immo!nvest – Die Plattform für Standorte und Immobilien

Category: Sustainability

  • Opening of the Innovaare innovation park

    Opening of the Innovaare innovation park

    The Innovaare Park, the largest innovation hub of its kind, was officially opened on 25 April 2024. Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin and other prominent figures from politics, business and research, including Dieter Egli, Vice President of the Aargau cantonal government, and PSI Director Prof Dr Christian Rüegg, attended the ceremony. The park, which is already 80 per cent let, serves as a strategic hub and is the largest tenant of the neighbouring Paul Scherrer Institute.

    Dr Christian Brönnimann, CEO of Park Innovaare, emphasised the importance of this facility: “The official opening of Park Innovaare is the result of a collaborative effort by many stakeholders, including shareholders, the canton, the federal government, investors and PSI. This collaboration has created a pioneering meeting place for industry and cutting-edge research.”

    Thanks to its direct neighbourhood to the PSI and the use of its research infrastructure, the Innovaare Park offers ideal conditions for technology transfer from science to industry. It focuses on key technologies in the fields of photonics and quantum technologies, life sciences, advanced manufacturing technologies, energy and sustainability.

    Andreas Rickenbacher, President of Switzerland Innovation, explains the overarching vision: “Switzerland is recognised worldwide for its innovative strength. Park Innovaare plays a central role in optimally networking our academic institutions with the economy and thus translating research results into marketable products and services.”

    Park Innovaare has already met with a high level of acceptance: “We have attracted 21 companies so far, including 15 spin-offs from PSI, ETH or FHNW, two technology transfer centres and several large international companies”, says Robert Rudolph, CEO of Park Innovaare. With a current occupancy rate of around 80 per cent, the park is already showing its best side shortly after opening and is optimistic about the future.

  • Site development – strategies for a vibrant city

    Site development – strategies for a vibrant city

    The city of Zurich is undergoing constant change, characterised by rising population growth and increasing demand for residential and commercial space. Balanced urban development that takes into account the needs of residents and incorporates ecological and social aspects is crucial.

    The Office of Urban Development plays an important role in the planning and implementation of this development. By coordinating public and private interests and developing urban development projects, the Office helps to ensure that Zurich remains a vibrant and attractive city. In doing so, it preserves the architectural heritage and creates space for forward-looking construction projects.

    The municipal structure plan is a key instrument for the long-term development of the city. It defines strategic goals and measures for sustainable site development and serves as a guideline for the coordination of various interests and stakeholders. In view of the projected population growth up to 2040, targeted planning and densification of existing areas is essential.

    The municipal structure plan defines areas that are suitable for structural densification, as well as areas for public open spaces, municipal buildings and facilities. The focus here is on creating a liveable environment that meets the needs of residents and enables sustainable urban development.

    Overall, site development and spatial planning in Zurich is a complex challenge that requires close cooperation between various stakeholders. The Office for Urban Development is committed to a balanced and future-orientated development of the city that preserves its identity and meets the need for living, working and recreational space.

  • CHF 2 million for the development of energy-saving lighting

    CHF 2 million for the development of energy-saving lighting

    LEDCity, a Zurich-based start-up in the cleantech sector, has secured 2 million Swiss francs as part of a further financing round. According to a press release, the company was able to secure a total of 5 million Swiss francs in funding within a period of twelve months. The secured Series A financing will enable LEDCity to further consolidate its role as a leading innovator in the cleantech sector, according to the press release. “With the new funding from our investors, we are well positioned to respond to growing demand and advance our mission to reduce dependence on fossil fuels by redefining lighting,” said Patrik Deuss, CEO and founder of LEDCity, in the press release.

    LEDCity has developed a lighting solution that aims to reduce electricity consumption by up to 80 per cent. The company wants to use it to replace traditional motion detectors in commercial buildings. The innovative system controls the lighting on site using sensors and algorithms directly in the light source. This means that each area of a building can be illuminated exactly as required. With the additional funding, the company aims to meet the demand for these intelligent and energy-efficient systems on the national and international market, according to the press release.

  • Site development – strategies for a vibrant city

    Site development – strategies for a vibrant city

    The city of Zurich is undergoing constant change, characterised by rising population growth and increasing demand for residential and commercial space. Balanced urban development that takes into account the needs of residents and incorporates ecological and social aspects is crucial. The Office for Urban Development plays an important role in the planning and realisation of this development. By coordinating public and private interests and developing urban development projects, the Office helps to ensure that Zurich remains a vibrant and attractive city. In doing so, the architectural heritage is preserved and space is created for forward-looking construction projects. The municipal structure plan is a key instrument for the long-term development of the city. This defines strategic goals and measures for sustainable area development and serves as a guideline for the coordination of various interests and stakeholders. In view of the projected population growth up to 2040, targeted planning and densification of existing areas is essential. The municipal structure plan defines areas that are suitable for building densification, as well as areas for public open spaces, municipal buildings and facilities. The focus here is on creating a liveable environment that meets the needs of residents and enables sustainable urban development. Overall, site development and spatial planning in Zurich is a complex challenge that requires close co-operation between various stakeholders. The Office for Urban Development is committed to a balanced and future-orientated development of the city that preserves its identity and meets the need for living, working and recreational space.

