immo!nvest – Die Plattform für Standorte und Immobilien

Category: Construction

  • Canton of Zurich calls on Federal Council to act

    Canton of Zurich calls on Federal Council to act

    The pressure on the housing market is enormous. Demand is constantly rising, while supply is lagging behind. The canton of Zurich is particularly affected, where construction projects are increasingly being delayed or prevented by appeals. The consequences are rising rents, social tensions and growing political pressure to act. Five cantonal popular initiatives show how much the issue of housing concerns the population.

    Improvements are unnecessarily delayed
    Although new noise protection regulations have already been adopted, their implementation is still a long time coming. The Zurich cantonal government is calling on the Federal Council to bring the changes to the law into force quickly. This is because protection interests must not be allowed to block the expansion of urgently needed living space. A clear legal basis is essential for planning security and accelerated procedures.

    Protection instrument or strategic objection tool?
    The Government Council is particularly critical of the increasing direct application of the federal inventory ISOS, which actually serves to protect important sites. However, the inventory is increasingly being used to object to new construction projects. With serious consequences for inner densification. This problem is already very noticeable in Zurich, but it is increasingly spreading to other cantons.

    Although the cantonal government supports the announced round table on the ISOS issue, it is calling for concrete and timely solutions that must be developed together with the federal government, cantons and municipalities.

    Call for political prioritisation
    According to the cantonal government, the provision of housing is a key concern for the population and the economy. The federal government must strike a new balance between protection interests and structural development so that urgently needed housing construction is not blocked any further. The responsibility for this now lies with the relevant federal authorities.

  • Building materials without CO₂ – the change in the industry has begun

    Building materials without CO₂ – the change in the industry has begun

    The construction industry is one of the largest CO₂ emitters in the world. It accounts for around 37 per cent of energy-related emissions. A significant proportion with enormous potential for improvement. The production of conventional materials such as cement, steel and glass is particularly problematic, as their manufacture involves high energy consumption and CO₂ emissions. Cement alone causes eight per cent of global CO₂ emissions – more than all international air traffic.

    But the industry is beginning to rethink. New technologies are enabling materials that are more resource-efficient, durable and climate-friendly. Recycled concrete, alternative binders and CO₂-negative bricks are already demonstrating today what could become the standard tomorrow. This shows that sustainability does not have to be at odds with stability, quality or cost-effectiveness.

    Innovation from Switzerland
    The ETH spin-off Oxara is pursuing a particularly visionary approach. The Zurich-based company has developed a patented process that converts mineral waste from the construction industry into cement-free, low-CO₂ building materials. Oxara’s so-called Earth Concrete reduces energy requirements by up to 80 per cent and CO₂ emissions by around 90 per cent. The new “Oulesse” product replaces traditional cement with an innovative mixture of mineral salts and recycled materials such as bricks and concrete. This not only significantly reduces emissions, but also represents an important step towards a circular economy in the construction industry.

    Oxara’s innovations prove that sustainable construction is scalable and economically viable. At the same time, they promote a new understanding of material use, in which not only the building material counts, but also its origin, life cycle and deconstructability.

    The value of natural building materials
    Traditional materials such as wood are also experiencing a renaissance. However, in a new technological form. Cross laminated timber, composite systems and hybrid constructions make wood a high-performance building material with excellent climatic properties. Every cubic metre used binds around one tonne of CO₂, which massively improves the carbon footprint. At the same time, new production techniques ensure maximum load-bearing capacity, even in multi-storey buildings.

    Other promising approaches include sand-lime bricks or CO₂-negative bricks, which actively bind carbon. This shows that stone-based building materials can also have their place in a sustainable future if they are further developed accordingly.

    From trend to obligation
    Sustainable building has long been more than just an image factor. It is increasingly becoming a regulatory and economic necessity. Building owners, planners and investors are under growing pressure to assume ecological responsibility and promote innovative solutions. At the same time, demand for low-emission construction projects is growing, both among institutional investors and end customers.

    The sector has the opportunity to move from being a climate problem to a climate solution. The technologies are available, the expertise is growing and the pressure to act is real. It is up to the players in the construction and property industry to seize this opportunity for the market, society and future generations.

  • Building between town and country

    Building between town and country

    While space is still available in the countryside and construction processes are often less complicated, the urban reality is characterised by density requirements, regulations and lengthy approval procedures. Communication channels are shorter in the countryside and processes are more direct. In cities, on the other hand, complex projects such as “The Circle” at Zurich Airport require sophisticated coordination and patience.

    Skills shortage knows no boundaries
    Whether rural or urban, the struggle for qualified apprentices is noticeable throughout Switzerland. It is worth noting that young people from rural regions are often more adept at manual labour. Not least because they come into contact with practical work at an early age. Nevertheless, recruitment remains a challenge, especially in urban areas where academic or commercial careers dominate.

    Regional roots as a success factor
    Whether traditional family businesses in Schwyz or locally anchored construction companies in Thurgau, the construction industry remains a strong pillar of the regional economy in both cantons. In the countryside in particular, master builders are not only economically active, but also socially active, as members of associations, presidents of event organisers and promoters of local life.

    Objections slow down progress everywhere
    Rural idyll does not protect against legal hurdles: Even outside the cities, construction projects are regularly delayed by objections. The call for a clearer, faster and legally secure procedure is growing louder. Long overdue from a practical point of view.

    Different starting points for the order situation
    While the canton of Schwyz is currently recording a solid order volume with growing construction activity and large projects, the situation in Thurgau is tense. Non-essential investments are being postponed there to save money, with a direct impact on local construction companies.

