immo!nvest – Die Plattform für Standorte und Immobilien

Category: Global

  • Insolight launches first agrivoltaic plant in France

    Insolight launches first agrivoltaic plant in France

    Insolight, a Lausanne-based company specialising in agrivoltaic solutions, has put its first agrivoltaic system into operation in France. According to a press release, the photovoltaic greenhouse for strawberry production is located on the agricultural estate La ferme Etchélécu in Sames in the French department of Pyrénées-Atlantiques.

    The facility with 15,000 strawberry plants covers 3,000 square metres with semi-transparent photovoltaic panels and dynamic shading screens. This regulates the light transmission: if the light is channelled past the solar cells, it benefits the growth of the plants. When the light rays are optically focussed on the solar cells, on the other hand, electricity is generated.

    With an installed capacity of 190 kilowatts, around 260 megawatt hours of clean energy can be generated, which is enough to supply around 50 households, according to the press release. “By combining solar technology and agriculture, we enable producers to contribute to the energy transition and sustainable agriculture while meeting their energy needs,” Mathieu Ackermann, Technical Director of Insolight, is quoted as saying.

    According to the owners of the farm, Jacques and Nathalie Etchélécu, the Insolight solution makes it possible to have shading screens that allow two additional months per year for strawberry production.

    In addition to the construction of renewable energy production facilities and a catalogue of crop protection options, Insolight offers complete solutions, from project development and administrative support to water recovery systems, ad hoc business models and fruit recovery, according to the company press release.

  • Marktexpansion in Europa: Unternehmen stärkt Position durch Akquisitionen

    Marktexpansion in Europa: Unternehmen stärkt Position durch Akquisitionen

    Der Gebäudezulieferer Arbonia will laut einer Mitteilung die europäische Wettbewerbslandschaft im Bereich Innen- und Spezialtüren konsolidieren. Dazu hat das Unternehmen mit Sitz in Arbon sowohl die spanische Dimoldura, Marktführer für Innentüren in Südwesteuropa, sowie das tschechische Unternehmen Lignis für Spezialtüren akquiriert. Mit den Übernahmen erweitere Arbonia seine Marktpräsenz nach Südwest- und Osteuropa und komme dem eigenen Anspruch der Marktführerschaft in Europa einen grossen Schritt näher, heisst es weiter.

    «Durch die Diversifikation unserer Märkte Richtung Ost- und Südwesteuropa machen wir mit Dimoldura und Lignis einen grossen Schritt in der Weiterentwicklung und Umsetzung der Strategie von Arbonia Doors, von einem primär zentraleuropäischen, hin zu einem marktführenden europäischen Vollsortimenter», wird Claudius Moor zitiert, CEO der Division Türen bei Arbonia.

    Dimoldura in Quintanar de la Orden in der Provinz Toledo erwirtschaftete laut der Firmenmitteilung 2023 einen Umsatz von rund 120 Millionen Euro. Das organische Umsatzwachstum in den vergangenen drei Jahren betrug über 13 Prozent pro Jahr. Die Gruppe hat Produktionswerke in Spanien, Portugal und Frankreich. Das tschechische Unternehmen Lignis in Koritschan (Koryčany) ist Spezialist für Funktionstüren. Wie Dimoldura verfügt auch Lignis über eine kosteneffiziente Produktion. Lignis erwirtschaftete 2023 einen Umsatz von rund 14 Millionen Euro. Das organische Umsatzwachstum in den vergangenen drei Jahren betrug über 25 Prozent pro Jahr.

    Arbonia übernimmt alle Aktivitäten von Dimoldura und Lignis inklusive der rund 600 Mitarbeitenden. Die beiden Akquisitionen werden hauptsächlich durch einen Überbrückungskredit in Höhe von 100 Millionen Euro sowie durch vorhandene Kreditlinien finanziert.

  • Market expansion in Europe: company strengthens position through acquisitions

    Market expansion in Europe: company strengthens position through acquisitions

    According to an article in the “Impulse” magazine published by the Aargau Chamber of Commerce and Industry (AIHK), the new building project of the Aargau Chamber of Commerce and Industry(AIHK) has reached an important milestone with the submission of the building application to the city of Aarau at the end of September. Depending on the building permit, construction work is expected to start at the beginning of 2025, the article continues. The building application for the new Haus der Wirtschaft was handed over by AIHK President Beat Bechtold to City President Hanspeter Hilfiker and City Clerk Fabian Humbel in front of Aarau City Hall, according to the report.

    The AIHK project team had already been in contact with various contacts in the city beforehand, the report continues. For example, the city architect and the city planning commission were consulted when it came to realising a construction project with the broadest possible support.

    The planning application marks the start of the approval process. Demolition is planned for the end of 2024. The new building is then expected to be occupied in the third quarter of 2026.

    On the one hand, the new Haus der Wirtschaft will be able to host more professional courses and events thanks to the new facilities, the report in “Impulse” continues. On the other hand, the new building stands for the ongoing digitalisation and modernisation that has been taking place at the association for several years.

  • Trinational S-Bahn: 33 new Flirt Evo France trains for the Basel area

    Trinational S-Bahn: 33 new Flirt Evo France trains for the Basel area

    New S-Bahn connections for the Basel area
    Every day, 60,000 people commute in the border triangle of Switzerland, France and Germany – including 30,000 commuters between Alsace and north-west Switzerland. Around 90 per cent of them currently use the car. This is set to change: From the end of 2030, a direct S-Bahn connection will be introduced between north-west Switzerland and Alsace. The aim is to get as many commuters as possible onto the railway, including the more than 6,000 employees in the EuroAirport catchment area and the approximately eight million air passengers a year.

