immo!nvest – Die Plattform für Standorte und Immobilien

Category: Sustainability

  • City of Zurich plans to invest 300 million in renewables

    City of Zurich plans to invest 300 million in renewables

    The city of Zurich should also be able to invest in renewable energies in the future. According to a press release, the city council is therefore proposing a framework credit of 300 million Swiss francs. Among other things, this is intended to finance the expansion of existing hydropower plants and the re-licensing of hydropower plants, alpine photovoltaic plants and wind farms. The framework credit should also enable the city to invest in companies that plan, build or operate renewable energy plants.

    It should also be possible to use the funds for investments by the city of Zurich’s energy supplier ewz in the expansion of renewable energies abroad. France, Germany, Norway and Sweden are currently the focus countries of ewz’s involvement abroad.

    This is the fourth framework credit for the expansion of renewable energies since 2008 and is intended to enable ewz to remain competitive. After the city parliament, the electorate will decide on the framework credit.

  • Innosuisse supports smartwindows

    Innosuisse supports smartwindows

    Innosuisse, the Swiss Agency for Innovation Promotion, is supporting smartwindows, a window construction company based in the St.GallenBodenseeArea. According to a press release, the development of the classico vinyl window, which was the first window in Switzerland to be awarded the eco1 certificate and was developed as part of an Innovation Booster, was recognised in particular.

    smartwindows intends to use the new investment to implement its Window 4 Zero Emission programme. If the proportion of recycled window profiles can be increased to 80 percent, CO2 emissions from residential buildings can be reduced by 10,000 tonnes per year. 60,000 tonnes of so-called grey emissions will be prevented and the circular economy established in the Swiss window market, according to the company’s press release.

    The advantages of the certified smartwindows-classico include its high proportion of 70 per cent recycled materials. Furthermore, the raw material is reused up to eight times. The window fulfils the high requirements of ecobau and Minergie-Eco and meets the first priority of ecoBKP and ecoDevis.

  • Revolution in descaling technology

    Revolution in descaling technology

    The build-up of limescale in appliances that work with hot water is a challenge that should not be underestimated, both in households and in thermal power stations. The conventional removal of limescale deposits is often laborious and, in the case of large systems such as power plants, involves considerable costs and energy losses. Researchers at ETH Zurich have now presented a pioneering technology that has the potential to provide a comprehensive solution to this problem.

    The scientists have developed an innovative limescale-repellent hydrogel coating that uses a microscopic ribbed structure to prevent the adhesion of limescale. This structure, modelled on shark scales, reduces the direct contact of limescale crystals with the surface, making it more difficult for them to deposit. Tests have shown that up to 98 per cent of limescale deposits on a surface treated in this way can be avoided.

    This breakthrough in material technology is not only able to increase the efficiency of heat exchangers in power plants, but also to extend the service life and functionality of household appliances. In addition, the environmentally friendly hydrogel offers a biocompatible and chemical-free approach to limescale prevention.

    The developers have deliberately chosen not to patent and have made their findings public, encouraging the application of this pioneering technology in the property sector and beyond. This openness could significantly improve the efficiency of building operation and management by providing a simple and sustainable solution to a widespread problem.

  • Holcim takes over roof greening company ZinCo

    Holcim takes over roof greening company ZinCo

    Building materials trader Holcim hasacquired ZinCo, according to a press release. The company specialises in advanced green roof systems. ZinCo is headquartered in Nürtingen, Germany, and has branches worldwide in Europe, Asia and North and South America. With its integrated green roof and solar systems, ZinCo expands Holcim’s approach to specification sales, according to the press release.

    “ZinCo’s expertise in roofing, from urban agriculture to stormwater management and biodiversity, is an excellent complement to Holcim’s existing roofing business and its overall mission to lead the transition to sustainable construction,” Jamie Gentoso, responsible for global solutions and products at Holcim, is quoted as saying.

    ZinCo, which will retain its brand name after the acquisition, has provided sustainable roofing solutions for a variety of projects, including the High Line in New York City and the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Centre in Athens, Gentoso added.

    With this acquisition, Holcim aims to increase the Solutions and Products division’s share of Group sales to 30 per cent by 2025 and to enter the most attractive segments of the construction industry, from roofing systems to insulation and renovation, according to the company statement.

    Headquartered in Zug, Holcim is one of the world’s largest producers of building materials. The company produces concrete, gravel and cement at 55 locations throughout Switzerland and turns demolition materials into resource-saving products.

