The “ALTO” project, initiated by the
property company HIAG, fits seamlessly into the urban transformation of Zurich Altstetten, a district that is changing from an industrial to a lively residential and working area. The plan is for an 80-metre-high residential building that is characterised by its integration into existing structures and its sustainable construction.
The ground floor of the new building will be used for commercial purposes and open to the public, while the first floor will serve as a social centre for residents with communal spaces, a roof garden and studios. In addition, modern flats will be built on the 25 floors above, reflecting the new urban lifestyle in Altstetten.
In addition to the residential use, the neighbourhood will be further enhanced by the project. The Shedhalle, formerly part of the Fiat garage, will be converted into a food market with an attractive range of fresh produce and will take on the function of a local supplier. There are also plans to construct an urban loggia, which will serve as a public meeting place that incorporates the community concept and emphasises the urban quality of the area.
Sustainability plays a central role in the development of the “ALTO” construction project. The use of resource-conserving materials and the design of permeable open spaces emphasise the commitment to environmentally friendly urban development. As the first residential tower block in the canton of Zurich, the façade will be fitted with photovoltaic panels throughout, allowing tenants to benefit from the electricity they generate themselves. An innovative mobility concept, which provides for a significant reduction in parking spaces, rounds off the future-oriented overall concept.
With completion scheduled for spring 2026, the “ALTO” construction project will not only offer new living space in Zurich Altstetten, but will also serve as a showcase project for sustainable urban development and social coexistence.
Category: Sustainability
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The “ALTO” construction project
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A new home for families and creativity in Leutschenbach
The centrepiece of the housing estate consists of two U-shaped building complexes that are open to the green space and are complemented by pavilion buildings in the inner courtyard. This arrangement creates a lively, communal courtyard that houses kindergartens and communal spaces, making it a social meeting point.
The housing estate offers a variety of 2- to 6½-room flats as well as special studio and communal flats to fulfil a wide range of living requirements. Particular attention is paid to spacious family flats and creative spaces that enable flexible and innovative living.
Sustainability and energy efficiency are the focus of the housing estate. By building to Minergie-P-ECO and Minergie-ECO standards and utilising renewable energy sources for heat and electricity, it makes an important contribution to climate protection. The large-scale installation of photovoltaic modules ensures an environmentally friendly power supply.
The design of the outdoor facilities promotes biodiversity and improves the microclimate in the neighbourhood. The upgrading of the green spaces along the Riedgraben and the “Inner Garden Leutschenbach” connecting the neighbourhood create natural recreational areas that offer residents a high quality of life.
The Leutschenbach housing estate is an example of the successful combination of urban living, social mixing and ecological responsibility. It plays a key role in the development of Leutschenbach into an attractive and lively neighbourhood that meets the requirements of a modern, sustainable lifestyle. -
Award for sustainable new build in Central Switzerland
Lignum, the timber industry association, has awarded the Swiss Timber Label to the new Campus Sursee event hall. According to the umbrella organisation of the forestry and timber industry in Central Switzerland, wood is a good choice for the construction of buildings due to its low material weight, high load-bearing capacity and its positive effects on the indoor climate.
Few educational institutions have opted to build with wood. “It is not often that a leading training centre for construction professionals builds with wood and thus relies on the countless advantages of this renewable raw material,” Melanie Brunner, Managing Director of Lignum Holzwirtschaft Zentralschweiz, is quoted as saying. It is a special honour to be able to award such a prestigious building, she said. The advantages of wood as a building material are synonymous with securing jobs in the region, reducing grey energy and managing forests in an environmentally friendly way. The event hall contains 217 cubic metres of wood. The timber framework and box girder elements consist of 92.3 per cent Swiss wood. This means that 159 tonnes of the greenhouse gas CO2 can be bound in the building.
Lignum awards the Swiss Wood label to identify wood that has grown in Swiss or Liechtenstein forests and is processed in Switzerland or the Principality. It can be found on the product and on accompanying documents.
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Historic election at the Swiss Association of Engineers and Architects
Susanne Zenker has been elected as the new President of the Swiss Society of Engineers and Architects(SIA) by the Assembly of Delegates. According to a press release, this is the first time in the approximately 190-year history of the professional association that a woman has been elected to the top position. The Swedish-born architect, who trained at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne(EPFL), brings many years of experience in the construction sector and in the design of sustainable living spaces to the post, the press release explains. Susanne Zenker is currently Head of Development and a member of the Executive Board of SBB Real Estate. She is also a trustee of the Swiss Building Culture Foundation.
“With its members, the SIA brings together an enormous amount of knowledge and commitment under one roof,” Zenker is quoted as saying in her speech in the press release. “The sustainable design of living space is a challenging and diverse task. In the SIA, we therefore need to network our knowledge even more in order to remain effective. This is what I would like to do as President”. Susanne Zenker will take office on 1 July 2024 and will leave SBB Real Estate at the end of June.
“The election of a woman to head the association is a historic moment. In Susanne Zenker, the SIA is gaining an experienced bridge builder. I am convinced that she will be able to align the diverse interests in the association towards common goals,” explains Alain Ouveley, one of the interim Co-Presidents.
The delegates also elected Sarah Kristin Schalles to the Board.
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Greencity Vergé sets new standards in sustainability
Vergé is more than just a residential project, it is a response to the pressing issues of urban coexistence and ecological responsibility. Located in the south of Zurich on a former industrial site, Vergé stands for the transition to a new understanding of housing that both takes into account the needs of its older residents and actively contributes to the quality of urban life.
Vergé’s design combines modern architecture with ecological sustainability. By using renewable and lightweight materials, the project not only sets design accents, but also makes an important contribution to reducing the ecological footprint. The design of the inner courtyard as a social meeting place and the careful selection of planting promote biodiversity and offer residents a place of retreat in harmony with nature.
An often underestimated lever lies in the choice of materials for the interior walls. According to Lennart Rogenhofer, Chief Climate Officer at Losinger Marazzi AG, using non-load-bearing interior walls made of lightweight construction instead of concrete can lead to a reduction in CO2 emissions of around 50%. Similar savings can be achieved if a wooden façade is used instead of a concrete and plaster façade. This is in line with the aim of using sustainable and minimally processed raw materials. Losinger Marazzi has also decided to use CO2-reduced concrete in its projects as far as possible. The reduction in grey emissions with a slimmer supporting structure, which minimises the amount of concrete by optimising the slab thicknesses and column grids, is difficult to quantify. Rogenhofer explains: “This is because no ‘non-optimised’ project exists as a comparison.”. Greencity, with the last building site Vergé, impressively demonstrates that the property sector plays a key role in achieving the climate targets. Through the use of heat recovery technologies and integration into the local heating network, the aim is to achieve a largely autonomous energy supply, with certification in accordance with the SNBS Gold Standard.