    Focus on sustainability and quality
    The requirements for new buildings are changing rapidly. Energy efficiency, sustainability and climate-friendly construction dominate project requirements. At the same time, time pressure on construction sites is increasing, while legal complexity is growing. The industry’s desire for more quality instead of price dumping and a return to long-term, sustainable values.

  • Kitchen production relies on environmentally friendly material

    Kitchen production relies on environmentally friendly material

    According to a blog post, the two companies Hans Kohler AG from Zurich and Suter Inox AG from Brugg are following a common path and using green stainless steel for more environmentally friendly kitchen production. This is produced using hydrogen instead of carbon. According to Hans Kohler AG, it has up to 92 percent lower CO2 emissions than the global industry average. The stainless steel sheets are produced by the Finnish company Outokumpu, based in Helsinki.

    “The demand for environmentally friendly and socially responsible products has increased significantly in various industries in recent years,” says Marco Borter, CEO of Kohler AG, in the blog post. “The stainless steel industry is also placing an increased focus on reducing CO2 emissions throughout the entire value creation process. As a producer of our ‘Green Steel’ stainless steel sheets, Outokumpu is a global leader in the production of stainless steel.” It wants to produce climate-neutrally by 2050.

    “This collaboration with Kohler enables us to offer high-quality, future-oriented kitchen solutions that are manufactured in Switzerland and meet the highest ecological standards,” says Suter Inox CEO Attila Castiglioni. “Our stainless steel worktops, sinks and basins not only impress with their aesthetics and functionality, but also actively contribute to reducing CO2 emissions. This partnership creates real added value – for us, our customers and the environment.

  • Airport plans expansion to improve service quality

    Airport plans expansion to improve service quality

    EuroAirport Basel Mulhouse Freiburg has selected the winning project and construction management for the extension and expansion of its terminal. According to a press release, it has commissioned a French-Swiss team for the project, consisting of the Basel-based companies Vischer Architekten AG and Gruner AG as well as the French companies DRLW Architectes, Egis BâtimentNordEstand LAP’S.

    The Evolution Modulaire du Terminal project involves the renovation and expansion of EuroAirport’s publicly accessible infrastructure. The main aim of the project is to improve the quality of service for passengers. The work will focus on security checks and passenger routing. The first Landside module, with construction scheduled to start in 2027, will comprise an extension to the east façade of the terminal with an area of around 14,000 square metres and the renovation of the existing terminal with an area of 15,000 square metres.

    Completion of the building is scheduled for 2030/31. Until then, the airport intends to implement further measures to improve service quality by 2026. These include, for example, the already completed renovation of the arrivals area and the planned renovation of the sanitary facilities.

  • Photo analysis to efficiently record the condition of infrastructures

    Photo analysis to efficiently record the condition of infrastructures

    Straintest ‘s customers include the first major companies: SBB and, more recently, the Swiss Federal Armaments Office armasuisse. According to a report by startupticker.ch, they are working with the Zurich-based start-up, which was founded in August 2024, in pilot projects to explore the benefits they can derive from its technology for the simple measurement and observation of cracks in facades and infrastructure structures such as bridges.

    Unlike time and energy-intensive sensor methods, Straintest only requires a photo that can also be taken with a smartphone camera. A small metal plate is attached to the left and right of the crack as a reference point. The images are uploaded to the Straintest platform. There, the software records and measures even the finest hairline cracks and automatically issues a report.

    “Our solution is particularly suitable for short deployments, for example on houses next to a construction site, or for monitoring over a longer period of time when only a few data points – once a month, for example – are required,” Straintest co-founder Matteo Pariset is quoted as saying in the report. In such cases, it can be worthwhile to dispense with sensor methods that are more expensive to install and require a constant power supply and battery changes. The proptech start-up, which has so far been financed exclusively from its own funds, now wants to find suitable sales partners and then concentrate more on the further development of the product.

  • Roman Mayer takes over as Head of the Federal Office for Spatial Development

    Roman Mayer takes over as Head of the Federal Office for Spatial Development

    Roman Mayer will take over as Head of the Federal Office for Spatial Development (ARE) on 1 October 2025. The 51-year-old from Nidwalden brings with him in-depth knowledge from his previous role as Deputy Director at the Federal Office of Energy and is considered an expert in complex authorisation procedures, legislative processes and sectoral planning.

    With his legal training and his positions in various cantonal administrations, Lucerne, Basel-Landschaft and Bern, Mayer stands for a balanced combination of expertise, administrative practice and strategic foresight.

    Spatial development as the key to location attractiveness
    The ARE is at the centre of spatially relevant future issues such as overall transport, settlement development, sustainable use of resources, maintaining quality of life and promoting economic areas. Under the new management, it is expected that these challenges will be tackled in an even more networked manner – with coherent, forward-looking planning across sectors and spatial types.

    This is a key message for investors, project developers and location managers. The federal government is strengthening the planning framework and thus promoting stable and attractive investment areas in the long term.

    Generational change with vision
    Roman Mayer succeeds Maria Lezzi, who has headed the Federal Office since 2009 and will retire at the end of September. Her era was characterised by far-reaching impulses in spatial planning and the sustainable development of Switzerland. The Federal Council would like to thank her for her many years of service.

    In Mayer, a high-profile personality is now taking over who will continue to think about and shape spatial development in the context of social, ecological and economic transformation.

  • New trade fair in Lucerne

    New trade fair in Lucerne

    Messe Luzern AG is launching Terra Solid, a trade fair dedicated entirely to the complex interplay between foundation engineering, infrastructure and natural hazards. At a time when civil engineering projects are increasing and climate-related risks are growing, the trade fair is responding to an urgent need in the industry for exchange, orientation and concrete solutions in a specialised format. Exhibition Director Elio Cavazzutti emphasises: “Terra Solid is more than just a product show, it is a platform, knowledge centre and meeting place for professionals with responsibility.”