  • Modern e-commerce solutions for office furniture in the St.GallenBodenseeArea

    Modern e-commerce solutions for office furniture in the St.GallenBodenseeArea

    An online retailer from the St.GallenBodenseeArea, specialising in ergonomic office furniture, now offers its entire range exclusively digitally. The company aims to offer more favourable prices than the competition through direct sales and an efficient company structure, without compromising on customer service. The range includes ergonomic office chairs and desks produced in-house as well as a selection of products from other high-quality manufacturers.

    “We offer our premium products at significantly lower prices than other suppliers of comparable quality,” emphasises Christian Stiefel, co-founder of the company. “Our aim is to make shopping for office furniture a simple, intuitive and modern experience,” adds Jonas Romer, also a co-founder.

    The company’s products have received numerous awards and certifications, including the IGR Innovation Award 2023 for its office chairs and height-adjustable desks. Textiles carry the OEKO-TEX certificate and the wooden furniture is FSC-certified.

  • Value-added tax in the canton of Zurich – skilful solutions required

    Value-added tax in the canton of Zurich – skilful solutions required

    Pressure from the federal government
    The federal parliament has set the course with the revision of the Federal Spatial Planning Act (SPA) and the electorate has approved this amendment. Since 1 May 2014, the new Art. 5 para. 1bis to para. 1sexies RPG regulate the minimum requirements for the levy on added value.

    The amount of the added value levy in the canton of Zurich
    The canton of Zurich has fulfilled its obligation with the entry into force of the legislation on added value. A distinction is made between zoning and upzoning/rezoning. For single-zone developments, the canton charges 20% of the added value. The municipalities can stipulate a maximum levy of 40% for upzoning or rezoning. The estimated levy rates vary between 20% and 40%.

    When calculating the value-added levy, the municipalities can exercise a certain degree of discretion and allow certain deductions: Firstly, value-added levies of less than CHF 30,000 are not charged. In addition, the legislation provides for a flat-rate deduction of CHF 100,000. Furthermore, the municipalities determine an open area of between 1,200 m2 and 2,000 m2. Planning expenses can also be deducted from the added value.

    Assessment and legal protection
    In individual cases, the municipalities consult valuation companies to calculate the added value. In practice, it has been shown that these companies use their own databases, the data basis of which is hardly comprehensible for those affected. Nevertheless, certain corrections can sometimes be made at this stage. It is therefore worth examining such calculations in depth and analysing them.
    After granting the right to be heard, the authority determines the added value by means of a ruling. This can be appealed to the Building Appeal Court of the Canton of Zurich.

    Urban development contract – a useful instrument
    An alternative is the urban development contract (Section 21 MAG). In such a contract, the parties are free to agree on benefits in kind from the landowner instead of a payment. In this case, the added value and value of the services do not necessarily have to be estimated. In many cases, this gives the parties economic and spatial room for manoeuvre. Possible agreements could relate to the upgrading of publicly accessible areas, the promotion of public transport, participation in public facilities (e.g. crèche) or the creation of affordable housing. The landowner receives a means of upgrading their own development or its surroundings by offsetting the value-added tax to be paid; often a win-win situation.

    Solutions allow a lot of money to be used for your own development that would otherwise disappear into a state pot. It is advisable to consult a specialised law firm for the possibilities.

  • Timber construction company introduces new organisational structure

    Timber construction company introduces new organisational structure

    Pirmin Jung Schweiz AG, a timber construction company based in Sursee, wants to revise its organisational structure. According to a press release, the company is aiming for a flexible and agile structure based on the expertise of all employees. According to the press release, decisions will be made directly at the point of decision making, independent of a predetermined hierarchy. A management team of 16 people will take care of strategic decisions. At the same time, the new organisational structure will incorporate and implement ideas from all areas.

    “We are of the opinion that we can successfully master the increasingly complex tasks and issues for us as a company and in the projects if the people with the greatest expertise in the topic work on and decide on the issues in the spirit of Pirmin Jung,” company owner Pirmin Jung is quoted as saying in the press release. “The new organisational form is an agile organism that allows us to react flexibly to challenges and drive innovation. The projects and tasks that we work on as a company are at the heart of our organisation.”

  • Der Seewasserverbund CoolCity, ein urbanes Powerhouse

    Der Seewasserverbund CoolCity, ein urbanes Powerhouse

    Mit steigenden Temperaturen verzeichnet Zürich eine Zunahme von Klimaanlagen-Nutzung, was den Energiebedarf in der Stadt signifikant erhöht. CoolCity reagiert auf diesen Trend mit einem ambitionierten Konzept, das den Energiebedarf für Heizung und Kühlung nachhaltig decken soll.

