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  • Stronger than steel, lighter than wood

    Stronger than steel, lighter than wood

    The idea is based on a targeted modification of the microstructure of wood. The natural main components remain the starting point. Cellulose, which provides tensile strength as a fibrous support structure, and lignin, which holds the fibers together as a natural adhesive. During the manufacturing process, some of the lignin is chemically removed, allowing the cellulose to be pressed tightly together. The result is an extremely compact, fiber-oriented material with a high density and comparatively low weight.

    Tests show that Superwood is around twelve times stronger than untreated wood and can even achieve a higher tensile strength than steel in certain combinations. At the same time, the material remains biodegradable and is based on a renewable raw material. A rare balancing act between performance and sustainability.

    Applications in the construction industry
    Superwood could become a game changer for the construction sector. Its combination of lightness, load-bearing capacity and environmentally friendly origin makes it interesting for load-bearing structures, façade systems or modular lightweight construction elements. The material can be processed like wood, but is more resistant to moisture and deformation.

    Inventwood is working with construction and architecture partners on pilot projects, for example for prefabricated wall systems or hybrid wood-concrete constructions. Researchers also see great potential in the infrastructure sector, for example for bridges, roofs or transportable buildings.

    On the road to industrial use
    The path from laboratory to mass production was a long one. The subsequent spin-off Inventwood turned it into a marketable product. The decisive factor was the scalability of the process, which can now be applied to large wooden elements.

    The company sees Superwood as a sustainable alternative to emission-intensive materials such as steel, aluminum or concrete. Production requires less energy and the bound CO₂ remains stored in the material. Superwood could therefore contribute to the decarbonization of the construction industry.

    Wood as a high-tech material
    The industrialization of Superwood closes the circle between traditional building materials and modern material science. Ordinary wood becomes a high-performance material that redefines itself in terms of stability and sustainability.

    If the material becomes available on a larger scale, it could fundamentally change international timber construction – from urban high-rise buildings to modular infrastructures. The future of construction, it seems, will remain made of wood – only smarter.

  • Lucerne presents structure plan to the public

    Lucerne presents structure plan to the public

    According to forecasts, the population of Lucerne will increase by around 120,000 people by the middle of the century and reach the 560,000 mark. In order to manage this growth in an orderly manner, the spatial development strategy sets out clear objectives in the structure plan. Priority should be given to compact, efficient settlement structures based on public transport.

    The plan ensures the economical use of land and coordinates the canton’s development plans with those of the federal government and the municipalities. It is intended to create the basis for spatially harmonizing living, working and mobility.

    Focus on inner development and affordable living space
    The central element of the revision is the creation of living space without endangering valuable cultivated land. The structure plan focuses on inward densification, for example through minimum densities and higher building densities in locations with good transport links, and allows selective extensions to building zones where they make sense for affordable housing construction.

    The so-called center areas create planning instruments for the targeted development of central locations with high densities. In future, municipalities will be able to make their housing supply binding. In addition, measures are needed in other policy areas, such as land policy or support programs for non-profit housing construction.

    Work zones and economic development
    The structure plan strengthens the local scope for action for economic areas. Municipalities are given the opportunity to expand their own work zones in order to promote new settlements with a regional connection and to link living and working more closely.

    The canton assumes a coordinating role with the program for development priorities. In addition, the structure plan creates the basis for an active land policy in order to develop areas in the canton’s interest. Such as strategic employment areas or infrastructure projects.

    Integration of overarching sustainability goals
    The structure plan revision links spatially relevant topics with overarching strategies. Aspects relating to climate protection, energy production and mobility development from cantonal projects such as “Future Mobility Canton of Lucerne” or the Climate and Energy Planning Report are anchored spatially. In this way, planning integrates ecological, economic and social developments.

    Procedure and political responsibility
    Since the revision of the Planning and Building Act in 2018, the Cantonal Council has been more closely involved in structure planning. It defines the strategic objectives in the spatial development strategy, while the cantonal government is responsible for operational coordination and the concrete spatial definition in the structure plan maps.

    The current revision is based on feedback from the 2023 consultation and the preliminary federal review in 2024. After the public consultation, all submissions will be evaluated before the revised version is forwarded to the Cantonal Council, probably in summer 2026, and then submitted to the Federal Council for approval.

  • “The construction industry is more agile than many people think”

    “The construction industry is more agile than many people think”

    “I love what we do,” says Kull. “If you do it professionally, building is still economically attractive.” However, she emphasizes that legal requirements, objections and lengthy procedures slow down the construction process considerably. However, the pandemic has shown how adaptable the industry is: “We didn’t have to close any construction sites. That was resilience in action.”

    For Kull, the industry’s strength lies in its ability to adapt to new conditions. She points to the high level of legal certainty in Switzerland, but warns against the increasing “deceleration” caused by long procedures and appeals that tie up billions. This applies equally to companies, investors and public clients.

    Digitalization raises efficiency potential
    Kull describes the often-cited productivity crisis in the construction industry as outdated. Digitalization and building information modeling have revolutionized production and communication processes. “Today, we work with clear timeframes, just-in-time deliveries and digital coordination between all trades,” she explains.

    Projects based on the “BIM to Field” principle have led to efficiency gains of 10 to 15 percent at the company. “This has a direct impact on quality, deadlines and costs. It is the justified expectation of our customers,” says Kull. Complex projects in particular, such as the Circle at Zurich Airport, have accelerated the company’s digital transformation.

    New collaboration in the construction industry
    Kull has observed that general and total contractors have become more open to flexible contract models. Development Switzerland is specifically promoting integrated models in which planning and execution are more closely interlinked. “Many of the ironclad rules in the classic general contractor/total contractor contract are no longer sacrosanct,” she explains.

    The goal is a cooperative culture in which companies share risks and exploit opportunities together. “A provider is ill-advised if it insists on yesterday’s contracts.” Kull sees the diversity of models, from the alliance approach to overall responsibility models, as a response to the increasing complexity of projects.