    Introduction in stages
    The new cross-border S-Bahn lines will be introduced in stages:

    • From December 2030: Commissioning of the S2 (Olten-Basel-Mulhouse) and S4 (Laufen-Basel-St. Louis) lines every 30 minutes.
    • From 2034/35: Connection of EuroAirport to both lines, together with the French regional express line Strasbourg-Mulhouse-Basel (TER200) every 10 minutes between EuroAirport and Basel SBB.

    Procurement of the new trains
    SBB is procuring 33 Flirt Evo France trains from Stadler to operate the new railway service. These vehicles are characterised by two special features:

    • A standardised fleet:
      The trains can be used in both countries, which reduces complexity and increases operational flexibility. The vehicles can be efficiently coupled as single or multiple traction and replace the previous vehicles on the Mulhouse-Basel line (TEROmnibus).
    • Two systems:
      The trains are technically equipped to be authorised in Switzerland and France. They have two integrated traction current and railway safety systems to ensure smooth cross-border operation.

    Investment and project management
    The investment for the procurement of the 33 trains amounts to around 320 million Swiss francs. SBB and SNCF Voyageurs jointly founded EuroBasilea AG in July 2023 to ensure efficient preparation and timely commissioning of the new service. Further information is available at www.eurobasilea.com

  • The path to sustainable metropolises

    The path to sustainable metropolises

    The discussion paper by ULI and BNP Paribas REIM presents outstanding international examples of urban transformations that have been implemented in metropolises such as Hamburg, Paris, Copenhagen and Bogotá. These cities have developed innovative concepts for transport networks, sustainable urban development and city networks to make their urban spaces more sustainable. The paper emphasises how these approaches contribute to greater urban resilience by integrating environmental, social and economic aspects.

    Strategies to promote urban resilience
    The ten paths to a resilient city described in the discussion paper offer concrete recommendations for action for public and private stakeholders. These range from the formulation of adaptation strategies and building awareness of crises to the integration of urban risk management into urban planning. Particular importance is attached to the creation of sufficient housing and social infrastructure in order to provide inclusive and sustainable social services that enable the broad participation of urban society.

    The role of the public and private sector
    The discussion paper emphasises that the transformation to resilient cities is a joint task that is not the sole responsibility of the public sector. Isabella Chacón Troidl and Honoré Achille Simo explain that property investors also play a decisive role in the development of resilient urban spaces. They help to integrate social, ecological and economic aspects into urban development and thus promote a comprehensive renewal of the housing sector.

    Conclusion and outlook
    The discussion paper “Urban transformation versus urban resilience” serves as a catalyst for a new era of urban planning. It calls on decision-makers and stakeholders to take innovative and sustainable measures that not only strengthen the resilience of cities, but also improve their quality of life. Sabine Georgi emphasises that the future development of urban spaces is a social issue that requires active and joint action in order to meet the challenges of the 21st century.

  • Council of Europe and Switzerland set standards for AI

    Council of Europe and Switzerland set standards for AI

    The new Convention on Artificial Intelligence was officially adopted at the 133rd session of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, which took place in Biel/Bienne. Swiss Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, Head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, was present at this historic moment. Switzerland, known for its precise and prudent approach in international negotiations, played a decisive role in the one and a half years of intensive discussions and development work.

    The agreement not only emphasises the importance of AI in our future society, but also establishes a solid, legally binding framework to ensure that AI systems are developed according to the highest ethical standards. The core principles include transparency, robustness, non-discrimination and the protection of privacy. These measures are crucial to strengthening public trust in the new technology while safeguarding the rights of every individual.

    Promoting international cooperation
    The timing of the adoption coincides with the 75th anniversary of the Council of Europe, which further emphasises the importance of this convention. From September 2024, the document will be submitted to all member states for signature. Once ratified by Switzerland, which requires its transposition into national law, it will serve as a key component of international AI governance.

    In practice, the Convention will serve as a guide that promotes a harmonised approach to the responsible development and use of AI systems not only in Europe, but also worldwide. By creating this framework, the Council of Europe is making a significant contribution to ensuring that AI is used as a force for good, strengthening and advancing the foundations of our democratic societies.

  • Reaction of the Swiss interest rate markets to global and local inflation trends

    Reaction of the Swiss interest rate markets to global and local inflation trends

    In April of this year, the inflation rate in Switzerland surprisingly rose from 1.04% to 1.37%. This increase, which is reflected in almost all sub-indices, nevertheless remains below the critical level of 2.00%. This development indicates that inflation remains manageable and does not require any drastic measures. The Swiss National Bank had already expected a moderate rise in inflation and now appears to have been confirmed that this rise will not be permanent.

    Influence of global interest rate policy on Switzerland
    The latest US inflation data has brought calm not only to international markets, but also to the Swiss interest rate markets. The positive reaction to the US data has lowered interest rate swap rates in Switzerland and indicates that a rate cut in June is almost certain. The SNB’s monetary policy decisions depend heavily on how the European Central Bank (ECB) and the Federal Reserve (Fed) adjust their interest rates. Current developments show a synchronisation of interest rate policy at a global level, which influences the Swiss franc and inflation forecasts.

    Future expectations and monetary policy forecasts
    The SNB remains committed to the possibility of lowering the key interest rate by 25 basis points, with a potential further reduction by the end of the year, depending on the actions of the ECB and the Fed. These adjustments are essential to stabilise the Swiss franc in the context of global currency dynamics and prevent excessive appreciation, which could weigh on the export economy. Despite the current inflation expectations and the weaker position of the franc, the SNB remains proactive and adaptable in its monetary policy strategy.

