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Category: immoNews

  • Tradition meets innovation in façade renovation in Davos

    Tradition meets innovation in façade renovation in Davos

    The Hotel Schatzalp in Davos, which opened in 1900 as a luxury sanatorium, has been given a new façade with the support of architecture researchers from ETH Zurich. The building was constructed using digital aids. According to a statement from ETH, the contract for implementation was awarded to local timber construction company Künzli Davos AG and Instructive Construction AG(Incon.ai), which specialises in augmented reality technology. Incon.ai is a spin-off of the ETH and is based at Technopark Zurich.

    The designs for the reinterpretation were developed by a team led by Silke Langenberg, Professor of Construction Heritage and Monument Preservation at ETH Zurich, and architecture professors Fabio Gramazio and Matthias Kohler at the ETH Department of Architecture. The task for the architectural researchers was to preserve the appearance and integrate digital technologies into traditional craftsmanship and operational processes. “Based on the design logic of the old building, we reinterpreted the balustrades,” Fabio Gramazio is quoted as saying.

    Matthias Kohler sees this as a “fundamental change in the way we build”. The digital model replaces the double metre in traditional construction methods. The digital model created using augmented reality simplifies planning for tradespeople and allows people to use their dexterity and intuition. As Kohler emphasises, people retain control over the process.

    The wooden balustrades on the building had become outdated and no longer met today’s safety standards, he explains. In addition, the typical appearance of the Schatzalp with the loggias attached to the south façade had been impaired by numerous changes.

  • Photovoltaic system on company roofs in Aarau

    Photovoltaic system on company roofs in Aarau

    Over the next six weeks, HKG Engineering AG will be installing a photovoltaic system on the roofs of its own company buildings at the Aarau site. According to a press release, 184 high-efficiency modules are planned there, which will generate 93,000 kilowatt hours of electricity per year.

    The energy generated will be sufficient to cover the company’s own requirements in the offices and for charging electric vehicles. The system will also reduce the load on the neighboring Aarhof property, which is currently under construction.

    With this investment, HKG is sending out a clear signal for sustainable action. The aim is to reduce CO2 emissions in the building sector and reduce dependence on external energy.

  • Swiss freight metro is on ice

    Swiss freight metro is on ice

    The Cargo sous terrain(CST) underground freight transportation system has failed in its previously planned form. The private company Cargo sous terrain AG writes in a press release that its implementation is not economically viable at the present time. Private financing of the construction phase would require a different legal framework. The key is to embed the metro in an overall logistics system and to establish stable partnerships with the federal government, cantons and cities.

    According to CST, the technical and structural feasibility of the project has been proven. The plans for the underground logistics system with fine distribution in cities were confirmed as part of an independent review in spring 2025. It is now up to the authorities to proceed on this basis.

    CST remains in dialogue, but is shifting its focus: the company now wants to advise national and international organizations on urban logistics issues. In this context, CST must reduce costs and also cut ten jobs. According to the press release, CEO Christoph Späth deeply regrets this step. However, by restructuring, CST is setting the course for a sustainable future.

    “We do not currently have the resources to continue the organization with its current focus and are therefore adapting to the realities of the situation,” said Chairman of the Board of Directors Marco Rosso. It will take time until CST is firmly anchored in transport policy and can mobilize long-term investments.

    The plans for the freight metro had envisaged an underground network from Geneva to St. Gallen and from Basel to Lucerne with a branch from Bern to Thun. The first section of the freight metro from Härkingen to Zurich was originally scheduled to go into operation in 2031.

  • Olten-Trimbach heating network starts after approval from the cantonal hospital

    Olten-Trimbach heating network starts after approval from the cantonal hospital

    Aare Energie AG(a.en) and IWB are tackling the realisation of a heating network in the Hagmatt border area between the Solothurn municipalities of Olten and Trimbach. The partner companies had made the realisation of the plans for extracting thermal energy from the groundwater dependent on the involvement of Olten Cantonal Hospital. This key customer has now agreed to participate, a.en and IWB announced in a joint press release.

    A.en and IWB intend to start construction work on the heating network as early as next year. Its network length is expected to be 6 kilometres. A new heating centre in the Dellen drinking water pumping station is named in the press release as the heart of the system. Two heat pumps, each with an output of around 2.5 megawatts, will extract heat from the groundwater here.

    According to the press release, the provision of heat from groundwater can also be guaranteed at low water temperatures in winter. The annual heat output of the plant is estimated at 20 gigawatt hours. Interested parties who have already requested an indicative offer should now receive concrete offers and be able to conclude contracts. The partners expect the first heat deliveries from 2027.

  • New boss for the Bern Congress and Event Centre

    New boss for the Bern Congress and Event Centre

    Kursaal Bern AG is getting a new CEO: Jonas Scharf will take over the management of the multifunctional congress and event centre with casino, catering and hotel on 1 April 2026, Kursaal Bern AG announced in a press release. Scharf will take over from Kevin Kunz, who is retiring after ten years as CEO.

    According to the press release, the designated new CEO has “almost three decades of management experience in the exhibition, congress and hospitality sector”. Among the stages of Scharf’s career, his role as COO of MCH Exibitions & Event GmbH is highlighted. He has also developed the Congress Center Basel “into an internationally recognised congress venue”. The press release also attests to Scharf’s “entrepreneurial thinking” and “empathy and sensitivity in dealing with stakeholders, politics and business”.

  • Growth continues with office opening in Cologne

    Growth continues with office opening in Cologne

    VELLOWS is further expanding its network. Founded in 2023, the consulting firm for projects and organisational development in the construction and real estate industry has been operating a new location in Cologne since 1 September 2025, according to a press release. According to the statement, VELLOWS is continuing its growth trajectory with the opening of the new office. The company is based in Hergiswil and also operates from an address in Zurich, Basel and Berlin.

