The Zurich-based start-up Exnaton is teaming up with the German software manufacturer SAP, based in Walldorf, to operate the SAP Energy Community in the SAP Energy Park. The SAP Energy Community allows buildings and employees to produce, store and trade renewable energy with each other. The initiative focuses on the S.MART Shop, a space equipped with solar panels, EV chargers and a battery system that enables renewable energy trading on the SAP campus.
Exnaton supports the programme with its energy sharing software solutions, which simplify registration with a user-friendly interface and enable users to manage, consume and trade energy together. Real-time data from SAP dashboards, combined with Exnaton software, enables energy to be sold when market conditions are favourable and stored for future use. The energy community dashboard, which provides real-time insights into consumption, production and energy trading and serves as a communication channel for sustainability programmes, is also operated by Exnaton. The SAP Energy Community leads to cost savings through optimised energy use, reduced CO2 emissions and increased resilience thanks to decentralised energy production and storage.
In view of stricter German energy legislation from 2026, the project in Walldorf can serve as a model for other energy sharing projects. “The SAP Energy Community is central to establishing a standard model for energy sharing in Germany,” said Anselma Wörner, co-founder and COO of exnaton, in the press release. “With our experience from international energy communities, we are proud to support SAP in turning this vision into a scalable, practical solution.”
Imagine you are investing in a promising property, be it a residential complex, an office building or a mixed-use site. Everything seems perfect: location, yield prospects, substance. But on first inspection, it is striking: The lighting is still based on classic fluorescent tubes. What at first glance seems unimportant turns out on closer inspection to be a factor with a major impact on safety and efficiency.
Well thought-out lighting design not only enhances the atmosphere, but also energy efficiency.
Since September 2023, classic fluorescent tubes may no longer be sold in Switzerland and the EU. Stocks are largely empty and replacements are virtually unavailable. For owners, this means that failures can no longer be rectified simply by replacing a tube, and improvised solutions harbour safety and liability risks. Those who wait risk unplanned costs and the loss of legal certainty.
For property managers and investors, the focus is not on technical details, but on the economic impact. Outdated lighting causes higher electricity costs, which are directly reflected in the ancillary costs and reduce the attractiveness of the property. Tenants are also sensitive to rising operating costs, which has a long-term impact on rentability.
LED lighting increases safety, reduces risks and fulfils legal requirements.
There is also the sustainability aspect: energy efficiency is now a key criterion for ESG ratings. These ratings are playing an increasingly important role in financing, portfolio management and for institutional investors. Lighting that is no longer state of the art has a negative impact on a property’s sustainability rating and therefore its market position.
Typical stumbling blocks and why they can be expensive
Unplanned outages: Without suitable replacement tubes, expensive temporary solutions have to be organised at short notice.
Improper conversions: Improvised installations are not only unsafe, they can also jeopardise insurance claims.
Lack of planning: If you ignore the issue, you risk higher maintenance costs and unnecessary tenant losses.
Outdated lighting systems harbour risks – modernisation ensures operation and value retention.
What does this mean for your investment? When buying or managing property, lighting is often only considered superficially. But it influences several parameters at once: Operating costs, safety, sustainability and legal compliance. If you check the condition at an early stage, you can avoid follow-up costs and integrate measures properly into your budget planning. This means that modernisations can be carried out without rushing, without affecting tenants or ongoing operations.
What does this mean for your investment? When buying or managing property, lighting is often only considered superficially. But it influences several parameters at once: Operating costs, safety, sustainability and legal compliance. If you check the condition at an early stage, you can avoid follow-up costs and integrate measures properly into your budget planning. This means that modernisations can be implemented without rushing and without affecting tenants or ongoing operations.
Conclusion: Those who act in good time secure the value The FL tube ban has changed the rules of the game. If you act now, you minimise risks, prevent unplanned downtime and protect the value of your property in the long term.
If you would like to know more about how to plan the right steps for your property, there is a compact guide available. It summarises the most important points for property professionals in an easy-to-understand way and gives you the confidence to make the right decisions.
Get informed before it gets expensive. The guide shows you the key facts and helps you to avoid risks and secure the value of your property – available to download free of charge.
Implenia has landed contracts for building construction in Germany with a volume of more than 200 million euros. According to a press release, the projects are “in line with the Group’s strategic focus on large and challenging property projects that require extensive expertise and many years of experience”.
On behalf of project developer and asset manager Rock Capital Group, the construction group will act as general contractor in Munich-Neuhausen, transforming the approximately one-hectare Bruckmann Quartier on Nymphenburgerstrasse into a high-quality office quarter. A combination of new construction and modernisation will create 28,000 square metres of office floor space in a prime central location. Individual parts of the building will be newly constructed, historic components will be modernised, one building will be extended and another will have a listed façade. Construction is due to start in 2025.
In Brandenburg, Implenia is constructing a new administration building as the technical leader in a joint venture with GP Papenburg, a comprehensive school in the Ruhr region and a six-court sports hall with functional buildings for two grammar schools in Frankfurt am Main. All three new buildings will be handed over on a turnkey basis.