    Generational change and new work culture
    Internal structures are also changing. The use of digital tools is a matter of course for younger generations. “Software solutions, AI and communication tools such as Teams have massively changed the way we work. Travel times have been reduced and decision-making paths have become shorter.” This also makes the industry more attractive as an employer.

    For Kull, the agility of JV/TU companies also includes the ability to attract and retain talent. “Our projects are our calling card,” she says. “Young people apply to us because they want to be involved in large, visible construction projects.”

    Political hurdles and responsibility
    In addition to technological and organizational innovation, Kull calls for political realism. According to her, the ever-longer approval procedures and the large number of objections are paralyzing residential construction. “We have projects that have been in preparation for over a decade. This ties up enormous resources and deters investors.”

    She describes the current spiral of regulation as “toxic”. The demand for more and cheaper apartments is justified, but is at odds with increasing regulations. “There needs to be a rethink in administration and politics. More cooperation, less mistrust.”

    Conclusion: Openness as a principle for success
    Rebecca Kull makes it clear that the construction industry must shape its own future, digitally, cooperatively and boldly. “BIM is a disruptive principle, similar to CAD in planning in the past. Those who open up will benefit. Those who stand still will be left behind.” The construction industry, she says, has long been a reflection of society, more agile, more demanding and more networked than ever.

  • Strategic move in the European construction sector

    Strategic move in the European construction sector

    With the integration, Holcim is expanding its product portfolio to include energy-efficient and circular transformation solutions in a European market with a volume of over 12 billion euros. The move contributes to the strategic initiative “NextGen Growth 2030”, which is focussed on high-margin business areas beyond the traditional cement business.

    In particular, the range of mineral lightweight and aerated concrete products as well as digital platforms such as blue.sprint and Building Companion are intended to strengthen system sales and the interaction between building materials, precast elements and digital planning tools. This will create an integrated value creation model that focuses on efficiency, sustainability and planning reliability.

    Financial perspective of the transaction
    The purchase price is EUR 1.85 billion. This corresponds to a pro forma EBITDA multiple for 2026 of around 8.9 and 6.9, respectively, after planned synergies of 60 million euros in the third year. A positive contribution to earnings per share and free cash flow is already expected in the first year after completion. The return on capital is expected to increase from the third year onwards.

    The acquisition is still subject to regulatory approvals and is expected to be completed in the second half of 2026. Holcim emphasises that the transaction is part of a disciplined capital strategy that combines sustainable growth with financial stability.

    Significance for the structure of the construction industry
    The move puts prefabricated building systems and modular solutions more at the centre of industrial value creation. Holcim is thus responding to the continuing demand for resource-efficient and climate-friendly construction in Europe, as well as to increasing regulatory requirements in building technology and energy efficiency.

    The combination of building materials expertise, advanced production and digital engineering is pushing the boundaries of traditional materials industries. For the European construction sector, this takeover could become a driving force towards more networked, industrialised construction processes.

  • The future of living

    The future of living

    The central symposium on 7 November in Bern will take stock of five decades of housing policy and focus on the challenges of the coming years. Experts from the fields of the environment, energy, spatial planning and property will discuss which management instruments will be needed in the future to reconcile climate targets, housing shortages and social change.

    The focus will be on issues relating to resource-conserving construction, socially mixed neighbourhoods and dealing with limited land areas. A public launch on 21 October entitled “Beautiful living – housing promotion” will address these topics. At the Kornhausforum Bern, experts from the fields of architecture, sociology and urban development will discuss ways to create liveable, dense neighbourhoods and the role of cooperatives and local authorities.

    Mountain areas under pressure
    The second symposium in cooperation with the Federal Office for Spatial Development and the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs will take place in Interlaken on 10 November. It will shed light on the tense housing situation in tourist mountain regions, where rising demand for second homes and a lack of primary residences are increasingly displacing the local population and labour force.

    Workshops and practical examples show how municipalities can develop new instruments for affordable housing, from earmarking strategies to regional housing funds. The aim is to strengthen approaches that ensure long-term utilisation while maintaining the attractiveness of the location.

    Rethinking urban development
    At the same time, the framework programme presents innovative perspectives on housing and urban structure. The symposium “The city of short distances”, organised by EspaceSuisse and the Swiss Association of Cities, will address the interaction between housing, mobility and work.

    Guided tours of sustainable neighbourhoods in Bern show real examples of implementation with a focus on participation and communal living. The cinema evening with the film White Building brings global challenges such as gentrification and displacement back to local issues of urban development. In addition, the travelling exhibition “10 Minute Neighbourhoods” from 3 to 17 November on Waisenhausplatz illustrates how urban distances can be shortened in everyday life and quality of life improved.

    Shared future agenda
    The Swiss Housing Days have long been more than just a specialist congress. They are a platform, discussion forum and laboratory for shaping the housing policy of tomorrow. The BWO uses the anniversary to bring politics, business and society closer together. With the aim of rethinking housing as a social and ecological resource.

  • Master builders’ association remains confident

    Master builders’ association remains confident

    The SBC’s draft agreement is based on simple, realisable rules. Key points include an automatic inflation adjustment of minimum wages, the retention of annual working hours and new freedom in the organisation of working hours. There are plans for flexitime and long-term accounts, which offer employees more flexibility for further training or family commitments. Company holidays and bridging days are also to be communicated at an early stage.

    An important focus is on labour law protection in the event of illness and accidents. At the suggestion of the SBV, the trade unions are examining an adjustment to the Swiss Code of Obligations in order to avoid the disadvantages of previous regulations. At the same time, notice periods for older employees should be structured in such a way that reintegration into the labour market is not made more difficult.

    Both sides are endeavouring to find practical solutions to technical issues. For example, on the recognition of travelling time or Saturday work in the event of weather-related absences. The association points out that bonuses should only be adjusted in exceptional cases.

    Controversial view of the trade unions
    While the SBC describes the negotiations as “good and constructive”, there is growing resentment on the employee side. According to Unia and Syna, there is a threat of protests and strikes. In a nationwide poll, around 90 per cent of construction workers surveyed signalled their willingness to start work stoppages if no agreement is reached. The unions criticise in particular longer daily working hours, lower bonuses and a deterioration in the situation of older workers.

