The Building Directorate is legally responsible for the construction and maintenance of the canton’s own buildings. The financial framework conditions are carefully analysed in order to make targeted use of both the maintenance and investment budgets. Sound, long-term planning is becoming increasingly important in order to ensure that the buildings retain their value.
Strategic guidelines for property management The Canton of Zug’s real estate strategy is based on the overarching objectives of the Cantonal Government and the specific guidelines of the Building Department. Priority is given to maintaining existing infrastructures rather than building new ones. The targeted use of resources ensures future-orientated buildings that meet the requirements of sustainability and efficiency.
Cost and benefit efficiency as guiding principles The Building Directorate pursues a differentiated strategy that focuses on cost control and the fulfilment of public tasks. Properties that do not directly serve a public purpose are used for value creation or exchange transactions in order to optimise the management of the portfolio.
Investment requirements and future developments The Building Department has further expanded the cantonal property portfolio. With the projects realised, the value of the portfolio has risen to CHF 1.06 billion by 2023. Further investments are planned for the coming years. Planned major projects in the education and administration sectors will contribute to the canton’s infrastructural development and strengthen the economic attractiveness of the region. A forward-looking real estate strategy ensures that the canton of Zug makes optimum use of its property portfolio and is equipped to meet future requirements.
Primeo Energie and uptownBasel are intensifying their collaboration. The two Basel-based companies signed “two important contracts” at the end of December 2024, explained Primeo Energie in a press release. Among other things, they aim to use the waste heat generated on the site of the competence centre for Industry 4.0 in Arlesheim to heat thousands of flats in the surrounding municipalities of Arlesheim, Münchenstein and Reinach.
To this end, uptownBasel partner Primeo Energie is making Building 4 available on a long-term basis. This is where the Münchenstein-based energy supplier will set up the transfer centre for the competence centre’s waste heat. The second contract concerns the site network. Under this contract, Primeo Energie is responsible for both the operational management and maintenance of the network on the 75,000 square metre site of the competence centre. The site grid includes high and medium-voltage lines for supplying energy to the site and its nine buildings.
Bagni Popolari heralds the end of the interim use of the Bad zum Raben. On 25 January, the thermal baths on Kurplatz in Baden will celebrate the end of the “Acts of Attention” exhibition, the association announced in a press release. At the same time, a temporary outdoor pool with natural thermal water on the Limmat promenade will invite visitors to take a dip.
Bagni Popolari has been revitalising the previously closed Raben-Bad since 2017 with exhibitions, performances, music, readings, lectures and animated films, attracting thousands of visitors, according to the press release. However, the thermal baths now need to be thoroughly renovated in order to continue operating. Among other things, it needs solid pool technology, ventilation, new electrical installations and wheelchair-accessible toilets.
The Raben cooperative, which emerged from Bagni Popolari, is responsible for the renovation. It was founded in 2022 to acquire the bathing floor in the former Badegasthof zum Raben. The Raben cooperative estimates that the necessary renovations will cost around CHF 4.5 million.
1.5 million of this is to be raised through the sale of new cooperative shares and donations. The Raben-Genossenschaft intends to raise the remaining 3 million Swiss francs through donations from the public sector, foundations and sponsors as well as loans. “If everything goes well, Bagni Popolari will be able to celebrate the first vernissage in the renovated Bad zum Raben in 2027,” hopes the association.
Sika is expanding its global presence with new production facilities in Singapore and China. The new plant in Singapore specialises in mortar production. In contrast, the entire product range, including tile adhesives, cementitious waterproofing and floor coatings, will be manufactured in Xi’an in north-west China. The new factories should significantly reduce transport distances.
“The expansion of our production capacities in Singapore and China is an important step in our growth strategy in Asia,” said Philippe Jost, Regional Head Asia/Pacific, in a press release. “Thanks to the new plants, we can serve our customers in these two key markets even better with our innovative solutions. In addition, both factories contribute to Sika’s sustainability performance by utilising energy-efficient processes and environmentally friendly materials.”
According to Sika, Singapore’s construction industry is expected to grow by 4.1 per cent annually until 2028. A government masterplan for infrastructure development envisages around 22.5 billion Swiss francs for the construction of railway stations and important transport corridors.
The new plant in Xi’an is Sika’s 35th in China. The construction industry in the country is expected to be worth the equivalent of 4.3 trillion Swiss francs in 2025 and grow by 3.9 per cent annually until 2028. China has reportedly budgeted half a trillion Swiss francs for infrastructure projects and more ambitious quality targets in the construction industry, and a further 12 trillion francs for the net-zero target by 2060.
The Swiss property market remains attractive for 93 per cent of property investors, EY Switzerland reports in a press release. The auditing and consulting firm based its findings on the latest edition of its annual “Real Estate Investment Market Trend Barometer”. EY Switzerland surveyed a representative cross-section of 106 property market players.
Six out of ten respondents anticipate growth in investment volumes this year. 85 per cent expect property to become more attractive than alternative investment opportunities. “This result demonstrates a remarkable consensus regarding the assessment of future developments on the property investment market and reveals the collective confidence that investors have in the real estate asset class,” Daniel Zaugg, Sector Leader Real Estate, Construction & Building Material at EY in Switzerland, is quoted as saying in the press release.