Implenia is once again active at the Mainz customs harbour. The Group is now realising the Rheinwiesen living project for the project company of BWL Wohnungsbaugesellschaft and Volksbank Darmstadt. It consists of five five-storey residential buildings with an unobstructed view of the Rhine. Implenia has also been commissioned to construct a senior citizens’ residential complex in Magdeburg and an exhibition and sales building for the Stark Group in Nuremberg.
According to a press release,Swiss Fibre Net and the local energy and water supplier StWZ Energie will provide the population of Zofingen with almost 5,000 fibre optic connections by the end of the year. This figure is set to rise to 8,000 by the end of 2026.
The two companies also announced that the fibre optic network will be opened up to enable customers to be supplied with a wide range of telecoms services from various providers. “Thanks to the collaboration with Swiss Fibre Net, Zofingen residents with access to StWZ fibre optics can benefit from the additional telecoms offerings from Sunrise and Salt,” said StWZ Managing Director Paul Marbach in a press release. The offers from the two telecoms providers are available immediately.
According to Andreas Waber, CEO of Swiss Fibre Net, the fact that customers can choose from various telecoms providers is a must nowadays: “Only open networks guarantee customer-oriented competition. That is why we are committed to the principle of an open fibre optic network in cooperation with energy providers, cable network operators and municipalities.”
Swiss Fibre Net AG is a joint venture between local energy suppliers and cable network operators in Switzerland. It connects the local fibre optic networks of its network partners to form the large-scale, homogeneous and open Swiss Fibre Net and offers this to nationally active telecoms providers for use.
At its Annual General Meeting on 28 August 2025, Limmatstadt AG acknowledged its role as a driving force in regional development. According to a press release, the conclusion of the reorganisation process has sharpened the future mandate for regional location promotion.
A clear vision has been defined in collaboration with the region’s stakeholders. It is crystallised in the formulation “Together we are shaping a strong Limmat Valley and creating space for more”. Through close cooperation and a consistent focus on the needs of all stakeholder groups, interests can be bundled and projects can be initiated and supported to sustainably promote the successful development of the Limmat Valley.
Against this background, Limmatstadt AG is taking on a more active role. The development of a joint regional and digital agenda and the Limmat Valley communication channels project are now being launched. Both are intended to increase the visibility of regional offerings and further promote cooperation in the Limmat Valley.
As part of this realignment, the revised brand identity “Limmattal. Room for more.” was also presented. It is intended to strengthen the region’s identity as a dynamic living and economic area.
Jasmina Ritz and Josef Bütler have stepped down from the Board of Directors for professional reasons. Roger Bachmann, the mayor of Dietikon, was newly elected. Limmatstadt AG expects his expertise and regional ties to provide valuable impetus.
Hopes of lower prices on the residential property market as a result of the so-called silver tsunami of baby boomers entering retirement age en masse will not be realised. This is the conclusion of Raiffeisen ‘s property study for the third quarter of 2025, according to which the massive demographic shift triggered by the retirement of the baby boomer generation born between 1955 and 1969 will not lead to a greater supply of residential property and consequently to falling prices.
The main reason for this is their extremely low residential mobility: the relocation rate of homeowners of retirement age is just around 1.5 per cent for both condominiums and single-family homes. In contrast, the relocation rate for retirees living in rented flats is almost three times as high at 4.1 per cent.
“The increase in vacancies in residential property observed from 2023 onwards is not a harbinger that demographic ageing will lead to a structurally higher vacancy rate in property,” explains Raiffeisen’s Chief Economist Fredy Hasenmaile in a press release. “It can be explained primarily by the higher interest rates in the meantime and the resulting temporary loss of the housing cost advantage in property ownership.”
According to Raiffeisen, factors such as the severe supply shortage, low interest rates and immigration have had a much greater impact on price trends than the ageing of society. Demand also far exceeds supply on the rental flat market. Despite the lively public debate, housing construction has not got off the ground. Accordingly, according to Hasenmaile, “a noticeable increase in asking rents and declining vacancy rates must also be expected in the future”.
Researchers from the Dübendorf-based aquatic research institute Eawag and the School of Life Sciences at the University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland(FHNW) are involved in the EU project UrbanM20. According to a press release, the project, which is led by the Danish Technical University of Copenhagen(DTU), is dedicated to improving the monitoring and management of urban water management.
The aim of the international project is to improve the quality of urban water in the cities of the future. Water utilisation, consumption and wastewater are to be monitored and stored in data exchange systems. Digital twins will be used to develop flexible programmes that improve water quality management.
Twenty partners from ten countries are participating in the project. From Switzerland, for example, the City of Zurich Department of Waste Management and Recycling(ERZ) and the Association of Swiss Wastewater and Water Protection Experts(VSA) are on board. The participants want to develop intelligent sensors that use artificial intelligence to improve the monitoring of water quality. The digital twins are intended to help identify pollution problems and plan solutions. “We also want to support the authorities with practical guidelines to better monitor and maintain their existing systems,” said project coordinator Luca Vezzaro from the DTU in the press release.
The UrbanM20 project is being funded by the EU with 5 million euros through the Horizon Europe programme. The Swiss State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI) is also supporting the project with 1 million euros.