    The SBV counters this and emphasises that the annual working hours remain unchanged and that the minimum wages in the construction industry are among the highest in Europe. Since 2019, wages have risen by 7.5 per cent, with inflation at 6.5 per cent. According to the association, the new agreement should neither increase burdens nor reduce security, but rather strengthen the industry’s competitiveness.

    Last round to be decided
    The next and, for the time being, last round of negotiations is scheduled for 28 October. At the same time, technical working groups are meeting to prepare disputed details. Both sides are publicly emphasising their willingness to negotiate, but the differences are considerable.

    There is a lot at stake for the construction industry. The collective labour agreement regulates the working conditions of around 80,000 employees and forms the basis for stability and fairness in one of Switzerland’s most important industries.

  • New wind measuring mast provides data for planned wind farm

    New wind measuring mast provides data for planned wind farm

    Axpo is embarking on the next phase of its wind power project on the Dreibündenstein. A 125-metre-high wind measuring mast will be erected on the Grisons hill south of Chur on 9 October, the Baden-based energy company announced in a press release. It will collect data on wind speed, wind direction, weather conditions and bat activity over the course of a year.

    The system, which was specially developed by Axpo subsidiary CKW for the project in Graubünden, does not require an external power supply. This is made possible by a battery that is charged by a photovoltaic system and two wind generators attached to the mast. The data collection system can be monitored remotely by Axpo and is housed in a special container that can even be heated if necessary. “This technological innovation enables us to carry out wind measurements at locations that were previously difficult to access,” said Cédric Aubert, Head of Wind Switzerland at Axpo, in the press release.

    The company plans to install up to eight wind turbines with a total output of around 40 megawatts at the Dreibündenstein. They are expected to supply over 65 gigawatt hours of electricity per year, around 60 per cent of which will be generated in winter. In parallel to the wind measurements that are now starting, Axpo wants to sound out the logistical requirements of the wind farm project in transport and grid studies.

  • New storage concept for stable power grids presented

    New storage concept for stable power grids presented

    The Zug-based greentech company PLAN-B NET ZERO and its subsidiary PLAN-B NET ZERO BESS GmbH presented their new concept for an energy storage system at this year’s D-A-CH Hydrogen Symposium at the Höhere Technische Bundeslehr- und Versuchsanstalt Wiener Neustadt. According to a company press release, it combines battery storage (Battery Energy Storage System, BESS), green hydrogen and artificial intelligence (AI) to create an integrated, flexible energy system that stabilises power grids and increases security of supply.

    Tjark Connor Hennings-Huep, battery systems expert at PLAN-B NET ZERO, argued at the symposium that class A grid planning is no longer sufficient in Germany, Austria and Switzerland because volatile feed-in of energy from wind and photovoltaics, slow grid expansion and increasing weather extremes are putting a strain on grid stability: “We need intelligent decentralised systems that can react independently to fluctuations.”

    As the company emphasises, it does not see combined battery-hydrogen solutions as competition to other systems, but rather as a complementary building block in a more resilient energy system for regional energy centres. “Together, both technologies form the bridge to a robust, fully renewable energy system and, when combined, offer additional parameters in terms of control and flexibility,” says Hennings-Huep.

    Battery storage and hydrogen are complemented by AI-supported forecasting and control algorithms that dynamically balance generation, storage and consumption. “Our goal,” says the expert, “is an energy system that stabilises itself – digital, decentralised and decarbonised.”

  • New travel terminal strengthens Frauenfeld site

    New travel terminal strengthens Frauenfeld site

    The Twerenbold Reisen Group is having a new travel terminal built in Frauenfeld. In addition to the coach travel terminal with travel lounge and café, the new location will also house the employees of the Mittelthurgau travel agency of Excellence Cruises, the family-run company from Baden announced in a press release. “This will make our range of coach, music and bike tours with Twerenbold Reisen, boat trips with Excellence Cruises and hiking holidays with Imbach Reisen even more accessible,” Karim Twerenbold, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Twerenbold Reisen Group and fourth-generation owner, is quoted as saying. “The terminal and office building in Frauenfeld will create an additional hub alongside the company headquarters in Baden-Rütihof.”

    Twerenbold Reisen has entrusted Strut Architekten AG with the planning of the new building. The Winterthur-based architecture firm specialises in sustainable construction. “Out of conviction”, Strut Architektur has therefore minimised the use of underground structures associated with high concrete consumption in the new travel terminal, according to the press release.

    The new building in Frauenfeld will also be air-conditioned using air-to-heat pumps. A photovoltaic system that can generate up to 120 megawatt hours of electricity per year is also planned. The water consumption of the bus wash will be largely covered by rainwater, which will be collected in a cistern.

    The city of Frauenfeld has already granted planning permission for the new travel terminal. Construction work is scheduled to begin in the first half of 2026 and be completed in 2028. No details of the investment volume are provided in the press release.

  • Capital secured for industrial scaling

    Capital secured for industrial scaling

    FenX has successfully completed a Series A financing round, raising 8.2 million Swiss francs. The round was led by the venture capital companies Supernova Invest from Paris and Move Energy from Amsterdam. Other investors included Çimsa, the Turkish cement producer and strategic partner of FenX, Zürcher Kantonalbank, the two Swiss venture capital firms 4see Ventures from Chêne-Bougeries GE and buildify.earth from Risch ZG and several family offices from Switzerland and France.

    “This investment is an important milestone on our path to decarbonising the construction industry,” said FenX co-founder and CEO Etienne Jeoffroy in a press release issued by his company. “With this funding, we are ready to fully validate our technology.”

    The spin-off from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich, which was founded in 2019, will reportedly use the fresh capital to industrialise its mineral foam technology, accelerate strategic partnerships and launch new product lines on the market. To this end, FenX is pursuing a low-capital model: customers from the building insulation industry acquire a licence for FenX technology and in return receive FenX foam additives tailored to their mineral raw materials. For production, it uses production equipment developed in collaboration with MASA WhiteHub, FenX’s German mechanical engineering partner. The licence holder is responsible for marketing the product.