By focussing on sustainable and energy-efficient construction, not only can the quality of life of the residents be improved, but a decisive step towards a more sustainable future can also be taken.
The project is being built by Losinger Marazzi, which has positioned itself as a pioneer in sustainability in the property and construction industry for almost 20 years and is consistently implementing its climate strategy, which follows the strategy of its parent company Bouygues Construction. The company has been SBTi certified since the end of 2023 and remains a leader in sustainability. This certification confirms that the company’s own CO2 reduction targets for direct and indirect corporate emissions (incl. Scope 3) have been calculated in accordance with international standards (GHG Protocol) and are in line with the Paris climate targets. An external, independent auditing company also verifies that the certified companies achieve their targets not through CO2 offsetting, but through actual CO2 reduction. For this reason, a CO2 reduction pathway was already drawn up in 2021 to guide strategic decisions. -
New commercial property with innovative energy technology
Immatica AG was granted planning permission for a commercial building on the site of Matica AG in Kaltenbach, to which it belongs, at the beginning of 2024. Matica AG specialises in the manufacture of energy-efficient storage tanks and the construction of special containers. Post AG will be the tenant of the 1,500 square metre new building from the beginning of 2025, as the previous site in Stein am Rhein SH has become too small, according to a press release.
The flat roof will be equipped with a 1000 square metre photovoltaic (PV) system. A new type of storage technology will also be able to supply the building with solar energy in winter. With a sorption heat pump (SWP), the potential of solar energy can be stored for any length of time using a chemical process. The reversal process produces heat that can be used for heating in winter. The SWP solves several challenges of the energy transition: From the system operator’s point of view, it increases the PV system’s degree of self-utilisation and thus better cushions energy price fluctuations, according to the press release. It also helps to reduce seasonal fluctuations in the electricity grid. This relieves pressure on the grid and reduces the need for grid expansion. The use of the PV system with an annual output of around 215 kilowatt peak could save 33 tonnes of CO2 per year.
Post AG wants to deliver all its letters in a climate-neutral way by 2030. The electricity generated by the PV system will be used to power all electrical systems in the building as well as the electric charging infrastructure for the electric vehicles. The SWP in Kaltenbach is the second pilot plant to be realised by Matica AG in collaboration with Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts and Helbling Technik AG. In summer 2024, the first system will go into operation at the carcass collection centre in Frauenfeld.
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Investment in cement-free construction
Oxara announces a successful pre-series A financing by two high-calibre investors from the construction industry. According to a press release, the new partners are buildify.earth, an Evergreen Investment Holding specialising in circular and sustainable tech companies, and Samih Sawiris, who is developing the region in the canton of Uri into a premium destination with his company Andermatt Swissalps.
The funds received will reportedly be used to strengthen operational activities and to construct the first cement-free building together with its industrial partners. Oxara’s products will be presented exclusively in this building.
The spin-off from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich has reportedly successfully completed seven commercial pilot projects since it was founded in 2019. Oxara has gained an industrial partner for the production of its cement-free additive and binder for the manufacture of concrete. In addition, the patent portfolio has been expanded through active research and development of new products and the team has been significantly enlarged. Oxara is now preparing to broaden its business and offer its fully commercialised products with national and global partners and customers in the DACH region as well as in Europe, Africa and the Middle East.
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Opening of the new innovation park near the Paul Scherrer Institute
The Innovaare park was opened on 25 April in the presence of Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin and State Governor Dieter Egli. According to a press release, the innovation park comprises 23,000 square metres of clean rooms, laboratories, precision workshops, offices and meeting rooms. “To date, we have attracted 21 companies, including a total of 15 spin-offs from the PSI, ETH or FHNW, two technology transfer centres and large international companies”, CEO Robert Rudolph is quoted as saying in the press release. “The overall occupancy rate is around 80 per cent and we are very confident that we will be able to increase this even further in the coming months.”
The new innovation park is located in the immediate neighbourhood of the Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI). This is a strategic partner and the largest tenant in Park Innovaare. The Innovaare Park focuses on photonics, quantum technologies, life sciences, advanced manufacturing and semiconductor technologies as well as energy and sustainability.
“New findings, methods and specialists from research are to be made accessible to the economy. This will further strengthen Switzerland’s high level of competitiveness”, Christian Rüegg, Director of the PSI, is quoted as saying in the press release.
Park Innovare is Switzerland Innovation‘s sixth location. “Switzerland has been one of the most innovative countries in the world for years. In order for marketable products and services to emerge from our excellent education and research, our universities must be linked to the economy in the best possible way”, Andreas Rickenbacher, President of Switzerland Innovation, is quoted as saying. Park Innovaare is the best example of how cutting-edge research can be optimally linked with the economy.
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Sustainable infrastructure renewal in the canton of Vaud
The Schaan-based Hilcona Group is planning to invest in modernising the infrastructure at its Orbe site in the canton of Vaud. According to a press release, pipework, chillers and air compressors are to be replaced. The renovation will be carried out in such a way that the waste heat from the chillers will be used to heat water in the company once the construction work is complete. The hot water will be used for the daily cleaning work at Hilcona. According to the company, the new water heating system will save two thirds of the amount of natural gas required. CO2 emissions will also be reduced accordingly.
“The overhaul of this chiller is another important step on our path to greater sustainability,” Lionel Monteiro from Hilcona’s Engineering department in Orbe is quoted as saying in the press release. “The CO2 footprint of the entire company can be further reduced by utilising waste heat,” adds Andrea Gerber, Head of Sustainability at the Hilcona Group.
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Leading by example: circular building in the city of Zurich
The circular economy is an important lever for achieving the political net-zero targets. Like many other cities around the world, Zurich is also committed to the circular economy: in 2022, a strategy for the circular economy was adopted with “Circular Zurich”. in 2023, Zurich became the first Swiss city to sign the “Circular Cities Declaration”.
The intelligent use of resources is particularly important in construction. With the “Charter for Circular Construction”, politicians and businesses set an example in 2023 and made a joint commitment to conserving primary resources and landfill space and reducing CO2 emissions from their own construction activities.