Within the property market, residential property continued to gain in attractiveness. A total of 74 per cent of respondents now want to focus more on residential property, compared to 67 per cent in the previous year. Investments in apartment buildings are seen as a safe investment strategy by 96 per cent. The willingness to invest in logistics and office properties increased by 9 to 10 percentage points year-on-year to 52 and 48 per cent respectively. The overwhelming view is that demographic change and interest rate trends will have the greatest impact on the property market in the coming years.
The Hälg Group, based in the St.GallenBodenseeArea, is taking over Löwen Bau- und Betriebs AG from Lucerne, which specialises in facility management, according to a press release. The Lucerne-based company’s existing customers include five shopping centres, several multi-storey car parks and 100 flats. The portfolio also includes restaurants and fitness centres.
The company will continue to operate under its own name for the first six months. On 1 July 2025, it will be integrated into Hälg Facility Management AG and the previous company name will be discontinued. The current Managing Director of Löwen Bau, Markus Belser, will continue to manage the company. Furthermore, all employees will continue to be employed.
“I am delighted to be placing my company in the hands of a successful family business. With Hälg Facility Management AG as part of the Hälg Group, we share common values and a long-term strategic orientation. This offers our employees a secure future and creates the basis for positive further development,” Markus Belser is quoted as saying in the press release. The Hälg Group is convinced that the takeover will strengthen its market position in Central Switzerland.
Raiffeisen anticipates a further rise in residential property prices in the fourth quarter of 2024. According to a press release, the transaction price index for single-family homes fell slightly by 0.1 per cent compared to the previous quarter, but rose by 4.2 per cent compared to the previous year. The balance for condominiums was more pronounced. The increase here was 1.4 per cent compared to the previous quarter and 2.4 per cent compared to the same period in 2023.
“Thanks to significantly lower financing costs and very good prospects for a further fall in interest rates, demand is likely to increase further at the start of the new year and thus accelerate the price trend once again,” Fredy Hasenmaile, Chief Economist at Raiffeisen Switzerland, was quoted as saying in the press release.
The strongest price increases for single-family homes compared to the previous year were again reported in southern Switzerland (7.7 per cent) and central Switzerland (6.3 per cent). An increase of 0.7 per cent was also recorded in western Switzerland, which had declined in the previous year, and 1.0 per cent around Lake Geneva. Central Switzerland ( 4.4 per cent) and Eastern Switzerland ( 3.5 per cent) are leading the way in condominium ownership. Tourist centres are again the most popular, with residential property prices rising by 3.8 percent.
The index is compiled quarterly and is published at the beginning of each quarter. It is based on real estate transaction data from Raiffeisen and the Swiss Real Estate Datapool (SRED).
Halter AG has begun construction of the Waldstadt in Pantli. The ground-breaking ceremony for the residential project in the Pantli forest clearing in Schaffhausen took place on 10 January, the Schlieren-based property developer announced in a press release. The 214 condominiums planned in Waldstadt are being realised by Halter in collaboration with DOST Architektur GmbH from Schaffhausen.
“The Waldstadt project in Pantli is making a valuable contribution to urban development,” says Mayor Peter Neukomm in the press release, quoting from his speech at the ground-breaking ceremony. “The development should serve as a model for future construction projects and strengthen Schaffhausen as a location for sustainable and innovative living.” Waldstadt is designed as living space for different living models.
Specifically, the residential project aims to appeal to families and couples as well as singles and commuters. A kindergarten and daycare centre are also planned. Open spaces and communal facilities are intended to create “ideal conditions for harmonious coexistence”, according to the press release.
Planning and realisation are based on the requirements of the Swiss sustainability standard. Around two and a half years have been estimated as the construction period for the first stage. The first of the 2.5- to 5.5-room flats should be ready for occupancy as early as next year.
A team of researchers at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich(ETH) has developed construction elements that can be used to dehumidify rooms. According to a press release, the elements are able to bind moisture and thus temporarily store it. The wall elements consist of a hygroscopic moisture-binding material. This is able to absorb a higher level of humidity in an interior space if required and then release it back into the environment by ventilating the room. “Our solution is recommended for heavily frequented rooms for which the installed ventilation systems are inadequate,” said the supervisor of the research project, Guillaume Habert, Professor of Sustainable Building at ETH Zurich, in the press release.
The construction elements are made from reusable materials, using waste from marble quarries. These are finely ground and processed with a binding material, a so-called geopolymer, to form a solid building material. The geopolymer consists of an aqueous potassium silicate solution and metakaolin, which is traditionally used in the production of porcelain. It is produced using 3D printing technology. In this technique, the marble powder is applied in layers and bonded using geopolymer. “This process allows components to be produced efficiently in a wide range of shapes,” says Benjamin Dillenburger, Professor of Digital Construction Technologies at ETH. So far, the team has been able to produce prototypes of a wall and ceiling element measuring 20 by 20 centimetres and 4 centimetres thick. Following this proof of concept, the researchers see opportunities to scale up the technology to an industrial scale.
In the canton of Zurich, traffic construction lines secure the space for infrastructure. Buildings that protrude into this area are only permitted under certain conditions. However, due to legal amendments in the past, uncertainties have arisen, particularly in the case of projecting building parts such as balconies and bay windows.
With the planned revision of the Planning and Building Act, the cantonal government wants to eliminate these uncertainties. “We only want to restrict balconies and bay windows to the extent necessary for land protection and urban design,” explains Carmen Walker Späh, Director of Economic Affairs.
In addition, the construction of easily removable small buildings such as bicycle shelters, solar panels or container boxes is to be made easier. While such buildings can already be authorised in the building line area today, this should also be possible in the road clearance area in future.