The Kästli companies have organised their Kästli symposium for the fourth time. According to a press release, around 100 experts and interested parties discussed the circular economy in construction at the Rubigen gravel pit.
The construction industry already recycles 70 percent of its approximately 75 million tonnes of construction waste every year. But: “Circularity is more than just recycling,” said Susanne Kytzia from the OST – Eastern Switzerland University of Applied Sciences, according to the press release. The circular economy must strike a balance between many different interests. Many small decisions together could make a big difference.
Patric van der Haegen from Eberhard Unternehmungen pointed out the high ecological and social costs of a purely profit-driven approach. “This makes it all the more important that we as an industry take responsibility now and set a new course.” Pascal Remund from host Kästli called for cross-generational thinking. “We need to think and act with foresight – in the interests of those who come after us,” said the Chairman of the Management Board of the family business, which will soon be 140 years old.
Michael Widmer, Managing Director of the Swiss Building Materials Recycling Association (BKS ), also believes that politicians and the administration have a duty in this regard, especially when it comes to public procurement. However, all those involved in the construction industry also need courage, according to the participants. This ranges from building owners, planning companies and construction companies and also includes the scientific community. “The circular economy is not a goal, but a path on which we are constantly learning,” said Pascal Remund. “It is crucial that we act now – together and courageously.”
Holistic support for structural change The economic importance of tourism in the target regions is strengthened with innovative product and infrastructure developments. Co-operations and new, strategically positioned products increase regional added value and open up additional sources of income. The aim is to optimally utilise the potential of individual destinations and provide new impetus for sustainable development.
Digitalisation as the key to competitiveness Digitalisation is now an integral part of every funding strategy. The NRP supports projects in the area of digital transformation, promotes strategies to raise awareness and networking and thus strengthens the connectivity of even remote regions. This ensures that innovation and value creation are increasingly possible regardless of geographical location disadvantages.
Partnership and synergy as a success factor Targeted interaction with other federal funding policies is a prerequisite for the effectiveness of the NRP. The partnership-based implementation of projects and the harmonisation of different development strategies promote added value and contribute to the sustainable solution of regional challenges. In this way, location promotion is promoted in a comprehensive and forward-looking manner.
Financial incentives for sustainable growth The NRP provides extensive structural and financial impetus through global contributions and targeted funding, thereby increasing the competitiveness and attractiveness of regions and opening up new development opportunities.
The New Regional Policy is more than just a funding instrument. It creates future prospects for regions that were previously overshadowed by the major centres. Its programmes and strategies are the key to sustainable structural change and the development of strong, resilient locations in Switzerland.
Swisspower AG has received approval from the canton of Graubünden for the construction of the Alpin Parsenn large-scale photovoltaic plant. According to a government press release, the decision is subject to conditions, although these are not specified.
Swisspower AG is acting as the overall project manager. It represents Energie Wasser Bern(ewb), Industrielle Werke Basel(IWB) and Elektrizitätswerk Davos AG(EWD).
The project, which until recently ran under the name Parsenn Solar, was approved by the Davos electorate on December 17, 2023. According to its press release from November 2024, Swisspower expected to receive the cantonal building permit before the end of last year; the ongoing work was fully geared towards the start of construction in summer 2025.
According to the cantonal government, the solar plant will be built at an altitude of 2,500 meters in the Parsenn ski area, which already has an infrastructure and covers an area of almost 14 hectares. With 1493 module tables, it will produce around 12.1 gigawatt hours of electricity per year. In the earlier announcement, there was still talk of more than 10 gigawatt hours, which will supply around 2,200 four-person households in future. Logistical access will be provided via existing access roads. The use of helicopters and walking excavators for minimally invasive installation is also planned.
Swisspower, based in Zurich, was founded in 2000 as a joint venture between Swiss municipal and public utilities that supply their areas with electricity, natural gas, heat and drinking water. The alliance is supported by 22 shareholder partners from all over Switzerland.
The Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW), based in Winterthur, has published the Swiss Smart City Survey 2024. The report shows that small cities in particular are investing in smart solutions, according to a press release. The ZHAW survey also recorded an increase in the number of respondents.
A total of 403 smart city projects were reported by the participating cities and municipalities in the survey. Specifically, these include categories such as Smart Governance, Smart Environment, Smart Mobility, Smart People, Smart Living and Smart Economy. 97 projects fall into the Smart Environment category, most of them in the field of photovoltaics. This is twice as many as in 2022.
However, the report still shows great potential for development. The topic of smart cities is being actively addressed in 29% of the cities surveyed, while 18% are still in the initial phase. “Many cities are not yet in a defined smart city development phase – a clear sign that there is enormous development potential here,” said Vicente Carabias, Head of Sustainable Energy Systems and Smart Cities at the ZHAW, in the press release. “At the same time, the survey shows that more and more cities are embracing the topic of smart cities. The data from the Swiss Smart City Survey highlights the high market potential for science and companies, which can play an active role in the development of smart infrastructures.”