    Ein strategisch positioniertes Energiezentrum
    Im Herzen von Zürich, im ewz-Unterwerk Selnau, wird eine 4.000 m² große Energiezentrale errichtet. Diese dient als zentrale Schnittstelle für die effiziente Verteilung von Wärme und Kälte und ist ein Schlüsselelement des städtischen Energieversorgungsnetzes. Das Projekt gewährleistet eine optimale Temperaturversorgung für seine Nutzer: 67°C für Heizung und circa 12°C für Kühlung, direkt aus dem Seewasser. Vor Ort angepasste Temperaturen durch Wärmepumpen und Kühlanlagen sorgen für höchste Effizienz und Komfort.

    Ein nachhaltiges Energieverteilungssystem
    Der Kern von CoolCity bildet ein ausgeklügeltes System aus primären und sekundären Kreisläufen. Diese Struktur ermöglicht eine flexible Bereitstellung von Wärme oder Kälte und wird im Sommer durch energiesparendes Freecooling ergänzt. Es ist nicht nur ein Projekt für die Gegenwart, sondern auch ein zukunftsorientierter Schritt hin zu Zürichs Ziel, bis 2040 Netto-Null-Emissionen zu erreichen. Die Nutzung von Tiefenwasser des Zürichsees zur Gebäudebeheizung und -kühlung reduziert CO₂-Emissionen um durchschnittlich 80 Prozent gegenüber fossilen Brennstoffen.

    Überwindung von Herausforderungen
    Trotz breiter Zustimmung sind bei der Realisierung ökologische, gesetzliche und technische Herausforderungen zu meistern. Eine enge Zusammenarbeit zwischen den Fachleuten von ewz, Anex und anderen Beteiligten ist essenziell, um innovative Lösungen für den Tiefbau und die kontinuierliche Energieversorgung zu entwickeln.

    Die schrittweise Inbetriebnahme von CoolCity ist ab 2031 geplant. Dies ermöglicht eine adaptive Optimierung des Systems an die sich wandelnden Bedürfnisse Zürichs. Durch diese Entwicklung übernimmt der Zürichsee eine doppelte Funktion: Neben einem Naherholungsgebiet wird er zur Basis einer nachhaltigen Energieversorgung der Stadt.

    CoolCity steht für den Pioniergeist Zürichs und dessen Streben, innovative Lösungen für eine nachhaltige Zukunft zu schaffen. Durch die intelligente Nutzung von Seewasser für die städtische Energieversorgung setzt das Projekt neue Maßstäbe in der ökologischen Stadtentwicklung.

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

    High-temperature heat storage could make the industry more sustainable

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

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

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

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

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

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

    The construction of a CO2-neutral cement plant in Lägerdorf

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

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

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

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

  • Chalberhau inert material landfill site in Rümlang to be expanded

    Chalberhau inert material landfill site in Rümlang to be expanded

    The Chalberhau inert material landfill in Rümlang is facing a necessary expansion in order to extend its capacity limits and ensure the disposal of non-recyclable residues within the canton of Zurich. The landfill site has a strategically favourable location near Zurich, which enables short transport routes. The existing site will reach its capacity limit at the beginning of 2024, making it necessary to plan an expansion.

    The draft of the cantonal design plan “Chalberhau landfill expansion” was developed in collaboration with owners, interest organisations, environmental associations, the municipal administration, the operator and cantonal authorities. In addition to the expansion of the landfill site, the plan also takes into account important environmental and landscape protection measures and defines the steps for reprocessing and final design.

    The planning documents will be available for public inspection by all interested parties from 19 April to 21 June 2024. This period allows citizens to express their opinions and concerns, which are then analysed by the relevant specialist departments and recorded in an objection report. The design plan is officially approved by the building authorities once this process has been completed. The broad involvement of the public and the extensive consultations in advance aim to find a balanced solution that takes into account both operational needs and ecological and social requirements.

  • Medusoil leads consortium to valorise construction waste

    Medusoil leads consortium to valorise construction waste

    Medusoil SA has been awarded the contract for a cooperation project to promote the utilisation of demolition and excavation waste in Switzerland, according to a press release. The contract was awarded by the Office for Innovation and Economic Development(SPEI) of the Canton of Vaud. Founded in 2018, the young company is a pioneer of innovative and sustainable binders for the construction materials sector.

    The collaboration involves partners such as Texum SA in Payerne, a company in the field of road stabilisation and fibre-reinforced concrete, and Argramat SA, a real estate developer with expertise in the field of materials. The consortium has set itself the goal of tackling one of Switzerland’s most pressing environmental problems: the upgrading of construction waste through the large-scale use of a recycling and biomineralisation plant.