Simplified adjustment of building lines Another key element of the revised law concerns the adjustment of building lines that were established as part of a neighbourhood plan procedure. In future, these changes should be possible in the ordinary procedure, thereby avoiding time-consuming neighbourhood plan revisions.
Positive consultation and next step The proposed changes met with broad approval in the consultation. The majority of the 70 or so participants supported the amendments, although some of the submissions led to the draft being made more precise.
The revised bill has now been submitted to the Cantonal Council for further consultation and to the relevant committee for examination. The aim is to create greater planning and legal certainty through clear legal regulations.
The cost rent model is based on the cost-covering return on the total investment costs of a new building. In many cities, building land now accounts for up to half of these costs. In Zurich in particular, land prices have risen massively in the last 15 years, from CHF 1,419 per square metre in 2007 to over CHF 5,800 in 2023.
Even with a conservative calculation, the share of land value in the total investment costs is currently just under 50 %. This means that a reduction or increase in the land price has a direct impact on rental costs. To compensate for a 10 % increase in the land price, the cost rent would have to rise by around 5 %.
Cost rent compared to market rent An analysis of the Werdwies housing estate in Zurich Altstetten shows that construction costs have risen by 32.5 % since 2007. The cost rent of a newly constructed housing estate would currently be barely below the market rent.
According to a calculation with a gross yield of 4.25 %, the market rent for a 70 m² flat would be CHF 2,567 per month. Reducing the gross yield to 4 % could lower the rent, but without subsidisation it would only be affordable for 56.6 % of local households.
Subsidies as a control instrument Various subsidy models are conceivable to reduce the rent burden.
Land subsidies: A public subsidy of 20% of the land value could increase affordability by 7.1 percentage points.
Subject subsidies: Direct subsidies to households could provide targeted relief to those who need it most.
Object promotion: A reduction in value-added taxes could promote the development of affordable housing, provided that clear control mechanisms are in place.
Spatial planning and planning certainty are key A decisive lever for controlling housing costs is the early and transparent definition of building regulations. Uncertainty about future rental regulations or value-added levies can lead to bad investments.
In order to ensure affordable housing in the long term, municipalities should consistently use planning surplus values to reduce rents or subsidise subjects. In addition, measures must be aimed at getting a grip on rising land prices, as cost rents will increasingly rise to market levels without intervention.
The city of Basel is planning a large-scale transformation of the Klybeck and Westquai areas. Living and working space for around 8,000 people is to be created there, complemented by green and open spaces. In order to better connect the neighbourhoods to the Rhine and the meadow, the existing harbour railway will have to be removed.
The Grand Council approved a loan of CHF 36 million for this in June 2024. These funds will be used to relocate the harbour railway and other infrastructure facilities, including the customs metering station of Gasverbund Mittelland AG (GVM).
Replacement construction of the customs metering station as the first step The first step will be to relocate the customs metering station, which feeds the regional gas network, to a new site in the Lange Erlen near Freiburgerstrasse. Construction work will begin in March 2025 and should be completed by the end of 2026. As the construction of a high-pressure gas pipeline in a residential area is not permitted, this location was chosen as the only solution that could be authorised.
Special protective measures apply to the existing trees and the water protection zones. Any necessary tree felling will be compensated for by reforestation and replacement areas.
Construction site coordination to minimise disruption Other major projects are being carried out in the surrounding area in parallel with the construction of the new customs measuring station. Deutsche Bahn is building a new Wiesenbrücke bridge, while the Basel-Stadt civil engineering office is working with IWB to renovate Freiburgerstrasse. All the work is being closely coordinated in order to clearly signal diversions for traffic and minimise disruption.
With these measures, Basel-Stadt is taking an important step towards sustainable urban development and creating the basis for new, liveable neighbourhoods on the waterfront.
Reducing greenhouse gas emissions alone is not enough to slow down climate change. It is just as important to actively remove CO₂ that has already been emitted from the atmosphere. Empa researchers have calculated that up to ten billion tonnes of carbon could be sequestered annually through targeted CO₂ storage in concrete. In the long term, this process could help to reduce the CO₂ level in the atmosphere to the target value of 350 ppm.
The concept is based on the conversion of CO₂ into solid carbon compounds that are used as concrete aggregates. In addition to concrete, other building materials such as asphalt or plastics could also contribute to storage. The challenge lies in incorporating large quantities of carbon efficiently and quickly into these materials without impairing their properties.
Silicon carbide as a key technology One promising approach is the production of silicon carbide as a concrete aggregate. This compound can bind carbon almost permanently and at the same time improves the mechanical properties of the concrete. However, the production of silicon carbide is very energy-intensive, which is why the full utilisation of this technology is only realistic after the energy transition.
Without the use of silicon carbide, it would take more than 200 years to remove the excess CO₂ from the atmosphere. However, a combination of porous carbon and silicon carbide could significantly accelerate this process.
New paths for a CO₂-binding economy The “Mining the Atmosphere” research initiative aims not only to reduce CO₂, but also to utilise it as a valuable raw material. In addition to storage in building materials, carbon can also be used for the production of polymers, carbon fibres or graphene.
However, technological advances as well as economic and regulatory incentives are required for successful implementation. The researchers emphasise that a combination of CO₂ reduction and active removal is necessary to mitigate climate change in the long term.
Using concrete as a carbon sink could make a decisive contribution to stabilising the climate. A sustainable solution for the future of the construction industry.