The two ETH departments ofArchitecture and Civil, Environmental and Geomatic Engineering are turning the complete renovation and extension of the HIL building on the ETH Hönggerberg campus into a research project. Instead of handing over the construction planning to an external planning office, an internal planning team involving professors, mid-level staff and students will be responsible for it, according to an ETH report. They will use their diverse construction expertise to research interventions and constructions in the HIL Living Lab in order to advance sustainable, circular and resource-saving construction in existing buildings.
The HIL building was constructed between 1972 and 1976 and serves as the main building for the two architecture and construction departments. It has 800 workstations, 1600 seats in lecture theatres and seminar rooms as well as large drawing rooms and has reached the end of its first life cycle. In particular, there is reportedly a considerable need for refurbishment in terms of fire protection and building services. In addition, the striking building envelope is insufficiently insulated.
In addition, the building is to be significantly expanded and extended by around 2035, as the ONA architecture centre is to be abandoned and integrated. The project also addresses the central question of how work, teaching and research should be organised at the HIL in the future. The aim is to create a modern space that is more conducive to interaction and collaboration with so-called hybrid teaching and learning landscapes. Those involved still want to define what this means in concrete terms.
“The Living Lab enables us to incorporate teaching and research directly into a building project,” says Professor of Architecture Matthias Kohler on the project website. He initiated the project together with the Director of the ETH Real Estate Department, Hannes Pichler. “The fact that we are researching our own ‘home’ makes it all the more exciting for us because we can help shape our future.”
In the current survey, 403 projects from 124 cities were recorded, with digitalization and sustainability being the most important topics. Most initiatives relate to the smart environment, in particular renewable energies such as photovoltaics and resource-saving technologies. This dynamic underscores the transformation that Swiss cities are striving to achieve in order to reduce their carbon footprint and create innovative living spaces.
Commitment and growth opportunities for small cities The number of participating cities has increased significantly. More and more municipalities are formulating their own smart city strategies, appointing responsible parties and working on pilot projects for digital transformation. Nevertheless, the survey shows that almost 80 percent of cities have not yet implemented fully developed processes and are only in the early stages of development. This is a strong signal of existing development potential and market opportunities for players from business and science.
Governance, participation and infrastructure The key dimensions include smart governance, citizen engagement and co-creation. The increase in projects in digital citizen services and smart infrastructure, such as resource conservation or smart mobility, points to the need to expand and strengthen internal organizational competencies within city administrations.
Market potential and next steps The authors of the study emphasize that the dynamics of smart city initiatives are high, but that there is still room for improvement in terms of design and organization. The market potential for companies and research is correspondingly high. Smart infrastructure and innovative projects offer numerous opportunities for cooperation and investment.
Small cities as drivers of the smart future Small Swiss cities are proving to be the driving force behind the smart city transformation. With growing commitment, a clear focus on sustainability and digitalization and an increasing number of concrete projects, they are gaining in importance and creating new opportunities for a sustainable and networked urban landscape.
The authors of the white paper are calling for a paradigm shift. Planning, building and operating should be understood as a coherent, holistic process. Buildings are seen as dynamic systems that serve people, the environment and the economy in equal measure. Even in the early planning phase, a forward-looking automation strategy creates the basis for energy-efficient, comfortable and long-lasting operation.
Building automation delivers tangible added value Digital control of lighting, air conditioning, heating and ventilation as well as the targeted use of sensor technology measurably reduces resource consumption and improves the indoor climate. This has a positive impact on operating costs, user comfort and compliance with ESG criteria – a significant advantage for investors, operators and users.
Focus on people The white paper attaches great importance to the human factor: modern buildings should contribute to health and productivity and meet individual needs. Aspects such as air quality, thermal comfort and acoustics are becoming more important. Thanks to digital technologies – from sensors to personalized room profiles – adaptive and user-friendly working and living environments are becoming feasible.
Circular economy and digital infrastructures as the future standard Building automation supports the economical use of energy and water and facilitates the implementation of circular building concepts. Cloud-based platforms, IoT sensors and IP-based networks create space for smart functions such as desk sharing or asset tracking and increase the value of real estate in the age of digital transformation.
Comfort, sustainability and value enhancement The white paper impressively demonstrates that holistic building automation not only ensures greater comfort and cost efficiency, but is also indispensable for sustainable, health-promoting and value-stable properties.
The ETH spin-off is making its mark on the grounds of Innovation Park Zurich. A three-and-a-half-ton dumper truck is presented at customer demos with the specially developed hybrid drive. The construction industry is facing enormous challenges in view of the three gigatons of CO₂ emissions produced by its machines worldwide. The hybrid drive enables a reduction of 30 to 50 percent in fuel consumption and emissions. A revolution for construction companies facing increasingly strict environmental regulations.
Efficiency and development as an ongoing task The pressure to innovate is high. In order to remain competitive and meet future requirements, the team is constantly working on further developments and optimizing the technology for various applications. Cooperation with construction and machinery companies ensures practical solutions, while the location in the IPZ pavilion offers ideal conditions for research and development.
From prototype to series production Following intensive collaboration with partners, series production is imminent. This means that the innovative hybrid drive will soon be widely used and make a significant contribution to decarbonization and cost reduction in the construction industry. The technology combines power and flexibility with ecological responsibility. A model that will give the Swiss construction industry a new boost.