    Future topics at the centre
    The B2B platform is aimed at professionals from planning, science, authorities and the construction industry. The focus is on innovations in building materials, digital solutions in risk management, sustainable construction methods and protection systems against natural hazards. The exhibitors are organised in two clearly structured segments. On the one hand, planning and service providers and, on the other, manufacturers and contractors.

    A specialist forum with expert presentations, discussion rounds and networking zones rounds off the programme. The exchange is intended to provide impetus for sustainable, resilient and technically advanced solutions, from urban development planning to slope stabilisation.

    Strong partnerships – high credibility
    With the Federal Office for the Environment FOEN as a patronage partner and other organisations such as InfraSuisse, Terra Solid receives strong support from research, practice and politics. Direct access to specialist knowledge and the latest research also makes the trade fair attractive for strategically-minded investors and site developers.

    Hybrid thinking and active 365 days a year
    Thanks to the live content marketing concept, Terra Solid is not only active during the trade fair days; exhibitors can also present their expertise, projects and events online. This creates a digital platform that enables networking, knowledge transfer and visibility throughout the year – a modern response to the demands of the market.

  • More transparency, more clarity in tenancy law

    More transparency, more clarity in tenancy law

    With the amendment to the ordinance, which comes into force on 1 October 2025, the Federal Council is responding to ongoing criticism of the lack of transparency in the determination of the initial rent. The most recent values of the reference interest rate and the national consumer price index must now be shown on the form for new lettings in cantons where forms are mandatory.

    The aim is to make it easier for tenants to recognise whether a rent is justified or contestable. This not only increases confidence in the rental housing market, but also makes it easier for investors and institutional landlords to plan ahead.

    Urban centres are particularly affected
    The change affects cantons with mandatory forms such as Zurich, Geneva, Basel, Lucerne and Zug. These are regions in which the majority of new tenancies are concluded. There, the official and private forms must be adapted and approved by 1 October 2025 at the latest. Failure to do so could result in the tenancy agreement being classed as invalid with regard to the initial rent. This is a legal risk that professional property owners should not ignore.

    At the same time, the Federal Council is easing the administrative burden for graduated rents. A simple written notification of the rent increase is now sufficient; an official form is no longer required.

    Foundation for a future-proof rent model
    The existing calculation model for rent adjustments, which dates back to the 1980s, is to be fundamentally revised. This is a political response to studies that judge the current model to be outdated. In future, the focus will be on realistic cost assumptions for capital, maintenance and administration, another development that is particularly important for institutional investors and project developers.

  • Digital property information on the rise

    Digital property information on the rise

    The PLR-cadastre has long been a central tool for spatial planning and project development in Switzerland. It provides interactive information on public-law property restrictions, from building zones to protected areas. Now the Federal Council wants to modernise the legal basis for this. The rules for recording information in the cadastre are to be simplified, responsibilities clarified and duplication with the land register reduced.

    A key aim is to increase legal certainty. For example, the previous assumption that the contents of the cadastre are generally known will be removed. This is an important step towards better delimitation of responsibility and liability.

    Future model for the national property information portal
    The cadastre should now also contain general, abstract and officially binding regulations such as building and distance lines. These play a decisive role in the assessment of utilisation potential, for example in site developments or new construction projects near roads and bodies of water.

    In future, all information from the PLR-cadastre will be made centrally accessible via a national portal. This will make things much easier for everyone involved in working with land. This will provide investors, authorities, planning offices and project developers with transparent data on the ownership and utilisation structure at the click of a mouse.

    Setting the course by summer
    The consultation on the amendment to the law will run until 30 June 2025, paving the way for a property information system that meets the digital requirements of modern spatial and location development. The federal government is thus sending a strong signal in favour of planning simplification, investment security and data-based location promotion.

  • Basel property market under pressure

    Basel property market under pressure

    Despite moderate price trends compared to the rest of German-speaking Switzerland, residential property in the Basel region remains in demand. Prices are rising significantly in rural communities in particular, which is increasingly prompting potential buyers to extend their search radius. According to Marco Pirelli from Basellandschaftliche Kantonalbank, the fall in mortgage interest rates over the past two years has also fuelled demand. However, this has been accompanied by growing affordability problems. While prices for detached houses have remained stable, condominiums have risen slightly. The result is a 35 per cent increase in mortgage enquiries within one year.

    Examine financial options at an early stage
    Pirelli advises prospective buyers to consider financing at an early stage. “The choice of mortgage products and terms varies from person to person. Clarifying the financial scope with the bank in good time creates planning security.” For many people today, this is crucial in order to be successful in the tense market environment.

    Despite housing protection, prices are rising
    The rental market in Basel is also showing signs of continuing inflation. Fabian Halmer from Holinger Moll Immobilien AG points to structural causes such as an outdated building stock with a high need for renovation. Despite housing protection, rents are continuing to rise, particularly in Basel-Stadt, where 84 per cent of the population live in rented accommodation. Although the situation is not as tense as in Zurich or Geneva, the low vacancy rate of 0.7 per cent signals an acute housing shortage.

    Bottleneck due to too few building applications
    The number of building applications submitted in the canton of Basel-Stadt is particularly alarming. While an average of 784 building applications were recorded each year from 2014 to 2020, the figure fell to just 190 between 2021 and 2023. Halmer believes the new Housing Promotion Act is one of the causes. It protects existing tenants, but hinders new construction projects and makes it more difficult to move in or relocate. The resulting supply bottleneck is likely to lead to further increases in rents.