    “Projects like these, which are carried out jointly and have an impact on sustainable construction, accelerate the transition to a sustainable economy and make an important contribution to the development of the construction world,” says Dimitrios Terzis, CEO of Medusoil. The consortium’s focus on waste utilisation fits perfectly with the growing need to tackle environmental problems in Switzerland and abroad, Terzis continued.

    The project fits into the framework of SPEI’s co-operation initiatives in the field of sustainable construction, according to the press release. The most important aspects of these include the establishment of a production line for new building materials or the valorisation of construction waste, the development of practices for the reuse, deconstruction, renovation and replacement of construction elements and materials, as well as the development of innovative construction techniques to improve sustainability.

  • Mild winter reduces emissions in the building sector

    Mild winter reduces emissions in the building sector

    Switzerland emitted a total of 41.6 million tonnes of CO2 equivalents of greenhouse gases in 2022, the Federal Office for the Environment(FOEN) announced in a press release on the Swiss Greenhouse Gas Inventory 2022, which was submitted by the FOEN to the UN Climate Change Secretariat in April. Compared to the previous year, Switzerland emitted 3.5 million tonnes of CO2 equivalents less in the reporting year. Compared to the base year 1990, emissions fell by 24 per cent.

    The building sector can take credit for the lion’s share of the reduction in emissions. At 9.4 million tonnes of CO2 equivalents, greenhouse gas emissions here were 44 percent lower than in 1990. “Due to the exceptionally mild winter, less heating oil and gas were burned to heat buildings compared to the previous year,” explains the FOEN. At the same time, its experts point out that the trend is pointing downwards despite a sharp increase in heated areas. This is due to improvements in energy efficiency and the installation of heat pumps.

    At 9.6 million tonnes of CO2 equivalents, the industrial sector was able to reduce its emissions by 27 percent compared to 1990. The transport sector produced 13.7 million tonnes of CO2 equivalents, which corresponds to a reduction of 8 percent compared to the base year. At 8.9 million tonnes, other emissions were almost 13 percent lower than in 1990.

  • Dormakaba scores with sustainability

    Dormakaba scores with sustainability

    EcoVadis has recognised dormakaba ‘s progress in sustainable development. Dormakaba has improved its overall score in all four categories – environment, labour and human rights, ethics and sustainable procurement – in a year-on-year comparison, the internationally active locking technology company from Rümlang announced in a press release. Having been awarded the gold medal for the third time, dormakaba is among the top 5 percent of the more than 130,000 organisations assessed worldwide.

    In addition, dormakaba was nominated by EcoVadis in the two categories Outstanding Programme Management and Best Mature Programme of the Sustain 2024 Achievement Awards of the sustainability ranking provider. “The fact that we were able to maintain our top 5 per cent position in the area of sustainability despite increasingly demanding criteria clearly shows our commitment,” said Stephanie Ossenbach, Group Sustainability Officer at dormakaba, in the press release. “Our nomination and leading position in industry ratings are further proof that our efforts in the area of sustainability have been recognised.”

    The gold medal from EcoVadis is one of several awards that dormakaba has received this year for its commitment to sustainability. Back in January, Institutional Shareholder Services awarded the company Prime Status in its ESG ratings. In March, dormakaba was awarded an AA rating by Morgan Stanley Capital International. This indicates “that dormakaba is one of the industry leaders in dealing with financially relevant ESG risks and opportunities”, according to the press release.

  • RTAG constructs new building in Altstätten

    RTAG constructs new building in Altstätten

    RTAG, a property service provider based in the St.GallenBodenseeArea, has broken ground on its new headquarters. According to a press release, the 1000 square metre office building was planned and designed by the architectural firm göldipartnerarchitekten ag from Altstätten. It contains 40 modern office workstations on three floors. The building itself is intended to be a functional and design focal point on Churerstrasse, one of the gateways to Altstätten, according to the press release. It is also characterised by its environmentally friendly construction. Heating and cooling will be provided by geothermal heat pumps and a photovoltaic system. The building envelope on the upper floors will be clad in wooden panelling. The surroundings will be landscaped with native plants and the roof will be extensively greened. The wood-aluminium windows used will also be designed to be environmentally friendly. The new building should be ready for occupancy in summer 2025.

    Roger Stieger, founder and third partner at RTAG, is quoted in the press release as saying that the decision to stay in Altstätten and plan a new building was a logical one. “Our roots are in Altstätten, we have grown from here and we want to continue to develop successfully from here in the future.”

  • NEST serves EU project as pilot plant

    NEST serves EU project as pilot plant

    The Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology(Empa) is part of the international consortium for the recently launched three-year HorizonEurope research project HEATWISE. The aim is to fully integrate the waste heat from these systems into the building technology in buildings with extensive IT infrastructure.

    “The goal is a zero-waste principle,” explains Binod Koirala from Empa’s Urban Energy Systems Lab in a press release. “This means that we want to recover as much waste heat as possible and integrate it into the building’s heating system.” In this context, the Empa team’s first task is to identify the potential for heat gains in Empa’s NEST research building. In addition to the waste heat from the microcomputing centre in its basement and the computers in the offices, the influence of people present on the room temperature will also be taken into account.