Initial findings from two pilot projects
But how do the political commitments affect specific construction projects? What challenges does circular construction pose? And how are the planning and construction processes changing? The City of Zurich’s Office for Buildings is gaining answers to these questions through two pilot projects.
The city gained initial experience with the procurement, storage and processing of reused building components during the renovation of the Mööslistrasse 2023 kindergarten (Bischof Föhn Architekten, Zurich). Washbasins and toilets were dismantled, cleaned and refurbished on site. Plant troughs from the balconies were reused as outdoor space boundaries. Where possible, the built-in furniture was sourced from the city’s own stock. Thanks to component screening, steel beams, wooden pergolas, fire doors and kitchen elements from other buildings were identified, dismantled and reinstalled. So-called “component hunters” were deployed for everything that was not found in the city’s used parts warehouse.
The second pilot project, the new “Juch-Areal” recycling centre, is much more comprehensive. The Office for Buildings launched an architectural competition with re-use requirements for the project in 2022. The competition participants were able to use a digital catalogue of components or use other available components from non-urban sources for their designs. The buildings also had to be designed in such a way that they could later be used as a component mine themselves (design for disassembly).
The projects submitted show that it is possible: Yes, it is possible. The jury was particularly impressed by the high quality of the competition entries, which were created despite – or perhaps thanks to – the new specifications. The building material of the winning project by Graber Pulver Architekten AG (Zurich) dismantles the hall of the previous recycling centre and rebuilds it at the new location with only minor adjustments. Disposed books, magazines and clothes are used as insulation material. Sheets of recycled glass and aluminium, old kitchen covers, doors and table tops protect the façade from the weather. Discarded scaffolding is turned into storage shelves.
It is in the nature of things that pilot projects precede a standardised introduction on a broad scale. This is also the case with circular construction. The realisation of the two projects in Zurich shows that many questions still need to be clarified: How can components be catalogued? How can availability be checked? Where will they be stored? Who assumes legal liability?
The planning and construction processes will change as a result of cycle-orientated construction, because the component mines must be known as early as possible, preferably at the beginning of the planning phase. Building Information Modelling (BIM) facilitates the reuse of components, the planning of their dismantlability and the development of future component mines.
Significant savings in indirect greenhouse gas emissions in the pilot projects
The pilot projects show that this approach is worthwhile. According to a subsequent calculation, the consistent reuse of building components saved a good 30% of greenhouse gas emissions during the renovation of the Mööslistrasse kindergarten. Current calculations even predict a 40% saving in greenhouse gas emissions for the Juch-Areal recycling centre compared to a conventional new building. -
Modernisation and expansion of the south station
In a densely built-up district such as District 2, the emergency services currently only reach the scene within the critical ten-minute mark in around 60% of cases. The planned expansion and redesign of the southern fire and ambulance station addresses this problem with a comprehensive approach aimed at shortening response times and increasing the efficiency of the services. At the same time, the project aims to enhance the urban development of the area, which is in line with the redesign of the urban space through the demolition of Weststrasse and the new construction of the “Hohe Haus West”.
The winning project from the architectural competition, “FUCHS”, creates a seamless integration into the existing structure of the fire station. The extension blends in harmoniously with the existing building in terms of both height and alignment and harmoniously completes the perimeter of the block. Particularly noteworthy are the courtyard-side extensions with shed roofs and photovoltaics as well as a setback from the first floor, which give the new building a striking independence. These architectural features make it possible to master the balancing act between preserving the historical heritage and fulfilling state-of-the-art operational requirements.
The “FUCHS” project not only impresses with its aesthetic and functional integration into the existing building fabric, but also sets new ecological standards. Thanks to the environmentally friendly energy supply, which is based 100 per cent on renewable energies, and the generously dimensioned photovoltaic system on the shed roofs, a contribution is being made to climate protection. In addition, the design optimises the operational processes of Schutz & Rettung Zürich and creates a coherent unit of high spatial quality.
The project impressively illustrates how the challenges of modern emergency care can be mastered in a historical context through creative and innovative solutions. The careful balancing of the needs of the emergency services and the requirements of heritage conservation has resulted in a project that breaks new ground both functionally and aesthetically. The result is a sustainable infrastructure that meets the requirements of modern emergency services and at the same time makes a valuable contribution to the urban quality of the location. -
Green cities as trailblazers for global climate impact
The MCC study, published in the journal Nature Cities, highlights four key methods of CO2 removal in urban environments that could sequester one gigatonne of CO2 annually by the middle of the century. The methods analysed include adding biochar to cement, increasing the use of wood in construction, enriching urban soils with biochar and installing CO2 filters in commercial buildings. Together, these approaches could make a significant contribution to achieving net-zero urban emissions.
Urban strategies for the climate and more
Quirina Rodriguez Mendez, PhD student at the MCC and lead author of the study, emphasises that these techniques are of great benefit not only in terms of climate protection, but also for environmental quality and well-being in cities. For example, the use of special colour pigments and surface materials to improve the reflectivity of urban surfaces could significantly lower the temperature in cities and reduce the energy required for air conditioning systems.Local actions with a global impact
The study emphasises the role of cities as “test laboratories” for climate protection, where local measures can be implemented quickly and potentially scaled up globally. Felix Creutzig, head of the MCC working group and co-author of the study, emphasises that local climate solutions, although often underestimated, can have an impressive impact and improve quality of life. The research findings offer important insights and recommendations for policymakers shaping urban infrastructure and policies. -
New investor for sustainable construction start-ups
Buildify.earth was founded with the vision of supporting sustainable innovation in the construction industry. The investment company is particularly involved in the early development phases of start-ups and offers not only capital but also access to an extensive network. This network has been established over the years as part of the development of Switzerland Innovation Park Central, NEST and other organisations and is a valuable asset for the supported companies.