    Need for reform in legislation and planning
    The experts agree that without targeted adjustments to the Housing Promotion Act and accelerated authorisation procedures, the housing market in Basel is at risk of coming under further pressure. Development sites such as Klybeckplus or Dreispitz Nord could provide relief. Provided they are pursued consistently. A sustainable housing policy must not only focus on protecting existing properties, but also actively consider future growth.

  • Comparison of differences in life cycle assessments for building products

    Comparison of differences in life cycle assessments for building products

    The company conspark has published a fact sheet that highlights the differences between the EU and Swiss accounting rules for construction products. It is now available for download in German and English and is intended to provide a compact guide for construction industry professionals involved in planning, production and sustainability. After all, the life cycle assessment results of building products form the basis for the future assessment of buildings.

    In Switzerland, the Coordination Conference of Building and Property Bodies of Public Building Owners (KBOB) specifies accounting rules for the life cycle assessment of construction products and publishes these results in the list of life cycle assessment data in the construction sector. In the EU, life cycle assessments are drawn up in accordance with EN 15804 A2 and their results are presented as environmental product declarations (EPDs).

    For comparison purposes, the life cycle assessment of different types of recycled concrete was prepared in accordance with the two standards. This showed that the greenhouse gas emissions and energy requirements of the same concrete vary greatly depending on the standard, with the KBOB life cycle assessment showing higher values in each case. According to conspark, this is due to the background data sets used: The EPD life cycle assessment is based on more up-to-date data, which already takes into account technological advances such as lower clinker content and the increased use of alternative fuels.

    “The comparability of life cycle assessment data plays a decisive role for future regulations and CO2 limits,” said the Managing Director and co-author of this factsheet, Florian Robineck, in a press release. Accordingly, the authors of the factsheet recommend: “A regular update of the KBOB background data sets and greater harmonisation of the two approaches would help to reduce existing differences and enable comparable sustainability assessments.”

  • Digitalisation and AI as the answer to skills shortages and climate targets

    Digitalisation and AI as the answer to skills shortages and climate targets

    The construction industry needs both digitalisation and AI in response to increasing complexity and data density. According to a HSLU press release on the seminar organised by its Institute of Building Technology and Energy(IGE), both are also needed to increase efficiency in times of a shortage of skilled workers, declining productivity and an urgently needed reduction in greenhouse gases from buildings.

    This annual IGE event is aimed at specialists in energy, building and construction technology and architecture. This year’s event attracted 110 participants.

    Several speakers shed light on the latest developments in AI for the construction industry. For example, Bruno Michel from IBM Research spoke about “artificial stupidity” when generative AI generates incorrect information with poor training data from the internet. Jörn Plönnings from the University of Rostock also emphasised that a lack of training data is a major problem for the construction industry. However, AI is neither a curse nor a blessing, but simply a necessity in view of the increasing complexity and flood of data.

    Marcel Imfeld from Schindler Aufzüge and Roman Steffen from Trafiko spoke about intelligent mobility, which enables denser construction or fewer parking spaces in neighbourhoods, for example. The automated monitoring of buildings was also covered in various presentations.

    The HSLU presented its Lightscore project, which aims to launch an evidence-based integrative lighting assessment. It is also working on a new SIA standard for the energy efficiency of data centres. And finally, Roger Buser from HSLU reported on his journey through India with the emission-free solar vehicle Solar Butterfly made of ocean PET, where he encountered numerous innovative solutions to combat climate change.

  • Intelligent energy management optimizes power consumption in buildings

    Intelligent energy management optimizes power consumption in buildings

    A predictive control algorithm developed by Empa optimizes energy management in buildings in such a way that security of supply is guaranteed throughout the entire energy system. Automated building systems communicate directly with energy providers and the power grid.

    According to a report by Empa, automated systems can optimize electricity consumption in such a way that both grid stability and consumer flexibility are guaranteed at all times. At the same time, energy surpluses are not necessarily stored locally, but fed into the power grid wherever possible so that demand can be met at all times.

    During the practical test by Empa’s Urban Energy Systems Lab in its NEST test building in Dübendorf, the focus was on reducing CO2 emissions, the flexibility of energy demand and the comfort of the residents. Using the predictive control algorithm, the team succeeded in optimizing energy management within the building with the following setup: a photovoltaic system for electricity production, a battery storage system, a heat pump and a bidirectional charging station for electric vehicles.

    The system reportedly reduced the building’s CO2 emissions by more than 10 percent. The building was able to communicate the consumption and feed-in of electricity in advance. “The experiment has therefore shown that the flexible availability of renewable energies is not a problem a priori,” says Empa.

    However, in order to implement these results on a large scale, buildings will have to be consistently digitalized in the future. The technology developed by scientist Federica Bellizio is to be brought to market by the start-up Kuafu. She was recently awarded the Empa Entrepreneur Fellowship for her work.

  • Modular school pavilions as a temporary solution to secure school operations in Dietikon

    Modular school pavilions as a temporary solution to secure school operations in Dietikon

    The town of Dietikon is renovating the Wolfsmatt school complex. Three new school pavilions have been built on the city-owned site on Vogelauweg in order to be able to continue teaching. This provides an additional 27 classrooms. Aare Limmat Elektro AG was commissioned with the planning and execution of the complete electrical installations. The entire electrical installation was newly installed and corresponds to the current state of the art, according to a press release from the company based in Baden and Olten SO.

    The three school buildings were built entirely in modular construction and prefabricated. The temporary buildings will serve as a fully usable transitional solution during the renovation of the Wolfsmatt school complex, the statement continues.