  • ETH tests building materials with artificial sun

    ETH tests building materials with artificial sun

    ETH Zurich now has a laboratory in which researchers can test building systems, components and materials under various climatic conditions. The centrepiece of the Zero Carbon Building Systems Lab is an artificial sun, ETH explains in a press release. It consists of a swivelling arm with hundreds of powerful light-emitting diodes and can simulate the path of the sun at different locations around the world.

    In addition, the outer walls, ceilings and floors of the laboratory’s three research cells can be replaced with prototypes to be tested. Among other things, a semi-transparent façade made of printed polymer is currently being trialled, which is designed to shield or transmit sunlight depending on the angle of incidence. It was developed by a group of researchers led by Arno Schlüter. The ETH Professor of Architecture and Building Systems also initiated the Zero Carbon Building Systems Lab.

    “If you want to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from buildings, materials, building technology and the behaviour of the occupants all play a role,” Schlüter is quoted as saying in the press release. “In the Zero Carbon Building Systems Lab, we can research the interplay of these factors.” The new lab will also be open to external researchers and industry partners.

  • Venture Kick supports ceiling manufacturer Rematter with 150,000 francs

    Venture Kick supports ceiling manufacturer Rematter with 150,000 francs

    Rematter offers prefabricated wood-clay ceiling elements. The Zug-based start-up has received funding of 150,000 Swiss francs from Venture Kick for its further development. According to a press release, Rematter’s elements enable building owners, architects and engineers to easily comply with sustainable building regulations without having to compromise on the performance and price of traditional ceilings.

    The construction sector, which is responsible for 50 per cent of global resource consumption and 37 per cent of CO2 emissions, is heavily reliant on unsustainable reinforced concrete, according to the press release. Ceilings, which account for up to 65 per cent of building mass, are a major source of emissions. Rematter offers circular alternatives in the form of wood-clay elements. These reduce CO2 emissions by 80 per cent and energy requirements by 60 per cent.

    With its range of ceilings, Rematter serves the residential market as well as office and school buildings. The start-up company offers building owners, architects and engineers free structural design support, according to the Venture Kick press release. The housing market in European countries has an annual volume of 33 billion Swiss francs. The start-up intends to use the 150,000 Swiss francs to further automate the robot-assisted production of Rematter wood-clay ceiling elements.

    The founders and board members of the company, which was established in 2022, include CEO Götz Hilber, Chief Technical Officer (CTO) Tobias Bonwetsch and Nico Ros as a member of the Board of Directors.

  • Andermatt Swiss Alps can tackle Resort Dieni

    Andermatt Swiss Alps can tackle Resort Dieni

    The municipality of Tujetsch has granted Resort Dieni Development AG permission to build the Resort Dieni, Andermatt Swiss Alps, the parent company of Resort Dieni Development AG, announced in a press release. “With the building permit now granted for our pioneering project, we can realise a major construction project on the Grisons side of the Andermatt-Sedrun destination for the first time,” said Raphael Krucker, CEO of Andermatt Swiss Alps AG. A total of 13 buildings with 410 hotel rooms and 119 residential units for tourist use are to be built on the site of the current car park opposite the Dieni valley station by 2029.

    Andermatt Swiss Alps plans to start construction work in 2026. The company responsible for the planning, construction and operation of the year-round destination of Andermatt is focussing on sustainability in the construction and operation of the new resort. The plan is to heat the buildings with CO2-neutral wood pellets. In addition, 1500 square metres of solar panels are to be installed on around half of the roof area.

  • Young companies in the construction industry receive innovation awards

    Young companies in the construction industry receive innovation awards

    At the Swissbau trade fair in Basel, three young companies from the construction and property industry have been awarded prizes in the second Swissbau Startup Challenge. According to a press release, the business model, business plan and financial plan were taken into account in the assessment. The jury selected three companies that are working on innovative solutions in the field of sustainable construction from the 17 candidates taking part in the innovation competition.

    Irmos Technologies from Zurich, which emerged in 2023 as a spin-off from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich(ETH), impressed the jury with the development of an intelligent platform for building monitoring, predictive construction analysis and the safety of buildings, according to the press release. “Vibrations from daily information sources such as traffic, wind and construction work” serve as the data basis.

    Rematter, based in Zug, has been launching ceiling elements made of clay and wood on the market since 2022. The system, developed on behalf of the architectural firms Senn and Herzog & de Meuron, creates an alternative to concrete using locally available, low-carbon materials. It fulfils the highest requirements in terms of load-bearing capacity, fire resistance and sound insulation. The production process combines natural materials and robot-assisted high-tech.

    Oxara from Zurich produces cement-free aggregates. The ETH spin-off has been working on the development of an additive technology for the production of cement-free concrete from excavated material containing clay since 2019. Oxara also received the special Green Award, presented for the first time, which was created for special commitment in the area of sustainability.