    Çimsa, FenX’s first customer, is currently building its first industrial production line for mineral insulation boards based on FenX technology in Spain. The plant is scheduled to start operations at the end of 2025. “The low-capital business model gives the company a unique advantage for rapid scaling,” said Investment Director Marine Glon from Supernova Invest.

  • Financing secured for market entry in Germany

    Financing secured for market entry in Germany

    Viboo AG has successfully completed its second financing round, the Dübendorf-based company, which was founded in 2022, announced in a press release. A total of 3.3 million euros was raised from existing and new investors. The spin-off from the Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology has developed a tool for optimising the use of energy in buildings.

    Viboo intends to use the new funds for its upcoming entry into the German market. To this end, the start-up wants to expand its energy management tool into a comprehensive tool for building management. “We have laid the foundations in Switzerland – with over 40 satisfied customers, some of whom are already in the portfolio roll-out phase, and significant energy savings in existing buildings,” said viboo co-founder Felix Bünning in the press release. “We are now taking the next big step by entering our first EU market, where the combination of energy prices and regulation is providing a strong pull.”

    The financing round that has now been concluded was led by Realyze Ventures from Cologne. “With viboo, we are investing in an innovative software solution that drives the decarbonisation of the existing building segment and thus addresses a very large market,” said Marnix Roes, Investment Manager at Realyze Ventures, in the press release. Viboo has also gained Zürcher Kantonalbank(ZKB) as a new investor. The bank is looking forward to “supporting viboo in the upcoming scaling process”, explains Nicola Leuenberger, Investment Manager at ZKB.

  • Takeover strengthens position in the mortar market

    Takeover strengthens position in the mortar market

    The Sika Group has acquired Marlon Tørmørtel A/S(Marlon) from Brædstrup. The family-owned company, which specialises in the production of mortar, has a highly automated plant and two warehouses, the globally active speciality chemicals group from Baar announced in a press release. The purchase price was not disclosed.

    Marlon’s customer base consists mainly of construction companies, manufacturers of concrete elements and specialised processors. The mortar manufacturer also supplies the building materials trade. Sika plans to use the acquisition to expand its own presence in the mortar market. The Group also intends to increase production capacity in Brædstrup and expand the product range there.

    “With our combined business activities and the expanded production capacities, we have an excellent basis to further accelerate growth in Denmark and the entire Scandinavian region,” said Christoph Ganz, Regional Manager EMEA at Sika, in the press release. “The acquisition strengthens our presence in the important mortar segment and offers us the opportunity to provide new and existing customers with comprehensive end-to-end solutions in an even more targeted manner.”

  • Merger planned in the Zurich energy sector

    Merger planned in the Zurich energy sector

    According to a joint statement, the City of Zurich and EKZ have decided to endeavour to have Energie 360 Grad AG taken over by EKZ. The main shareholder of Energie 360 Grad is the City of Zurich with a 96 per cent stake. The remaining 4 per cent is held by 22 political municipalities.

    In a resolution dated 31 May 2023, the Zurich City Council decided that Elektrizitätswerk der Stadt Zürich(ewz) should be the sole municipal provider for large energy networks in the city. Energie 360 Grad’s large energy networks in the city were to be transferred to ewz.

    As a result, Energie 360 Grad increasingly focussed on activities outside the city area. As a result, municipal ownership was examined, as were possible partnerships for Energie 360 Grad. EKZ and the City of Zurich have now agreed to enter into exclusive talks regarding a takeover of Energie 360 Grad by EKZ.

    According to the press release, the energy infrastructure in the canton of Zurich could largely be operated from a single source if EKZ and Energie 360 Grad were to join forces. EKZ already supplies 100 per cent renewable electricity. EKZ would consistently pursue Energie 360 Grad’s strategy towards renewable gases and the installation of charging infrastructure for electric cars. “This would be a decisive step towards decarbonisation and achieving the climate targets,” said the two negotiating partners.

    The municipal council and the EKZ Board of Directors must now decide on the realisation of the sale of Energie 360 Grad to EKZ. According to the information provided, the aim is to finalise a possible transaction by the end of 2026.

  • Production relies on virtually CO2-free aluminium

    Production relies on virtually CO2-free aluminium

    The sun shading manufacturer Griesser Holding AG used 95 percent sustainable green aluminium in the production of its window shutter ranges in Nenzing in September, according to a press release. By using green aluminium at the Austrian site, Griesser Holding AG saves up to 30 percent CO2 per kilogram of aluminium and achieves a new low of 3.3 kilograms of CO2 emissions per kilogram of aluminium produced. The sustainable aluminium consists of 65 percent pre-consumer and post-consumer scrap and 35 percent primary aluminium, explains the company. The primary aluminium is produced using renewable energy in Europe, which results in up to five times lower CO2 emissions than conventional production.

    The switch to green aluminium started in Nenzing in November 2024. “The largest quantities of aluminium are used in our range of window shutters. With the material changeover in Nenzing, we were therefore able to achieve a major impact quickly,” says Urs Neuhauser, CEO of the Griesser Group.

    Quality and sustainability are guaranteed to remain compatible at Griesser Holding AG, according to the company. The previous guarantee periods apply to all Green Aluminium products. As with the rest of the Griesser range, the greener model variants are also EPD-certified (Environmental Product Declaration).

    Griesser Holding AG specialises in the manufacture of sun shading solutions for windows and patios and, according to its own statements, is the European leader in high-quality and aesthetic sun shading.

  • Change planned at the top of the energy company

    Change planned at the top of the energy company

    Roland Leuenberger has been proposed by the Board of Directors of energy producer Axpo as the new Chairman of the Board of Directors. He is to replace the current Chairman Thomas Sieber, who has announced his resignation in December 2024. Leuenberger is currently CEO of Repower AG. According to a press release, he will relinquish his current position before taking on the new mandate at Axpo on 1 June 2026.

    Roland Leuenberger has been CEO of Repower AG since 2019. Prior to this, he held management positions and worked as an entrepreneur for large international organisations at the interface between the energy and financial sectors. According to Axpo, he has “proven leadership skills, expertise, strategic foresight and a keen political sense” and is therefore ideally suited to lead the Board of Directors.