Strategic partnerships and long-term goals
Eight years ago, planning began for the location of the Innovation Park in Central Switzerland, which opened its doors in Rotkreuz in 2019 and has officially been part of Switzerland Innovation since 2021. The park now has over 100 members, including well-known players in the Swiss construction industry and research institutions. This network provides direct access to decision-makers and a platform for start-ups to forge important collaborations in a traditionally risk-averse industry.Provision of funding and resources
The funds provided by private investors, the Zuger Kantonalbank and the park itself, which amount to a single-digit million sum, will enable buildify.earth to make significant initial investments, which are to be announced soon. The investment pipeline is richly filled, including 40 startups that are already members of the park. Buildify.earth AG takes a flexible role as a co-investor that can act quickly and act as a catalyst for further investments.Long-term planning and open doors for further investors
Reto Largo and Sem Mattli, the heads of buildify.earth, are not only looking for promising start-ups, but also for further investors to strengthen the capital of the company’s evergreen structure. This structure fits well with the long innovation cycles in the construction sector and allows a portion of the proceeds to be reinvested while seeking attractive returns for investors. This is just the beginning of a long-term strategy aimed at making substantial investments in promising start-ups and actively shaping the future of the sustainable construction industry. -
Continuation of the Basel region’s energy package planned until 2025
In order to ensure the continuity of the Basel-Landschaft energy package, the cantonal government has proposed an increase in the expenditure authorisation and a supplementary credit for 2024 to the cantonal parliament. This procedure is intended to ensure that the programme to promote energy-efficient building renovations and the use of renewable energies in the building sector can continue seamlessly. A supplementary credit of CHF 2.28 million has been requested for 2024, and the total expenditure authorisation until the end of 2025 is to be increased to CHF 42.16 million.
The energy package has proven to be particularly effective thanks to the high willingness of building owners to invest. Despite demand stabilising at a high level after a record year in 2022, the subsidy programme remains very effective in an intercantonal comparison. These results were presented in detail in the latest interim report from the cantonal government to the cantonal council.
Due to the current financial bottlenecks, the cantonal government is planning a moderate reduction in contribution rates from 1 January 2025. This adjustment reflects the above-average rates compared to other Swiss cantons and will be cushioned by the recently introduced energy premium, which offers income- and asset-based support. At the same time, the new national impulse programme, which will be launched at the beginning of 2025, will offer further financial support for the conversion of heating systems and comprehensive renovation of building envelopes.
For the next planning periods from 2026 to 2030, the Government Council is preparing a separate bill based on the findings of the 2022 energy planning report and other parliamentary mandates. This initiative is intended to further strengthen the focus and effectiveness of the funding programme and adapt it to the dynamic needs of the energy market.
Finally, based on the Cantonal Energy Act, the interim report emphasises the importance of regularly reviewing and adapting the support measures in order to effectively support CO2 reduction and meet legislative requirements. The cantonal government remains committed to a sustainable and energy-efficient future for Basel-Landschaft.
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“Baustoff Kreislauf Schweiz” – A new trade association for the construction and recycling industry
With the founding of “Baustoff Kreislauf Schweiz”, the merger of arv Baustoffrecycling Schweiz and FSKB Fachverband der Schweizerischen Kies- und Betonindustrie has created an important new trade association. The aim of this merger is to make a significant contribution to the future of the construction and recycling industry in Switzerland. The focus is on securing the supply of mineral raw materials and promoting a value-preserving recycling economy.
Unity and strength through member merger
Over 400 members have formally approved the merger after the decision was taken at the respective general meetings. The new trade association aims to expand its expertise, recognise upcoming challenges and play an active role in shaping the Swiss construction industry. The high level of organisation and broad representation at the time of foundation demonstrate the strong foundation of “Baustoff Kreislauf Schweiz”.Focus on a sustainable circular economy
The trade association is particularly committed to the sustainable use of mineral raw materials in order to respond to the increasing scarcity of resources. The focus is on maintaining building materials in the economic cycle, developing environmentally friendly technologies and methods and working closely with universities, research institutions and companies. A new competence centre will help to reduce the ecological impact of the industry and restore the quality of habitats after gravel extraction.Strategically securing the supply of raw materials
Another focus is the security of supply and disposal of mineral building materials, which is becoming increasingly challenging due to growing scarcity and strict protective regulations. The association strives to ensure the supply of construction sites and optimise the reuse of building materials.Innovative leadership and extensive networking
Under the leadership of Lionel Lathion, supplemented by a versatile vice-presidency and a broad-based board, the association not only aims to pool expertise, but also to intensify cooperation at cantonal and regional level. In this way, “Baustoff Kreislauf Schweiz” is positioning itself as a central point of contact for politicians and authorities with a high level of expertise and problem-solving skills. -
Canton of Zurich promotes electromobility with over 52,500 parking spaces
Since the introduction of the charging infrastructure funding programme, the canton of Zurich has taken decisive steps towards the electrification of transport. The programme, which runs until the end of 2026 and has a funding pot of CHF 50 million, has already secured over CHF 18 million in funding to equip car parks with charging stations. So far, over 52,500 car parks have been equipped for electric vehicles, which is a significant boost for electromobility in the canton.
Construction Director Martin Neukom is delighted with the great response: “The strong demand for the funding programme confirms our commitment to a sustainable mobility future. The support makes it easier for many people to switch to electric vehicles and helps to reduce dependency on fossil fuels.”
The programme not only supports private individuals, but also companies and municipalities. Over 800 applications for funding for fleet parking spaces have already been submitted. In addition, more and more municipalities are utilising the funding opportunities to develop their electric mobility concepts. This includes feasibility studies and location analyses for public charging infrastructure. Some municipalities have already expressed an interest in installing public charging stations in blue zones.
Carmen Walker Späh, Director of Economic Affairs, emphasises the ecological benefits: “Our funding programme makes a significant contribution to reducing environmental pollution and increasing energy efficiency in the canton. As the transport sector is responsible for around 40 per cent of greenhouse gas emissions in Zurich, this is an important step towards climate-neutral mobility.”
In view of the high demand, the funding pot could potentially be exhausted before the planned end of 2026. The canton plans to continue to monitor developments closely and provide regular updates on the status of the programme. A detailed presentation of the programme’s results and progress is planned for the second half of 2024.
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“Fischermätteli” first site with Minergie certificate
The innovative and long-term residential construction project Fischermätteli was successfully completed by Strüby Unternehmungen in autumn 2023 after a staggered construction period of around three and a half years. The ten apartment blocks with a total of 168 condominiums were built on a former commercial site in Burgdorf BE. Over 6600 m3 of Swiss wood was used in the construction, which serves as a natural CO2 reservoir and has an excellent ecological footprint thanks to the short transport routes.
One hundred per cent of the energy requirements for the entire site are covered by renewable sources. The electricity comes from the PV systems on the roofs of the buildings, while the heat for heating and hot water comes from a heating centre that runs on Swiss pellets. The well thought-out mobility concept is based on electric mobility, car sharing, bicycles and public transport. A co-working space supports working from home and thus indirectly relieves traffic congestion. In addition, the environmental design based on the sponge city principle ensures natural and efficient cooling in summer and turns the project into a true biodiversity hotspot thanks to the wide variety of native plants.