    The researchers want to use the data obtained in this way to derive predictive control algorithms that link the energy management of the IT infrastructure with the building technology. In addition to NEST, they will then be installed in three other pilot facilities: in buildings at Aalborg University in Denmark, in a car factory in Turkey and in an IT research and development centre in Poland.

    At NEST, the data centre’s air cooling system will also be supplemented by the newly developed on-chip liquid cooling system from Israeli project partner ZutaCore. The heat of up to 70 degrees recovered in this way can be used to power the showers in the building, for example.

  • Disposal security thanks to long-term landfill planning

    Disposal security thanks to long-term landfill planning

    The sustainable organisation of waste management and the careful use of resources are playing an increasingly important role in today’s society. In the canton of Zurich, this is clearly demonstrated by targeted efforts to promote the circular economy, which has led to a significant reduction in the amount of waste that ends up in landfill sites. Nevertheless, there is waste that cannot be integrated into the material cycle and therefore requires safe disposal.

    The canton’s Building Department has identified 23 new, suitable sites for landfills in an extensive and broadly supported process. These sites serve as the basis for a partial revision of the cantonal structure plan and make a significant contribution to securing waste disposal in the long term. The aim is to precisely determine future landfill volume requirements and at the same time select sites in such a way that transport routes for disposal are optimised and environmental impact is minimised.

    Particular attention is being paid to reducing waste from construction activities, which accounts for the largest proportion of landfill volumes. Significant volume reductions can be achieved through measures such as sorting construction waste and cleaning contaminated excavated material. From 2030, a significant reduction in the annual landfill volume is expected compared to today. Over a period of 40 years, it is estimated that a total of around 17 landfill sites will be required, strategically distributed across the canton to further improve the efficiency and sustainability of waste disposal.

    This long-term planning and commitment to a sustainable circular economy show how responsible behaviour and innovative solutions can ensure safe and environmentally friendly waste disposal.

  • Efficient utilisation of building heat – EMPA’s HEATWISE project

    Efficient utilisation of building heat – EMPA’s HEATWISE project

    At a time when sustainable energy management is becoming increasingly important, the unused waste heat from IT systems in buildings represents a considerable waste. Hospitals, universities and office complexes have extensive IT infrastructures that not only consume energy but also produce a significant amount of heat that remains largely unutilised. The Horizon Europe project HEATWISE addresses this challenge and brings together twelve research and industry partners from eight countries to develop innovative solutions for utilising this waste heat.

    The project, which was launched in early 2024 and will run for three years, is funded by the European Union under Horizon Europe and by the Swiss State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation. A key element of HEATWISE is the development of predictive control algorithms that not only link the IT infrastructure and building technology, but are also designed to enable energy-efficient, low-carbon and cost-effective operation.

    One example of the practical realisation of these goals is Empa’s “NEST” research building in Dübendorf, which serves as a real pilot plant. Here, the waste heat from a microcomputing centre is already being successfully used for heating, supported by innovative cooling technologies such as the “on-chip liquid cooling” system from Israeli project partner ZutaCore. This enables optimum heat recovery and the utilisation of the recovered heat for high-temperature-intensive applications, such as hot water supply.

    For specialists from the property and location development sector, HEATWISE not only offers insights into pioneering heat recovery and energy efficiency technologies, but also concrete application examples that show how IT infrastructures and building technology can be used synergistically for more sustainable energy management.

  • First Swiss Hydrogen Congress

    First Swiss Hydrogen Congress

    The first Swiss Hydrogen Congress took place in Yverdon-les-Bains on 28 March. The event brought together entrepreneurs, experts from science and industry as well as political decision-makers. The diversity of the speakers made it possible to cover the topic from numerous angles. The first Swiss Hydrogen Congress was organised in collaboration with Planair, CleanTech Alps and the Western Switzerland H2 Network and was a complete success.

    Hydrogen is not a panacea for solving all of Switzerland’s energy problems, but it does offer numerous opportunities. The first Swiss Hydrogen Congress saw fruitful dialogue and strong collaboration. This demonstrates the importance of the topic for Switzerland, and everyone involved is willing to work together to strengthen the country’s competitiveness and build a sustainable energy future.

    What needs to be remembered from this day
    Representatives from the energy, gas and industrial sectors, entrepreneurs and politicians all agree that it is essential for Switzerland to be connected to the European grid. It is crucial that our country does not miss out on this opportunity.

    Another important point is the demand for a clear strategy and suitable framework conditions on the part of the federal government in order to drive the market forward.

    Despite the existing operational challenges, the congress was able to draw positive conclusions from ongoing projects such as Green Gaz in Aigle and Hydrospider. Participants were given an insight into the development of hydrogen projects such as H2 Bois, Gruyère Hydrogène Power and Prhysm.