    Thomas Sieber has been Chairman of the Board of Directors of Axpo Holding AG since 2016 and has led the company through challenging times, according to the press release. After ten years of leadership, he will now hand over the position to Leuenberger in June 2026.

  • Further training in the property sector gains momentum

    Further training in the property sector gains momentum

    A total of 35 new students celebrated the start of their CAS Smart Real Estate AI, Data & Values HWZ and CAS General Real Estate Management HWZ degree programmes at the HWZ with a drinks reception, as detailed in a press release. Ten graduates of the CAS Smart Real Estate Business HWZ also received their certificates at the same event.

    The CAS Smart Real Estate AI, Data & Values HWZ is aimed at managers from the property sector, as well as property owners and financial specialists. You will learn interesting facts about data and figures in the property sector.

    The CAS General Real Estate Management HWZ is aimed at candidates for a Master of Advanced Studies (MAS) who wish to expand their knowledge. Both programmes are part of the MAS Real Estate Management, but can also be taken as a self-contained CAS programme.

  • Merger strengthens building materials testing and measurement technology

    Merger strengthens building materials testing and measurement technology

    TransGeo AG will in future carry out its building material tests under the umbrella of TIC Holding Schweiz AG. The company from Muri near Bern has been taken over by the Baar-based group of companies with retroactive effect from 1 January, TIC Holding Schweiz AG announced in a press release. The Baar-based group is managed by Winterberg Advisory GmbH.

    “With TransGeo, we have found a perfect addition to TIC Holding Schweiz AG in the field of building materials testing,” Fabian Kröher is quoted as saying in the press release. The Chairman of the Board of Directors of TIC Holding Schweiz and partner at Winterberg will also take over as Chairman of the Board of Directors of TransGeo as part of the transaction. The new acquisition has “an excellent reputation and is valued not only for its accredited inspections, but also for its expert advice on geological problems and has very strong customer relationships,” said Kröher.

    Winterberg intends to further expand its business with accredited testing and calibration services for construction and infrastructure as well as measurement technology and materials testing. To this end, the company is already conducting takeover negotiations with other companies, according to the press release. The newly acquired TransGeo AG will continue its activities as an independent company under the umbrella of TIC Holding Schweiz AG. The change will not result in any changes for customers or partner companies.

  • Forum Bauen digital Schweiz focuses on smart cities

    Forum Bauen digital Schweiz focuses on smart cities

    The next Forum Bauen digital Schweiz / buildingSMART Switzerland of the Zurich-based platform of the same name will take place on 21 October between 1.30 and 5 p.m. in Schlieren. The event will be hosted by property company Halter, as detailed in an announcement.

    The digital Switzerland / buildingSMART Switzerland platform is committed to the digital transformation of the Swiss construction and property industry and organises its forum twice a year in this context. At the event on 21 October, the focus will be on smart cities and sustainable urban development. The keynote speeches will be given by Sarah Schalles, Director of the Seed Next Generation Living initiative, and Ole Bühlmann from Halter AG. Further presentations will round off the event, which will end with a drinks reception.

    Registration for the forum can be made online.

  • Future-oriented and more agile

    Future-oriented and more agile

    The Board of Directors has decided to reduce the Executive Board from six to five members. This is intended not only to increase agility, but also to optimize operational interfaces in order to drive forward the preservation and increase in value of the real estate portfolio more consistently. The Executive Board will now comprise the Real Estate, Development, Acquisitions, Finance and Corporate Center divisions.

    Management with clear responsibilities and comprehensive expertise
    Nadia Mastacchi is taking over the Real Estate division, which now includes portfolio and transaction management as well as property management. This creates a uniform interface that strengthens the portfolio as a whole.

    Marco Tondel remains Head of Development and is also responsible for realization. Bundling these tasks increases cost efficiency and strengthens the value chain.

    Vinzenz Manser, with over 20 years of experience at Mobimo, is now in charge of acquisitions. The merger increases the market impact and promotes the necessary agility in the face of intense competition.

    Christoph Egli is leaving the Executive Board after the independent property management division was dissolved. His many years of commitment and formative role in the property management business are highly valued by the Board of Directors.

    Sustainable management organization
    This reorganization is intended to bundle the entire value chain more strongly and position it more effectively in the market. The move underscores the strategy of continuing to respond successfully and agilely to the challenges of a changing real estate market.

  • Study shows enormous densification potential

    Study shows enormous densification potential

    Overall, there is sensible development potential in 30% of the existing settlement areas, which could provide space for 2 million new residents and 1.1 million jobs if a realization rate of 70% is achieved.

    The study, carried out by Sotomo on behalf of Urbanistica, suggests that sustainable inner-city development can only succeed if density and settlement quality are combined. Pure densification in locations with good traffic and infrastructure is not enough. Rather, improved local amenities, more green spaces, suitable quiet areas and a differentiated mix of uses must ensure quality of life and social acceptance.

    Agglomerations as focal points and areas of opportunity
    Although cities such as Bern and Zurich have the highest potential per area, the greatest absolute potential lies in the agglomerations. Up to 870,000 people could find new living space there through internal development alone. Municipalities such as Schwerzenbach, Opfikon and Vernier lead the ranking in terms of their development potential.

    Challenges in terms of settlement quality
    At the same time, the study reveals considerable quality deficits, particularly in agglomerations and cities. Problems include an unbalanced mix of uses, noise and insufficient greenery in urban areas as well as a lack of local amenities and access to recreational areas in peripheral zones. There are structural and social deficits, particularly in monofunctional commercial areas and parts of western Switzerland.

    Practical application and new business areas
    For investors and planners, the study offers a precise “treasure map” for identifying clearly usable properties and areas down to zone level. This facilitates strategic decisions and minimizes investment risks. In addition, the data supports the argumentation towards authorities and the population, which can accelerate the process of planning and approval procedures.

    The upgrading of existing sites opens up major opportunities for the construction and real estate industry. The transformation of monofunctional commercial areas into lively, mixed neighborhoods is considered a model for success and an important response to the housing shortage and rising construction costs.

