO2 formed with it to be permanently removed from the atmosphere. The company is thus improving its carbon footprint.

    A first test mixture was installed on September 24th, according to a message from EnergieWerk Ilg. If this mixture meets expectations, a test section of 30 meters is to be laid on October 14th and 15th.

    If the pilot project in the state of Vorarlberg is successful, roads can become new CO2 sinks. Asphalt can contain around 5 percent of such additives on average. This means that 100,000 tons of asphalt could soon permanently remove well over 10,000 tons of CO2 from the atmosphere.

    The pilot project is supported by a number of partners. The asphalt is manufactured by Migu Asphalt in Lustenau, which intends to use it to introduce a new product and strengthen its market position. The technology for producing the charcoal comes from the Syncraft company in Schwaz in the state of Tyrol. EnergieWerk Ilg, which supplies the admixture, has already been climate-neutral and can become climate-positive with this product. The city of Dornbirn is profiling itself as a model region for the energy transition .

    Hans-Peter Schmidt from the Ithaka Institute in Arbaz VS advises the project. Carbonfuture GmbH in Freiburg i.Br. certifies carbon storage. This means that certificates for the removal of carbon from the atmosphere can be issued and the green asphalt can be co-financed.

    The project was initiated by the European Biochar Industry ( EBI ) consortium. EBI wants to create and establish new, verifiable and certifiable CO2 sinks with charcoal and biochar.

  • Grösstes MINERGIE-A-ECO-Wohnquartier aus Schweizer Holz – Bauarbeiten im Burgdorfer «Fischermätteli» sind im Gang

    Grösstes MINERGIE-A-ECO-Wohnquartier aus Schweizer Holz – Bauarbeiten im Burgdorfer «Fischermätteli» sind im Gang

    Lebensraum aus Schweizer Holz
    Das neue Wohnquartier «Fischermätteli» entsteht im Südosten von Burgdorf, abseits der grossen Verkehrswege, in unmittelbarer Nähe zum Wald, dem Heimiswilbach und dem Naherholungsgebiet. Die Strüby Unternehmungen planen und erstellen als Bauherr zehn Mehrfamilienhäuser mit insgesamt 169 Eigentumswohnungen. Das attraktive und harmonische Quartier gewährt viel Raum für behagliches und gesundes Wohnen zu einem günstigen Preis. Das Wohnungsangebot umfasst:

    18 x 2.5-Zimmer-Wohnungen von 52 bis 71 m2 NWF ab CHF 285‘000

    84 x 3.5-Zimmer-Wohnungen von 82 bis 113 m2 NWF ab CHF 495‘000

    50 x 4.5-Zimmer-Wohnungen von 108 bis 115 m2 NWF ab CHF 610‘000

    17 x 5.5-Zimmer-Wohnungen von 132 bis 140 m2 NWF ab CHF 725‘000

    Einladende Aussenplätze
    Alle Häuser gruppieren sich um die langgezogene zentrale Begegnungszone. Fünf Aussenplätze mit verschiedenen Grössen und Stimmungen beleben die gemeinsame und einladende Erschliessung. Mehrere Spielflächen für unterschiedliche Altersstufen ergänzen das vielfältige Angebot an Aufenthalts- und Begegnungsbereichen. Die ökologische Aussengestaltung mit der Verwendung von einheimischen Pflanzenarten bietet einen idealen Lebensraum und einen Beitrag zur Erhaltung der Biodiversität im Siedlungsraum.

    Gesundes Raumklima
    Die modernen Wohnungen überzeugen durch eine zeitgemässe Architektur. Dank der ECO-Bauweise und dem Baustoff Holz entstehen schadstoffarme Innenräume mit optimaler Luftfeuchtigkeit und ein gesundes Raumklima mit einem grossen Wohlfühlfaktor. Die Einheiten zeichnen sich zudem durch ihr praktisches Raumprogramm aus, welches den heutigen Anforderungen an funktionales und zeitloses Wohnen entspricht. Küche, Ess- und Wohnzimmer verbinden sich dank einer offenen Gestaltung zu einer grosszügigen Wohnfläche. Durch die gemütliche Loggia erweitert sich der Wohnbereich hin zur Natur respektive zu den Innenhöfen und Umgebungsflächen.