    In addition, aeesuisse presented its positioning on the topic of hydrogen with the publication of the brochure “10 points on hydrogen”.

    A passion that transcends our borders
    Hydrogen is a hot topic now more than ever. It is moving experts and politicians beyond Switzerland’s borders. In Europe, discussions about its opportunities and risks are accelerating and are in full swing. Switzerland and its pool of expertise have a key role to play here. “We are currently experiencing a strong enthusiasm for hydrogen, with major announcements at international level. Switzerland is a leader in innovation in many areas, such as compression and storage. We must therefore consolidate our leading position and not allow ourselves to be overtaken by our European competitors,” says Laurent Scacchi, Director of Western Switzerland at aeesuisse.

  • Glarner Kantonalbank seeks projects for sustainability award

    Glarner Kantonalbank seeks projects for sustainability award

    The Glarner Kantonalbank(GLKB) awards the Glarus Sustainability Prize once a year. With this award, GLKB aims to promote projects and initiatives by Glarus residents that contribute to sustainable development in the canton. The prize is endowed with CHF 10,000. According to GLKB, applications for the third edition of the prize can be submitted from now until 30 June.

    Projects that deal with at least one of the three pillars of environment, society and economy can be submitted. The environment includes the reduction of greenhouse gases and renewable energies, energy efficiency, conservation of resources, reduction of harmful substances or biodiversity. In the area of society, the projects should deal with fairness and justice, social commitment or the promotion of Glarus culture. For economic development, ideas are sought that contribute to the creation of local jobs or include sustainable business models with development potential and innovative technologies.

    Private individuals and legal entities such as associations can take part. Research projects and applications for scientific work are also eligible, provided they “have a clear sustainability impact on the canton of Glarus” or, in the case of supra-regional impact, the designated prize winners have a direct connection to the canton of Glarus, according to the press release.

    Last year, the Obstalden heating network won the prize. The heating network is fuelled solely by local and renewable energies and secures jobs. The project was selected from a total of 21 entries.

  • Freesuns receives 1 million francs

    Freesuns receives 1 million francs

    Freesuns SA, a Colombier-based start-up specialising in innovative solar tiles, has announced a capital increase of CHF 1 million. According to a press release, this includes a strategic investment by the Renens-based PHIDA Groupe. The collaboration opens up new perspectives for the future of renewable energies in French-speaking Switzerland. The family business PHIDA Groupe in Renens comprises 20 companies in four business areas: Construction, Events, Services and Investments.

    Freesuns believes in a world in which energy production is sustainable, environmentally friendly and aesthetic, according to the company’s website. For this reason, Freesuns has developed a range of special solar tiles that maximise the coverage of photovoltaic cells for every roof shape and style. To date, around 130 roofs in Switzerland have been covered in this way.

    “This capital injection will enable us to expand our business, push the boundaries of building-integrated photovoltaics and get closer to our vision: Solar roof tiles on every roof,” Deborah Learoyd, the managing director of Freesuns, is quoted as saying in an article on startupticker.ch. The start-up intends to use the capital to continue research and development in the area of software and hardware solutions and to expand its sales to new markets.

    “We are delighted to be working with Freesuns on its mission to revolutionise roofing materials with beautiful solar roof tiles. This will allow us to offer our customers the latest solar roof tile technologies and maintain our position as the market leader in the building envelope sector in French-speaking Switzerland,” said Bastien Sauve, CEO of PHIDA Groupe.

  • Sika takes over Kwik Bond Polymers

    Sika takes over Kwik Bond Polymers

    Speciality chemicals company Sika has acquired Kwik Bond Polymers(KBP), based in Benicia, California, according to a press release. KBP has specialised in the rehabilitation of bridge decks for over 30 years. Its polymer technologies provide durable protection for bridge decks and other concrete infrastructure.

    “The company’s recognised expertise in the US and impressive track record of long-term rehabilitation projects are a perfect fit with Sika’s culture,” said Mike Champion, regional manager at Sika America, in the press release. “By preserving and extending the life of our concrete infrastructure, we provide outstanding customer value and significant sustainability benefits to the construction industry.”

    In addition to its headquarters near San Francisco, KBP has additional production and storage facilities near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The acquisition expands Sika’s presence and expertise and strengthens its supply chain and service.

  • Lara Albanesi is the new Chairman of the Board of Limmatstadt AG

    Lara Albanesi is the new Chairman of the Board of Limmatstadt AG

    The newly constituted Board of Directors of Limmatstadt AG following the Annual General Meeting on 12 March has held its first meeting. According to a press release, it elected Lara Albanesi, Administrative Director of the Kurtheater Baden, as President. Managing Director Jasmina Ritz was also elected as Vice-President and Mario Okle, Mayor of Weiningen and CTO of Weytec, as Delegate of the Board of Directors.