    Around 500 children attend kindergarten and elementary school in the Wolfsmatt school unit, according to the Dietikon school. The school unit comprises 21 regular classes. Eight kindergartens are located in the residential areas around the school building. Daycare facilities with lunch are offered on the school grounds.

    Around 3,000 pupils attend public school in Dietikon, from kindergarten to secondary level. There are a total of six school units in the town.

  • New railway line in Sweden takes shape

    New railway line in Sweden takes shape

    Construction services provider Implenia has been awarded the contract for the first construction phase of the new East Link railway line by the Swedish Transport Infrastructure Agency (Trafikverket). According to a press release, the project is worth CHF 130 million. Implenia will build the 8-kilometre section of the Bibana Nyköping line by 2031.

    This is a section that connects the centres of Skavsta and Nyköping with the main route of East Link. East Link connects several coastal towns in eastern Sweden with Stockholm. Implenia’s contract includes bridges, railway tracks, refurbishment of existing buildings and other work.

    According to Erwin Scherer, Head Division Civil Engineering, Implenia is helping to “take the mobility infrastructure in eastern Sweden to a new level”.

  • Pioneering work and education centre being created in Winterthur

    Pioneering work and education centre being created in Winterthur

    The Green Spin project aims to change the world of work in a sustainable way. To this end, the House of the Future is being built in Winterthur with 100 per cent sustainability and 100 per cent work quality, according to the Green Spin website. The project has now found its second anchor tenant in the form of the Foundation for Speech Therapy Schools in the Canton of Zurich, Green Spin explains in a press release.

    “Green Spin offers the perfect setting for innovative educational approaches,” Peter Felix from Felix Partner Architektur Design, which initiated and developed the project, is quoted as saying. “With the Stiftung Sprachheilschulen im Kanton Zürich, we have gained another tenant that ideally complements our concept of openness, networking and forward-looking development.” The foundation currently operates at four locations in Zurich, Winterthur, Fahrweid in the Limmat Valley and Stäfa.

    Green Spin received its building permit last year and construction is due to start this year. The centre is expected to be ready for occupation in 2027. In addition to the foundation, the leisure sports provider Padelta has already reserved premises in Green Spin.

    Green Spin is intended to offer young and established companies an ideal environment. The building is designed as a modular timber construction and will have a photovoltaic façade and wind power for its own energy supply. In addition to bright working environments, the project envisages meeting places such as a roof garden, a courtyard forest and market alleyways.

  • Glarus North mobilises building land – opportunities for investors and developers

    Glarus North mobilises building land – opportunities for investors and developers

    The municipality of Glarus North has given the go-ahead for a comprehensive mobilisation of municipal land. The focus is on sites in Filzbach and Oberurnen. This initiative follows the newly defined guidelines for the allocation of building land and properties and emphasises the municipality’s commitment to sustainable and needs-based development.

    Attractive plots on offer
    Specifically, three plots of building land in the residential zone in Filzbach are being advertised for sale. In Oberurnen, the 5,084 m² Schranerwiese in the work zone is being allocated under building rights. These plots offer a wide range of opportunities for residential and commercial projects and are therefore of interest to a broad spectrum of investors and developers.

    Transparent and structured process
    The tendering process is clearly defined and transparent. Interested parties can find all relevant documents on the municipal website (www.glarus-nord.ch) and in the official gazette of the Canton of Glarus. A registration form is available for applications, which ensures a fair and objective evaluation based on the defined award criteria.
    The closing date for applications is 30 May at 16:00.

    Focus on future-oriented development
    The mobilisation of building zone areas is a central component of Glarus Nord’s new land use planning. The municipality is thus consistently implementing the requirements of the Spatial Planning Act and creating the conditions for orderly and future-oriented development. The continuous tendering of municipal land makes an important contribution to strengthening the location and creating attractive living and working space.

  • Complete renovation of the Zug cantonal school

    Complete renovation of the Zug cantonal school

    The Zug Cantonal School, a masterpiece of post-war modernism, was designed between 1971 and 1975 by the renowned architects Leo Hafner and Alfons Wiederkehr. The exterior design by Fred Eicher is also an integral part of this architectural heritage. In view of the advancing structural ageing, there is an urgent need for comprehensive renovation measures. These include upgrading the load-bearing structure, replacing the building envelope and replacing the building services and interior fittings. In particular, the focus on adapting the room structure is crucial in order to guarantee learning conditions.

    Refurbishment concept and targeted extension
    The refurbishment concept, which was developed in close cooperation with the school management, offers a balanced solution between the needs of flexible teaching methods and the existing spatial conditions. The available space will be expanded in a targeted manner through clever room renovations and adaptations. Planned measures include a new connecting wing and an extension to Wing 7 in order to meet the challenges of modern educational requirements.

    Principles of sustainability
    The decision in favor of a complete renovation is based on the financial, ecological and scheduling advantages. The Construction Department of the Canton of Zug is thus pursuing its clear real estate strategy. New construction projects should only be considered if it is no longer possible to optimize the existing buildings.

    Project competition and next steps
    The next milestone in the renovation process is the project competition in a selective procedure, which was announced in mid-2024 and is aimed at general planning teams. The aim is to find the best solutions for a renovation that respects the preservation of the original architecture while meeting the requirements of a modern educational establishment. The Construction Department of the Canton of Zug emphasizes that the competition represents a decisive phase in the implementation of the project and should ensure a high-quality renovation.

  • Cham-Hünenberg bypass

    Cham-Hünenberg bypass

    The Cham-Hünenberg bypass (UCH) is more than just a new road. It is the last big piece of the puzzle in the transport planning of the Canton of Zug, which not only serves to bundle transit traffic, but also to free the centre of Cham from through traffic. This ambitious project, which is being implemented by the Canton of Zug’s Department of Construction in collaboration with the Ennetsee municipalities, aims to enhance living and economic areas and improve mobility for all road users.