Label with high requirements
In April 2024, the largest real estate project to date was awarded the coveted certificate by the Minergie association: the Minergie-Areal label, having already been awarded the Minergie-A-ECO label. The new standard, which has been in place since September 2023, is supported by various organisations such as the Minergie Association, the cantons, the business community and the Swiss Federal Office of Energy. The Minergie site is characterised by minimal energy consumption, minimised greenhouse gas emissions during construction and operation and maximum self-sufficiency with renewable energies. The buildings have particularly efficient heat insulation and controlled air exchange. In addition, the outdoor space of the Minergie site is designed in such a way that climate resilience and quality of stay are increased, for example through green planting and shading options. Another advantage of the Minergie site is the promotion of climate-friendly mobility.The development in Burgdorf BE sets new standards in timber construction for flats. With 168 owner-occupied flats in ten apartment blocks, it is the largest construction project of its kind to combine Swiss timber and the Minergie-A-ECO standard. Sustainability aspects were at the centre of the project right from the start, which earned it the first Minergie-Areal certificate for a completed project.
Thanks to the elegant timber façades, the ensemble blends in perfectly with its natural surroundings. The clearly defined meeting and play zones with village charm promote relationships between the residents. At the same time, the architecture ensures privacy and creates living spaces with ideal air, light and sound characteristics. Community-enhancing elements such as a spacious communal pavilion and the professional home office zone “fm produktiv” round off the offer.
The flats offer 2.5 to 5.5 rooms and are designed for singles, couples and families of all ages. The floor plans are flexibly designed so that they can be adapted to future needs. From the ground floor upwards, the building was constructed using timber elements.
The energy supply is consistently based on renewable sources. The electricity for the approximately 400 residents comes from the PV systems on the roofs of the apartment blocks (700 MWh/year). Heat is generated in a heating centre using Swiss wood pellets.
The mobility concept focuses on cycling, public transport, electric vehicles and car sharing. Bicycle stands, charging stations, repair and cleaning areas are available. Residents can also use one of the two electric cars from the neighbourhood’s own car-sharing scheme via an app or conveniently use the bus, which runs every half hour from the neighbourhood to Burgdorf. Demand for the condominiums and rental flats was very high right from the start. All 168 flats were sold or rented months before completion. The fair sales and rental prices certainly contributed to the great success, e.g. a flat with 4.5 rooms was already available from CHF 610,000 (minus Minergie subsidies from the Canton of Berne).
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Climate-neutral showcase neighbourhood
The city of Zurich is setting new standards in terms of climate protection. With the decision to establish a “net-zero pilot neighbourhood” in the Binz/Alt-Wiedikon area, the City Council is underlining its commitment to sustainable urban development. This area, which includes industrial and residential zones, was specifically selected to test a wide range of climate protection measures under real-life conditions. The neighbourhood is to become a model for environmentally conscious coexistence, with the promotion of a sense of community playing a central role. The approach that climate protection is a shared responsibility is to be reinforced by involving all residents, regardless of their origin or professional background, in the project development.
One focus of the project is on the direct participation of neighbourhood residents. They are encouraged to contribute their own suggestions for climate protection measures and actively participate in their implementation. In addition, 15 initiatives will be proposed at the start, which will be tackled immediately. These include measures to reduce waste and promote sustainable nutrition in catering establishments.
The “net zero pilot district” not only serves as a testing ground for sustainable urban development, but also as a learning environment in which the failure of projects is also seen as a valuable experience. The successful approaches have the potential to be transferred to other neighbourhoods and thus contribute to achieving the city’s climate targets.
The City Council is providing a credit of CHF 7.7 million for the realisation of this ambitious project, of which CHF 3 million is earmarked for projects from local initiatives and a further CHF 2.5 million for participatory projects. Although the proposal is widely supported, there are also critical voices calling for a more detailed concept for implementation. However, the City of Zurich’s parliament, the municipal council, voted in favour of the city council’s plans by a large majority. With this project, Zurich is emphasising its leading role in the area of climate-friendly urban development and sending out a signal about the importance of local climate protection initiatives. -
JURA ECO3 – the visibly sustainable cement
Clinker is the most important component of cement and consists of ground limestone and marl, which is fired at 1450° Celsius. The carbon from the limestone is released into the atmosphere during the burning process. This accounts for around two thirds of CO2 emissions per tonne of clinker. Some cement manufacturers replace clinker with granulated blast furnace slag or fly ash in order to reduce CO2 emissions. However, these materials are available in reduced quantities or have to be imported.
“In our latest cement JURA ECO3, we are replacing a significant proportion of the clinker with clay,” explains Emanuel Meyer, Head of the Technical Competence Centre TCC of the JURA Materials Group. “Clay is fired at half the temperature of clinker and generates two thirds less CO2 emissions. We extract the clay from our own clay pit. JURA ECO3 cement also contains the least grey energy compared to all other Swiss cements. If a concrete is produced with JURA ECO3 cement, the total CO2 emissions per m3 of concrete are approx. 20 % lower compared to building construction concretes with Portland limestone cement.“
Certified and tested
JURA ECO3 is the only CEM II/C-M (Q-LL) cement approved in Switzerland with strength class 42.5 N, externally tested and certified in accordance with
SN EN 197-5. It is approved for building construction (concrete types A-C). “The product meets the growing demand for sustainable solutions,” explains Ralf Schumann, Commercial Director Cement of the JURA Materials Group, “whether from architects or investors such as cities and municipalities, pension funds and insurance companies, for whom the carbon footprint of a construction project is playing an increasingly important role. Thanks to JURA ECO3, they can significantly improve this.”
JURA ECO3 cement is certified by ecobau as an eco1 product. It is suitable for Minergie (A-/P-)-ECO projects and fulfils the 1st priority ecoBKP/ecoDevis. With its warm earthy colour, it also sets a visual example for sustainable construction. The JURA ECO3 cement will soon be available in the KBOB* calculator. This can be used to calculate the environmental impact of one m³ of concrete of your choice.