    “The Limmat Valley is an attractive place to live, work and spend leisure time. The population appreciates this and views the entire region beyond municipal and cantonal boundaries. This holistic perspective promotes value creation and strengthens networking. That is why I am committed to promoting Limmatstadt as a business location,” Albanesi is quoted as saying.

    In the coming months, the Board of Directors will explore ways and means of laying the foundations for the continued existence of regional location promotion beyond 2024, according to the press release. To this end, a dialogue will be held with the municipalities and the business community.

    The Zürcher Planungsgruppe Limmattal(ZPL) planning association and four business associations from the region – Industrie, Dienstleistung, Handel(IDH) Spreitenbach, Industrie- und Handelsverein Dietikon(IHV), KMU- und Gewerbeverband Limmattal and Wirtschaftskammer Schlieren – have already expressed their interest in a continuation and joint organisation, according to the press release.

  • Wood City – a milestone for the cities of the future with wood

    Wood City – a milestone for the cities of the future with wood

    The renaissance of timber construction as a symbol of ecological building
    The decision to use wood as the primary building material is at the centre of Stockholm Wood City. This step reflects the growing awareness of environmentally friendly construction methods and emphasises the many advantages of timber constructions. In addition to enhancing the aesthetics of the urban space, timber buildings help to improve air quality, promote well-being, increase labour productivity and act as a natural carbon sink.

    “Stockholm Wood City is a manifesto of our vision for the future,” explains Annica Ånäs, CEO of Atrium Ljungberg. “The project not only marks a significant step forward for our company, but also sets a historic milestone for Sweden’s innovative strength.”

    Innovation and sustainability as guiding principles
    Stockholm Wood City goes beyond the mere use of wood as a building material and takes a holistic approach to sustainability. The project integrates advanced technologies to increase energy efficiency and promotes the careful use of resources through the self-production and shared use of energy as well as the use of resource-efficient construction techniques.

    As a flagship project for future-orientated urban development, Stockholm Wood City will not only enrich the cityscape of Stockholm, but will also provide significant impetus for the construction industry worldwide. With its fusion of innovation, sustainability and community spirit, it offers an inspiring blueprint for the design of future urban living spaces.

  • Local wood as the key to CO2 reduction

    Local wood as the key to CO2 reduction

    Switzerland, with a forested land area of around 30 per cent, has a valuable natural resource pool, the forest. In addition to its ecological importance for flora and fauna, the forest is also an important carbon store. During its growth, a tree absorbs CO2 and binds the carbon in the wood. By using wood in buildings or other components, the carbon can be sequestered over long periods of time, which helps to reduce greenhouse gases and minimise global warming.

    Martin Ziegler, Head of the Office for Forests and Game in the Canton of Zug, emphasises the need for demand for regional wood in order to fulfil the various tasks of the forest. Maintaining the forest is time-consuming and costly, so it is crucial that the wood produced finds local buyers.

    A website initiated by the cantonal forestry offices of Central Switzerland, Lignum Zentralschweiz and WaldSchweiz, aims to illustrate the links between forest management and the utilisation of wood. The website waldnutzen.ch presents six projects from the region and shows how the local wood cycle works.

    One example of the sustainable use of local wood is the “House of Wood” in Sursee, for which the builder Pirmin Jung deliberately chose to use local wood. The “Wood Tower” near the Goldau Animal and Nature Park in the canton of Schwyz also shows how wood from the region is used for sustainable construction projects.

    The canton of Uri recognised the potential of its forests early on and implemented measures to promote the forestry and timber industry as part of its government programme. The “Holzkreislauf Uri” project brings together all players in the value chain to promote the sustainable use of wood in the canton.

    Close cooperation between various interest groups, such as the Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts, the cantonal forestry offices and the timber industry, is crucial to the success of such projects. The joint efforts promote the sustainable use of wood and support the reduction of CO2 in the atmosphere.

  • WWZ begins construction of heat pipeline to Cham

    WWZ begins construction of heat pipeline to Cham

    The Ennetsee heating network will supply Rotkreuz, Bösch, Hünenberg See, Cham, Städtler Allmend, Äussere Lorzenallmend, Zug and Steinhausen with CO2-neutral heat energy from the Renergia waste incineration plant in Perlen LU. To this end, WWZ AG is now extending the district heating pipeline from Rotkreuz to Cham, according to a press release.

    In spring 2024, the installation areas for the pipelines will first be created for the Rotkreuz to Cham section. Construction will take place in stages. The pipes must be pre-stressed to prevent uncontrolled expansion. “We expect to complete the Rotkreuz-Cham stage in autumn 2026 and supply as many properties as possible with sustainable district heating,” Marcel Fähndrich, Head of Energy at WWZ, is quoted as saying in the press release.

    WWZ already commissioned the transport pipeline from Perlen to Rotkreuz in summer 2023. Some lines are already in operation in Rotkreuz. From spring 2024, the swimming pool and some private buildings and municipal properties can be heated with heat from the waste incineration plant.