    “Cologne is a central location for us, both in terms of our customer structure and our service portfolio,” explains the new location manager Stephan Hintzen. The industrial engineer specialising in civil engineering has more than ten years of experience in project management, client representation and property consultancy.

    VELLOWS founder Prof Jürgen M. Volm speaks of an experienced and well-connected colleague: “As a partner and managing director, he will play a central role in further expanding our market presence in Germany.”

  • Success for Suissetec in the EKS case

    Success for Suissetec in the EKS case

    For years, Suissetec has been committed to a “level playing field” between traditional consulting, planning and installation companies and energy service providers, which are increasingly active in the building technology market. In this specific case, EKS used customer data from the basic supply, i.e. from the monopoly sector, to advertise solar systems, an offer in the free market. This unlawful competitive advantage violates the Electricity Supply Act.

    Following a criminal complaint filed by Suissetec in 2017, two former EKS employees were finally convicted on March 31, 2025. Comparable proceedings against Repower and Groupe e also ended in guilty verdicts.

    Consistent separation of market areas
    The ruling makes it clear that the monopoly area of basic energy supply must remain strictly separated from the commercial activities of energy service providers, for example in building technology or solar installations. Companies are obliged to take organizational and technical precautions to ensure that there is no mixing.

    Although only employees and not the company itself were prosecuted in this specific case, the court emphasized that companies can also be liable to prosecution if they breach their duty of care.

    Signal effect for the industry
    For Suissetec, the third ruling in this case is a milestone. Director Christoph Schaer emphasizes: “The EKS case is now closed for us. At the same time, we expect this ruling to form the basis for competitive but fair competition between all market participants.”

    In this way, the association not only wants to prevent abuses, but also raise awareness among energy service providers, as important members of Suissetec, of the importance of clean dividing lines. The aim is constructive cooperation in the market that enables fair competition with clear rules.

  • ZHAW pools expertise in new competence group

    ZHAW pools expertise in new competence group

    A new unit is being created at the ZHAW Institute of Facility Management to actively shape the digital transformation of the real estate and construction industry. The Smart Building Management competence group is dedicated to the question of how buildings and sites can be intelligently planned, used and managed. The aim is to develop digital technologies, data-based services and integral strategies along the entire real estate life cycle in a user-oriented manner. A particular focus is on smart buildings, smart workplaces and resilient infrastructures that are geared towards the needs of society, the economy and the environment.

    International experience and in-depth industry knowledge
    The new head Andrea González has over 15 years of international experience in urban planning, real estate development, architecture, sustainability and digitalization. She has overseen large and complex projects in Europe and Asia, from site analysis, planning and construction through to operation, refurbishment and conversion. Her expertise in the application of innovative smart building strategies, the use of digital tools such as BIM and artificial intelligence as well as sustainable construction methods is particularly noteworthy.

    Her management experience ranges from leading interdisciplinary project teams to overall responsibility as Head of Real Estate and Architecture at a Swiss company. As a specialist, she combines economic thinking with a spirit of technological innovation and sustainable solutions.

    Building bridges between science and practice
    In addition to her work in real estate and construction practice, Andrea González has been active in research and teaching for many years. She has taught and conducted research at ETH Zurich, the University of Liechtenstein, the Universidad Politécnica de Madrid and the Tokyo Institute of Technology, among others. Her scientific work focuses on the integration of digital technologies such as artificial intelligence, digital twins and predictive analytics in planning and development processes.

    In publications and conference contributions, she has intensively examined the transformation of urban spaces and the future of smart buildings and smart cities. She is also involved in teaching at all levels, from Bachelor’s and Master’s degree courses to continuing education programs, and contributes to the development of new academic formats.

    Forward-looking perspectives for Smart Building Management
    With the appointment of Andrea González, the ZHAW is sending a strong signal for the further development of the real estate and construction industry in the direction of digitalization, sustainability and resilience. In future, the new Smart Building Management competence group will provide impetus for practical research and innovative solutions that support both companies and institutions in the transformation of their infrastructures.

  • Sunrise CIO Anna Maria Blengino honored

    Sunrise CIO Anna Maria Blengino honored

    With this award, Confare and EY Switzerland are recognizing the role of IT managers as key drivers of innovation and corporate development. Blengino has resolutely driven forward the modernization of the process, system and data landscape at Sunrise in Opfikon ZH, thereby demonstrating the strategic importance of modern IT infrastructures.

    “Anna Maria Blengino shows how IT creates strategic added value – not as a support function, but as a driver of innovation and transformation,” explained jury chairman Jan Leitermann, Head of Technology Consulting Switzerland at EY. Its clear roadmap, consistent customer focus and positioning of IT as a growth driver were particularly highlighted.

    Other award winners as top CIO of the year
    In addition to Blengino, three other IT managers were also honored:

    • Raymond Schnidrig, Partner and CTO at Partners Group
    • Benedikt Schmid, CIO and Data Officer at MS Reinsurance
    • Matthias Bryner, CIO of the Zurich Children’s Hospital

    These award winners exemplify the diversity of digitalization strategies that Swiss companies are driving forward – from global financial players to central healthcare institutions.

    Jury from science and business
    The Confare Swiss CIOAWARD jury is made up of renowned experts from the worlds of business and science. Chaired by Jan Leitermann, the 2025 panel included Stella Gatziu Grivas (FHNW), Christian Russ (ZHAW), Reinhard Riedl (all-acad.com), Alec Joannou (Global CIO ABB) and Daniel Fiechter (CIO Stobag, 2024 award winner).