The canton of Graubünden is promoting the digital transformation of the construction process in prefabricated timber construction. Specifically, the cantonal government is providing up to CHF 666,131 for the SmartFlow System project from QUADRIN AG. The QUADRIN timber construction system, which belongs to Uffer in Surses, enables the construction of customised timber buildings from modular components.
Uffer wants to digitalise QUADRIN in order to “meet the growing demand for increasingly large-volume temporary buildings”, explains the cantonal government in a press release on its funding decision. The total investment costs for SmartFlow System are estimated at around CHF 1.61 million.
In the SmartFlow System project, Uffer wants to combine existing digitalised elements of its modular system, such as the planning of components and the control of production machines, and add further digital elements. To this end, the company plans to introduce digital tools for process control, quality assurance and increased efficiency. The use of mixed reality, which combines natural and artificial perception, is also planned to minimise errors in the construction process.
According to the government of the canton of Graubünden, the project “brings an innovative, sustainable approach to the construction industry”, which could serve as a model for future process developments and motivate other members of the industry to “launch similar initiatives”. The funds for QUADRIN AG are being provided in accordance with the law to promote digital transformation in Graubünden.
The building materials producer Holcim, headquartered in Zug, will fully spin off its subsidiary in the United States and list it on the New York Stock Exchange as Holcim United States. According to a press release, Jan Jenisch has been appointed President and CEO designate of the planned company. Jenisch is currently Chairman of the Board of Directors of Holcim and will lead the planned IPO in New York. He was CEO of Holcim from 2017 to 2024 and will serve as Chairman of the Board of Directors until Holcim’s Annual General Meeting on 14 May. According to a further press release, Kim Fausing has been proposed as his successor. The Dane has been a member of the Board of Directors since 2020 and President and CEO of the Danish Danfoss Group since 2017.
In view of the planned stock market listing of the North American business, Holcim has also appointed the future members of the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors will consist of ten members and will come into effect following the completion of the planned spin-off at the end of the first half of 2025, subject to shareholder approval and customary approvals, the company said in a statement. “Today we reach an important milestone on the way to listing Holcim’s North American business as an independent company,” Jan Jenisch is quoted as saying.
In addition to Jenisch, the Holcim Board of Directors has also appointed nine independent members to the Board of Directors of the American company: Theresa Drew, Nicholas Gangestad, Dwight Gibson, Holli Ladhani, Michael E. McKelvy, Jürg Oleas, Robert S. Rivkin, Katja Roth Pellanda and Cristina A. Wilbur. The future members are highly experienced executives with in-depth expertise in key sectors such as construction, manufacturing, industrial operations and financial services, according to the Holcim press release.
The environmental product declarations (EPD) in accordance with SN EN 15804 make it possible to transparently present the ecological impact of a building material over its entire life cycle. This provides building owners with a sound basis for making decisions on sustainable construction that goes beyond individual environmental parameters and allows a comprehensive assessment.
Baustoff Kreislauf Schweiz provides its members with independently verified average EPDs for various types of concrete and aggregates. This data forms a reliable basis for sustainable construction projects.
Life cycle assessment calculator as a digital tool An industry-specific life cycle assessment calculator has been developed to calculate CO₂ emissions, energy consumption and other environmental indicators. This verified calculation tool offers the construction industry a practical way to determine and optimise environmental product declarations.
The online tool at oekobilanz-rechner.ch enables an orientating analysis, but does not replace a complete EPD preparation. On request, the data entered can be further processed to create an officially verified environmental product declaration.
Transparency and optimisation for the construction industry The life cycle assessment calculator provides the construction industry with a valuable tool for making sustainable material decisions based on data. By optimising the recording and evaluation of environmental impacts, the tool contributes to reducing the ecological footprint in the construction industry and supports a resource-conserving circular economy.
In nature, plant structures adapt intelligently to their environment, and these principles are now also being utilised in architecture. Researchers at the Universities of Freiburg and Stuttgart have developed the “Solar Gate”, a façade system that reacts to changes in humidity and temperature without the need for mechanical or electrical components.
This adaptive shading system was installed on the livMatS Biomimetic Shell, a research building at the University of Freiburg. It is based on hygromorphic materials that open and close independently like pine cones. As a result, the system lets sunlight into the building in winter for natural heating and protects against excessive heat in summer – completely energy self-sufficient.
4D printing enables intelligent façades The secret behind the innovation lies in the combination of bio-based cellulose materials and state-of-the-art 4D printing technology. Cellulose, a renewable and abundant raw material, reacts to fluctuations in humidity by expanding or contracting. The research team has utilised this natural property to develop a two-layer structure that automatically adapts depending on the weather.
The elements produced using 4D printing curl up and open in high humidity, while they flatten and close in dry conditions. The “Solar Gate” thus offers a completely new way of regulating buildings in a climate-neutral way.
Energy-efficient construction of the future The building sector is responsible for a large proportion of global CO₂ emissions. Buildings can significantly reduce their energy consumption for heating, cooling and ventilation using intelligent, bio-based materials. The “Solar Gate” shows how natural principles and modern manufacturing technologies can lead to sustainable architectural solutions.
With this innovative shading system, the researchers prove that sustainable construction methods can not only be environmentally friendly, but also efficient and cost-effective. The future of architecture could therefore be a great deal closer to nature.