The company impressively demonstrates how technological innovations master the balancing act between efficiency, economy and sustainability. The path to the future of construction leads via intelligent drives.
With an export share of over 80%, the manufacturing industry contributes around 18% directly to Switzerland’s gross domestic product. With industry-related services, the share rises to more than 25 percent or CHF 230 billion annually. Industry not only ensures high added value and low youth unemployment, but also directly and indirectly finances infrastructure, education and social security.
Global trade relations are indispensable Current US punitive tariffs of 39% on Swiss goods threaten exports and thus fundamental pillars of economic performance. Switzerland’s prosperity and crisis resilience are traditionally based on open, reliable and comprehensive trade relations, especially with the EU as the most important sales market. The rapid ratification of the Bilaterals III and new free trade agreements is key to breaking down barriers and securing long-term competitiveness.
Further develop framework conditions Low unemployment and the continued strength of the industry are based on factors such as the dual education system, lean bureaucracy, flexible short-time working and a liberal economic order. Extending the duration of short-time work and maintaining the liberal labor market are key instruments in this regard.
Need for political action The industry needs a policy that takes its economic importance seriously. The “Swiss export nation” model will remain successful if companies can pursue innovative paths and politicians consistently provide the reliable framework conditions for this. This must be done without blockades and with a clear focus on maintaining international competitiveness.
Secure industrial strength politically Switzerland must become aware of its industrial strengths and develop them further with courage. Only with better networking, political will to make decisions and optimal framework conditions can the international success of industry be secured in the long term.
Almost two million tons of scrap metal are generated in Switzerland every year, of which up to 95% is recycled. However, the high return rate conceals a central problem. Impurities, such as copper in scrap steel or tin from coatings, make a large proportion of recycled steel unsuitable for high-quality applications. Instead of being used in vehicle construction or mechanical engineering, this steel is mostly used in civil engineering, where lower purity requirements apply.
Downcycling is economically and strategically risky The so-called downcycling effect means that valuable raw materials are not used optimally. As a country with few raw materials, Switzerland is dependent on imports for high-quality metals. Every tonne that is recycled to a high standard strengthens the autonomy and resilience of the Swiss economy, especially in politically uncertain times.
AI sensor technology for efficiency and quality In the ReRe research project and the Innosuisse project Reinvent, HSLU and partners are demonstrating how intelligent sensors, combined with self-learning AI, enable precise analysis of scrap metal at collection points. Critical components such as batteries or pressure vessels are detected at an early stage, which significantly improves the sorting processes. If only 15% of the returned scrap is recycled to a high quality, up to 36,000 tons of CO₂ and around 30 million Swiss francs can be saved annually.
Systemic approaches for a modern circular economy The Reinvent study, funded by Innosuisse, analyzed the entire metal recycling system, from material flows and players to business models. In addition to technological innovations, standards, transparency and reliable traceability data are essential, as are economic incentives for all stakeholders along the value chain.
Ensuring future viability Among other things, the HSLU scientists recommend integrating sensor technologies across the board, creating standardized data systems for traceability and strengthening cooperation across all stakeholder groups. The targeted promotion of reuse practices should also be anchored in technology and regulation so that high-quality recycling becomes the industry standard.
Metal recycling as the key to Swiss raw material sovereignty With AI and systemic innovations, scrap metal becomes a valuable material. Switzerland can close the raw materials cycle and build a sustainable, resilient industry.
Centrally located railroad station areas in particular have enormous untapped potential. The redevelopment of railway yards is an urban development strategy that is already being used successfully around the world, for example in major cities such as London, New York and Vienna. In Swiss cities, too, this option is increasingly becoming the focus of debates on sustainable densification and innovative urban development.
Political initiatives and reactions Josef Dittli, a member of the Council of States, has submitted a motion calling on the Federal Council to examine concepts and processes for the use of space above railway tracks. The focus here is particularly on technical and legal feasibility as well as sustainable integration into the existing urban structure. The Federal Council responded positively and sees great potential for residential construction in central locations in the track areas. The business is now being discussed in the Council of States and promises new impetus for urban development projects.
Similar initiatives are also being promoted at cantonal level, for example by the FDP in Zurich, with the aim of making better use of the space available in urban areas and improving the quality of life.
Opportunities and challenges The realization of such construction projects requires innovative processes and interdisciplinary cooperation between authorities, rail transport companies, construction companies and urban planners.
Central to this are
Ensuring the functionality and safety of rail traffic
Sustainable and energy-efficient construction methods
Integration with existing infrastructure and the cityscape
Legally clear and transparent processes for planning and planning permission
The use of space above railway tracks offers a promising answer to the challenges of urban densification and the creation of living space. With political initiatives at various levels and the positive attitude of the Federal Council, this potential could be tapped in a meaningful way in the future and future-oriented urban development projects could be realized.
The intensity of heavy precipitation increases as temperatures rise. Warmer air stores more moisture, which can be discharged in a short time. Local thunderstorms in particular trigger massive surface runoff that cannot seep away or be absorbed by the sewage system. Cellars, underground garages and streets are thus regularly flooded, even far away from rivers or lakes.