    Visibility for digital leaders
    The award ceremony in Zurich underlined the extent to which digital technologies are at the center of public interest through artificial intelligence, cloud computing and data-driven business. Leitermann emphasized: “We make the people behind these innovations visible.”

    The Swiss CIOAWARD thus focuses on the creative power of IT managers – as a key factor for competitiveness and transformation in an increasingly digital economy.

  • Electricity prices to fall slightly in 2026

    Electricity prices to fall slightly in 2026

    According to calculations by the Swiss Federal Electricity Commission (ElCom), tariffs will fall to a median value of 27.7 cents/kWh in the coming year. For a typical household with an annual consumption of 4,500 kWh, this means an electricity bill of around CHF 1,247, around CHF 58 less than in 2025.

    The price structure will change in detail
    Energy tariff falls from 13.7 to 12.11 Rp./kWh (-11.6%).
    Grid tariff falls from 12.18 to 10.75 cents/kWh, but no longer includes metering costs.
    Metering tariff now shown separately at CHF 74.40/year (corresponds to 1.65 Rp./kWh).
    Grid surcharge remains stable at 2.3 Rp./kWh.
    Electricity reserve increases from 0.23 to 0.41 Rp./kWh.
    Solidarized costs now at 0.05 Rp./kWh.
    Charges to local authorities unchanged at 1 Rp./kWh.

    The bottom line is a slight reduction for households, while small and medium-sized enterprises benefit more from lower grid and metering costs.

    Reasons for the development
    The price reduction is primarily the result of falling energy costs. Numerous high-priced procurement contracts from the crisis years 2022/23 are expiring, allowing more favorable market conditions to take effect. At the same time, the grid operator Swissgrid is reporting lower tariffs (1.42 Rp./kWh instead of 1.71).

    On average, grid costs including the metering tariff will increase slightly, despite lower standard rates for the return on capital, which will enable savings of around CHF 120 million nationwide.

    Dynamic tariffs from 2026
    In view of the growing spread of heat pumps and electromobility, the load on the electricity grids is increasing. From 2026, grid operators will be able to introduce comprehensive dynamic grid tariffs for the first time. The aim is to align consumption more closely with the grid status and thus avoid costly grid expansions.

    Dynamic tariffs are based on the actual costs and should be designed to reflect the source. They must remain comparable with previous tariffs for standard load profiles. Transparency and traceability in invoicing are required by law. To date, no grid operator has announced a dynamic model as a standard tariff; end customers are still guaranteed a choice.

    Transparency and comparability
    Since this month, all 2026 electricity prices of the approximately 590 Swiss grid operators have been available on the ElCom platform. The values are based on the operators’ median figures and can vary considerably from region to region depending on the procurement strategy and in-house production. ElCom does not approve the tariffs, but can intervene and order reductions if it suspects that prices are too high.

  • Northwestern Switzerland strengthens future topics with two new universities

    Northwestern Switzerland strengthens future topics with two new universities

    The opening of the two universities marks a strategic reorientation of the FHNW and its sponsoring cantons of Aargau, Basel-Landschaft, Basel-Stadt and Solothurn. The institution is thus responding to the growing challenges posed by digitalisation, sustainability and social change. At the same time, it is creating additional study places in future-relevant disciplines and strengthening the attractiveness of Northwestern Switzerland as a university and research region.

    By creating its own universities for computer science and for technology and the environment, the FHNW is focusing on specialised profiles. The focus is on topics such as artificial intelligence, digitalisation, cybersecurity, energy, environmental technology, robotics and the sustainable use of resources.

    FHNW School of Computer Science
    The digital transformation is profoundly changing the economy and society. The FHNW School of Computer Science sees itself as a driving force behind this change. Its aim is to interlink education, research and practice more closely and to enable new forms of lifelong learning.

    At the start of the autumn semester 2025, the university will offer innovative courses, including Artificial Intelligence & High Performance Computing, where AI algorithms and high-performance computing infrastructure are combined to efficiently train complex models and develop new applications for research and industry.

    With Data Science & Artificial Intelligence for Sustainability, the university is focussing another degree programme on the sustainable use of data analysis and AI. For example, for optimising energy systems, modelling climate scenarios or developing resource-saving technologies. There are also new programmes in Security, Platforms & DevOps, which train urgently needed specialists in cybersecurity and agile software development.

    A special future project of the university is the new location in Basel, which will open in 2026. There, research, teaching and business will be closely networked and further developed with a practical focus.

    FHNW School of Engineering and Environment
    The second new university is dedicated to the pressing issues of energy, the environment and sustainability. Its profile combines technical innovation with a clear focus on ecological responsibility. Students and researchers here work on topics such as renewable energies, the circular economy and the sustainable use of resources, always linked to the question of how technology can work in harmony with the environment and society.

    “We provide training where the economy urgently needs skilled workers and research creates new perspectives,” emphasises Prof. Dr Crispino Bergamaschi, President of the FHNW Executive Board.

  • NEST tests CO₂-reduced building materials

    NEST tests CO₂-reduced building materials

    The “Beyond.Zero” project brings together leading industry and research partners to test innovations in the construction industry under real-life conditions. The focus is on the development of new material technologies with significantly lower emissions and high innovation potential for the construction industry.

    A central element is the cement-reduced concrete developed by Empa and Omya. By replacing up to 70 percent of the clinker content with natural minerals, CO₂ emissions can be significantly reduced without compromising mechanical properties or durability.

    Practical test for new concrete technology
    The building material is being comprehensively validated in a real construction context for the first time in the NEST unit. From processing and volume stability to durability in operation. “Only by testing it in real buildings can we show that the new type of concrete is not only ecologically convincing, but can also withstand the demands of practical use,” explains Empa researcher Mateusz Wyrzykowski. This creates a basis for translating sustainable concretes into marketable solutions more quickly.