Basel-based HIAG Immobilien Holding AG has placed its first green bond for CHF 100 million with a term of 5.25 years and a coupon of 1.42 per cent, according to a press release. The proceeds from the issue will be used to finance and refinance sustainable buildings and projects in accordance with HIAG’s Green Financing Framework, the press release continues. Payment of the subscribed shares will take place on 23 January 2025 and trading of the green bond on the SIX Swiss Exchange has been applied for.
With this issue, HIAG was able to benefit from the favourable interest rate environment and secure financing over a longer time horizon, the statement continues. The green bond and the sustainable syndicated credit line of CHF 500 million launched in summer 2023 are in line with HIAG’s sustainability strategy, the statement continues.
The property company HIAG is listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange and, according to its own information, has a property portfolio with a total value of CHF 1.95 billion. HIAG currently operates on an area of around 743,000 square metres with 58 projects and an expected investment volume of CHF 3 billion. According to HIAG, the portfolio comprises 41 sites with well-developed office, commercial and logistics properties as well as selected residential properties in future-oriented growth regions in German- and French-speaking Switzerland.
The Schlieren-based company HeiQ, which specialises in textile technologies and synbiotics, will be presenting its Xpectra heat-insulating coating at the BAU 2025 trade fair in Munich from 13 to 17 January. According to a press release, this transparent heat-reflecting coating for walls increases energy efficiency in buildings.
The coating, which is available as a spray solution, improves the heat transfer coefficient by up to 25 per cent, the statement continues. The U-value is the heat transfer coefficient and indicates the heat flow through a building component depending on the temperature difference between the warm and cold sides.
Commenting on the coating, the Schlieren-based company says that HeiQ Xpectra offers the construction industry major advantages in thermal insulation technology. The aim is to achieve an outstanding insulating effect with a cost-efficient, simple wall coating. This will enable homes to achieve reduced energy consumption that fulfils the strict requirements of the EU Energy Performance of Buildings Directive and will help buildings in the EU to become climate-neutral by 2050.
In addition to wall coatings, HeiQ Xpectra can also be used for transparent heaters, signature management, printed electronics and more, according to the company. HeiQ Xpectra could therefore change numerous industries.
HeiQ is a spin-off from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich(ETH), is based at the IJZ Innovation and Young Entrepreneurs Centre and is a member of Start Smart Schlieren.
With the integration of REMMS, the company is taking sustainability analysis in the property sector to a new level. REMMS (Real Estate Meta-rating and Monitoring on Sustainability) enables a comprehensive assessment of properties with regard to economic, ecological and social criteria. Users of the solutions can easily analyse properties and create benchmark comparisons, taking into account relevant standards such as AMAS, ASIP, CRREM, GRI, ICMA, SBA and SFDR.
Seamless integration for maximum efficiency The central aim of the integration is user-friendliness. Asset and portfolio managers can use the REMMS platform without additional registration or signing a contract. The sustainability monitoring module in the software suite makes it possible to analyse property portfolios anonymously and with data support. Martin Schnider, Managing Director of reamis, emphasises: “Our solution supports customers in efficiently achieving sustainability goals and fulfilling regulatory ESG requirements.”
A step towards a sustainable property industry The REMMS integration is not only an extension of the digital solutions, but also a contribution to the sustainable transformation of the property industry. The data-driven platform provides portfolio managers with precise analyses that facilitate strategic decisions.
The Limmat Valley regional power plant Limeco, based in Dietikon, is presenting six designs for the new energy centre. According to an announcement, a public exhibition will be held at the Limeco headquarters in Dietikon on the weekend of 18 and 19 January from 2 pm to 5 pm. It will also be open again on Saturday, 1 February. The “forward-looking designs” for the new waste incineration plant and wastewater treatment plant will be on display.
Six teams from the disciplines of architecture, landscape architecture and civil engineering developed designs. These were based on findings from the test planning and around 250 responses from the public. A committee selected the winning project, which was awarded the contract for the planning and realisation of the new wastewater treatment plant and WWTP.
Limeco’s wastewater treatment plant and waste incineration plant in Dietikon must be expanded or modernised by 2034 and, in a second stage, by 2050. The waste incineration plant and WWTP are located close to each other in Dietikon and work in tandem. This will ensure that the right amount of the right energy of the right quality is available in the right place at the right time, according to Limeco’s statement on the project.
Switzerland is aiming for net zero by 2050. Wood plays a key role in this endeavour. It binds CO₂ from the atmosphere, is versatile and offers sustainable alternatives to fossil fuels. But how much wood is actually available for construction, industry or energy generation? Researchers from Empa and WSL have provided the answers by analysing the material flows of wood in Switzerland in detail for the first time as part of the SCENE project.
For their analysis, the researchers used data from 21 different sources for the year 2020, from wood harvesting to disposal. “In contrast to other studies, which often only use modelled values, we were able to draw on real data,” explains Nadia Malinverno from Empa. The effort paid off, as the study provides a precise picture of the entire wood flow in Switzerland.
Recycling potential and the correct use of wood Only eight per cent of wood is currently recycled, compared to around 70 per cent for paper. In addition, 40 per cent of the wood harvested each year is used directly as fuel. “This is not ideal from an ecological point of view,” emphasises Claudia Som, co-author of the study. In order for wood to fulfil its role as a CO₂ store, it should be used as a material for as long as possible.
The researchers’ vision is cascade utilisation Here, wood is first processed into durable products such as beams and boards that remain in the construction industry for as long as possible. Only after repeated use is the wood further processed into wood chips or fibres before it is finally burned. “Wood should only be used as an energy source when it is no longer usable as a material,” explains Som.