    Internal development as the key to sustainable growth
    The study focuses on the fact that internal development is not just a question of space, but above all a question of quality. By concentrating on already developed areas, infrastructure costs can be reduced and urban sprawl curbed. The challenge remains to create social acceptance for redensification and to remove structural barriers. This is a prerequisite for sustainable and liveable urban development in Switzerland.

    This study therefore provides a promising, data-based foundation for future urban and regional development in line with the Swiss Spatial Planning Act.

  • “Zug Mar-a-Lago”

    “Zug Mar-a-Lago”

    At 5,500 square meters, the property is the largest private lakeside property and a one-off in Zug. The luxury villa with an asking price of around 50 million francs has been on the market since the end of June. Due to its splendor and location, it is already being referred to as the “Zug Mar-a-Lago”, alluding to Donald Trump’s famous estate in Florida. According to estate agent Robert Ferfecki, the buyer of this villa is considered the “King of Zug”.

    City with strategic interest
    The deadline for bids has now expired and the city of Zug is officially one of the contenders. City councillor and finance director Urs Raschle confirmed that the owner family had already contacted the city in the spring. The promise of an offer by the end of September was kept, although details of the amount remain secret.

    Personal approach as a trump card
    Raschle has gone one step further than just making a bid. He has written a personal letter to the owner family. Although contact is generally made via the estate agents, this letter is intended to emphasize the importance of the purchase project. Raschle emphasizes that even the Zug parliament has instructed the city council to examine the purchase. An emphatic message intended to convey credibility and negotiating strength.

    Future prospects for Zug
    A property acquisition of this magnitude could give new impetus to the public space. There are plans to expand the Seebad and Theater Casino. Projects that would bring added social and cultural value to the city. The decision on the purchase will be groundbreaking for the future development of Lake Zug and offers Zug the opportunity to make a statement as a modern and innovative location.

  • Conserving resources and extending building life cycles

    Conserving resources and extending building life cycles

    ETH professors Catherine De Wolf and Maria Conen are advocating a radical change in the construction industry. Instead of sacrificing old, energy-inefficient buildings, they advocate their preservation, renovation and expansion. In addition to ecological aspects, the focus is on social and cultural factors. Buildings harbor identities and histories, the preservation of which is essential for city life. Sustainability thus becomes a link between the environment, society and architecture.

    Reuse of building materials
    A good example is the reuse of glass elements from the external escalators of the Centre Pompidou in Paris as office partitions. The time-consuming dismantling, sorting and reintegration is cost-intensive, but offers enormous ecological benefits through significant CO₂ savings and the avoidance of waste.

    Building materials such as wood and concrete have great, previously untapped potential for reuse. While wood is often simply burned, concrete slabs could be cut out and used as wall elements. Although steel beams are recycled, they are usually melted down in an energy-intensive process instead of being reused in a stable form. The challenges lie in technical feasibility, costs and complex planning.

    Digitalization and material passports for optimization
    Digital tools such as material passports should make it easier to gain an overview of the origin, composition and useful life of components in the future. This will make reuse and dismantling more efficient and transparent. The harmonization of such standards is the subject of research in order to create binding solutions in the industry.

    Legal and standardization barriers
    Another stumbling block is today’s prevailing standards, which are primarily designed for new buildings and take insufficient account of conversions and the context of existing buildings. This makes renovations and work on existing buildings more difficult from an energy perspective. Laws and regulations must be made more flexible in future in order to promote circular construction methods.

    Circular economy as a pioneer for CO₂ reduction
    The construction industry is responsible for around 50 percent of resource depletion and considerable amounts of CO₂ emissions. The circular economy significantly reduces these by cutting material costs, waste and energy consumption through reuse and modular construction. Deconstructability through bolted or plugged rather than glued connections is key here.

    Challenges and future prospects
    The biggest challenge lies in the effort involved in dismantling and reusing materials and finding buyers for reused materials. The lack of comprehensive market structures makes widespread implementation difficult. This is where initiatives such as digital marketplaces and the involvement of specialized engineering expertise come in.

    Modular construction and flexible usage concepts, such as the use of less well-insulated buildings as museums, show viable prospects for the future. The young generation of students and researchers at ETH and other institutes in particular are driving innovation, which gives hope for a more sustainable construction industry.

  • The big living showdown

    The big living showdown

    The housing protection initiative aims to prevent rents from rising disproportionately after conversions or demolitions. Investors should have future rents approved with the building permit, and yields should also be capped. A majority in the Cantonal Council (including the SVP, FDP and GLP) rejects this as too much interference in property rights and warns of barriers to investment. Instead, the majority of the committee is proposing a counter-proposal that would protect tenants in particular from abusive terminations. With information and support periods of 12 months in the event of restructuring. Critics see this as a placebo that does little to protect tenants and leaves the interests of yields untouched.

    HEV start-up aid initiative
    This initiative aims to facilitate access to home ownership. The homeowners’ association is calling for the canton to guarantee up to 15 percent of the purchase price for owner-occupiers by reducing the equity from 20 to 5 percent. The government supports the proposal as it could make it easier for middle-income families to buy. However, left-wing parties are warning of rising demand and higher land prices without a sustainable increase in housing supply. A close decision is looming in the cantonal council.

    Home ownership initiative of the HEV
    This initiative demands that at least an equal number of owner-occupied homes be built alongside affordable rental apartments in state-subsidized housing projects. It has not yet found a majority, as critics do not consider the one-sided promotion of rental apartments to be in line with the constitution. A counter-proposal aimed at addressing problems with the calculation of the imputed rental value also has little chance of success.

    Housing initiative of the Greens
    The Greens are calling for the establishment of a public housing agency with start-up capital of at least CHF 500 million in order to create affordable, non-profit housing and promote non-profit developers. The majority in the cantonal council rejects this and instead proposes a framework for accelerated housing construction. The initiators want to force a referendum if the proposal is rejected.