*KBOB = Coordination Conference of the Construction and Property Bodies of Public Building Owners
In addition to a small CO2 footprint, concrete made from JURA ECO3 cement with calcined clay has a warmer colour and also sets a visual example for sustainable construction. ECAP construction site, Couvet (zVG) -
Building materials and recycling industry join forces
The trade association arv Baustoffrecycling Schweiz and the FSKB Fachverband der Schweizerischen Kies- und Betonindustrie are joining forces for a sustainable future for the construction and recycling industry. They have joined forces to form the Swiss Building Materials Recycling Association, the new association announced in a press release. Baustoff Kreislauf Schweiz represents more than 1000 Swiss gravel quarries, concrete plants and recycling centres and thus covers over 80 percent of companies active in the extraction and recycling of mineral building materials.
Baustoff Kreislauf Schweiz is convinced that the future belongs to the circular economy. The association wants to use innovative technologies and methods in its own sector to extract mineral building materials in an environmentally friendly way and keep them in circulation. Gravel pits are to be renaturalised as habitats for flora and fauna once gravel extraction has ended. In this way, nature is “naturally integrated into the circular economy”, according to the press release.
At the same time, Baustoff Kreislauf Schweiz is focussing on supplying Switzerland with gravel and concrete. The large and localised areas required for the processing of mineral building materials are becoming increasingly scarce due to protection regulations and other uses, explains the association. It therefore wants to work to “ensure that the supply of high-quality building materials to construction sites remains guaranteed in the future and that these are professionally processed for reuse”.
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CO2 removal in building materials: CDR alliance grows
Over the next few years, NextGen CDR will purchase CO2 removed from the air and permanently stored in building materials (carbon dioxide removal, CDR) from the Bern-based company Neustark at 18 locations. The CDR alliance includes Mitsubishi, South Pole, UBS and SwissRe.Neustark will ensure the high-quality, permanent removal of CO2 from the atmosphere for NextGen CDR in the coming years. The two companies have signed a multi-year agreement to this effect, according to a press release.
The CO2 will be removed by Neustark at its sites in Switzerland, Germany, Liechtenstein, France, the UK and other European countries. The Bern-based ClimateTech company has developed an innovative process that captures biogenic CO2 at source.
“We turned the world’s largest waste stream – demolition concrete – and other mineral waste materials into carbon sinks,” explains Neustark’s Head of CDR, Lisa Braune. “Partnering with carbon removal pioneers like NextGen is critical to scaling the impact of the CDR industry.”
According to NextGen, NextGen has already removed 1500 tonnes of CO2. With 120,000 tonnes of high-quality carbon removal sold to various organisations, Neustark is among the top 10 worldwide.
According to NextGen GDR, the alliance was “developed specifically for corporate buyers committed to Net Zero targets. It makes durable, high-quality CDRs accessible at a target price of $200 per tonne.” NextGen CDR is operated by Zurich-based climate consultancy South Pole and Mitsubishi Corporation, and supported by founding buyers Boston Consulting Group, Liechtenstein-based LGT Group, Tokyo-based shipping company Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Zurich-based reinsurer Swiss Re and major bank UBS. NextGen CDR plans to purchase a total of 1 million tonnes of CDR by 2025.
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Sustainable properties are fit for the future
Residential and commercial properties need energy – and a lot of it. The Swiss building stock is responsible for 40 per cent of Switzerland’s final energy requirements and a third of domesticCO2 emissions. This is why property also plays a key role in the energy transition. However, striving for greater sustainability in the building sector not only makes sense from an ecological perspective, but also from an economic one. Investments to increase energy efficiency and switch from fossil fuels to renewable energies have a value-enhancing effect. And sustainable buildings are marketable in the long term. Migros Bank offers its corporate customers a free analysis to identify the optimisation potential in their property portfolio. Bernd Geisenberger, member of the Executive Board and Head of Corporate Clients, explains in an interview what opportunities sustainable real estate offers and how customers with a real estate portfolio can benefit from Migros Bank’s expertise.
What is a sustainable property?
Basically, a sustainable property is one that provides ecological, social and economic benefits in the long term. What this actually means for an individual building must be assessed on a case-by-case basis and cannot be generalised. The social and economic benefits in particular depend on the intended use of the building. This means that there can be major differences from case to case. In terms of environmental sustainability, the aim is to increase the building’s energy efficiency and reduce emissions, among other things.Migros Bank offers a free analysis of property portfolios. What is analysed?
Together with customers, we examine residential or commercial properties for sustainability, yield, potential and marketability. Together with property experts, we have developed a tool for this purpose. This tool shows which investments have an impact on theCO2 emissions of the property portfolio, as well as the income and costs resulting from these investments. It often turns out that an energy-efficient refurbishment or an early replacement of the heating system, i.e. switching from fossil fuels to renewable energies, has a positive impact on profitability.What follows the analysis?
A consultation in which we show our clients the opportunities and risks of their property. We also discuss possible strategic positioning of their portfolio on the market.You talk about opportunities. What exactly do these look like for sustainable buildings?
If the energy efficiency of buildings increases, energy costs fall. This is directly noticeable. Of course, the investments – for example in the refurbishment of the building – have to be amortised. However, expensive energy costs mean that the amortisation period is short in many cases. Increased energy efficiency also increases the market value of the property. However, the increase in attractiveness is not only noticeable in the event of a sale, but also for rental properties. The demand for sustainable buildings with low ancillary costs is high. Tenants are prepared to pay more for sustainable living space. In addition to these measurable benefits, sustainable buildings also offer opportunities that cannot be directly quantified, such as improved reputation. By investing in sustainable property, a company can position itself as a responsible player. This often has the effect of strengthening relationships with customers, investors and partners.The trend towards greater sustainability in the property sector is picking up speed. Will the wind change again?
Sustainability is not a passing fad, but essential in the long term. Addressing the issue at an early stage makes it easier to plan investments and thus increases the ability to act. Those who invest in sustainable property today are therefore better prepared for the challenges of the future. -
Dietikon’s facades to be greened for the Phänomena
Several organisations, companies and the city of Dietikon are calling for participation in the Phänomena Open Innovation Challenge “Vertical greening of facades”, according to a press release. The Innovation Booster Applied Circular Sustainability(IB ACS) and the Cleantech Hub Dietikon Limmattal(CTHD) are inviting people to take part in the Open Innovation Challenge. In addition to the IB ACS, a broad-based consortium focusing on the realisation of circular solutions, and the CTHD, an innovation network of companies, educational and research institutes, companies such as Gabs AG, a member of the Pestalozzi Group, and construction company Josef Wiederkehr AG are involved in the implementation of the challenge, according to the press release.