    Industry meets research
    As the world’s leading producer of industrial minerals, Omya is contributing its expertise and production capacities to the project. “The fact that we can test sustainable building materials directly in NEST under real conditions accelerates the transfer of innovations into climate-friendly construction methods,” emphasizes Empa Director Tanja Zimmermann.

    In addition to the cement-reduced concrete, further CO₂-reduced and CO₂-negative material solutions are to be developed and tested in the “Beyond.Zero” project. The aim is a construction system that significantly reduces the ecological footprint over the entire life cycle, from production to operation and dismantling.

    Signal for the construction industry
    With this project, Empa and its partners are creating a practical platform that will provide groundbreaking impetus for the transformation of the construction sector. In view of the high proportion of emissions from cement and concrete production worldwide, the project could become a milestone towards climate-neutral construction.

  • Fair, ecological procurement with Toolbox Sustainability

    Fair, ecological procurement with Toolbox Sustainability

    The development of the toolbox was triggered by the revision of the Federal Act on Public Procurement. The focus is no longer solely on costs, but increasingly on issues of sustainability, fair working conditions and resource and climate protection. As a result, the procurement procedure is shifting from a pure price competition to a quality competition. A paradigm shift with opportunities, but also challenges.

    The key question here is how sustainability criteria can be integrated into procurement processes in an objective, transparent and practicable manner

    Contents and functions of the toolbox
    The sustainability toolbox provides answers to precisely this question. It is web-based, trilingual and structured in such a way that it provides awarding authorities with concrete tools.

    • Catalogue of eleven award criteria covering topics such as materials management, climate targets and fair working conditions
    • Text modules, forms and evaluation tables for direct use in tenders
    • Legal and practical explanations for the safe application of the criteria
    • Practical examples that provide guidance in the tendering process

    More clarity and commitment
    The tool creates a common understanding between contracting authorities and subcontractors by formulating criteria in a measurable and verifiable way. This also makes participation in tenders more attractive for SMEs, as the framework conditions are clearer and fairer.

    The overarching goal is to further develop tendering practice in Switzerland in such a way that quality, sustainability and innovation are honoured. Instead of simply competing for the lowest price, as is the case today.

    Significance for the sector
    The sustainability toolbox makes it possible to standardise how sustainable criteria can be incorporated into construction projects. This not only strengthens the awarding authorities, but also creates trust among clients and companies. The project shows that sustainability is not an add-on, but an integral part of a sustainable construction industry.

  • On the way to the AI revolution

    On the way to the AI revolution

    The debate about the power consumption of AI systems is not just a political issue. Data centres and highly scaled hardware consume enormous amounts of energy and the constant increase in the size of models is further exacerbating this trend. “We can’t scale indefinitely,” explains Klimovic, “so research into more sustainable solutions is essential.”

    Economical model architectures
    One approach is the introduction of sparsity (density reduction) in neural networks. Models only activate relevant parts of their system, whereas classic approaches always utilise the entire network. “Mixture-of-experts models follow this logic. They distribute queries specifically to specialised modules. This saves energy without sacrificing quality.

    GPUs are valuable, but often unused
    Klimovic sees a central problem in the low utilisation of GPUs, even though they consume an enormous amount of power. Bottlenecks occur in particular during data pre-processing and communication between several GPUs. Computing utilisation is often below 50 percent. New software solutions are needed to prevent valuable resources from lying idle.

    Efficiency through intelligent frameworks
    Your research group develops systems that focus on automation and optimisation.

    Sailor is a platform that automatically parallelises training jobs via GPUs, thereby increasing GPU efficiency.

    Modyn and Mixtera are systems for smarter data selection that train models faster and with less data.

    DeltaZip is a platform that efficiently manages fine-tuned model variants. It compresses differences between models (“deltas”), which reduces loading times and makes inference faster and more resource-efficient.

    Sustainability in training and inference
    Efficiency gains play a key role not only in training, but also in the application, known as inference. In view of the billions of daily interactions with chatbots, the conservation of energy and hardware resources is becoming a globally urgent task.

    Academic freedom and open science
    Klimovic emphasises the importance of academic research. Less driven by economic constraints, it can pursue long-term innovations. She emphasises the role of the Swiss AI initiative, which was launched in 2023 and is based on the CSCS’s almost climate-neutral Alps supercomputer. With over 10 million GPU hours and CHF 20 million in funding, it is the world’s largest open science and open source initiative for basic AI models.

    The AI revolution will only be sustainable if efficiency becomes the guiding principle. In algorithms, hardware and system architectures. Projects such as Sailor, Modyn and DeltaZip show concrete ways in which enormous energy savings can be combined with technical excellence. For Klimovic, one thing is certain: “In the future, high-quality AI will not only mean intelligence, but also resource conservation.”

  • Sport, sustainability and community under one roof

    Sport, sustainability and community under one roof

    The cycling team Tudor Pro Cycling is planning to relocate its headquarters from Schenkon to Sursee. According to a press release, construction of the new facility has now begun. The 10,000 square metre building is to be sustainably designed and will open in 2027. It is intended to support the team’s growth and redefine the standards of professional cycling. The project is supported by the municipal council and the authorities of the canton of Lucerne.

    The CHF 17 million facility was designed in collaboration with Goldbeck Rhomberg. It is to be built on Zeughausstrasse in Sursee and will provide a five-storey space where drivers, mechanics, trainers and employees can come together to prepare for upcoming races. A public area will also offer fans and supporters exclusive behind-the-scenes insights and interactive experiences.

    “Together with Goldbeck Rhomberg, we have developed a ground-breaking concept that not only fulfils the needs of a professional sports team, but also takes into account the expectations of fans and the local community,” explains Raphael Meyer, CEO of Tudor Pro Cycling, in the press release. “It also sets new standards in terms of environmental sustainability and has been awarded DGNB Gold certification– one of the highest standards that buildings can achieve.”