The path to sustainable wood flows As part of the SCENE project, the researchers want to investigate more closely in future which uses of wood make the most ecological and economic sense. They are focussing on specific material flows. In what form is the wood available? How is it processed? Where is there potential for optimisation?
“The sustainable use of wood is a key component of the energy transition,” says Malinverno. “Our work shows that Switzerland still has many untapped opportunities here, both in terms of climate protection and resource efficiency.”
By 2025, sustainability will no longer be a trend, but a matter of course. Building certificates such as Minergie or SNBS and circular construction will take centre stage. Companies that reuse building materials and offer innovative solutions will secure decisive competitive advantages.
Digitalisation enters the next round The digital transformation is reaching new dimensions. Technologies such as IoT, AI-based planning software and digital construction site management tools are being used more widely. At the same time, promoting digital skills among employees is essential in order to actively shape digital progress.
Skills shortage remains a challenge The industry continues to be characterised by a shortage of qualified workers. Companies are increasingly investing in training and further education programmes, focusing on international recruitment and pushing ahead with automation. Modern working conditions and attractive corporate values are becoming increasingly important.
Focus on urban development and densification Urbanisation calls for innovative concepts such as car-free zones, mixed-use districts and urban greening. At the same time, affordable housing remains one of the key challenges. Creative solutions are needed to meet the needs of the population.
Energy and raw material prices The energy crisis and the cost of building materials remain a dominant issue. Local and sustainable building materials are gaining in importance, while legal requirements are driving the expansion of renewable energies. Solar installations and innovative heating systems are setting new standards here.
Collaboration as the key to success The increasing complexity of construction projects requires closer cooperation between architects, engineers and technology providers. Companies that focus on partnerships benefit from synergies and can realise projects more efficiently.
Minerals and metals such as copper, lithium and rare earths are essential for energy transition technologies, including batteries, electromobility and renewable energies. However, increasing demand is being met by limited production locations, which is making supply more difficult due to geopolitical tensions and export restrictions. Consumer countries are responding with industrial policy measures and international cooperation to avoid bottlenecks.
Switzerland’s special role Swiss industry mainly imports semi-finished products and components from the EU, which reduces its direct dependence on raw material producers. Nevertheless, Switzerland is not immune to global supply risks. The Federal Council has therefore developed measures to ensure a stable supply of raw materials in the long term.
Options for action to ensure security of supply The Federal Council’s report identifies key measures. The foreign trade policy focuses on the expansion of bilateral trade agreements and increased dialogue with international partners, particularly the EU. At the same time, the focus is on sustainability through the diversification of supply sources, the promotion of the circular economy and sustainable procurement practices. In the area of research and innovation, the development of new recycling technologies and alternative materials is supported.
In addition, close dialogue with industry is recommended in order to identify supply risks at an early stage and manage them in a targeted manner. Deepening relationships with political, economic and scientific partners should form the basis for a reliable supply of raw materials.
Sustainable management and circular economy A key recommendation of the report is to promote the sustainable use of minerals and metals. The life cycle of raw materials should be given greater consideration, for example through recycling and strengthening the circular economy. These approaches not only contribute to security of supply, but also make an important contribution to environmental protection.
Buildings are responsible for over 40 per cent of energy consumption and 30 per cent of greenhouse gas emissions in the canton of Zurich. Since September 2022, oil and gas heating systems in existing buildings must therefore be replaced with climate-friendly alternatives at the end of their service life if this is technically and financially feasible. in 2025, CHF 61 million in funding will be available for this change. These funds will be channelled specifically into measures to improve energy efficiency and promote sustainable heating systems.
Stronger subsidies for larger heating replacements The 2025 subsidy programme places a particular focus on replacing larger fossil fuel heating systems. While the basic contributions for smaller systems have been reduced slightly, larger heating systems with an output of around 30 kilowatts or more will benefit from increased, performance-based subsidies. This takes account of the greater technical and economic challenges involved in such projects.
Reward for comprehensive building modernisation A well-insulated building envelope saves heating energy, reduces heating costs and improves the indoor climate. An additional incentive is therefore provided for complete modernisations. Anyone who modernises at least 90 percent of the insulation area of the roof, facades and floors receives an additional contribution. From 2025, subsidies for modernisations in accordance with the MINERGIE standard will be linked to the additional “ECO” certification in order to take aspects such as recyclability and grey energy into account.
Support for decentralised heating systems Decentrally installed electric or fossil-fuelled heating systems pose a particular challenge. From 2030, electricity-intensive electric heating systems will be banned in the canton of Zurich. Homeowners who replace such systems with climate-friendly alternatives will now benefit from a subsidy of at least CHF 15,000 for the installation of a heat distribution system. This is intended to facilitate and speed up the costly conversion process.
The cantonal structure plan regulates the main features of the desired spatial developments. It sets out in text and on maps how the cantons and municipalities should develop.
The need for more affordable living space is recognised by politicians and the canton: In addition to “conventional” flats, flats for families, affordable flats and flats for the elderly are also being built in the various areas.
A wide variety of site developments are taking place across almost the entire perimeter of the “valley communities”. In addition to the sites, the traffic situation is also being further developed and adapted to the increased utilisation: Examples range from the conversion of bus stops to bypasses to relieve the burden on Cham town centre. This also includes car-sharing concepts, such as at the Papieri site in cooperation with AMAG.