  • New partnership in the pipe system market: Brugg Pipes and Rovanco in the USA

    New partnership in the pipe system market: Brugg Pipes and Rovanco in the USA

    Brugg Rohrsystem AG in Kleindöttingen AG, trading as Brugg Pipes and part of the Brugg Group, has concluded a joint venture agreement with its long-standing sales partner Rovanco Piping Systems in the USA. According to a press release, production at Rovanco’s headquarters in the Chicago metropolitan region in the US state of Illinois will eliminate the long lead times for pipes from Europe.

    Both companies are combining their strengths and expertise to launch the first continuous production of flexible, polyurethane-insulated piping systems for the district heating and cooling sector in North America, the press release adds. The investment includes the construction of production facilities at the Rovanco site.

    “As the leading supplier of pre-insulated piping systems in North America and our exclusive partner in this market for many years, Rovanco plays a key role in this partnership,” said Geri Wirz, Head of International Business at Brugg Pipes. The collaboration will make it possible to supply customers in North America with high-quality, flexible piping systems more quickly.

    “With Brugg Pipes’ market expertise and in-depth knowledge of PUR insulation foams for flexible pipes, we will be able to further expand our market share in North America,” said Chad Godeaux, President of Rovanco Piping Systems. PUR stands for polyurethane plastics.

    According to the Brugg Group, it employs around 1700 people at 24 production sites and more than 30 sales organisations in key industrial countries.

  • Company opens macrofibre plant in Peru

    Company opens macrofibre plant in Peru

    Sika has opened a new hub for synthetic macro-plastic fibres in Lima. This will enable the Zug-based company to expand its product range with a product series that has enormous growth potential, according to a press release. Sika says that a quarter of the growing global demand for macrofibre reinforcement is generated in Latin America and expects annual growth of 25 percent over the next five years. Sika expects the largest volume growth in the region to be in Peru, the country with the largest mining industry in Latin America.

    Macro-plastic fibres are based on a new technology for the structural and static reinforcement of concrete components. They replace steel reinforcements and improve the properties of hardened concrete. According to the information provided, this significantly extends the service life of concrete components. All of this also has a positive effect on the classification of sustainable buildings within the framework of international certification systems such as LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design).

    Increasing mobility in urban centres calls for new, efficient transport infrastructure such as road tunnels and underground railway systems, explains Sika’s Regional Manager Americas, Mike Campion. At the same time, the demand for macrofibre reinforcement systems for mining projects is increasing: “With the new, state-of-the-art plant in Peru, we are able to offer our customers throughout Latin America all of Sika’s concrete technologies while meeting the highest sustainable construction requirements.”

  • Zurich once again the smartest city in the global IMD Smart City Index

    Zurich once again the smartest city in the global IMD Smart City Index

    The IMD Smart City Index has once again placed Zurich in first place in a global comparison. Geneva improved from 9th to 4th place, while Lausanne slipped to 7th place. For this year’s survey, interviews were conducted in 142 cities worldwide to measure the intelligence and perception of the inhabitants of their city. The World Competitiveness Centre of the IMD Business School in Lausanne and Singapore is responsible for compiling the index each year.

    Zurich received a AAA Smart City rating, both overall and in the areas of structures and technologies, with Geneva achieving similar scores. Citizens in Zurich prioritise affordable housing, traffic density and air pollution among the 15 important criteria, while Geneva and Lausanne have similar priorities.

    Geneva and Lausanne also received high ratings for their smart city initiatives, with Lausanne placing particular emphasis on safety. The municipalities of Riga, Luxembourg and Vilnius saw significant progress in the index, while cities such as Bologna, Los Angeles and Rome saw significant declines. These findings could be of great interest to property and location development professionals.

  • Urgent fight against subsidence; major cities are sinking

    Urgent fight against subsidence; major cities are sinking

    China has experienced an unprecedented construction boom in recent decades, which is now having serious consequences. Together with the sharp increase in groundwater use, this is causing the country’s cities, particularly the metropolises of Shanghai and Beijing, to sink noticeably. Experts warn that without appropriate measures, the situation could take on catastrophic proportions, similar to what has already been observed in Tokyo, where countermeasures were successfully taken.

    The phenomenon of sinking cities can be observed globally and affects metropolises such as Venice, Jakarta, Bangkok and New Orleans. These cities are particularly at risk due to rising sea levels and simultaneously sinking soil. Without intervention, there is a risk of serious flooding. The cost of damage to infrastructure such as buildings, roads and supply lines is immense. In China alone, the annual damage costs amount to an estimated 1.5 billion dollars.

    The causes of subsidence are manifold and include excessive groundwater abstraction, heavy construction and the draining of wet soils. A Chinese research team has analysed the effects of these developments in detail and presented alarming data: Almost half of China’s urban areas are sinking by more than three millimetres a year, and 16 per cent by more than ten millimetres. The problem is particularly acute in the megacity of Beijing.

    The research carried out by Zurui Ao and his team at South China Normal University in Foshan is based on satellite measurements of 82 major Chinese cities. These show that around 29 per cent of China’s urban population lives on increasingly sinking ground, which equated to around 270 million people in 2020.

    Massive groundwater extraction is a global problem. When water is replaced by air between sediment particles, these particles become more compacted, causing the ground to sink. This phenomenon is particularly pronounced in Jakarta, where the ground is sinking by up to 25 centimetres a year in some parts of the city. The consequences are serious: saltwater intrusion, destroyed infrastructure and considerable water losses are forcing the city to continuously pump affected areas dry.