    Construction and location
    Construction of the UCH has already begun and is scheduled for completion in 2027. The route runs predominantly parallel to the A4 motorway, which allows for minimal land consumption and efficient use of space. This aspect is particularly important in order not to jeopardise the planned settlement and landscape development in the Ennetsee municipalities.

    Tunnelling and construction work
    The main work on the Städtlerwald road tunnel began in March 2024 with the construction of the pumping stations and settling basins. The tunnel operations centre is also being built, while the pre-cut for the Stumpen tunnel portal is being constructed in parallel. The tunnel itself will have a total length of 543 metres, the majority of which will be created underground using a roadheader.

    Progress of the preliminary work
    Preliminary construction work has been taking place along the future UCH route since 2022 and has now been completed. The first ground works along the western UCH perimeter and neighbouring N4 national roads are already in full swing. Neighbouring woodland areas have already been cleared, with the standing tree trunks being handed over to the hydraulic engineering department for later projects.

    A benefit for all road users
    The Cham-Hünenberg bypass not only promises improvements for road traffic, but also positive effects on the quality of life of local residents. By relieving the congestion in the villages of Cham and Hünenberg, a quieter and safer living environment will be created, offering space for additional leisure and recreational activities. The improved transport links will also encourage companies to settle in the region, which in turn will strengthen Zug as a business location.

  • Central Switzerland’s economy remains confident

    Central Switzerland’s economy remains confident

    The economic mood in Central Switzerland remains largely optimistic. According to the latest edition of “Finanzmonitor Zentralschweiz 2025”, an annual study conducted by the Institute of Financial Services Zug at Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts and the Central Switzerland Chamber of Commerce and Industry, almost 65 per cent of the companies surveyed rate their economic situation as good. This shows an overall stable development despite slightly gloomier expectations compared to the previous year.

    Focus on expansion and skills shortage
    Around 60 per cent of companies are planning to expand, which indicates a continued willingness to grow. At the same time, the shortage of skilled labour remains a key challenge for the economy. Companies are finding it increasingly difficult to recruit qualified employees.

    International uncertainties affect export-oriented companies
    While small and medium-sized companies are reporting a stable business situation, larger export-oriented companies are more affected by global developments. Uncertainties in the USA, France and Germany in particular are having an impact on planning. In addition, protectionist measures by the new US government are increasingly becoming the focus of economic concerns.

    Exchange rate risks are becoming less significant
    Compared to the previous year, the strong Swiss franc is perceived as less of a problem. Despite an expected further appreciation against the euro, concerns about exchange rate fluctuations appear to be becoming less important.

    Less voluntary reporting, less effort
    Another topic covered by the Financial Monitor is sustainability reporting. The number of voluntarily active companies is declining, but it is clear that the actual effort required to prepare a sustainability report is less than many companies initially feared.

    Stability with growing challenges
    Central Switzerland’s economy remains optimistic, but faces structural and international challenges. There are prospects for growth, but issues such as a shortage of skilled labour, global uncertainties and regulatory requirements will have a significant impact on future development.

  • Government council shortens deadlines in the building permit procedure?

    Government council shortens deadlines in the building permit procedure?

    The Zurich cantonal government wants to optimise the building permit procedure and has proposed shortening the processing period from four to three months. This measure is intended to make the authorisation process more efficient and reduce planning uncertainty for building owners. A key factor in this acceleration is the digitalisation of processes, which should reduce the administrative burden.

    Political background to the change in the law
    The initiative to shorten the time limit stems from a motion by the FDP, SVP and GLP, which was passed by the Cantonal Council by 96 votes to 73 in February 2023. The cantonal government sees this as an opportunity to optimise processing times without jeopardising the quality of the examination procedures.

    No reduction in the preliminary review period
    Contrary to the request in the motion, the preliminary review period will not be reduced from three to two weeks. In doing so, the Government Council is responding to the feedback from the consultation process, according to which a preliminary review that is too short could slow down the procedure overall instead of speeding it up. A thorough preliminary review is seen as crucial for the smooth processing of planning applications.

    More efficient procedures for a dynamic construction industry
    The planned amendment to the law is intended to make construction in the canton of Zurich more efficient and easier to plan. The digital transformation of approval procedures could not only save time, but also minimise bureaucracy. It is now up to the Cantonal Council to decide on the proposed amendment to the Planning and Building Act.

  • Open day at timber construction company in Uetendorf

    Open day at timber construction company in Uetendorf

    Holzbau Graber is holding an open day at its new building at Gewerbestrasse 7 in Uetendorf on Saturday, 15 March 2025, according to a press release. From 10 am to 4 pm, the public will have the opportunity to visit the new company headquarters. Visitors can find out about all facets of the timber construction company. The range of services offered by Graber Holzbau GmbH includes carpentry, roofing, solar technology and interior fittings. The company specialises in the construction of timber houses.

    The owner-managed company employs 20 people. The SME intends to continue to grow at the new site and create additional jobs. According to the press release, the previous locations in Heimberg BE and Horrenbach BE had become too small for this.

    The move to Uetendorf means that the work and processes are now on the same company premises. According to owner and managing director Johann Graber, the merger will enable further growth. The production hall offers sufficient space for efficient working, and travelling distances for suppliers will be shorter. Numerous organisational advances also speak in favour of a central location.

    The open day will provide an opportunity for professional discussions and a cosy get-together. According to the company, a tour of the plant and a performance by musician Roberto Brigante are also planned.