    Outlook and political tensions
    The debate in the cantonal council opens a politically hot autumn. Another point of contention will be the SP’s right of first refusal initiative, which aims to give municipalities more scope to intervene in land purchases in order to limit speculation. Its counter-proposal has mainly economic and legal opponents.

    The positions of the stakeholders show the dilemma between protecting housing, promoting property ownership and concerns about investment incentives. The outcome of the votes will have a decisive influence on future housing policy in the canton of Zurich and is also likely to send a signal to other Swiss cantons.

  • Five mobility trends are driving the real estate industry

    Five mobility trends are driving the real estate industry

    Parking was a marginal topic for a long time. Today, it is seen as the key to optimizing the value of properties. This is because outdoor spaces, once pure infrastructure, are becoming strategic earnings factors thanks to digital technology. “Parking space is no longer a necessary evil, but an integral part of the value chain,” says Jakob Bodenmüller, CEO of Wemolo. His company operates over 3,500 locations across Europe with 2.5 million parking transactions every day and sees an industry that is reinventing itself.

    1.Free-flow technology, the farewell to the barrier
    Cameras instead of barriers with license plate recognition enable parking management without physical barriers, ticket loss or maintenance costs. User vehicles are digitally identified and authorized users park automatically. This reduces operating costs by up to 60 percent while improving the customer experience.

    Mixed-use districts benefit in particular. Retailers, service providers and residents can manage spaces as required, for example on a time-limited or quota-based basis. Third-party parkers are automatically recognized and sanctioned. According to Wemolo, their share drops by up to 85 percent within the first few months.

    2.Shared parking – new sources of revenue through cooperation
    What is a supermarket during the day can become a residential area at night. Shared parking uses free time slots in private spaces and opens them up to third parties in a controlled manner. Supermarkets, office buildings or retail parks can generate additional revenue of up to 80 euros per parking space per month without any structural investment.

    The model is a liberating blow for cities. Around a third of inner-city traffic is caused by the search for a parking space. If private parking space can be managed digitally, traffic volumes can be reduced and space efficiency increased. “We orchestrate instead of opening up and control always remains with the operator,” emphasizes Dominic Winkler

    3.E-mobility as a business model
    Charging points are not only a regulatory obligation, but also a revenue driver. Those who charge stay longer, a measurable advantage for retailers. Studies show that every additional minute of charging extends the length of stay and increases sales by over one percent.

    By linking e-mobility and smart parking, charging infrastructure can be dynamically controlled, priced or offered as a premium service. Integration into the parking management system significantly reduces costs and at the same time boosts the ESG performance of a property.

    4.Parking Intelligence uses data as a management tool
    Parking data becomes corporate intelligence. Automatically recorded key figures provide information on occupancy, dwell time, customer frequency and seasonal patterns. Facility and asset managers can use this information to adapt rental models, optimize personnel planning or develop targeted marketing strategies.

    For the first time, Parking Intelligence creates a data-based foundation for location decisions. This turns parking space into a mirror of actual asset performance, making it measurable, comparable and controllable.

    5.AI space monitoring, from parking space to portfolio sensor
    The next stage of digitalization lies above the asphalt. 360-degree cameras and AI analytics monitor outdoor areas in real time, detect garbage, vandalism or snow and automatically report service tickets to facility managers.

    This drastically reduces monitoring costs, maintenance contracts are evaluated objectively and standards can be managed centrally. This is a particular advantage for portfolios with hundreds of locations. The first operators are already testing how monitoring data can also be used to optimize locations.

    Parking space as a new asset
    The future of the real estate industry no longer lies just in buildings, but in front of them. Expo Real 2025 showed that thinking digitally about parking space changes the business model of a property.

    “The challenge is not to be aware of trends, but to implement them,” says Bodenmüller. Parking management is becoming the interface between mobility, ESG and value creation. A dynamic market in which standing still is finally a thing of the past.

  • State-of-the-art logistics project strengthens Lucerne as a business location

    State-of-the-art logistics project strengthens Lucerne as a business location

    Imbach Logistik AG from Schachen, a subsidiary of Galliker Transport AG from Altishofen LU, has opened a new logistics centre in Lucerne-Littau, according to a press release. The centre, which was designed to meet modern Industry 4.0 requirements, is “a strong sign for Lucerne as a business location” with its fully automated high-bay warehouse and a highly flexible small parts warehouse, according to the company. Imbach Logistik will create a total of 60 new jobs with the new centre following its completion in two construction phases.

    A special feature of the new centre is the spatial arrangement of the warehouses: in contrast to the horizontal positioning that is customary in the industry, the small parts warehouse is positioned vertically above the high-bay warehouse in order to maximise the use of space. Warehouse automation is made possible by the use of state-of-the-art shuttle technologies and an integrated warehouse management and material flow system developed by partners SSI Schäfer AG and EPG. Together with EPG’s LFS software, the Schäfer Flexi-Shuttle system coordinates storage and retrieval as well as upstream pick-and-pack processes with a high level of efficiency.

    Sustainability is also a focus at the site: the building, which has a volume of 215,000 cubic metres, is fully powered by a photovoltaic system with a capacity of 1,000 kilowatt peak, which produces around 1,150,000 kilowatt hours of electricity per year. The heating and cooling supply is environmentally friendly thanks to a groundwater heat pump in combination with a freecooling system. “With the new Lucerne logistics centre, we are creating the basis for even more efficient and sustainable services for our customers. Industrial companies in the region in particular will benefit from state-of-the-art technology and customised logistics concepts,” says Christian Kempter-Imbach, Managing Director of Imbach Logistik AG, in the press release.

  • New alliance for international location marketing

    New alliance for international location marketing

    The canton of Aargau is preparing to rejoin the Greater Zurich Area. The canton first joined the location marketing organisation between 2007 and 2010, the cantonal administration explains in a press release. At that time, however, the canton of Aargau was hardly able to achieve any success in attracting new business, partly due to different focal points. Today, however, the strategic orientation of GZA and the business location of Aargau “fit together very well”, the press release explains. At the beginning of the year, the canton therefore applied for renewed membership of the GZA.