    This example shows the urgent need to develop and implement effective strategies to tackle this global problem in order to minimise long-term damage and risks.

  • High-temperature heat storage could make the industry more sustainable

    High-temperature heat storage could make the industry more sustainable

    Industrial sectors such as steel and cement production require continuously high temperatures, which are currently largely generated by fossil fuels. This practice is responsible for around a fifth of total energy consumption in Germany and is increasingly being criticised due to its environmental impact.

    To meet this challenge, work is being carried out worldwide on the development and implementation of technologies that can integrate renewable energies more efficiently into existing industrial processes. One promising approach is the use of high-temperature heat storage systems, which store energy in the form of heat so that it can be made available on demand without any loss of quality.

    KIT is currently researching an innovative heat storage system based on a liquid metal mixture of lead and bismuth. This mixture is characterised by its outstanding thermal conductivity, which is up to 100 times higher than that of conventionally used materials. In the KIT laboratory, this metal mixture is heated in a circulation system and passed through a layer of small ceramic beads that can absorb and store the heat.

    This system enables flexible and efficient utilisation of the stored energy by releasing the heat as required. The use of renewable energy to generate the initial heat could thus reduce dependence on fossil fuels and significantly reduce CO2 emissions in energy-intensive industries.

    This technological innovation represents a significant step forward in the endeavour to make industrial processes more environmentally friendly and could lead to more sustainable industrial production in the long term.

  • The construction of a CO2-neutral cement plant in Lägerdorf

    The construction of a CO2-neutral cement plant in Lägerdorf

    The construction of the new Holcim cement plant in Lägerdorf marks a decisive step in the global endeavour to reduce the cement industry’s CO2 emissions. With a planned commissioning in 2028, the plant will be one of the first of its kind to operate completely CO2-neutral. The participation of high-ranking political and business leaders, including Dr Robert Habeck, Vice-Chancellor and Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection, and Daniel Günther, Minister-President of Schleswig-Holstein, underlines the importance of this project for German industry and global environmental policy.

    The “pure oxyfuel” technology is the centrepiece of the project. It makes it possible to capture almost all of the CO2 generated during cement production from the exhaust gases. Instead of conventional air, pure oxygen is used in the combustion process, which drastically reduces emissions. The captured CO2 is then processed and can either be reused in other industries or stored safely. This process represents significant progress in the endeavour to make cement production more sustainable.

    Dr Cetin Nazikkol, Member of the Executive Board of thyssenkrupp Decarbon Technologies, emphasises that cement is a fundamental building material, but its production releases significant amounts of CO2. The innovative technology from thyssenkrupp offers a sustainable solution to meet these challenges. The plant in Lägerdorf will be a model of how the cement industry can be transformed to minimise its environmental footprint while maintaining industrial production.

    The commitment to a climate-neutral future is also shared by local government representatives. Minister President Günther emphasises that Schleswig-Holstein is at the forefront of the energy transition and that the project in Lägerdorf is another milestone on this path. This development will not only protect the environment, but also promote new technologies and stimulate sustainable economic growth in the region and beyond.

  • Holcim takes over Argentinian company Tensolite

    Holcim takes over Argentinian company Tensolite

    Zug-based building materials producer Holcim has signed an agreement to acquire Tensolite, an Argentinian manufacturer of innovative concrete construction systems, according to a press release. The company, which has plants and a distribution network in Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay, had net sales of USD 22 million in 2023. Tensolite employs 155 people. All are to be taken over. The transaction is expected to be completed in the second quarter of 2024.

    “With the acquisition of Tensolite, we are further expanding our Solutions & Products portfolio in Latin America and worldwide,” Holcim’s Latin America CEO Oliver Osswald is quoted as saying. “Due to its leading position in innovative precast and prestressed concrete construction systems, Tensolite will be an important part of our further expansion into the most attractive markets while offering synergies with other business units such as our network of Disensa construction markets.” Holcim’s Disensa brand is the largest franchise network for building materials in Latin America.

    Tensolite was founded in 1979. Its concrete construction systems range from beams and roof tiles to customised products for large construction projects such as bridge girders, grandstands and pavements. Other innovations include cost-efficient, interlocking precast walls. They can be assembled by four people without the use of cranes or other machinery.

  • Schréder acquires 49 per cent of Photinus

    Schréder acquires 49 per cent of Photinus

    Schréder from Brussels acquires a 49 per cent stake in Photinus from Dornbirn. The two companies, both active in the solar lighting market, want to join forces in order to establish sustainable lighting solutions in outdoor areas more strongly worldwide. Phontinus has already gained extensive experience in this area with energy self-sufficient solar lighting for customers in a number of European countries and the Middle East.

    “At Schréder, we firmly believe that solar lighting solutions can help cities and municipalities improve their carbon footprint,” Schréder CEO Werner De Wolf is quoted as saying in a joint press release issued by the two companies. For Photinus CEO Martin Kessler, the merger with Schréder represents “a unique opportunity to expand our international sales network and achieve our goal of becoming the world’s leading provider of solar lighting solutions”. Together, the partner companies want to offer a comprehensive portfolio that can fulfil different requirements in terms of size and performance.

    “Photinus is pursuing a very interesting strategy in the development of solar lighting products in terms of innovation, modularity and flexibility,” explains Philippe Felten, Chief Commercial Officer of Schréder. Specifically, the Austrian company is focussing closely on customers, with customised solutions taking centre stage. “Photinus’ sales strategy harmonises perfectly with Schréder’s sales culture,” says Felten.