    Sursee and the canton of Lucerne have reportedly supported the team from the outset and made the project possible. “We are delighted that this new building, which is dedicated to sport and a healthy lifestyle, is taking shape here in our municipality,” said Sabine Beck-Pflugshaupt, Mayor of Sursee. “It is a place that will help Sursee to shine in Switzerland and beyond our borders.”

  • Statics gap in timber construction is closed

    Statics gap in timber construction is closed

    Researchers from the Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology(Empa), the Bern University of Applied Sciences and the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich(ETH) have carried out a comprehensive series of tests in collaboration with the Federal Office for the Environment(FOEN). According to a press release, the aim of these investigations was to close a structural analysis gap in timber construction. Multiple tests and mathematical models were used to gain insights into the horizontal load of timber frame constructions.

    “We are investigating the horizontal bracing of buildings with timber frame walls that contain window openings,” said Nadja Manser, project manager at Empa, in the press release. “Neither in Switzerland nor in other European countries is there currently a regulation on how much horizontal load a timber frame wall can bear if it contains a window opening.”

    In order to obtain this data, the researchers carried out numerous experiments in Empa’s construction hall with two-storey and single-storey walls, each containing two window openings. The horizontal beams were subjected to a load of over 100 kilonewtons.

    The next step is to use the large amount of data obtained to create a computer model that is easy for structural engineers to calculate and that can be used to realise structural calculations for timber frame buildings. Throughout the project, the researchers are working with industry partners such as Swiss Timber Engineers, Holzbau Schweiz and Ancotech AG. One of the aims is to eliminate the need for expensive and labour-intensive steel anchors and the concrete cores that were previously required.

  • Switzerland signs agreement with Denmark on CO2 storage

    Switzerland signs agreement with Denmark on CO2 storage

    Switzerland signed two agreements with Denmark on 3 September that will enable the export and permanent storage of Swiss CO2 in Denmark. Future cooperation in the area of negative emissions technology (NET) and carbon capture and storage (CCS) is also planned, according to a press release. The Federal Council had already approved the two agreements on 27 August 2025.

    The partnership with Denmark joins the existing partnership with Norway, which was signed on 17 June 2025 and also enables CO2 storage and bilateral emissions trading. “CO2 storage will also be important for Switzerland on the way to the net-zero target,” said Federal Councillor Albert Rösti in the press release on the agreement with Norway. “This technology complements our existing instruments for decarbonisation.”

    The agreements with Denmark and Norway were signed against the backdrop of the Climate and Innovation Act (CIE), which commits Switzerland to reducing its greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2050. Net zero is to be achieved primarily by reducing emissions, while emissions that are difficult to avoid, such as those from the cement industry or agriculture, must be offset by CCS or NET technologies. The federal government has been promoting the use of such technologies since 1 January 2025 as part of the CIG.

  • Rebranding focuses on sustainable transformation

    Rebranding focuses on sustainable transformation

    After twelve years, INNOArchitects AG is opening a new chapter: since the beginning of September, the consulting firm from Wabern has been operating under the name Fuil, Pierre-Yves Caboussat, founding partner and strategy consultant, announced in a press release from Fuil AG. The name INNOArchitects was too closely associated with new products and ideas. The new name, on the other hand, is intended to symbolise the current focus of the consultancy offering on the sustainable transformation of companies.

    Fiul is based on the English term fuel. It means “energy, drive, speed, but also food, in other words something that nourishes and enables growth”, explains Cabussat. The new name thus stands for the company’s aspiration to shape change with impact.

    For Nora Blaesy, Lead Rebranding and Business Development Consultant, the new brand identity emphasises “who we really are”. According to her, Fuil wants to differentiate itself from other consultancies by the way it tackles things. “We don’t just want to advise organisations, we want to empower them to shape change with confidence and move into the future with energy,” Blaesy is quoted as saying.

    Fiul offers companies consulting services in the areas of strategy, business development, organisational development and collaboration, the development of people and teams and the use of artificial intelligence. Fiul also provides rooms for seminars and collaboration in the converted Gurtenbrauerei brewery in Wabern. According to a statement, the company has already completed over 3,000 contracts under the old INNOArchitects brand.

  • Dielsdorf data centres to supply district heating for the region

    Dielsdorf data centres to supply district heating for the region

    Green Datacenter AG(Green) from Lupfig AG and BRUGG Pipes from Kleindöttingen have agreed to work together to supply several municipalities in the canton of Zurich with district heating. According to a press release, the waste heat from the new Green Metro-Campus Zurich will supply 11,500 households in Dielsdorf and five neighbouring municipalities as well as industrial and commercial companies with district heating.

    In collaboration with the energy supplier Energie 360°, CO2-free heating is to be generated from the waste heat of the new data centre. An energy centre is being built right next to the Green Metro campus. The companies involved are relying on pipes from BRUGG Pipes to build the district heating network. The Aargau-based company has already supplied 126 pipes, each 12 metres long and with an external diameter of 70 centimetres. The pipe system is laid underground and is no longer visible after construction. The system is equipped with a smart monitoring system for maintenance purposes.

    “The data centres in Dielsdorf are a good example of how waste heat can be used sensibly and CO2 can be saved,” said Martin Rigaud, CEO of BRUGG Pipes, in the press release.

    Energie 360° aims to supply the first district heating in 2026. Green is already using the waste heat from the data centre to heat its own office buildings and a nearby industrial complex.