A lot is also happening in public transport. In future, the Papieri site in Cham is to receive an express bus via the bypass motorway and the Unterfeld Süd site will have a bus stop in the neighbourhood.
Sustainability plays a decisive role in new projects in particular. The Zug area plays a pioneering role in this respect. The Papieri site in Cham was honoured with the prestigious Watt d’Or award from the Swiss Federal Office of Energy. This emphasises the site’s initiative in the field of renewable energies. A climate-neutral district is being created here that relies entirely on renewable energy sources and covers 75% of its energy requirements on site. The innovative technologies contributing to the high level of energy self-sufficiency include hydroelectric power plants and photovoltaic systems. Geothermal energy is used for heating and cooling.
The sustainability certificate, awarded by the Swiss Sustainable Building Council to Suurstoffi in Rotkreuz, recognises the sustainable construction methods and holistic planning of the project. The award proves that the highest standards in terms of energy efficiency, mobility and biodiversity have been met. The projects show that Zug not only assumes ecological responsibility, but also serves as a model for forward-looking urban development in Switzerland. By utilising innovative concepts and technologies, the canton of Zug is positioning itself as a pioneer in the sustainable design of urban living spaces.
The other sites are also impressive. The construction of a high-rise building in timber construction is planned on the Tech Cluster site. The “lighthouse project” called “Project Pi” envisages the construction of an innovative residential tower block. With a height of 80 metres, the plan is to build one of the tallest timber high-rises in Switzerland with affordable flats.
Baar – Unterfeld Süd A mixed-use neighbourhood with around 400 residential units and around 1,000 workplaces is planned for the Unterfeld Süd area. The basic structures were defined by representatives of the population of Baar together with experts under the leadership of the municipality. The development plan for the first of three construction phases was put to the people of Baar for a vote on 22 September 2024. The plan was approved with 74 per cent of votes in favour.
The realisation of the first stage includes the high-rise building at the Baar Lindenpark light rail station and the neighbouring commercial building. These will be transferred to a joint development plan. The earliest possible start of construction of the first stage is planned for 2025. The remaining building plots will be developed in parallel and realised in subsequent construction phases. According to current planning, Implenia’s project will be completed in 2029, provided the subsequent plans are approved by the relevant authorities and construction proceeds according to plan.
Hinterberg South (Städtler Allmend) The Hinterberg Süd site in the Städtler Allmend employment area in Cham will become a new, lively and easily accessible working and shopping centre for the local population. It offers attractive space for new companies to set up shop and ground-floor uses for the neighbourhood. The upper floors of the office buildings offer flexible spaces that can be customised to the individual needs of future companies.
Publicly accessible uses such as a restaurant, café or bakery are located on the ground floors. They offer workers, shoppers, visitors and passers-by various consumption options and contribute to the revitalisation of the area and the entire neighbourhood. The four buildings surround a public square – the actual centrepiece of the site, which is open to the general public as a place to meet and spend time.
Bösch Hünenberg In order to meet the requirements of a growing service and commercial area, the infrastructure needs to be adapted. The Bösch area should become more attractive for workers and companies and offer space for 6,000 jobs in future. This densification is provided for in the cantonal structure plan. It is binding for the municipality of Hünenberg. The vision is for the Bösch area to develop into a modern and urban place of work that is attractive to investors. To this end, space is to be created through structural densification, which can also lead to an increase in jobs. A holistic landscape design and well-organised mobility will ensure a better quality of life in Bösch. New leisure, supply and catering facilities ideally complement everyday working life in Bösch. On 9 December 2024, the municipal assembly will decide on the road credit of CHF 2.9 million to finance the first stage of the implementation of the operating and design concept in Bösch.
LG Zug Due to its size and prominent location, the LG site is of central importance for the urban perception and urban character of Zug. A lively urban district with a convincing architectural design is to be created on the site of the former industrial area. With the necessary development plan, the planning and building law of the Canton of Zug ensures high-quality development and realisation.
Papieri Cham The Cham Group is developing a new residential and working neighbourhood with industrial charm on the Papieri site. Directly on the River Lorze, the distinctive existing buildings of the former paper factory are being supplemented with striking new buildings and realised in a sustainable way. A new meeting place with supra-regional appeal is being created here, where past and present go hand in hand. A new urban district with around 1,000 flats and 1,000 jobs is being built in several stages over eleven hectares on the site of the former paper factory. It is not being built on a greenfield site, but in the midst of buildings steeped in history: The conversion of characteristic existing buildings preserves the connection to the past – the industrial roots of the neighbourhood remain tangible.
They are complemented by striking new buildings, including five tower blocks with impressive views. The new neighbourhood directly on the Lorze offers an attractive mix of commercial space, flats, lofts, workplaces, studios, open spaces and public-oriented uses. All of this on a sustainable and well-balanced site that maintains – and continues to write – its own history.
The Papieri site creates new foundations for an energy-efficient, climate-neutral and sustainable society. It is a pioneering project throughout Switzerland.
Spinning mill on the Lorze Many threads once ran together in the largest spinning mill in Switzerland. The construction of the spinning mill on the River Lorze shaped the development of Baar in the middle of the 19th century. A new, lively neighbourhood with shops, cafés and other local businesses is being created around the historic spinning mill building, which characterises the public pedestrian zone. In addition to family flats and affordable flats, there will also be flats for the elderly. These will be complemented by vegetable gardens, green façades and shady trees.