  • Bernapark strengthens support for SMEs

    Bernapark strengthens support for SMEs

    The Centre for Innovation and Digitalisation (ZID) at ZID Bernapark AG is repositioning itself. Originally founded as a catalyst for early-stage start-ups, the centre’s scope of action will in future include SMEs and start-ups at all stages, the ZID announced in a press release. “The new strategy is an important step for the ZID”, Hans-Ulrich Müller, Chairman of the Board of Directors of ZID Bernapark AG, is quoted as saying. “It creates the basis for sustainable growth and strengthens our position as an innovation hub for SMEs in Espace Mittelland.”

    The ZID’s programmes are designed to offer practical solutions for current challenges in companies. In terms of content, the focus is on artificial intelligence, digital transformation and succession planning. In the first step of the transformation, the two formats KMU Update and KMU Upgrade will be introduced. KMU Update offers free networking formats such as skill share lunches and input workshops. KMU Upgrade is designed as a fee-based format for specific realisations.

    At the beginning of the year, the Swiss Venture Club also relocated its office to the ZID. The ZID is thus “expanding access to one of the largest SME networks in Switzerland”, according to the press release. “We are creating a platform that not only connects SMEs and start-ups, but also provides them with concrete tools for digital transformation,” explains Martin Hofer, Interim Managing Director of the ZID. “Our programmes are designed to implement innovations in a practical and efficient manner.”

  • Canton of Lucerne plans investments in living and business location

    Canton of Lucerne plans investments in living and business location

    The canton of Lucerne is planning an investment offensive to promote the location. Due to international tax developments such as the OECD minimum taxation, the canton is “losing its competitive advantage of low corporate profit taxes for large international companies”, explained the cantonal state chancellery in a press release. Specifically, there are fears that affected companies will relocate or limit their investments in the canton. The cantonal government wants to counteract this with targeted investments in the canton as a place to live and do business.

    A proposal submitted for consultation by the cantonal government on 10 March envisages investing CHF 300 million a year in a broad package of measures from 2026. “The canton of Lucerne is doing well, so we have the opportunity to invest in our living and economic environment and remain attractive in the long term,” said Fabian Peter, Head of the Cantonal Department of Building, Environment and Economic Affairs, in the press release. “That is the aim of this bill.”

    Two thirds of the funds will be used to strengthen the business location. The focus here is on promoting innovation and improving the framework conditions for digitalisation, the availability of business premises and customer-oriented administration. Of the remaining CHF 100 million in favour of the people of Lucerne, the lion’s share of CHF 70 million is earmarked for a reduction in the tax rate for natural persons.

  • Rosengarten tunnel and Casino bridge in Brugg to be renovated

    Rosengarten tunnel and Casino bridge in Brugg to be renovated

    The Rosengarten tunnel and the Casino bridge in Brugg are being renovated. According to a press release from the Canton of Aargau, the two structures are to be upgraded so that they can be used for the next 50 years. The cantonal government has approved a loan of CHF 13.6 million for both construction projects.

    The refurbishment will start in 2027 at the earliest. Prior to this, the project submission, approval procedure, land acquisition, tendering and awarding of work must be completed. The work is expected to take a year. The Brugg central bypass with the 205 metre-long Rosengarten tunnel was opened in 1981. The Casino Bridge was built in 1980 and carries the K117 over the River Aare.

    According to a statement from the Department of Construction, Transport and Environment, the supporting structure of the tunnel is intact. However, the tunnel must be adapted to meet current safety requirements. The tunnel walls, fire protection and environmental protection are to be improved, as are the tunnel safety systems. In addition, the control centre at the north portal will be expanded and the operating and safety systems will be brought up to current standards.

    The bridge surface on the Casino Bridge has reached the end of its service life. The kerbstones, the waterproofing and the mastic asphalt covering of the carriageway and pavement will therefore be replaced, according to the press release. Defects in the bridge structure, abutment boxes and piers will be repaired. The corrosion protection will be renewed on the bearings, shaft gratings and railings, among other things. The expansion profiles of the carriageway expansion joints will also be replaced.

    The costs for the repair of the Rosengarten tunnel and the Casino bridge will be borne by the canton.

  • Schlieren North East interest group founded for site development

    Schlieren North East interest group founded for site development

    The interest group (IG) Schlieren Nord Ost has been founded. According to a press release from the city of Schlieren, the aim of the association is to actively help shape the development of the area. The residential, industrial, commercial and innovation area on Rüti-/Ifangstrasse in Schlieren is one of the city’s largest development sites alongside the Wagiareal and Rietpark. The new interest group intends to pool the interests of the owners and clarify the zoning plan with the city of Schlieren and the future extension of the building lease agreements with the city of Zurich in partnership at an early stage, the statement continues.

    “I have maintained very good contacts with the City of Zurich for a quarter of a century, but – like many other things – these fell asleep during and after coronavirus. However, as the city of Zurich owns over 200,000 square metres of building land in the city of Schlieren, I would like to revive these contacts over the next 14 months,” Albert Schweizer, the city of Schlieren’s location promoter, is quoted as saying. The aim is to extend the building lease agreements, which run until around 2040, by 30 years in order to create planning security for future generations. There is the possibility of attracting more companies and creating new jobs.

    The planned membership of the regional location promotion organisation Limmatstadt AG is intended to further expand regional networking, according to the city press release. Joint events are also planned with other sites in Schlieren and the Limmat Valley, such as Silbern, Niderfeld in Dietikon and Kreuzäcker in Spreitenbach.