According to the press release, interdisciplinary teams are developing new ideas and concepts to ensure that more projects for the vertical greening of facades are realised. The teams will be supported by coaches and experts from the fields of circular economy, cleantech and digitalisation. The best proposals will be followed up and presented to the general public at Phänomena, which will take place in Dietikon in 2025/2026. A jury will award a grant of CHF 24,000 to the idea with the greatest potential so that a pilot project can be implemented.
The challenge begins with two workshops. The first will take place on Monday, 3 June, from 10 a.m. to 5.30 p.m. in Dietikon town hall. The problem will be discussed, a common understanding of the problem will be developed, initial solutions will be worked out and teams will be formed. On Monday, 17 June, the teams will work on generating concrete ideas, developing solutions and designing possible projects,
The application and registration period runs until Friday, 3 May 2024 and details are available in a flyer.
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Basel region becomes a hub for hydrogen
H2-HUB Switzerland, a business association based in Basel and founded in February, wants to turn the Basel region into a hydrogen hub for the country. According to a press release, green hydrogen is to be produced using solar, water and wind energy and distributed throughout Switzerland. This should support the goal of making Switzerland climate-neutral.
“The EU has been driving forward the development of a hydrogen economy for years,” said Dirk Mulzer, COO of Industrielle Werke Basel(IWB), in the press release. “Funding programmes have already been initiated throughout Europe. Switzerland must not miss the boat.”
In February 2024, IWB, the petrol station operator Fritz Meyer AG/AVIA, GETEC, Port of Switzerland, the energy company VARO and the Basel Chamber of Commerce therefore founded the H2-HUB Switzerland association in Basel. The aim of the association is to develop the Rhine ports of Muttenz BL and Birsfelden BL as a centre for the production, import and distribution of hydrogen for Switzerland.
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A step towards a fossil-free future
The city of Zurich’s energy planning envisages making better use of renewable energy sources in future. With an approval rate of 88 per cent, the voters of Zurich said yes to the CHF 128 million project loan for the Altstetten and Höngg energy network.
The urban areas of Altstetten and Höngg offer ideal conditions for an energy network. They have a high heat consumption density and are close to the heat source, the Werdhölzli sewage treatment plant. The commissioning of the Altstetten and Höngg energy network makes it possible to utilise the previously unused heat potential of the Werdhölzli wastewater treatment plant.
The temperature of the treated wastewater is between 11 degrees Celsius in winter and around 25 degrees Celsius in summer. Entsorgung + Recycling Zürich treats up to 80 million cubic metres of wastewater every year. Before the purified water flows into the Limmat, it passes through the waste heat utilisation building, where the heat is extracted. In the energy centre, heat pumps raise the temperature to the level required for useful heat.
Another heat supplier is the sewage sludge utilisation plant, which is also located on the site. The waste heat generated during the incineration of the sewage sludge is a valuable source of energy. Verbund utilises both the direct excess heat from the sewage sludge utilisation plant and the condensation heat from the exhaust gases. As the sewage sludge utilisation plant has temperatures of 70 to 80 degrees Celsius, it can be fed directly into the system without having to go through a heat pump.
In addition, the waste heat from ice production at the ZSC Lions’ new Swiss Life Arena is fed into the anergy network. From summer 2022, the Swiss Life Arena’s energy centre will produce cooling for the connected properties, which will be used to cool the offices and commercial premises. The cooling is produced using highly efficient heat pumps.
The Altstetten and Höngg energy network consists of various sub-perimeters. The Höngg and Altstetten Nord areas are largely connected to the energy network. In the Höngg-Zentrum and Altstetten Ost areas, implementation will take place from 2023 to 2032. -
CoolCity lake water network, an urban powerhouse
As temperatures rise, Zurich is seeing an increase in the use of air conditioning systems, which significantly increases the city’s energy requirements. CoolCity is responding to this trend with an ambitious concept designed to sustainably cover the energy requirements for heating and cooling.
A strategically positioned energy centre
A 4,000 m² energy centre is being built in the heart of Zurich, in the ewz Selnau substation. This serves as a central interface for the efficient distribution of heating and cooling and is a key element of the city’s energy supply network. The project guarantees an optimum temperature supply for its users: 67°C for heating and around 12°C for cooling, directly from the lake water. Temperatures adjusted on site by heat pumps and cooling systems ensure maximum efficiency and comfort.
A sustainable energy distribution system
At the heart of CoolCity is a sophisticated system of primary and secondary circuits. This structure enables the flexible provision of heating or cooling and is supplemented by energy-saving freecooling in summer. It is not only a project for the present, but also a forward-looking step towards Zurich’s goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2040. The use of deep water from Lake Zurich to heat and cool buildings reduces CO² emissions by an average of 80 per cent compared to fossil fuels.
Overcoming challenges
Despite widespread approval, ecological, legal and technical challenges must be overcome during realisation. Close collaboration between the experts at ewz, Anex and other stakeholders is essential in order to develop innovative solutions for civil engineering and the continuous energy supply.
CoolCity is scheduled to go into operation in stages from 2031. This will allow the system to be adaptively optimised to meet Zurich’s changing needs. Through this development, Lake Zurich will take on a dual function: in addition to a local recreation area, it will become the basis for a sustainable energy supply for the city.
CoolCity symbolises Zurich’s pioneering spirit and its efforts to create innovative solutions for a sustainable future. Through the intelligent utilisation of lake water for the city’s energy supply, the project sets new standards in ecological urban development. -
Increased efficiency in construction through negative emission technologies
In order to ensure a clear distinction between the greenhouse gas emissions of the building and the negative emissions, these should be reported separately. Offsetting at the building material and component level is not recommended. Although buildings with net-zero greenhouse gas emissions are not yet achievable, they could be within reach in the future if greenhouse gas emissions from the production of building materials such as cement, steel, brick or glass are massively reduced.
In order to significantly reduce urban emissions by 2035/2040, the implementation and accounting of negative emissions technologies (NET) in the building sector is essential. A recently completed study has developed methods for integrating NETs into urban carbon reporting and formulated clear recommendations for the building sector in Switzerland.
A key finding of the study is that biogenic CO² and CO² extracted directly from the atmosphere must be stored for thousands of years in order to have a lasting impact on global temperatures. Temporary storage is not enough, as it cancels out the positive effects of subsequent re-emissions. A binding guarantee of permanence is therefore essential to ensure recognised NET accounting.