    E-Mobility-Station im Quartier
    Die Wohnhäuser werden durch eine Tiefgarage unterirdisch verbunden und allesamt behindertengerecht erschlossen. Das Quartier ist ausgesprochen velofreundlich. Mehr als 300 Veloparkplätze, Veloflickbereiche und eine Velodusche werden den neuen Eigentümern zur Verfügung stehen. Auch der E-Mobilität wird Rechnung getragen, so stehen den zukünftigen Bewohnern nebst 21 Ladestationen für E-Bikes auch fünf Ladestationen für E-Autos und sogar zwei Fischermätteli-E-Autos zum Mieten zur Verfügung. Wer sich mit dem ÖV fortbewegen möchte, findet direkt bei der Einfahrt zum neuen Quartier eine Bushaltestelle.

    Hervorragende Energiebilanz
    Gebaut wird in Strüby-Qualität mit Schweizer Holz, CO2-neutral und im MINERGIE-A-ECO-Standard. Dies garantiert neben dem bereits erwähnten sehr hohen Wohnkomfort auch die beste Energiebilanz. Auf den Dächern der Mehrfamilienhäuser wird eine grosse, effiziente Photovoltaik-Anlage installiert. Die erwartete Stromproduktion deckt einen mittleren Jahres-Stromverbrauch von rund 400 Personen. Die übrige Energie wird erneuerbar mittels Pelletheizung produziert. ■

  • Coop delivers with hydrogen trucks

    Coop delivers with hydrogen trucks

    In future, Coop will increasingly supply its sales outlets with hydrogen trucks. According to a media release on Wednesday, the food cooperative put one of the world's first mass-produced fuel cell electric trucks into operation. A total of seven of these will be in use by the end of the year. Because there are no other emissions besides water vapor, Coop is assuming potential savings of 80 tonnes of CO2 per truck per year. In addition, Coop is establishing additional hydrogen filling stations in Switzerland.

    As the message goes on to say, Coop is working together with the Swiss company H2 Energy AG and the Hyundai Motor Company . Hyundai is considered a world leader in the development of hydrogen fuel cell technology. The performance, refueling time and range of their hydrogen trucks are comparable to those of conventional trucks.

    Coop has set itself the goal of being CO2-neutral in the relevant areas of the company by 2023. This is why the food wholesaler and retailer is doing “pioneering work” for electromobility with green hydrogen. In 2018, the H2 Mobility Switzerland association was founded on the initiative of Coop. It includes seven large operators of petrol stations and truck fleets.

    "The H2 Mobility Switzerland association promotes clean, CO2-free motorized individual traffic in Switzerland and implements the technology of hydrogen mobility in road traffic on a private basis," says Jörg Ackermann, member of the Coop management and president of the association. The aim of the association is to create a nationwide network of hydrogen filling stations throughout Switzerland by 2023.

  • Sustainable fuel is created from greenhouse gases

    Sustainable fuel is created from greenhouse gases

    Scientists at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich ( ETH ) are working on more sustainable fuels and plastics. To do this, they have developed a new type of catalyst. According to a press release , this catalyst could replace fossil hydrocarbons with more climate-friendly alternatives. A corresponding study has now been published in the journal "Nature Communications".

    This new catalyst developed by the research team led by ETH professor Christoph Müller and study author Alexey Fedorov enables the conversion of CO2 and methane into synthesis gas many times more efficiently than previous catalyst materials. Synthesis gas is an important raw material for the chemical industry. Liquid fuels can be produced from this, as can basic chemicals for the production of plastics.

    What is new about this catalyst is that it consists of extremely thin metal oxide carbides. Unlike conventional catalysts made from metal carbides, they do not oxidize when they come into contact with CO2. This means that the ETH catalyst retains its reactivity, says Christoph Müller, Professor of Energy Science and Energy Technology in the Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering .

    Since the CO2 can be extracted from the atmosphere and only the methane comes from fossil deposits that are millions of years old, such synthetic fuels and chemicals have a smaller carbon footprint than fossil fuels.

    The new reaction accelerator could possibly also replace expensive noble metal catalysts. Although there is still a long way to go before industrial application, the team hopes, according to Fedorov, “that our new catalyst material will be an attractive option for the production of synthesis gas”.

  • The Branch – For an integrated real estate world

    The Branch – For an integrated real estate world

    The digitization of the construction and real estate industry enables integrated value creation processes with new technological tools. These replace the sequential and isolated processing of the sub-phases. In particular, the clear separation between planning and execution will experience a change that is disruptive and perceptible for the participants. In professional circles, one speaks of vertical integration. Digital construction sites are inconceivable without digitally competent executing companies. It is imperative that the planning is done with the execution company in the future and no longer for them.

    On the other hand, digitization also enables horizontal integration. Thanks to digitization, challenges from the fields of economy, society and the environment can also be tackled integrally through the real estate industry. Against this background, the supposed conflict of interests between economic and social interests as well as energy and climate policy issues can be seen anew.

    New technologies and forms of collaboration
    However, new technologies and a new process landscape in the real estate world are not enough for a more needs-based, more sustainable and more productive industry. In addition, a new understanding and a new culture of cooperation are essential. The provision of market services within closed company boundaries and hierarchical organizations no longer do justice to the more complex tasks.

    Open ecosystems
    These higher demands require doing business in open
    Ecosystems that consist of a strategic network of entrepreneurially independent organizations. With regard to their business models, they complement each other, but focus clearly and competitively on the company's own core competencies.

    The decisive feature of these ecosystems is the temporary or long-term association for certain tasks and projects. This promotes an open exchange of knowledge and skills in order to continuously increase the individual competitiveness of all companies involved and thus also the joint competitiveness of the entire network in the market. Working together in such ecosystems also requires new forms of work and collaboration – and a corresponding work environment.

    The branch
    With this in mind, Halter AG has initiated The Branch, a platform for integrating the real estate world. Integration of the real estate world means understanding it as part of social, ecological and economic relationships, finding marketable answers to the respective challenges and creating offers and processes that meet customer needs. In the real estate industry, too, digitalization is the most important driver of increasing productivity and at the same time the key to solving pressing social, climate and energy policy issues. With this mission, The Branch offers a virtual and physical place to address such issues together: on the one hand with a sponsoring association, the Branch Do Tank, and on the other hand with the Branch Collab with rooms for collaboration in new ecosystems.

    Branch Do Tank
    The Branch Do Tank association sees itself as an initiator for the transformation of the construction and real estate industry initiated in the context of digitization. The core element is the establishment of an integrated value creation process through the use of the new digital possibilities and the associated replacement of the existing waterfall model, in which linear planning in project stages and the solution of isolated individual topics dominate. An integrated real estate world means transparency about the real estate life cycle as well as the effects of spatial and urban development on resource efficiency and social structures. It is a prerequisite for solutions suitable for grandchildren. Implementation is only a question of the industry's willingness to break new ground. This requires a critical mass of innovative companies and cooperation in associations.

    Branch Collab
    Branch Collab offers space for innovative and effective work and collaboration between all those involved in the construction and real estate industry. An integrated real estate world requires a new understanding and a new culture of cooperation between entrepreneurially independent companies and people with complementary business and service models that work together strategically with regard to integrated value creation processes. The decisive feature of these ecosystems is the mutual open exchange of know-how and information in order to continuously increase the individual competitiveness of all those involved and thus also that of the entire network in the market. The Branch Collab is the home base of Branch Do Tank and at the same time its training place, because it offers an open collaboration environment in which the common vision is worked on every day. ■

  • Building technology management day takes place in Baden

    Building technology management day takes place in Baden

    This year's building technology management day will take place on November 10th in the transformer hall in Baden . In addition to the lectures and the panel discussion by experts, following the joint invitation from energie-cluster.ch and pro clima, it is intended to offer the opportunity for personal networking or to establish or intensify contacts . After many events were canceled due to the Covid pandemic, direct trade between the industry is important, pro clima President Timo Alber is quoted in the invitation.