Suurstoffi The Suurstoffi site was the first site in Switzerland to be awarded the DGNB platinum certificate for sustainable neighbourhoods in planning and construction by the Swiss Sustainable Building Council (SGNI). The DGNB certification confirms that Zug Estates has realised a prime example of sustainable site development with the Suurstoffi site in Rotkreuz. It meets the comprehensive quality requirements of the DGNB certification system, which includes criteria such as energy efficiency, CO2 emissions, life cycle assessment, grey energy, flexibility of use and recyclability of the materials used. The Suurstoffi site is one of the first lighthouse projects of the last 10 years. This also includes the “XUND” health education centre, for which one of the last buildings is currently being completed.
Tech Cluster From June 2018 to May 2019, five renowned Swiss and one Austrian team took part in an overall performance study to explore how affordable living in a high-rise building can be made possible using state-of-the-art construction methods and sustainable materials. At the same time, a study contract was drawn up for an overall urban development concept for the surrounding area of the city of Zug between Baarerstrasse, Göblistrasse, Industriestrasse and Mattenstrasse.
The Tech Cluster Zug builds on the preliminary investments made by V-Zug and other companies in the Metall Zug Group. Its potential lies in the diverse relationships and synergies between the future users. These will transform the current factory site into an innovative and exciting part of the city of Zug.
Golf Sempach has expanded its golfing facilities to include an indoor area. According to a press release, from 17 January 2025 golfers will be able to train indoors in first-class conditions in Hildisrieden. Modern technologies allow for maximum training efficiency. For example, precise target lines for putting can be created on the indoor field by means of projection. The practice facility for pitching and chipping provides effective training for all types of shots.
During swing analysis, radar systems provide detailed club and ball data with more than 40 parameters. Data acquisition is supplemented by a moving floor that can simulate variable ground inclinations. In addition, three high-speed cameras record movement and ball contact from every angle for later video analyses.
In a fitness area, golfers can tackle targeted endurance, stability and strength training on the latest generation of Technogym equipment, thus creating “the perfect basis for a biodynamically optimised and precisely controlled golf swing”.
As Golf Sempach reports, the Performance Centre sets new standards throughout Europe. “The high-end technology used meets Professional Tour standards and gives ambitious players in Switzerland access to world-class training facilities,” Daniel Weber, Managing Director and owner of Golf Sempach, is quoted as saying.
Colliers Switzerland has leased 1530 square metres of office space on the fifth floor of Konnex Baden to the Harting Technology Group. According to a press release, the new global headquarters of the provider of industrial connection technology is to be built there and will start operations in October 2025.
Harting has its headquarters in Eskelkamp in North Rhine-Westphalia and its Swiss headquarters in Volketswil ZH. Harting connection technology is used in the transmission of data and electricity in areas such as transport, electromobility, renewable energy generation, automation and mechanical engineering, according to the press release. From the new central office, top managers with supra-regional operations will take over the global management of the company. Harting’s decision to move to Konnex was influenced by the high sustainability standards at Konnex, among other factors.
An innovative city-within-a-city concept is to be realised in Konnex, with a range of services and amenities, including restaurants, shops for everyday needs, fitness, childcare and co-working. The Konnex building is located in the city centre, just a five-minute walk from Baden railway station and 20 minutes from Zurich.
Colliers Switzerland, based in Zollikon, previously traded as SPGI Zurich AG. The property management company is a subsidiary of the Intercity Group.
Researchers from the Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology(Empa) and the Birmensdorf-based Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research(WSL) have analysed the use of wood as one of the most important raw materials on the path to a climate-neutral future. According to a press release, the analysis concludes that there is still considerable potential in Switzerland when it comes to the sustainable use of wood. For example, the recycling rate for wood is just under 8 per cent, compared to around 70 per cent for paper.
“Of the five to seven million cubic metres of wood that we harvest in Switzerland every year, around 40 percent is used directly for energy – in other words, it is burned,” says the lead author of the study, Nadia Malinverno from Empa’s Technology and Society Laboratory. This is by no means ideal, as wood is used in a variety of ways, as raw wood, sawn timber, wood chips, wood fibres for the paper industry and much more.
Switzerland has set itself the goal of net zero by 2050. Wood is one of the most important raw materials on the road to a climate-neutral future. It binds CO2 from the atmosphere as it grows and offers alternatives to fossil raw materials both as a material and as an energy source, according to the press release published by Empa and WSL. Many branches of industry want to increasingly rely on wood in the future, be it in construction, in the production of textiles and even in sectors such as electronics or pharmaceuticals and chemicals, it continues.
The work was carried out as part of SCENE(Swiss Centre of Excellence on Net-Zero Emissions), an initiative of the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich(ETH).
The canton of Lucerne is joining forces with the Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts to promote circular construction. The two partners have launched the Eco-Design in Building Construction tender, the cantonal state chancellery announced in a press release. Circular building projects are to be subsidised with a total of 200,000 Swiss francs in the coming year. Particularly innovative projects will also receive a material passport and consultancy services.
Building owners from the private and public sectors as well as planners can apply for funding digitally from 13 January until 16 May. It does not matter whether the projects have already been realised or are still in the planning or implementation phase. However, the prerequisite for funding is that it is a construction project in the canton of Lucerne.
We are looking for projects that follow the eco-design approach. According to this approach, buildings are designed to be durable and circular. In order to receive funding, the project should also have the character of a lighthouse, according to the press release. The canton and university want to use this to raise the profile of opportunities for sustainable construction and the circular economy and provide planners with the relevant knowledge.
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