The study recommends accounting for NET in accordance with the SIA 2032 and 2040 standards. To ensure transparent accounting, it is essential to distinguish between negative emissions and greenhouse gas emissions from the building. Offsetting at material and component level should be avoided. The SN EN 15804 standard has shortcomings, as it shows an even balance of biogenic CO² even with permanent sequestration. It is important to use clear and precise language to emphasise the credibility of the statements.
Timber construction offers the greatest potential for negative emissions. Other renewable raw materials such as straw or hemp lime are promising but not yet widely used. Research should focus on ensuring durability and increasing the contribution of forced carbonation in mineral building materials. Although a net-zero greenhouse gas balance for buildings is not currently achievable, an important step in this direction can be made by drastically reducing emissions in the production of building materials.
The study emphasises the need for increased efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, particularly in the production of building materials. It is recommended that local authorities provide financial support for the development of NET in order to achieve the desired climate targets. -
Switzerland Innovation Park Biel introduces advanced CO₂ emissions management
At a time when reducing CO₂ emissions is a top priority, Switzerland Innovation Park Biel/Bienne (SIPBB) is launching a pioneering solution on the market. With the introduction of this technology, SIPBB is setting new standards in emissions management. This software uses real data instead of industrial averages to calculate the carbon footprint of products, enabling companies to reduce their emissions in a targeted manner.
The implementation in the SIPBB offers industrial companies the opportunity to precisely quantify and verify the CO₂ values of each product. This is a crucial step in meeting the challenges of digital transformation and strict climate targets. Two specific use cases have been realised that show how the tool effectively links companies’ emissions with those from their supply chain to enable an accurate determination of their true carbon footprint.
The SIPBB’s Swiss Smart Factory in Biel offers interested parties the opportunity to test the application and effectiveness of the Siemens solution under real-life conditions. Dr Dominic Gorecky, Director, explains: “Customers can directly experience how the technology not only generates verifiable CO₂ certificates, but also creates the basis for sustainable production processes.” A practical example of this is drone production, which demonstrates how the tool enables sustainable production from conception to the supply chain.
In addition, interested industrial companies can book Marketplace services for various use cases and follow the certification process and data management. Stefan Schnider, Country Head of Siemens Digital Industries in Switzerland, emphasises: “The ‘Sustainability Journey’ is an integral part of our offering in the Swiss Smart Factory and is offered as a half-day workshop.”
Connecting the operating technology in production and the IT systems to SiGREEN is essential to ensure an efficient flow of data and automated collection of CO₂ emissions at product level. The necessary expertise in data integration is provided by NTT Com and NTT DATA, who are long-standing partners in the field of IT/OT convergence.
This SIPBB initiative, developed in close cooperation with Siemens Switzerland and other partners, marks an important step forward in the endeavour to reduce industrial emissions and helps Switzerland to make further progress towards its ambitious climate targets. A detailed presentation of the project is planned for the second half of 2024.
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World’s largest electric melting furnace for stone wool in operation
After a two-year construction period, the world’s largest electric melting furnace for stone wool was inaugurated today in Flums. This milestone marks a significant development for the Swiss stone wool producer Flumroc and emphasises its commitment to pioneering technologies. The new furnace runs entirely on electrical energy from Swiss hydropower, reducing CO2 emissions from the melting process by 80 per cent. This corresponds to an annual saving of around 25,000 tonnes of CO2, comparable to the emissions of 5,500 oil-fired households.
The opening ceremony was attended by more than 100 guests from the worlds of politics and business, including Federal Councillor Albert Rösti, who emphasised the importance of this investment for energy efficiency and environmental protection. He emphasised that such projects are crucial for reducing CO2 emissions and protecting the environment.
The electric melting furnace customised for the production facilities in Flums positions Flumroc as a pioneer in the stone wool industry. Damian Gort, Managing Director of Flumroc, explained: “With the world’s largest electric melting furnace, we are realising a technological feat that significantly improves the eco-balance of our products and makes an important contribution to an energy-efficient and sustainable building stock.”
The investment in the Flums site reinforces Flumroc’s commitment to regional production and ecological sustainability. “It is neither sensible nor ecologically justifiable to transport the voluminous product over hundreds of kilometres. Only through domestic production can we really guarantee a closed cycle,” says Gort. Flumroc has been producing stone wool in Flums for over 70 years and, with 225 employees, is one of the most important employers in the region.
The use of the new electric melting furnace makes Flumroc’s production process much more sustainable. Compared to conventional insulation materials, Flumroc’s Swiss stone wool now has the lowest greenhouse gas emissions from production to disposal. This consolidates Flumroc’s position as an environmentally conscious producer in the building materials industry.
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Urgent fight against subsidence; major cities are sinking
China has experienced an unprecedented construction boom in recent decades, which is now having serious consequences. Together with the sharp increase in groundwater use, this is causing the country’s cities, particularly the metropolises of Shanghai and Beijing, to sink noticeably. Experts warn that without appropriate measures, the situation could take on catastrophic proportions, similar to what has already been observed in Tokyo, where countermeasures were successfully taken.
The phenomenon of sinking cities can be observed globally and affects metropolises such as Venice, Jakarta, Bangkok and New Orleans. These cities are particularly at risk due to rising sea levels and simultaneously sinking soil. Without intervention, there is a risk of serious flooding. The cost of damage to infrastructure such as buildings, roads and supply lines is immense. In China alone, the annual damage costs amount to an estimated 1.5 billion dollars.
The causes of subsidence are manifold and include excessive groundwater abstraction, heavy construction and the draining of wet soils. A Chinese research team has analysed the effects of these developments in detail and presented alarming data: Almost half of China’s urban areas are sinking by more than three millimetres a year, and 16 per cent by more than ten millimetres. The problem is particularly acute in the megacity of Beijing.
The research carried out by Zurui Ao and his team at South China Normal University in Foshan is based on satellite measurements of 82 major Chinese cities. These show that around 29 per cent of China’s urban population lives on increasingly sinking ground, which equated to around 270 million people in 2020.
Massive groundwater extraction is a global problem. When water is replaced by air between sediment particles, these particles become more compacted, causing the ground to sink. This phenomenon is particularly pronounced in Jakarta, where the ground is sinking by up to 25 centimetres a year in some parts of the city. The consequences are serious: saltwater intrusion, destroyed infrastructure and considerable water losses are forcing the city to continuously pump affected areas dry.
This example shows the urgent need to develop and implement effective strategies to tackle this global problem in order to minimise long-term damage and risks.