    The Ennetsee heating network project aims to save 12,000 tonnes of CO2 per year in the future.

  • Partino and ecocoach agree partnership in the energy sector

    Partino and ecocoach agree partnership in the energy sector

    Partino Mobile Energie AG, an electric charging station company based in Oberentfelden, and the Schwyz-based technology company ecocoach have agreed a strategic partnership. According to a press release, both companies want to offer their customers a complex energy management system. Both companies are convinced that the partnership marks a significant step towards a sustainable energy future.

    It will combine the elements of photovoltaic charging stations and load management from Partino with ecocoach’s energy storage solutions and management systems for residential and industrial buildings. According to the press release, customers will be able to further increase their energy efficiency, optimise their own consumption and thus reduce costs with the innovative solutions from the cooperation.

  • Energie 360° supplies district heating to Effretikon

    Energie 360° supplies district heating to Effretikon

    The town of Illnau-Effretikon has concluded a concession agreement with Energie 360° for the construction and operation of a district heating network in Effretikon. According to a press release, the 50-year contract provides for the supply of district heating to around 3,000 households in the Vogelbuck and Watt districts, the industrial area in Bietenholz and the areas to the east and west of Effretikon railway station.

    Energie 360° supplies the district heating via a four-kilometre-long transport pipeline from its energy centre in Volketswil. Construction of the pipeline has already begun. The first deliveries are scheduled for the 2027/28 heating period. Development of the entire area is planned by 2030. Energie 360° is investing an amount in the three-digit million range.

    According to Mayor Marco Nuzzo, the heating network is an important step towards a fossil-free energy supply. “We support a sustainable energy supply because it is a basis for our city’s development strategy,” he is quoted as saying in the press release. Councillor Rosmarie Quadranti adds: “The energy network offers the population of Illnau-Effretikon heat from a local, renewable source.”

  • Pistor builds distribution center in Eastern Switzerland

    Pistor builds distribution center in Eastern Switzerland

    Pistor AG has broken ground in Sennwald for its new distribution center in Eastern Switzerland. According to a press release, Pistor will supply catering businesses, bakeries and hospitals in the cantons of Thurgau, St.Gallen, Appenzell Ausserrhoden and Innerrhoden, Graubünden, Glarus and the Principality of Liechtenstein primarily from Sennwald and no longer from its headquarters in Rothenburg.

    The new logistics building will cover 9,000 square meters and provide space for 16 truck ramps, logistics areas, offices and a truck wash supplied with rainwater. Solar panels will be installed on the roof. Part of the truck fleet will be electric. The wholesaler is investing 18.5 million Swiss francs in this project.

    Up to 24 employees are planned on site. Commissioning is scheduled for 2025. “For us, the start of construction is a moment we have been working towards intensively,” CEO Patrick Lobsiger is quoted as saying. “The Eastern Switzerland distribution center stands for the future orientation and innovative strength of our company.” The new head office enables more delivery days, shorter distances and, above all, sustainable delivery. Deliveries are made by rail at night before the goods are distributed from Sennwald by truck.

    “With this move, we are gaining another nationally active and innovative company in Sennwald,” says Sennwald’s mayor Bertrand Hug. “It is particularly pleasing that jobs will be created.”

  • More incentives for compact and ecological construction

    More incentives for compact and ecological construction

    At a time when the fight against global warming and the housing shortage is becoming increasingly urgent, everyone working in the construction sector is more challenged than ever. The building stock is responsible for a significant proportion of CO2 emissions and the need for new housing is growing faster than ever before. It is therefore essential to act quickly.

    Despite numerous initiatives and political initiatives, progress in solving these problems still seems to be too slow and the fronts are becoming increasingly hardened. Bernhard Lanzendörfer argues in favour of a joint search for quick, innovative, affordable and social solutions instead of getting lost in ideological standpoints.

    One example of an ideological standpoint is the petition by the Countdown 2030 association, which vehemently opposes the demolition of buildings. Bernhard Lanzendörfer argues that rigid ideas such as these will not solve the problems and calls for a differentiated view from a structural, ecological and social perspective.

    In view of the housing shortage, a substantial densification of living space is often only possible through the construction of replacement buildings. The building-within-existing-buildings approach quickly reaches its limits here, especially when it comes to modernising and adding storeys to existing buildings.

    In order to promote ecological and social construction, Lanzendörfer suggests that politicians should create concrete incentives. This could be done, for example, through rewards for the ecological upgrading of buildings or a higher utilisation rate for ecological flagship projects.

    In view of rising population figures and increasing urban sprawl, it is essential to build upwards. Although this may meet with resistance, according to Lanzendörfer it is the simplest solution for making better use of every square metre.

    It is important not to hinder innovative concepts with ideological barriers. The construction industry has already made great progress in the development of climate-friendly products, and politicians are also supporting the use of environmentally friendly building materials through new regulations in environmental protection legislation.