    The topic of the event is: How can companies establish themselves, distinguish themselves and, if necessary, benefit from them in individual cases? The focus should be on the management of the company and in the company. After the welcome coffee at 8.30 a.m. and the introduction by Timo Alber, André Lüthi, CEO of Globetrotter Group AG, will hold the introductory speech on the topic: Entrepreneurship as a driver of innovation and success. Which skills are particularly in demand in times of crisis?

    Other speakers include Carl Elsener, CEO Victorinox AG, and Robert Weinert, Head of Real Estate Monitoring at Wüest Partner AG in Zurich, as well as Norman Alexander, expert on reading and people influence, and Eva Jaisli, CEO and co-owner of PB Schweizer Tools AG. Participating in the lunchtime discussion are: National Councilor Jürg Grossen and Daniel Huser, suissetec Central President and owner of Huser Gebäudetechnik AG. Also Marco Waldhauser from the engineering office Waldhauser + Hermann AG and Norbert Rücker. The economist is Head of Economics & Next Generation Research at Julius Baer.

    The final lecture on “Teambuilding – Leadership – Mindset” will be given by the coach of the Swiss ice hockey team Patrick Fischer. The event ends at 4.30 p.m. with the closing speech by Timo Alber and the new head of energie-cluster.ch Christoph Röthlisberger.

  • Elektro-Material AG puts Hedin Automotive in the right light

    Elektro-Material AG puts Hedin Automotive in the right light

    EM Licht, a division of Elektro-Material AG , was integrated into the planning of Hedin Automotive Saturdayern AG from the beginning with regard to the renovation and expansion of its buildings, as a media release shows. In this way, the lighting design could be incorporated directly into the building design. The newly developed lighting concept was not only implemented in the showroom, BMW M showroom and mini pavilion. The workshop or the wash bays have also been given new lighting.

    In addition, new lighting was implemented for customer and outdoor parking spaces, and the petrol station and advertising lighting was refurbished. In the exhibition area, the task was to combine various requirements. There are certain requirements for BMW dealers regarding the lighting of the cars on display. However, the workplaces of the sales staff are also located in the exhibition area. EM Light has therefore mixed the light colors. And chessboard lighting has been installed for the showroom for the BMW M, which, together with the logo of the BMW M and the cars on display, creates a stylish ambience, as the message says.

  • JED: Innovative office and service space with industrial charm

    JED: Innovative office and service space with industrial charm

    Schlieren's western part has had a new think and worktank since mid-2020: JED (Join. Explore. Dare.). Since 2018, a new center for knowledge transfer, innovation and entrepreneurship has been built on the site of the former NZZ printing company. Not far from Schlieren train station, offices, industry and commerce are brought together. Spread over three buildings and a total of around 38,000 square meters of land, there are various seminar, conference and meeting areas as well as an event hall with space for up to 600 people. A gastronomic offer from the “Eves Kitchen” restaurant and several bars complete the offer.

    The center of JED is formed by the former printing halls (building complex J) with a ceiling height of up to 18 meters. Both service and event areas are located here. Further office and restaurant areas are located in the front building (Building E), which is connected to the halls. The catering business is currently being implemented on the ground floor, while the upper three floors are intended for office space.

    But building D in particular is something to talk about: a new building that is expected to be ready for occupancy at the end of 2022. After completion, this solid construction will provide space for office and service areas and aims to be a pioneer in terms of resource-saving architecture. The “2226” building concept was developed by Professor Dietmar Eberle and his architectural office Baumschlager Eberle. The buildings are designed without technical air conditioning such as heating, cooling or ventilation. Natural drafts are used for cooling. It is heated by the heat emitted by the lighting and electronic devices as well as the people who work in them.