  • DHG launches sale of its first residential project in Dubai

    DHG launches sale of its first residential project in Dubai

    DHG Properties, the real estate development division of DHG Holding based near Zurich, is realising its first project in Dubai, the Helvetia Residences. It is being built in Jumeirah Village Circle in the centre of Dubai. It has now been officially unveiled. According to a press release, the company intends to participate in the boom in the property sector in the capital of the Emirate of Dubai. The investment is expected to amount to the equivalent of over 144 million Swiss francs.

    According to the information, property prices there rose by 19 per cent in 2023. DHG expects Dubai’s real estate market to grow by around 15 per cent in 2024. In addition, the United Arab Emirates expects the population to increase from 3.5 million people in 2023 to 5.5 million in 2030. As a result, more living space will be needed. “In response to the evolving market needs, DHG Properties will be at the forefront of this change and committed to developing premium and affordable housing options that cater to a key demographic in Dubai.”

    As Miloš Antić, Vice Chairman and member of the Board of Directors, says, DHG recognises “the importance of aligning with market dynamics”. He considers Dubai to be “one of the hottest markets, if not the hottest for property at the moment”. Accordingly, this property project will offer its buyers a high return.

    The luxuriously appointed Helvetia Residences will comprise 430 flats of varying sizes. They will also offer urban amenities such as a rooftop pool, a fitness centre, a restaurant and a pharmacy.

  • Demathieu Bard takes over Steiner Construction SA

    Demathieu Bard takes over Steiner Construction SA

    Steiner AG has sold its subsidiary for total and general contracting in the construction industry to the internationally active French construction and property group Demathieu Bard. The Zurich-based real estate service provider intends to accelerate its focus on property development, Steiner announced in a press release. The purchase price for the subsidiary Steiner Construction SA was not disclosed. The internationally active Steiner Group has been part of the Indian infrastructure group Hindustan Construction Company(HCC) since 2010.

    “The development of Steiner AG into a pure development company is an expression of our enormous success as a leading Swiss property company over the last ten years,” said Arjun Dhawan, Delegate of the Board of Directors and Vice Chairman of HCC, in the press release. “It is also a consequence of the opportunities we see for capital formation and future growth in Switzerland and abroad in order to maximise shareholder value.”

    With the acquisition of Steiner Construction, Demathieu Bard aims to strengthen the Group’s international presence and consolidate its position as a reference company in the construction sector. “With the integration of Steiner Construction SA, Demathieu Bard is making its largest acquisition to date,” explains Stéphane Monceaux, CEO of the Demathieu Bard Group. Steiner intends to invest the capital gained from the sale “in a new and broader network of business opportunities”, according to the press release.

  • New Swiss solar cell production in the USA

    New Swiss solar cell production in the USA

    By expanding its business strategy to include solar cells “Made in USA”, Meyer Burger is responding to market requirements resulting from new regulations in the United States: Recently, the US Treasury Department announced guidelines for qualifying “domestic content”. These allow for an additional ten percent bonus on the Investment Tax Credit (ITC) for US solar projects. “Meyer Burger strongly believes that domestically manufactured solar cells bring additional benefits to our customers, both in terms of using premium high performance ‘Made in USA’ solar products and qualifying for additional tax credits,” says Gunter Erfurt, CEO of Meyer Burger. With an initial production volume of two gigawatts of solar cells and modules annually in the US, Meyer Burger has the opportunity to receive tax credits of up to USD 1.4 billion from the start of production in 2024 until the end of 2032.

    As part of the decision to locate the solar cell plant in the USA, the company will receive another substantial financial package in addition to the IRA tax incentives: The city of Colorado Springs and the US state of Colorado are supporting the investment with almost USD 90 million, mainly in the form of tax credits, direct support and discounted electricity and water rates. In addition, upfront payments from module purchasers and a loan from the US Department of Energy (DoE) totalling more than USD 300 million are foreseeable. These are expected to help finance Meyer Burger’s growth in the United States.

    “Our presence in the US will allow us to reach existing and future customers faster. I would like to sincerely thank our partners in the Biden administration and in Colorado as well as our off-take partners DESRI, Ingka and BayWa for their support in expanding our US activities,” says Gunter Erfurt. He adds: “Meyer Burger is currently working on further multi-gigawatt offtake contracts in the US with new customers. We are already exploring opportunities to build further production capacity for solar cells and modules in the US”.

    The accelerated production schedule in the US is made possible by rerouting production machinery originally intended for the previously announced expansion of the solar cell factory at the Thalheim site in Bitterfeld-Wolfen, Germany. This equipment will now be installed at the Colorado Springs site in order to meet the planned completion date of the cell factory in 2024.

    As part of Meyer Burger’s successful application for the EU Innovation Fund, a multi-gigawatt expansion in Thalheim is planned at a later date. A prerequisite for such investments are favourable market conditions and secure, fair competitive conditions for European solar manufacturers in the EU.

    “Meyer Burger is a driving force for the expansion of solar energy in the US as well as in Germany and Europe,” says Erfurt. “We are pleased to lay the foundation for a transatlantic solar energy partnership and to continue to expand our production in Germany and the European Union.” In Germany, the company will therefore participate in the German government’s recently announced expression of interest in a PV industry renaissance.

  • Circular companies postpone Earth Overshoot Day

    Circular companies postpone Earth Overshoot Day

    This year’s Earth Overshoot Day is July 28, the Global Footprint Network said in a statement . It calculates the day each year when human demand exceeds the resources the planet can replenish in a full year. Over the last 50 years, the so-called Overshoot Day has moved up and down the calendar.