According to analyses by the Mobiliar Lab, 62% of all buildings in Switzerland are already potentially affected. Two thirds of all flood damage in the last ten years is due to surface runoff and the trend is continuing upwards, especially in urban areas.
Structural measures with major benefits The key lies in prevention. Property protection measures such as raised light wells, sloping ramps at underground garage entrances, water-resistant building materials or targeted terrain adjustments prevent damage and offer an exceptionally good cost-benefit ratio. Many cantons provide financial support for such investments.
Building technology also holds considerable potential. In future, intelligent systems could use environmental data and precise weather forecasts to automatically activate mobile protective elements. A flexible addition where permanent structural solutions cannot be implemented.
Construction industry as a key player The construction industry is involved in every construction project in Switzerland and is therefore indispensable for the widespread implementation of such protective measures. Only through close cooperation between planners, architects, construction companies and building technicians can decentralized solutions be implemented on a large scale.
The Mobiliar Lab for Natural Risks therefore calls on the construction industry to play an active role. Not just as an implementer of contracts, but as a strategic partner in the fight against the consequences of climate change. With innovative strength, practical experience and responsibility for the built environment, the industry can make a significant contribution to ensuring that flood damage remains insurable in the future.
The Swiss federal and cantonal building programme, which promotes measures to reduce the energy consumption or CO2 emissions of properties, distributed around CHF 528 million in subsidies in 2024. According to a press release, the amount paid out remains at the level of the record year 2023 and has stagnated for the first time since 2016.
The subsidies for technical building systems increased by 5 per cent in 2024 to around 228 million francs (2023: 216 million francs) and enabled the replacement of 25,633 oil, gas or electric heating systems, 84 per cent of which with climate-friendly heat pumps. CHF 131 million was spent on thermal insulation projects, CHF 89 million on system renovations and CHF 23 million on district heating projects.
Energy-efficient new buildings in accordance with Minergie-P or GEAK-A/A standards received CHF 43 million last year, a significant increase of 76 per cent compared to the previous year. cHF 17 million went towards information and training projects as well as quality assurance, two thirds of which went towards the creation of cantonal energy certificates with an advisory report.
Subsidy commitments from the buildings programme amounted to around CHF 542.5 million in 2024, the majority of which (CHF 190 million) went to building technology projects and around a quarter (CHF 123 million) to system renovations.
Thanks to the federal and cantonal subsidies, measures were implemented in 2024 that will save around 12 billion kilowatt hours and 3.5 million tonnes of CO2 over their lifetime, according to the press release. The impact per franc of funding also improved from 152 francs per tonne of CO2 (2023) to 147 francs in 2024.
According to a press release, the owner-managed Zurich-based communications agency GRIP will be responsible for the PR of placeB, a provider of digital storage solutions also based in Zurich. The collaboration will focus on the data-supported everyday relevance of self-storage solutions in the B2C sector. ESG (environmental, social and governance) compliant space activation through placeB solutions for B2B partners is also central.
“PlaceB shows how digitally accessible storage space solves social challenges. As a Swiss scale-up with digital DNA, this fits perfectly with our expertise in property and technology communication and we look forward to accompanying placeB on its expansion course,” said Patrick Milo, Managing Director of the communications agency, in the press release. According to Tobias Kaufmann, CEO of placeB AG, self-storage is “evolving from a niche solution to an urban staple. GRIP will help us to sensitise both private users and property owners to the advantages of intelligent use of space.”
PlaceB AG is active in over 50 locations and aims to tackle social megatrends such as urbanisation, housing shortages and increased mobility with its offering. Customers can use the placeB app to rent heated and dry storage units for periods of one week or more. These are video-monitored around the clock and can also be accessed by employees or friends once access rights have been granted.
Designwerk Technologies AG, based in Winterthur, has achieved a charging capacity of over 1 megawatt in a fast-charging test of a lorry battery under real-life conditions. This success means that fast charging of large batteries for electric lorries is now a reality and the hurdle for long-distance transport has been overcome, according to a press release.
The test took place under real-life conditions at the depot of the motorway VI service area in Oberbüren. A peak output of 1140 kilowatts was achieved. This is 8 per cent more than the specification of 1050 kilowatts. It took 42 minutes to fully charge a 1000-kilowatt battery from 10 to 80 per cent. With this charge, a 40-tonne electric truck can cover a distance of more than 500 kilometres. The required charging time is within the time frame of legally prescribed breaks for the driver.
“Thanks to Mega Charging, a 40-tonne truck charges as quickly as an electric car – only with significantly more power,” Niels Ross, Project Manager Charging Technology at Designwerk, is quoted as saying in the press release. “This is the key to electrifying heavy goods transport.”
The use of electric trucks can save thousands of tonnes of CO2 every year. In Switzerland, registrations of battery-electric trucks rose by 41.2 per cent in the first two quarters of 2025 compared to the same period in the previous year, according to the press release.