    According to the press release, building lease holders and property owners met on Wednesday, 5 March, at the Innovation and Young Entrepreneur Centre(IJZ) in Schlieren to found the interest group. As part of the foundation, representatives from the Canton of Zurich’s Civil Engineering Office and the energy company ewz presented plans for the cycle path and the district heating substation in the eastern part of the site.

  • Opportunities and challenges of Bilateral III

    Opportunities and challenges of Bilateral III

    With the conclusion of negotiations on the Bilateral Agreements III, Switzerland has reached a new milestone in its relations with the EU. The comprehensive package of agreements includes new agreements in the areas of electricity, food safety and health, as well as the updating of existing agreements. Particularly noteworthy is Switzerland’s readmission to the EU research programmes, a significant step for Switzerland as a research location.

    At a panel discussion at the University of Zurich, organised by the Zurich Chamber of Commerce, leading representatives from politics, business and science debated the opportunities and risks of the new agreement.

    Significance for Switzerland as a centre of research
    In his opening speech, UZH Rector Michael Schaepman emphasised the central role of the EU for Swiss science. Integration into the European Research Area not only strengthens Switzerland’s excellent universities, but also facilitates international exchange and access to important technologies. “Especially in geopolitically uncertain times, a stable partnership with the EU is of crucial importance,” explained Schaepman.

    Between free trade and EU membership
    State Secretary Alexandre Fasel described the Bilaterals III as a happy medium between full membership of the EU and a pure free trade agreement. By integrating the institutional issues into the individual agreements, it had been possible to find a Swiss solution. EU law would only be adopted in the contractually regulated areas, whereby Switzerland would have legal protection mechanisms such as a court of arbitration.

    Economic benefits vs. sovereignty concerns
    The discussion revealed different perspectives on the agreement. For the economy, the connection to the European single market is essential. Balz Hösly from the Zurich Chamber of Commerce emphasised that small and medium-sized companies in particular are dependent on being able to use the EU market without trade barriers.

    Critics such as Magdalena Martullo-Blocher, on the other hand, warned of increasing regulation and a loss of Swiss sovereignty. She spoke of a “treaty of subjugation” and called for a stronger focus on global free trade agreements.

    Professor Stefanie Walter emphasised that although the Swiss population is sceptical about the EU, the bilateral agreements enjoy broad support as a pragmatic solution.

    A social and political balancing act
    In addition to economic and legal aspects, social values were also discussed. Silvan Wildhaber, CEO of Filtex AG, spoke out in favour of the bilateral agreements for humanistic reasons: “We should work together as friendly neighbours in Europe.” Balz Halter, on the other hand, rejected the agreement on civic grounds, as it would mean a loss of sovereignty for Switzerland.

    The panel discussion made it clear that the Bilaterals III are one of the key political decisions for the coming years. While some see economic stability and political pragmatism in them, others warn against becoming too dependent on the EU. The final decision now lies with the Swiss people.

  • Your opinion counts! – Creating living space together

    Your opinion counts! – Creating living space together

    One of the measures “B 2.1” aims to increase the level of knowledge about the prevalence and nature of objections and their effect on the approval process for construction projects. The Federal Office for Spatial Development and the Federal Office for Housing commissioned Dr Joëlle Zimmerli (Zimraum GmbH) and Dr Christian Brütsch (Stratcraft GmbH) to conduct the survey in order to create an empirical basis for reducing obviously abusive objections and speeding up procedures.

    Target groups of the survey

    • Lawyers who advise building owners or work at a court or in a licensing authority.
    • Clients, developers, architects and planners with experience in informal claims, objections and complaints.
    • Clients, developers, architects and planners who are willing to contribute case studies.

    Links for participation

    The links to the survey and the case studies can be found here:

    Survey: https://zimraum.limequery.com/267822?lang=de
    Case studies: https://zimraum.limequery.com/681486?lang=de

    Please allow approx. 20 minutes to complete the survey and approx. 15 minutes per case study. The survey and case studies can be completed anonymously and are open until 31 March 2025.

    Your support is needed
    We look forward to your participation and thank you in advance for your valuable time and commitment. With your help, we can create an empirical basis for measures to speed up authorisation processes and deal with abusive objections.

    Together we can pave the way for more living space! Thank you very much.

  • Engineering solutions for the protection of habitats in the Alps

    Engineering solutions for the protection of habitats in the Alps

    The Alps are a dynamic landscape that has always been characterised by natural hazards such as avalanches, rockfall and debris flows. However, with climate change and rising average temperatures, important parameters such as the snow line and the stability of mountain slopes are changing. These changes threaten the safety and stability of settlement areas and require innovative solutions to protect habitats in the Alps.

    Civil engineers as key players
    The Institute of Civil Engineering in the Alps plays a central role in the development of protective measures against natural hazards. The training of future civil engineers focusses in particular on the increasing threats posed by climate change. The expertise of specialists from the field is utilised in order to develop practical and effective solutions.

    Research and innovation
    In its research, the institute concentrates on selected sub-areas in order to develop innovative solutions in a targeted manner. One promising project is the use of wood wool to stabilise slopes and banks. These mats prevent erosion, promote plant growth and decompose into humus after successful growth. This offers both technical and ecological advantages and has already been tested in successful pilot trials.

    Wood wool machines
    Another area of research is wood wool machines, which are used to stabilise embankments. These bundles of natural materials offer technical and ecological advantages over conventional wooden machines. In collaboration with the University of Applied Sciences of Southern Switzerland, work is being carried out to quantify these advantages in order to create a solid basis for application.

    Securing the future through collaboration
    Close collaboration between research and practice is crucial in order to meet the challenges in the Alps. With its innovative solutions, the Institute of Construction in the Alps makes an important contribution to safeguarding habitats and to the sustainable development of Alpine regions.