  • Exclusive destination on Lake Lucerne strengthens presence in India

    Exclusive destination on Lake Lucerne strengthens presence in India

    The traditional Bürgenstock Resort Lake Lucerne hotel is now being represented in India by the Mumbai-based agency Aumentar Hospitality, which specialises in the hotel industry. “We are looking forward to all the unique encounters, events and emotions that this connection will bring to the Bürgenstock”, says the operator in a press release. Bürgenstock Hotels AG goes on to explain that with Aumentar Hospitality, it has a partner at its side “who has an excellent network in India and knows the needs of tour operators, agencies and discerning guests inside out”.

    The Nidwalde-based company sees this partnership as part of its strategic endeavours to expand its presence on the Indian market in a targeted manner, “because India is a clear growth market for us”. Demand for exclusive European destinations has been rising steadily for years, particularly in connection with milestone celebrations, i.e. weddings, anniversaries and other special life events.

    The region is very well known in the Indian market, not least because of several Bollywood productions that were filmed in and around Lucerne: “The destination is considered the gateway to Switzerland and combines the city, lake and Alps in a very small area – an aspect that is highly valued by Indian guests.”

    The 60-hectare hotel and tourism complex above Lake Lucerne comprises a total of 30 buildings. They are located on the Bürgenberg in the municipalities of Stansstad and Ennetbürgen.

  • Growth in premiums and fees in the half-year under review

    Growth in premiums and fees in the half-year under review

    The Swiss Life Group reports an operating profit of CHF 903 million for the first half of the year. In a year-on-year comparison, this corresponds to growth of 3 per cent in local currency, the internationally active insurance group from Zurich reported in a press release. At CHF 602 million, however, net profit was CHF 30 million lower than in the first half of the previous year. Swiss Life cites a year-on-year increase in tax expenses of CHF 36 million as the reason for this.

    “We were able to further expand both our insurance and fee business and achieved a higher operating profit”, Group CEO Matthias Aellig is quoted as saying in the press release. Specifically, Swiss Life increased its own premium income by 5 per cent in local currency to CHF 12.1 billion. At the same time, fee income rose by 2 per cent in local currency to CHF 1.27 billion. “We also significantly increased net new money inflows in the investment business for third-party clients and our solvency remains strong,” explains Aellig. “With these results, we have made a successful start to our Swiss Life 2027 corporate programme and are on track.”

    In the Swiss Life 2027 programme, the Group has set itself the goal of increasing its result in fee-based business to over CHF 1 billion per year by 2027. A result of CHF 392 million was achieved in the half year under review. Swiss Life has set a target range of 17 to 19 per cent for the return on equity in 2027. In the half year under review, the return on equity was 17.6 per cent.

  • Furniture made from shuttering boards as an educational project

    Furniture made from shuttering boards as an educational project

    Industrial designer Björn Ischi has fully equipped the remodelled Building 1 at the Sursee campus with recycled furniture. Together with Designform GmbH, Ischi has equipped the seminar and training centre, which is specifically dedicated to the training of construction site cadres, with sustainable seating landscapes and study tables. The furniture was made from shuttering boards and other old materials to meet the needs of the students.

    Ischi points out in a press release that the circular furniture is economically competitive with products at standard market prices. Sustainability is therefore not a compromise, but a win-win situation.

    The project at the Sursee campus was initiated back in 2022. Ischi began cataloguing existing material on campus in 2024. On this basis, the industrial designer created the circular furniture. The project was technically coordinated by furniture manufacturer Girsberger from Thunstetten BE.

    Ischi emphasises the good cooperation with the management of the seminar and education centre. “Where others throw away the old, Campus Sursee has shown the courage to rethink,” says Ischi. Short distances and clever ideas have beaten long journeys and the production of new furniture. “The future is created when we value the old and reinterpret it.”

  • Acquisition of land in Meggen

    Acquisition of land in Meggen

    The acquired plot on Neueggweg is practically undeveloped and, according to the zoning plan, is in residential zone C. The location is quiet, yet well developed, an advantage for future residents. According to the current planning status, Mobimo will realise a condominium development with around 70 residential units on the site. The project volume amounts to around CHF 120 million. The start of construction is dependent on a mandatory design plan obligation. Completion of the development is scheduled for the end of 2032.

    Development pipeline and market environment
    With the purchase of the site, the company is substantially expanding its development pipeline for the coming years. Demand for residential property in good locations around Lucerne remains consistently high. The municipality of Meggen is one of the most sought-after residential locations in Central Switzerland and, in addition to its proximity to the city of Lucerne, scores highly for its attractive location and quality of life. Lake Lucerne, the local recreational area around Meggen and the municipal infrastructure further strengthen the location.

    Project objectives and outlook
    The new development not only offers new living space, but also provides urban development opportunities thanks to the design plan. The process gives architectural firms the opportunity to contribute innovative housing solutions and modern, needs-orientated spatial concepts. The planning takes into account both the desire for attractive green spaces and the requirements for residential density and sustainability.

    Several planning steps are still required before the planned completion at the end of 2032. The exact start of construction depends on the development and finalisation of the design plan. The occupancy date will be communicated promptly based on the official procedures and marketing.

    The project in Meggen will create new living space, further develop the location and expand the company’s commitment to attractive, sustainable living in Central Switzerland.

  • Biochar concrete opens up prospects for a climate-neutral construction industry

    Biochar concrete opens up prospects for a climate-neutral construction industry

    Four construction companies from Switzerland have joined forces to found KLARK AG, based in Landquart GR, on 25 August 2025: Ulrich Imboden AG from Visp VS, Logbau AG from Maienfeld GR, Novakies AG from Rapperswil BE and Toggenburger AG from Winterthur. Their common goal is to make KLARK concrete, which is CO2-neutral thanks to the addition of biochar, available throughout the country.