    Circular companies counteract this development. Two German and one Swiss company are mentioned as examples in the communication. The construction company Eberhard from Kloten ZH has developed a method with which mixed rubble can be broken down into new and recyclable secondary raw materials. A circular concrete developed by Eberhard could be used worldwide to delay Earth Overshoot Day by 2.4 days, according to the statement.

    As further examples of circular companies, Global Footprint Network lists the water technology company Aqseptence Group from Aarbergen in southern Hesse and the Cologne-based company Interzero , which specializes in waste recycling. “Circular solutions give companies the best chance to be successful in a foreseeable future,” said Mathis Wackernagel of the Global Footprint Network. According to her, such companies are more likely to remain valuable than companies that ignore climate change, resource scarcity and resource security.

  • Dormakaba exhibits doors in the Next Facade and Design Studio

    Dormakaba exhibits doors in the Next Facade and Design Studio

    With a team of architect and property consultants as well as revolving door specialists, the locking technology group dormakaba is participating in the Next Facade and Design Studio from Wicona and participating partner companies. According to a press release , dormakaba wants to present its access solutions for facade planners in the 800 square meter studio in Frankfurt am Main from September.

    The studio of Wicona, a German supplier of windows, doors and facades made of aluminum, as well as eleven other companies, has been offering trade visitors from the facade industry a platform for exchange and events for five years. “With this unique Next Facade and Design Studio platform, we are reaching a competent, very interested specialist audience,” Frank Ulbrich, Key Account Manager at dormakaba, is quoted as saying in the press release.

    Dormakaba’s on-site consultants are to use the exhibition for personal discussions with customers, for architect and property advice, workshops, training courses, sales meetings and events for target groups in facade construction. The company is building its new generation of automatic sliding doors in the main entrance area for this purpose. A revolving door designed for the sustainable facade design will also be accessible.

  • Sika posts record sales

    Sika posts record sales

    Sika achieved record sales and profits in the first half of 2022, writes the globally active Zug-based building materials group in a statement . According to her, Sika’s sales increased by 18.0 percent year-on-year to a record CHF 5.25 billion. The operating result at EBIT level rose by 22.7 percent to CHF 841.9 million in the same period. At the same time, the EBIT margin reached the record value of 16.0 percent, explains Sika.

    Thomas Hasler is quoted in the statement as saying that the market conditions have also become more demanding for Sika. “Nevertheless, we were able to fully exploit the strengths of our business model and our organization in the last six months and achieve good business results,” said the CEO. Hasler lists such strengths as a high level of diversification, a global purchasing organization and innovative, sustainable and high-quality technologies.

    According to the announcement, all regions with double-digit growth rates contributed to the record sales in the reporting period. Growth was strongest in the Americas region at 39.5 percent (35.8 percent in local currencies). The region with the highest sales, EMEA, grew by 7.6 percent (12.9 percent in local currencies) to CHF 2.19 billion. At 13.2 percent in local currencies, business with the automotive industry “grew significantly faster than the market,” writes Sika.

    For the year as a whole, the Group has set itself the goal of exceeding 10 billion francs in sales for the first time. The operating result at EBIT level is to be increased disproportionately to sales.

  • Oper Credits collects 11 million euros

    Oper Credits collects 11 million euros

    Oper Credits has raised 11 million euros in a Series A financing round. It was led by Bessemer Venture Partners and ABN AMRO Ventures . Existing investors Constructive Venture Fund , Pitchdrive , Kraken Ventures , Techstars and Verve Ventures have also participated.

    For Oper, according to a blog article , this round of financing is about “expanding our lead in digital mortgages across Europe. Because the mortgage industry is ready for a gigantic digital leap.”

    With the help of intelligent data, Oper wants to simplify the process of mortgage approval, which is complex for everyone involved, as much as possible. The aim is to replace the handing over of paper documents and time-consuming credit checks that applicants often have to go through at several banks. For this, Oper has created a white-label solution that banks can integrate into their existing digital channels. “We are the first provider in this area and are gaining new European banks at a rapid pace,” says Oper.

    Oper fits into the strategy of many retail banks in Europe, which are closing branches and increasingly relying on online processes. But when it comes to mortgages, an either/or is not the solution in view of borderline cases that have to be clarified individually: “In our experience, a hybrid strategy will ultimately prevail.”

  • EU funds two Holcim cleantech projects

    EU funds two Holcim cleantech projects

    The building materials producer Holcim , based in Zug, is receiving investments from the European Union’s innovation fund for two of its cleantech projects. The company did not provide any information in its press release about the amount of the subsidy. The funds are to flow into two measures for the capture, use and storage of carbon dioxide (CO2) in Germany and Poland.

    Accordingly, the EU is participating in Carbon2Business, part of the West Coast 100 project in Schleswig-Holstein. At the Holcim plant in Lägerdorf, separated carbon is converted into synthetic fuels for the mobility sector and as a feedstock for the chemical industry.

    The EU is also supporting Holcim’s Go4ECOPlanet project in Poland. It aims to create a continuous carbon capture and storage chain, ranging from the capture of CO2 at the Kujawien (Kujawy) site to its storage in the seabed of the North Sea. The vision for Go4ECOPlanet is to be a net-zero carbon footprint facility by 2027.

    “Holcim is committed to playing a leading role in the decarbonization of our sector. As the recipient of two cement decarbonisation grants, I am delighted with this clear commitment from the EU,” Miljan Gutovic, head of the Europe, Middle East and Africa region, is quoted as saying in the media release.