    Solid walls reduce heat exchange. The surfaces and materials also compensate for temperature fluctuations, so that a comfortable temperature of 22 to 26 degrees Celsius can be guaranteed throughout the year. The proportion of windows is deliberately kept small at 16 percent – and the panes are set back in the building in such a way that only seldom rays of sunlight reach the glass. Sensors that measure temperature, humidity and CO2 content control ventilation blades as required. The materials used have a lifespan of 200 years. In addition, the reduced building technology ensures both a high level of space and energy efficiency. As a result, only half of the maintenance and operating costs of conventional real estate will be incurred.

    Meeting and recreation zones will be created in all three buildings. The number of above-ground parking spaces was deliberately kept small in order not to impair the high quality of the outdoor space visually or in terms of area. Photovoltaic systems can be found on all roofs.

    After Zühlke Engineering AG moved in in April 2020, Halter AG will relocate its headquarters to JED at the end of the year. Around 250 workplaces will be set up on an area of over 5,000 square meters. ■

  • Eniwa receives the Aargauer Strom Award 2020

    Eniwa receives the Aargauer Strom Award 2020

    The Association of Aargau Electricity Suppliers has presented this year's Aargauer Strom Award. It went to Eniwa AG for their Unterentfelden project Im Erlifeld: the future area . The prize is awarded every two years to honor particularly innovative projects by Aargau electricity suppliers.

    As stated in a press release from swisspower , Eniwa AG's energy concept for this quarter convinced the jury. The area with nine new multi-family houses and its 90 apartments is largely self-sufficient. The residents benefited in many ways, according to the jurors: from environmentally friendly electricity at attractive prices, charging options for electric vehicles, e-car sharing, transparent and simple billing and ultra-fast broadband internet.

    Due to the corona, the award ceremony took place "in a slightly different form" in the ELFA hall in Aarau.

  • PKG pension fund for SMEs – new head of real estate and member of the executive board

    PKG pension fund for SMEs – new head of real estate and member of the executive board

    Hans-Urs Baumann succeeds Gerold Moser. As of January 1, 2021, Hans-Urs Baumann will be the new Head of Real Estate and a member of the management of the PKG Pension Fund. He succeeds Gerold Moser, who was responsible for real estate matters at the PKG pension fund for 17 years.

    Hans-Urs Baumann (55), who will take up his post on January 4, 2021, is a proven real estate specialist with a sound education: He is a university of applied sciences architecture and has a postgraduate degree in business administration and management as well as a master's in real estate management from the University of Applied Sciences in Zurich .

    For four years, Hans-Urs Baumann worked as a canton master builder for the canton of Lucerne. His area of responsibility included, among other things, the management of the real estate department of the canton. He is currently a member of the management team of Fundamenta Group (Schweiz) AG, an independent Swiss real estate company in Zug. Hans-Urs Baumann, who lives with his family in Lucerne, will also become a member of PKG management when he takes office.

    His predecessor, Gerold Moser (64), who will retire as Head of Real Estate and a member of the Executive Board at the beginning of 2021, has built up the PKG Pension Fund's real estate portfolio in the 17 years of his activity. It now has a volume of CHF 600 million. He attached great importance to sustainability. The “Schweighof” new building project in Kriens (jointly owned by the Lucerne Pension Fund), for example, will be the first development in Central Switzerland to be built and certified in accordance with the guidelines of the 2000 Watt Society. From the end of 2020, the entire Schweighof will also be powered by energy from lake water
    heated.

    «With Hans-Urs Baumann we were able to perfectly arrange the successor to Gerold Moser in all matters. The extensive specialist knowledge of Hans-Urs Baumann enables the continuation and further development of our real estate portfolio. I would like to thank Gerold Moser, who will train Hans-Urs Baumann for his commitment today. "

    Peter Fries, CEO of the PKG Pension Fund

    «The sustainable real estate strategy of the PKG pension fund convinces me because it also enables long-term and future-oriented further development. The PKG pension fund has an excellent reputation and is known for its far-sighted and prudent investment policy
    known. I am happy to provide impetus. "

    Hans-Urs Baumann, new Head of Real Estate at PKG Pension Fund:

    The management of the PKG pension fund is composed as follows: Peter Fries, Chairman; Romy Portmann, Head of Pensions; Peter Duft, Head of Finance and Accounting, and now Hans-Urs Baumann, Head of Real Estate.