Energy producer Axpo is examining the feasibility of a wind farm together with the two local communities of Rüthi and Sennwald and the political municipality of Rüthi. According to a press release, three wind turbines are planned in Rüthi, one in Altstätten SG and three in Sennwald. Together, they could generate around 54 gigawatt hours of electricity per year, even in winter. This corresponds to the average annual consumption of 11,500 households.
Axpo informed the population in Rüthi on 25 August and in Sennwald on 26 August. Experts from the canton and Axpo answered citizens’ questions. The Axpo wind mobile was also on site to explain the technology and show a 3D visualisation of the potential wind farm.
The press release quotes the mayor of Rüthi, Irene Schocher, who welcomes the transparent clarification of the wind potential and the early involvement of the local population: “A sound basis for decision-making is essential in order to realistically assess the potential of a wind farm in our region.” The local community of Sennwald is in favour of the project, according to its president Daniel Berger. It sees “the planned wind farm as an opportunity to strengthen the regional energy supply and make an active contribution to the energy transition.”
A wind measuring mast will be erected in October 2025 to collect data on wind and bat activity for over a year. The economic viability of the project will then be assessed and a decision made on further planning. If it is realised, the local communities and the local population can participate in a project company.
The Bern-based ClimateTech company Neustark has been awarded a multi-year contract for CO2 removal (CDR) by Swiss International Air Lines (Swiss), according to a press release. For the first time, a representative of the aviation and construction industries are joining forces to work together to permanently reduce carbon emissions, the press release continues. Both sectors are considered high-emission industries that are difficult to decarbonise, according to Valentin Gutknecht, co-founder and co-CEO of Neustark.
For the start-up, which was founded as a spin-off from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich (ETH) in 2019, the partnership paves the way for a Europe-wide expansion of carbon capture, storage and removal technology. “Pioneers like Swiss play a crucial role in the further expansion of our CO2 removal technology, enabling us to permanently remove exponentially more tonnes of hard-to-avoid CO2 emissions from the atmosphere every day,” Gutknecht is quoted as saying.
Neustark’s solution is based on the reutilisation of concrete from demolished buildings and mineral waste materials. The technology triggers an accelerated mineralisation process in which CO2 is bound to the pores and surface of the granulate and thus permanently removed from the air. The demolition granulate can then be reused in carbonised form in the construction of roads or for the production of recycled concrete.
The partnership was concluded with the option of extending the volume and duration and is part of a long-term initiative to remove CO2 from Swiss. The airline, which is part of the Lufthansa Group, already has partnerships with Swiss climate technology companies such as Climeworks and Synhelion, according to the statement: “The permanent removal of CO2 is an important building block on the way to net zero in aviation. Together, we are taking an important step towards scaling this technology,” CEO Jens Fehlinger is quoted as saying.
Suter Inox wants to establish itself in Germany in the long term. The 78-year-old family business from Aargau, which specialises in stainless steel kitchen fittings, is officially entering the German market at Küchenmeile 2025 and will be a permanent exhibitor there after two years on a special area. The most important European B2B trade fair for decision-makers in the kitchen and furniture industry will take place from 20 to 26 September 2025 in the North Rhine-Westphalian town of Löhne.
According to a press release from Suter Inox, the company will be exhibiting on 150 square metres of presentation space in the architecture workshop there. Marco Suter, President of the Board of Directors of Suter Inox AG, describes it as “an important forum for high-quality kitchen architecture and creative material presentations. As a new partner, we are delighted to help shape the kitchen as a holistic architectural experience and to present ourselves in this inspiring environment.”
The marketing association of 24 companies, which together generate around 90 per cent of German kitchen furniture sales and organises the Küchenmeile, is once again expecting 25,000 trade visitors this year, 40 per cent of whom will come from abroad.
At the same time, the company will be showcasing its customised worktops, sinks and basins, drain and overflow technology and taps in the BORA flagship store in Herford, just a few minutes away from the trade fair. According to the information provided, this store will be specifically visited during the Kitchen Mile.
“Germany is a demanding but exciting market with great potential for our high-quality stainless steel products,” says Suter. “Our presence in the architecture workshop and in the BORA flagship store is the start of a targeted expansion of our market activities. We look forward to exchanging ideas with specialist retailers – and to many new partnerships.”
Herzog-Elmiger AG has officially opened its new site in Obernau near Kriens. Previously, the wood-based materials trading company had been based on Langsägestrasse in Kriens for 65 years. The search for a new company site had become necessary because the family had been expropriated by the Federal Roads Office for the Lucerne bypass motorway project, according to a press release.
The family business also celebrated its 120th anniversary on 23 and 24 August 2025 at the same time as the reopening. Siblings Melanie and Michael Herzog took over the business from their father André Herzog in 2022 and are now the fifth generation to run it.
Customers, partners, neighbours and members of the public were given guided tours of the company’s new 10,190 square metre timber building and its business – from the fully automated storage area to the veneer warehouse with special woods and the new exhibition to the photovoltaic system on the roof, which saves around 336 tonnes of CO2 per year.