    Both projects are part of Holcim’s net zero strategy, which aims, among other things, to operate at least one climate-neutral cement plant by 2030.

  • Swiss Prime Site selects four start-up ideas

    Swiss Prime Site selects four start-up ideas

    Swiss Prime Site , a listed real estate company based in Zug, has identified and promoted four start-ups in its accelerator program that are rethinking existing business models in the industry: DuraMon from Zurich, Novalytica with offices in Bern and Zurich, Proximi from Helsinki and Spotr from Den Hague.

    The participants had to develop relevant use cases for the real estate company and its subsidiaries, which lead to sustainable processes , improved efficiency and sustainable growth. Finally, the jury selected these four start-ups that were able to present themselves to the board of directors. The aim is a sustainable cooperation.

    DuraMon believes in safer, more affordable and sustainable construction and repair solutions that reduce concrete infrastructure maintenance costs and carbon emissions. Novalytica supports companies in the development of clearly defined data strategies in order to generate business-relevant insights and tools.

    Capable of relating any application to a specific location, Proximi’s platform provides tools for geofencing, delivers mobile content, automates IoT devices and integrates third-party interfaces. The start-up Spotr uses numerous image sources from people to satellites to analyze entire building portfolios in minutes.

    “The Swiss Prime Site Accelerator is very well designed,” Yurena Seguí Femenias is quoted as saying by DuraMon. The experts asked the right questions and gave “informative and tailor-made advice”.

  • Schindler elevators and technology at CapitaSpring in Singapore

    Schindler elevators and technology at CapitaSpring in Singapore

    Schindler elevators serve the 51 floors of the office and serviced apartment building in Singapore’s financial district. Thanks to facial recognition and turnstiles controlled by QR codes, you can move around the building without contact. The Schindler PORT transit management solution optimizes visitor flows and waiting times and thus also energy consumption. Autonomous cleaning robots are also connected to the building’s elevators and access systems.

    Designed by the Bjarke Ingels Group in collaboration with Carlo Ratti Associati, the CapitaSpring building is now part of the Singapore skyline. His “green oasis”, a garden 100 meters high, sets new standards for office design. The building has been awarded the Building and Construction Authority (BCA) Green Mark Platinum Award – one of the highest sustainability awards in Singapore.

    “This is an exciting project for us in Singapore, where the sustainability of existing and new buildings is becoming increasingly important,” said Robert Seakins, Schindler Executive Committee member responsible for Asia Pacific. “Schindler technology is instrumental in enabling people to move around this new landmark seamlessly, efficiently, and safely.

  • Five finalists for ULI Europe Awards for Excellence 2022

    Five finalists for ULI Europe Awards for Excellence 2022

    “The awards recognize the entire project development process, from planning and construction to economic viability, design, management and impact on society.

    This year’s finalists include a variety of projects from different sectors and with different types of use, with a focus on the combination of different uses, sustainability, reuse and conversion as well as the design of sites and the formation of neighbourhoods.

    The five finalists in alphabetical order:

    Hammerbrookyln Digital Pavilion, Hamburg, Germany (Developer: Art-Invest Real Estate Management GmbH & Co. KG. Owner: Hammerbrooklyn Immobilien GmbH. Architect: LP Spine Architects); sustainable digital center and smart office building

    Latitude, Courbevoie, Paris, France (Builder and owner: Générale Continentale Investissements. Architect: Studios Architecture); remodeled and extended office building from the 1970s

    MÉCA (Maison de l’Économie Creatives et de la Culture en Aquitaine) Bordeaux, France (Client and owner: Region Nouvelle-Aquitaine. Architects: BIG-Bjarke Ingels Group; FREAKS freearchitects; Lafourcade-Rouquette Architectes); Center for contemporary art, which brings together three institutions

    Norblin Factory, Warsaw, Poland (Developer and Owner: Capital Park Group; Architect: PRC Architekci); multifunctional complex for state-of-the-art offices as well as cultural, leisure and retail offers

    Quai des Caps, Bordeaux, France (Developer: Fayat Immobilier & Pitch Promotion. Client: Keys REIM, Caisse des dépô Architects: Chartier Dalix, Hardel et Le Bihan, Moon Safari et Marjan Hessamfar & Joe Verons, and Jacques Ferrier); Mixed use complex in the renewed heart of the port city

    The jury, made up of real estate professionals from the fields of architecture, commercial real estate, development, investment, property management and public-private partnerships, will now determine the winner for the EMEA region.

    Projects will be evaluated on the extent to which they:

    • experience acceptance on the market and thus stand for financial success;
    • achieve a high standard in the areas of architecture, design, planning, construction, equipment, economy and management;
    • be relevant to the current and future needs of the society in which they are located;
    • Provide innovation through techniques, processes or partnerships;
    • have a positive impact on the community and/or immediate environment, eg by promoting equity and inclusion;
    • are characterized by ecological sustainability, a sense of responsibility and resilience; and
    • Provide models, strategies or techniques that can be replicated or adapted.

    The jury not only selects the overall winners, but also considers “special mentions” for projects that fall within a specific area, such as affordable housing, social value, climate change/resilience/sustainability, life sciences, repurposing, creative site design/arts & culture/engagement for society, health and well-being and smart technology are outstanding.

  • Holcim takes over Romanian manufacturer of ready-mixed concrete

    Holcim takes over Romanian manufacturer of ready-mixed concrete

    Building materials producer Holcim has announced the takeover of the ready-mixed concrete company General Beton Romania SRL . According to a press release, the eight associated concrete plants are to advance Holcim’s plan to achieve 25 percent of its net sales of ready-mixed concrete with so-called Ecopact concrete.