    PKG pension fund

    The PKG pension fund, based in Lucerne, is one of the leading autonomous community institutions for occupational pensions in Switzerland. It was established in 1972 as a pension fund for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Today, the PKG pension fund, with 1,677 affiliated companies, 35,423 insured persons, 5,044 pensioners and current assets of CHF 7.8 billion, is one of the largest private pension institutions in Switzerland. It employs 32 people. The wide-ranging real estate portfolio of the PKG pension fund comprises 30 units. The majority of these are residential properties in the cantons of Lucerne, Zurich, Nidwalden, Aargau, Schwyz and Thurgau. The PKG pension fund only invests in good locations. The apartments are of an attractive standard and are in the middle price segment.
    www.pkg.ch

  • Romande Energie buys in Valais

    Romande Energie buys in Valais

    Romande Energie is increasing its presence in Valais. As announced by the Vaudois energy supplier, it is taking over Toutelec SA in Monthey. The installer of power lines and telephone systems, founded in 1990, is not only represented at its headquarters but also with branches in Troistorrents and Vouvry in Lower Valais and in Ollon VD.

    Toutelec is now part of Romande Energie Services SA. The service subsidiary of Romande Energie is already represented in the cantons of Geneva and Friborg, in addition to Vaud, and plans to expand its range to the whole of western Switzerland. Alexandre Udry, who is responsible for the Valais at Romande Energie Services, is quoted as saying in the message that Toutelec is known for its expertise in the fields of power lines, telecommunications and security and is well anchored in the Lower Valais. "We look forward to being able to count on his professionalism in the future in order to strengthen our presence and our competencies in this area."

  • Madulain hydropower plant is back in operation

    Madulain hydropower plant is back in operation

    Repower has put the Madulain hydropower plant back into operation. According to a press release , the company invested around 2.3 million francs in its comprehensive renovation. Among other things, the control system, the control technology, the electrical installations and the entire medium-voltage switchgear were replaced. In addition, the turbine and generator had to be overhauled.

    The Madulain hydropower plant produces around six gigawatt hours of electricity annually. This corresponds to the average annual consumption of 1,300 households.

    The hydropower plant, built in 1903, was last renovated in 1980. It uses the tributary of the Ova d'Es-cha mountain stream on a slope of around 400 meters.

  • Groupe E invests in Neuchâtel

    Groupe E invests in Neuchâtel

    The new operations center is to be built in the Sécherons II industrial area of Boudevilliers in the municipality of Val-de-Ruz, Groupe E informed in a press release . The Freiburg energy supplier has already acquired an area of 18,300 square meters. An administration building, a warehouse, a washing facility, a yard for recycling and parking spaces are to be built there within two years. The communication puts the investment volume at around CHF 22 million.

    Immediately after completion, Groupe E plans to relocate the company’s employees, who are currently based in Corcelles-Cormondrèche, Neuchâtel and responsible for the operation and expansion of the electricity network in the canton of Neuchâtel, to Boudevilliers. The new location will also be used to expand the group’s activities and as an overarching competence center, explains Groupe E. In the announcement, the company refers in particular to the subsidiary Vuilliomenet Électricité AG based in Boudry NE. Through this, Groupe E in the canton of Neuchâtel also offers services in building technology or electrical systems and home automation.

  • Wolkenkratzer sollen Solarstrom produzieren

    Wolkenkratzer sollen Solarstrom produzieren

    Gebäude gehören zu den grössten Energieverbrauchen. In Europa sind sie für ungefähr 40 Prozent des Stromverbrauchs und für 36 Prozent des CO2-Ausstosses verantwortlich, wie Venture Kick in einer Mitteilung schreibt. Insbesondere hohe verglaste Gebäude verbrauchen viel Energie. Im Sommer müssen sie aufgrund der grossen Fenster stark gekühlt und im Winter stark beheizt werden. Das Tessiner Jungunternehmen iWin will diesem Problem entgegenwirken.