    In a press release, they describe the founding of KLARK AG as a milestone for the Swiss construction industry: “It shows that ecological responsibility, economic thinking and cooperative structures can go hand in hand – even and especially in an industry that has long been considered sluggish.” KLARK stands for a move towards a building materials market “that not only measures climate effects, but actively changes them”. This is “industry innovation instead of individual battles”.

    The KLARK climate clay is mixed with as much biochar from untreated waste wood from regional forestry until a CO2-neutral product is created. According to the information provided, it has the same properties as traditional concrete, which causes CO2 emissions of up to 250 kilograms per cubic metre.

    The CO2 reduction performance has been verified with a verified life cycle assessment in accordance with the accounting rules of the Coordination Conference of Building and Property Bodies of Public Building Owners(KBOB). The life cycle assessment results are published on the KBOB list. KLARK concrete can be produced with 50, 75 or 100 per cent sink rate and is fully recyclable.

    Eberhard Bau AG from Kloten ZH, Aarebeton Aarau AG and Arnold & Co. AG Sand- und Kieswerke from Flüelen UR are already on board as licence holders for the production of KLARK concrete. “This creates a central competence centre for CO2-saving construction with concrete, supported by regional pioneers with a national reach,” the press release states.

  • Online marketplace operator aims to be listed on the Swiss stock exchange

    Online marketplace operator aims to be listed on the Swiss stock exchange

    SMG Swiss Marketplace Group AG has announced an initial public offering on the SIX Swiss Exchange. According to a press release, the IPO is intended to provide shareholders with liquidity options and give SMG access to broader capital markets to support potential growth initiatives and increase financial flexibility. At the same time, this should further strengthen the Group’s market position and increase brand awareness. The exact timing of the IPO has not yet been finalised and will depend in particular on market conditions.

    The shares are to be sold by two of the Group’s current shareholders, Mobiliar and Ringier. The offering is expected to be conducted as a public offering in Switzerland and in other countries in the form of private placements to certain qualified investors. The shares of the Group are expected to be admitted to trading on SIX and fulfil the minimum free float requirement of 20 percent. Goldman Sachs, J.P. Morgan and UBS will act as global coordinators and joint lead managers for the IPO, according to the press release.

    “With a clear value proposition, a trusted brand portfolio and strong local expertise, we are well positioned to deliver even greater value to millions of users,” commented Christoph Tonini, CEO of SMG. “By investing in pioneering technologies, we want to set new standards for Swiss online marketplaces.”

    SMG was founded in 2021 as a joint venture between TX Group AG, Ringier AG, Schweizerische Mobiliar Versicherungsgesellschaft AG and General Atlantic SC B.V. and has since established itself as a leading online marketplace in Switzerland. In 2024, SMG generated revenue of CHF 290.9 million and earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation of CHF 139.2 million.

  • Building project combines art, architecture and cultural development

    Building project combines art, architecture and cultural development

    Nüssli Schweiz AG from Hüttwilen has broken ground on the expansion of the Mack Pyramid in Monheim am Rhein, according to a press release. The Thurgau-based event construction company was awarded the general contract in spring 2025. Following the construction of an eight-court sports hall, this is the second contract from Monheim for Nüssli.

    The construction is an architectural and artistic challenge. A second mirrored pyramid will be placed on top of the existing Mack pyramid. Additional exhibition and storage rooms are to be created in the new double structure. The existing space will also be renovated and modernised.

    The deep foundations are due to be completed by the end of October 2025 and the shell of the stairwells by the end of the year. The supporting structure consists of a steel construction with stairwells made of reinforced concrete. Where possible, prefabricated components from the Nüssli armoury will be used.

    The topping-out ceremony is scheduled to take place in March 2026, just in time for the 95th birthday of German artist Heinz Mack. Full completion of the building is planned for summer 2027.

    “We are proud to be realising the vision of the city of Monheim am Rhein together with our partners,” said Udo Baader, Head of Project Management Special Projects at Nüssli, in the press release. “The extension of the Mack Pyramid is not only an architectural highlight, but also a cultural impulse for the entire region.”

  • Brokers of the future

    Brokers of the future

    The real estate world is facing an epochal upheaval. While traditional estate agents were once the undisputed mediators between supply and demand, the balance of power has shifted radically in recent years. Digital marketplaces dominate the initial contact, control visibility and are increasingly beginning to intervene in the transaction process itself.

    This is particularly evident in the example of large platforms such as SMG. With price increases, an aggressive data policy and the integration of their own tools, they are transforming themselves from a pure listing platform into an all-encompassing transaction platform. Brokers, who previously acted as independent consultants and market experts, are thus being forced into the role of pure suppliers, becoming dependent, restricted and interchangeable.

    The problem goes deeper than just rising costs or reduced margins. It is a system change, platforms are hoarding data, prioritizing content according to their own rules and shifting the customer relationship away from the broker and towards themselves. This threatens to turn the real estate industry into an “Uber model”. Agents are becoming service providers without direct access to customers, while platforms skim off the added value.

    Does this mean that the estate agent profession has had its day? No, but it does need to reinvent itself. The future of the estate agent no longer lies solely in access to buyers and sellers, but in building trust, advisory expertise and individual support. Particularly in an increasingly complex market, characterized by regulatory changes, tax issues and high investment volumes, clients are looking for personal expertise, reliability and discreet support.

    However, the sector must take active steps to avoid being marginalized. This includes:

    • Maintaining independence: Diversifying insertion strategies, promoting alternative platforms and not relying exclusively on monopolists.
    • Use technology instead of fearing it: Build your own digital tools, strengthen customer proximity instead of handing it over to third parties.
    • Networks and cooperation: Industry initiatives and collective action can reduce dependence on platforms.
    • Customer centricity: Clearly communicate the added value of personal advice – from valuation to emotional support in buying and selling processes.