    With the purchase of General Beton Romania SRL, Holcim Romania now has 27 ready-mixed concrete plants. The 160 employees will also be taken over. General Beton generated an estimated net turnover of 45 million euros this year.

    “With this acquisition, we will further expand the presence of Ecopact green concrete, the first and most comprehensive range of sustainable concrete in Romania,” Miljan Gutovic, Head of Region Europe, Middle East and Africa at Holcim, is quoted as saying in the press release. Holcim has been working with General Beton Romania for two decades.

    The company was founded in Timisoara (Timisoara) in 1998 and has since become the largest independent supplier of ready-mixed concrete in Romania. It supplies metropolitan areas such as Bucharest, Arad, Hermannstadt (Sibiu) and Constanta (Constanta). Nothing was announced about the purchase price.

  • Ten years of cross-border urban development at the border triangle of Basel

    Ten years of cross-border urban development at the border triangle of Basel

    The “3Land”, the area around the border triangle, which for decades was characterized by industrial and port facilities, is in transition and will change in the coming years. There is space for something new. Large, closed and mono-functional areas are to be opened up and reused. New lines for public transport, accessible and continuous banks of the Rhine and networked green and open spaces create a cross-border district.

    The cooperation between the neighboring cities of Basel, Weil am Rhein and Huningue, which has lasted for more than ten years, is already showing visible results: A continuous Rhine bank path was created between Huningue and Basel, which is equally popular as a commuter route and as a promenade in leisure time. With the expansion of the Rheinpark in Weil am Rhein and the redesigned shore areas in Huningue, new open spaces were created directly on the water on both sides of the three-country bridge. They offer a wide range of games, sports and recreation and will be expanded in future construction stages. This is how the 3Land idea creates a tangible benefit for the population.

    On behalf of the eight partners involved, the Basel government councilor Esther Keller, the mayor of Huningue and president of Saint-Louis Agglomération, Jean-Marc Deichtmann, and the mayor of Weil am Rhein, Wolfgang Dietz, signed a trinational planning agreement today at the border triangle the next steps and a joint budget until the end of 2025. The main topics are mobility, open space and nature conservation, spatial planning and urban development.

    A new Rhine bridge is central to growing together and mobility in 3Land. Designed for tram, foot and bicycle traffic, it connects the banks of the Rhine between Huningue and Basel at the height of the Wiese estuary. A recent cost-benefit analysis confirms that the Rhine bridge will bring major economic benefits to all three countries involved. It enables a trinational quarter by connecting countries, bringing people together and creating a high quality of life through sustainable transport connections. The project partners have therefore decided to continue the ambitious project and to create the planning, legal and financial basis for the project in the next steps. The course for this is set in the joint planning agreement.

    The new 3Land tour offers an interesting insight for cyclists and pedestrians. The 13-kilometer route leads through the project area and makes the stories and special features of the quarters come alive at ten stations. Informative texts, images and videos are available at the individual stations and on the 3Land project website. The GPS data can be loaded onto a smartphone using the well-known “Outdooractive” app.

    For the continuation of planning for trinational urban development in 3Land, the government council is requesting that the Great Council spend a total of CHF 1,106,000. The 3Land planning agreement signed today by the head of the construction and transport department is subject to the approval of the expenditure by the Grand Council.

    The “Coordination Cell 3Land” is funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) as part of the Interreg V Upper Rhine program of the European Union, the canton of Basel-Stadt and the Swiss Confederation, as well as the city of Weil am Rhein, the district of Lörrach, the city of Huningue , Saint-Louis Agglomération and the Collectivité européenne d’Alsace. The city of Saint-Louis is an associated partner. The project sponsor is the Trinational Eurodistrict Basel.

  • Holcim grows through acquisition in Eastern Canada

    Holcim grows through acquisition in Eastern Canada

    According to a press release , Holcim has acquired Mathers ‘ quarry and asphalt operations in Saint-Eustache in the Canadian province of Quebec. With the “largest acquisition of aggregates in the region in over ten years”, Holcim will further expand its leading position in the rapidly growing region of Quebec.

    In addition, the presence in Eastern Canada allows a supplement for recycled concrete and asphalt and thus further progress in the circular economy towards a more sustainable construction industry.

    Family-run Mathers Group is a leading manufacturer of building materials in Quebec. The Carrière Saint-Eustache and Pavage Saint-Eustache businesses have been supplying crushed stone and asphalt products to the local market for more than 60 years. All of the quarries and asphalt plants of the Mathers Group and their 80 employees will be taken over by Holcim.

    Holcim AG has focused on innovative and sustainable construction solutions in building construction, civil engineering and infrastructure. The company produces concrete, gravel and cement suitable for all construction projects and recycles demolition materials into resource-saving products.

  • Sika is ramping up production in the USA

    Sika is ramping up production in the USA

    Sika has opened a new plant for the production of concrete admixtures in Stafford, Virginia. According to a press release , the additional production capacity and in combination with the existing plant in Fairless Hills, Pennsylvania, will serve the strong demand in the North East and Mid-Atlantic metropolitan areas more effectively.

    Short transport routes for raw materials and end products reduce CO2 emissions and have a positive impact on operational efficiency. The performance of the new system is geared to the increasing demand from the announced infrastructure program in the amount of 200 to 250 billion Swiss francs.

    For the construction industry, the signs in North America point to growth. The infrastructure will be modernized and expanded over the next few years with investments totaling CHF 1 trillion.