    Die Firma arbeitet an einer Lösung, mit der vor allem grosse Gebäude mit Glasfassaden selbst erneuerbare Energie produzieren können. Konkret entwickelt sie spezielle Jalousien, welche als Photovoltaikanlage fungieren. Die zugrundeliegende Technologie wurde bereits an der Fachhochschule der italienischen Schweiz (SUPSI) validiert und zum Patent angemeldet.

    Die Jalousien von iWin sind den Angaben zufolge in einer Isolierglaseinheit versiegelt. Ein Vorteil der Lösung ist, dass sie nicht nur zur Energieproduktion dient, sondern gleichzeitig auch einen Licht- und Sonnenschutz bietet. Ausserdem stört sie die optische Erscheinung des Gebäudes nicht und kann auf einer grossen Fläche installiert werden.

    Mit seiner Entwicklung konnte das Start-up nun die Jury von Venture Kick überzeugen. Es gewinnt einen Förderbeitrag in der Höhe von 150’000 Franken. Damit will es die Entwicklung eines anwendungsfähigen Produkts vollenden, sodass es mit dem Verkauf starten kann.

  • Coop and Energie 360 ° are building charging stations in shopping centers

    Coop and Energie 360 ° are building charging stations in shopping centers

    According to a press release , Energie 360 ° will start construction work at the first Coop locations this autumn. The charging stations are built both at Coop sales outlets and in shopping centers. The Zurich-based energy and mobility service provider plans to equip 20 of the around 100 planned Coop locations by the end of the year. The other charging stations will follow by mid-2023.

    Martin Kessler, Head of Mobility at Energie 360 °, is quoted in the communication: “Our goal is to make electromobility easily and widely available. No region in Switzerland should have to wait longer than the other. ”This means that in the implementation of the joint Energie 360 ° and Coop project, all regions – from Basel to Ticino and from Geneva to St.Gallen – will be right from the start should be taken into account equally.

    Salome Hofer, Head of Sustainability / Economic Policy at Coop: “With the electric charging stations, we want to meet the needs of our customers for charging options at our sales outlets and at the same time promote the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.”

    The construction of the charging stations, which is now starting, was preceded by a two-year pilot phase. Then Coop decided to work with Energie 360 ° and its subsidiary swisscharge.ch .

    The charging current offered at the stations – 22 kilowatts of alternating current – comes mainly from ecological production, emphasizes Energie 360 °. Depending on the charging strength of the electric car, it charges energy for up to 150 kilometers in one hour. The electricity price is the same at all Coop charging stations. The charging stations are integrated into the swisscharge.ch network, which includes over 48,000 charging options across Europe.

  • Federal government specifies requirements for wind energy

    Federal government specifies requirements for wind energy

    "Since 2018, the Energy and Spatial Planning Act explicitly oblige the cantons to define areas in their structure plans that are suitable for the use of wind energy," the Federal Council explains in a press release . At its meeting on September 25th, it approved the necessary adjustments to the wind energy concept. All planning and project sponsors must orient themselves to this concept.

    In the wind energy concept, usage and protection interests are weighed up against each other. From this consideration, the federal government derives areas that it believes are suitable for the use of wind energy. The interests of the federal government in nature and landscape protection areas as well as military and civil technical systems of the federal government must be taken into account by the cantons when designating areas for the use of wind energy. The adapted concept stipulates that under certain conditions wind turbines can be erected in landscapes of national importance. In biotopes of national importance, however, the construction of wind turbines is excluded.

    The cantons continue to have the authority to determine the specific areas that come into question for the use of wind energy. In the structure plans already approved by the federal government for the cantons of Aargau, Basel-Landschaft, Bern, Freiburg, Neuchâtel, Schaffhausen, Solothurn, St.Gallen, Waadt and Wallis, more than 50 such areas have already been defined. In addition, the communication points to a number of wind energy projects that are already well advanced in the planning stage.