    The broker of the future is not superfluous, but more necessary than ever as they evolve from pure intermediary to strategic advisor, data interpreter and trusted partner. Those who do not seize this opportunity run the risk of becoming irrelevant in the digital world.

    The decision lies with the industry itself, resignation or redesign.

  • Between innovation and reality

    Between innovation and reality

    In the middle of the Zurich conurbation, the new H1 residential tower towers above the Zwhatt site. With a height of 75 meters and 24 storeys, the building is a visible marker for the Regensdorf skyline and for hybrid construction methods between concrete and wood. Despite its striking red hue and eye-catching façade, the interior is dominated by natural and neutral materials. The architecture remains restrained, the structure classic. Three solid base storeys and a central concrete core support the building, while timber columns, timber-concrete composite ribbed ceilings, lightweight façades and solar panels ensure resource efficiency.

    The HBV structure allows for a high degree of prefabrication and a significant reduction in gray energy. Compared to conventional solid buildings, 20% of emissions are saved, a total of around 670 tons of CO₂ over a life cycle of 60 years. The horizontally positioned photovoltaic modules serve as a brisesoleil and generate around 155,000 kWh of electricity per year, which covers around 36% of the apartments’ energy requirements.

    Quality of living, community and urban density
    At the base of the H1, three-sided arcades connect the building to the neighborhood and ensure an urban quality of living. Inside, a clear, modular structure ensures compact, flexible apartments. 156 units are organized around the central core and are reached via short, bundled access routes. There is space for community halfway up the building with a two-storey meeting room, a launderette and spectacular views. The wooden elements create a pleasant indoor climate, while exposed beams and clay surfaces ensure a cozy atmosphere.

    Sustainability and the ambivalence of the high-rise principle
    H1 is a project of transition. The high proportion of wood reduces the CO₂ profile, but does not make the use of concrete superfluous. The climate-friendly construction method, local raw materials such as beech wood from the Jura or clay and the focus on renewable energy make sustainable construction a reality. Nevertheless, the high-rise building remains an ambivalent concept. The densification saves space, but the statics and fire protection still force hybrid constructions.

    In terms of urban planning, the Zwhatt site represents a new development perspective for Regensdorf. The silhouette of H1 and other towers characterizes the skyline. The quarter combines living, working and open spaces and stands for an urban development that remains flexible and adaptable.

    The H1 residential tower exemplifies change in the construction industry. It combines advanced timber hybrid technology, a high degree of prefabrication and urban integration. H1 is thus a “building of transition”, a step towards net zero, but also a reflection of the challenges and potentials facing sustainable residential construction in urban centers today.

  • Windows as power stations

    Windows as power stations

    One solution relies on special films that direct visible light specifically to the edge of the glass pane. There, PV strips, often made of high-performance material such as GaAs, absorb the light and convert it into electricity. Solar cells are only needed at the edge, which saves material and resources. The view is retained and the window remains transparent.

    Using cholesteric liquid crystals, a research team at Nanjing University has developed a prototype that achieves an optical efficiency of over 18% and delivers stable values under real conditions. For a typical window with a height of two meters, there is a strong concentration of light at the edge zone. The coating can be produced industrially and is suitable for large façades.

    Transparent tandem cells
    The EU project CitySolar presents another innovation. Two combined PV layers (halide perovskite at the top, organic at the bottom) extract energy from different light spectra while allowing visible light to pass through. This means that the room brightness and view remain unchanged, the window “looks like a window” but produces electricity.

    With an efficiency of 12.3% and 30% transparency, a new record has been set for transparent PV modules. The structure is suitable for office and residential buildings as well as high-rise buildings with large glass fronts.

    Future and potential
    Researchers and industry partners are working on even higher efficiencies and better production methods. Challenges exist in balancing transparency and efficiency and in integrating them into existing construction processes. However, projects such as those from ZEISS or the international CitySolar consortium clearly show how great the market potential is.

    Transparent solar cells and intelligent glass surfaces are paving the way for buildings that partially cover their own electricity requirements. Windows as power plants are within reach and will play a decisive role in shaping the energy transition in urban areas.

  • Ground-breaking ceremony for SBB plant in Arbedo-Castione

    Ground-breaking ceremony for SBB plant in Arbedo-Castione

    The new SBB plant, officially called Nuovo stabilimento industriale ferroviario (NSIF), replaces the existing plant in Bellinzona, which no longer meets the maintenance requirements of modern multiple units. The new facility creates space for 360 full-time jobs and 80 apprenticeships and specializes in the future maintenance and repair of Giruno, ETR and FLIRT-TILO multiple units. The high degree of automation and the focus on electromechanical work make the facility the most modern SBB industrial plant in Europe.

    SBB CEO Vincent Ducrot was particularly proud at the ground-breaking ceremony. The canton of Ticino is an extremely important region for SBB, which is investing in jobs, expertise and technology with this project. The new site covers an area of 150,000 square meters, equivalent to more than 20 football pitches, and also sets an example for sustainability with a green roof and integrated solar panels.

    Sustainability and major construction progress
    Work began back in June 2025 with the establishment of the construction site, excavation and foundation work as well as initial measures for the future train washing facility. The expansion of the railroad infrastructure is running in parallel. New points, additional tracks and modern control technology will ensure an optimal connection to the network. SBB attaches great importance to ecological compensation; 8.4 hectares of high-quality crop rotation areas are being compensated for at alternative locations in Ticino.

    The new plant will go into operation in stages from mid-2028. The relocation of the existing Bellinzona plant to Arbedo-Castione will give the region and its employees a sustainable future. The new SBB plant stands for innovation, growth and sustainable development in a strategically important region for Switzerland.