The twelve-metre-high hall, its supporting structure made of Swiss wood and the view of the logistics department, where up to 200 tonnes of goods are moved every day, were particularly impressive. The rooms created for the employees also aroused great interest: an activity room, a room furnished with local Swiss stone pine wood for relaxation, a terrace with a large barbecue and a coffee bar.
“With this new building, we have taken the opportunity to further develop our company in a future-oriented and sustainable way,” Michael Herzog is quoted as saying. “Here we have room for innovation and at the same time a strong connection to our tradition.”
As a first step, an above-ground waste collection point for glass, tinplate, aluminium and batteries in Spalenring will be replaced by an underground one in Hegenheimerstrasse from the end of August until the end of October 2025. If collection containers are located below ground level, they are “more user- and disabled-friendly, cause less noise, blend in better with the cityscape and need to be emptied less frequently thanks to their larger capacity”.
According to the information provided, the construction of a recycling collection centre with electric construction machinery serves as a test environment. “From the excavator to the wheel loader to the dumper”, the machines run purely electrically. The aim is for the Department of Construction and Transport to gain insights into the technical and organisational requirements for the electrification of future civil engineering projects.
In order to draw a comparison with conventional construction sites, a second underground recycling collection point at St. Johann-Platz is being built with diesel machines. The CO2 emissions, electricity requirements and noise emissions as well as infrastructure requirements are of interest. Step two involves working with regional construction companies to draw up a concept for the necessary adjustments when converting to electric operation. According to the cantonal climate protection strategy, the operation of construction sites in the canton of Basel-Stadt should be CO2-neutral from 2037.
The fund management company of Swiss Prime Site Solutions AG(SSPS), an asset manager for real estate solutions based in Zug, is considering listing the SPSS Investment Fund Commercial(SPSS IFC) on the SIX Swiss Exchange, according to a press release. According to the company, the SPSS IFC invests with a focus on commercial real estate in economically established locations throughout Switzerland. The company plans to list by the end of 2025, thereby strengthening its market presence, opening up access to new investors and promoting the fund’s liquidity in the long term. The listing will be accompanied by Zürcher Kantonalbank as sole lead manager.
According to the press release, the listing is subject to market conditions, approval of the amendments to the fund contract by the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority(FINMA) and approval of the listing application by the SIX Swiss Exchange. The SPSS IFC will be open to all investors once the amendments to the fund contract have been approved as a public fund. Until then, it will only be accessible to qualified investors. On the SIX Swiss Exchange, the fund is to be included in the SXI Real Estate Broad and SXI Real Estate Funds Broad indices in future.
In the run-up to the planned listing, the company has already been able to expand its portfolio and thus prepare for the further development of the fund. “With the funds from the last capital increase, we have optimally expanded the portfolio with two attractive light industrial properties, sustainably strengthened the equity base and consistently aligned the product with the requirements of a stock exchange listing,” says Maximilian Hoffmann, CIO Funds at SPSS.
SMG combines leading online marketplaces in the areas of real estate, cars, classifieds and auctions. Thanks to this broad positioning, the company has been able to continuously expand its market position in recent years. In the first half of 2025, revenue rose by 14.4% to CHF 161.5 million. Adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization rose by 34% to CHF 87.6 million, bringing the margin to 54.3%. This strong profitability supports the targeted valuation.
Owners and prospects The largest shareholders are the TX Group (31%), Ringier (29.5%), Mobiliar (29.5%) and the US investor General Atlantic (10%). They are likely to be among the main beneficiaries of a successful IPO, as will SMG’s management. The IPO is intended to secure long-term growth, strategic flexibility and investments in the further development of the platforms.
Challenges in the environment While SMG is growing with its digital marketplaces, the parent companies in the traditional media business are facing structural changes. The IPO is therefore also seen as a signal of the increasing importance of the digital focus. Although critical voices point to the company’s high market power, the IPO is also seen as an opportunity to strengthen SMG’s position in international competition.
It remains to be seen whether the IPO will be a complete success for everyone involved. What is clear, however, is that SMG is setting the course for the next development phase.
CREABETON, a building materials company based in the canton of Lucerne and a subsidiary of Müller-Steinag Baustoff AG, has developed a new series of cement-free paving blocks in collaboration with the start-up Oxara. According to a press release, the new concrete blocks produce 30 percent less CO2 emissions than conventional paving blocks.
The new product is available in three variants. In addition to the standard paving block version, water-permeable or grass paving blocks can also be laid. Instead of conventional cement, the material uses the Oulesse binder developed by Oxara, a spin-off of the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich(ETH).
“With these products, we are responding to the growing demand for climate-friendly construction solutions,” said Hendrix Müller, CEO of the Müller-Steinag Group, in the press release. “Our collaboration with Oxara enables us to offer our customers more sustainable alternatives – today, not in a few years’ time.” Martin Bodmer, Head of Operations at Oxara, is convinced that the collaboration with CREABETON can scale up his company’s sustainable developments.
Wir verwenden Cookies zur Unterstützung und Verbesserung unserer Dienste. Mit der Nutzung dieser Website erklären Sie sich mit der Verwendung von Cookies einverstanden. Weitere Informationen finden Sie in unserer Datenschutzerklärung.