    Specifically, location promotion is currently focussing on innovative sectors that are also important for the canton of Aargau. The press release cites life sciences, automation and digital tech as examples. According to the press release, the canton of Aargau, which has hardly been active in foreign marketing to date, has decided to join the GZA as it is “more cost-efficient and less risky than setting up its own foreign marketing”.

    Funds totalling CHF 8.5 million are required for the first period of new membership in the GZA from 2027 to 2032. This will cover the membership fee and the costs of two additional positions required at the GZA. The canton also plans to invest a further CHF 4.5 million in the years 2028 to 2032 to promote the location of so-called potential areas. The aim here is to support associations of groups of municipalities with economic potential with joint professional location promotion.

  • Parliament wants to speed up construction of large power plants for renewables

    Parliament wants to speed up construction of large power plants for renewables

    The federal parliament has clearly approved the so-called acceleration decree in the final vote. According to a statement, 185 members of the National Council voted in favour, two against and nine abstained. In the Council of States, 44 members voted in favour of the decree, with no votes against or abstentions.

    The decree was proposed by the Federal Council in 2023. It is intended to speed up the construction of large power plants for renewable energies. The appeal process is to be shortened, thus limiting the possibilities for objections and appeals. The cantons are to concentrate the planning approval process for the construction of solar and wind power plants of national interest at cantonal level. The planning process for the expansion of electricity grids is to be shortened.

    The Association of Swiss Electricity Companies(VSE) welcomes the adoption of the acceleration decree. “The focussed cantonal procedure and the reduced number of instances are important levers on the path to a renewable energy supply,” said VSE Director Michael Frank in a press release. “For electricity producers, the compromise means more planning security and speed – exactly what we need now.”

    swisscleantech regrets that the debate had focussed for too long on the attempt to abolish the right of appeal for associations. According to the energy transition association, the abolition of the right of appeal for 16 hydropower projects has led to a great deal of uncertainty. The bottom line, however, is that more speed in the expansion of renewables is what counts, it wrote in a press release.

  • New findings on the stability of steel under the influence of hydrogen

    New findings on the stability of steel under the influence of hydrogen

    Researchers from the Joining Technology and Corrosion Laboratory at the Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology(Empa) are investigating the mechanisms that lead to the hydrogen embrittlement of steel. The team led by Chiara Menegus and Claudia Cancellieri is focussing in particular on the effect of hydrogen at the boundary layer between a passivation layer and the metal, according to a press release.

    The passivation layer is an oxide layer around 5 nanometres thick that is formed during the oxidation of chromium contained in the steel. The passivation layer protects the steel from further corrosion. However, tests have shown that individual hydrogen atoms can react at the interface between the passivation layer and the metal and break down the protective oxide layer. This ultimately leads to embrittlement of the steel and can cause material fractures, as observed in buildings such as the Carola Bridge in Dresden, the London skyscraper 122 Leadenhall Street or parts of the Bay Bridge in San Francisco.

    However, detecting the hydrogen atoms in the interface is complicated. “It is difficult to investigate a hidden interface inside the material without destroying the sample,” research leader Claudia Cancellieri is quoted as saying in the press release.

    The researchers used hard X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (HAXPES) for their investigations. This method showed that the hydrogen degraded the passivation layer.

    In a further step, in collaboration with the Ion Beam Physics Lab at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich(ETH), various iron-chromium alloys are to be analysed and resistant oxide layers found. According to the press release, findings from this research could lead to the construction of more durable bridges and better infrastructure for the storage and transport of hydrogen.

  • Wooden computer mouse

    Wooden computer mouse

    Printed circuit boards are the invisible backbone of electronics. Until now, they have mostly been based on fossil plastics. Their conventional production uses glass fiber-reinforced epoxy resin. A petroleum-based material that is almost impossible to recycle at the end of its life cycle and requires costly disposal. This recycling problem is becoming increasingly urgent in view of the growing quantities of electronic waste.

    Empa’s “Cellulose and Wood Materials” laboratory has therefore developed a carrier material based on wood that can be completely biodegraded. Under the leadership of Thomas Geiger, the team in the EU project HyPELignum developed a technology in which lignocellulose – a previously underutilized by-product of wood processing – is transformed into a robust, functional board.

    Closing the loop between function and cycle
    At its core, the new material consists of a mixture of cellulose fibrils and lignin. Finely tuned mechanical processes create a stable mesh that hardens in a “hornified” board. The printed circuit boards made from this material can be printed with conductor tracks and fitted with electronic components.

    Moisture resistance remains the key challenge. This is because it is precisely the material’s openness to water that makes it biodegradable at the end of its life. A conflict of objectives that the Empa team wants to resolve even better in future. In their first experiment, they have already succeeded in building a fully functional computer mouse and other devices. After use, these could be composted under suitable conditions and valuable metals and components simply recovered.

    From research to practice
    The developers at the Empa laboratory are working closely with companies such as Profactor to transform the new circuit boards into products ready for series production. The potential for industry is huge. Especially in the case of short-lived electronic items, this creates a solution that conserves resources, reduces disposal costs and minimizes the ecological footprint.

    The HyPELignum project also emphasizes sustainable overall strategies. The focus is not only on raw materials and production, but also on life cycle analyses and industrial partnerships. With demonstration devices and planned industrial scaling, the aim is to make the leap from laboratory solution to market-ready product by 2026.

  • Examination of geothermal potential in the Burgdorf area started

    Examination of geothermal potential in the Burgdorf area started

    According to a press release, Localnet AG and CKW want to examine the potential for utilising geothermal energy in the Burgdorf area. The local energy supplier will contribute its knowledge of Burgdorf, while the Lucerne-based Axpo subsidiary will contribute its experience from ongoing geothermal projects.

    If the review is positive, the two companies want to inform the population about the next steps before the end of the year. “It is very important to me that the population is informed transparently about this project right from the start,” said Mayor Stefan Berger in the press release. “In any case, it makes sense to carefully examine the geothermal potential in our region. This is also in line with the objectives of our ownership strategy of a sustainable energy supply and long-term security of supply.”

    Localnet supplies 11,500 customers in the region with electricity, 2,500 with gas and a further 350 with heat.