    The award ceremony marked the end of the Swissbau construction trade fair. This was preceded by nine months of preparation. During this phase, the young entrepreneurs were able to learn from 13 specialist judges, experts and coaches from the Startup Academy, as well as work on and present their business ideas. The innovation competition is a joint project between Swissbau, Startup Academy, University of Applied Sciences Northwestern Switzerland and Standortförderung Baselland.

  • Corentin Fivet becomes the new head of the Smart Living Labs

    Corentin Fivet becomes the new head of the Smart Living Labs

    Corentin Fivet will take over as head of the Smart Living Lab at the Fribourg branch of the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne(EPFL) in spring. He has been a professor at EPFL since 2016 and, according to a press release, has developed pioneering methods for the reuse of concrete slabs, walls and beams made of wood or steel. The Smart Living Lab celebrates its tenth anniversary in 2024.

    When Fivet took up an assistant professorship at the EPFL in Fribourg, his field of research was still in its infancy, according to the press release. “It was easy to review the literature, as hardly anything had been published,” he is quoted as saying. At that time, the reuse of load-bearing structures was not as widespread as it is today. And the Smart Living Lab itself was also in its early stages. The Smart Living Lab is a joint initiative of three Swiss universities – EPFL, the School of Engineering and Architecture Fribourg(HEIA-FR) and the University of Fribourg.

    “We now have around a dozen research groups that have achieved numerous successes – including some that have been recognised internationally. My appointment as academic director of the centre marks the beginning of the next phase,” Fivet is quoted as saying.

    Fivet will take over as Academic Director of the Smart Living Lab on 1 April 2024 and will work alongside Martin Gonzenbach, who will continue as Operational Director. Fivet will continue to pursue the Smart Living Lab’s goal of serving as a catalyst for sustainability and well-being in the built environment, according to the press release. One of its first goals will be to expand the centre’s training courses for architects, civil engineers, construction managers and property managers.

  • AQUA4D has been treating water for 20 years

    AQUA4D has been treating water for 20 years

    The Valais-based water treatment specialist Planet Horizons Technologies is presenting the seventh generation of its AQUA4D water management system to mark the 20th anniversary of its launch, according to a press release. AQUA4D was first launched in September 2004 by the company based at the Ecoparc de Daval in Sierre in the canton of Valais. The latest product generation is the result of extensive research and innovation aimed at optimising water management in various sectors, according to the press release.

    “From Daval Ecopark, we continue to develop, test and assemble our products dedicated to the protection of water pipes in Switzerland and the optimisation of irrigation around the world,” the press release continues. “Thanks to in-house manufacturing at our Swiss headquarters, we can fully control our production processes and ensure optimal quality and efficiency,” said Nicolas Masserey, Production Manager at AQUA4D.

    Planet Horizons Technologies has equipped more than 100 public buildings in Switzerland with its sustainable AQUA4D water treatment system. The innovative technology can also be used to improve the water quality of hospitals and schools. The technology utilises electromagnetism using a patented method to remove limescale deposits and protect against corrosion and bacteria. The system can be used primarily in old buildings with long-standing pipework and in areas with high levels of limescale in the water. This not only improves the quality of drinking water, but also reduces maintenance and servicing costs.

    With experience from more than 5,000 systems installed in 45 countries, the company says it is also finding increasing favour in Switzerland.

  • Switzerland gets coordination centre for circular construction

    Switzerland gets coordination centre for circular construction

    Circular Hub has founded the Circular Construction Catalyst 2033(C33) association with the support of the Swiss Centre for Construction Rationalisation(CRB), Bauenschweiz, the CEA Lab of the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich, Circular Economy Switzerland and Eberhard Unternehmungen. It is open to other members and is intended to serve as a neutral coordination centre for circular construction for all players in building construction and civil engineering, C33 explains in a press release.

    The declared aim of the association is to contribute to establishing circular construction “as the new normal by 2033 at the latest”, said Marloes Fischer, co-founder of C33 and CEO of Circular Hub, in the press release. “If all players along the construction value chain cooperate in a coordinated manner, the transition to a circular construction industry will succeed,” says Fischer. “In order to maximise the willingness and commitment of the construction industry to help shape the movement towards circularity across the industry, we are taking the non-profit route with C33,” adds Michel Bohren, co-founder of C33 and Managing Director of CRB

    Prior to founding the association, the founders worked with representatives from the entire value chain in the construction sector to develop working topics and a strategy. At a kick-off meeting on 3 October 2023, market development, measurability of circularity, legislation, standards and regulation as well as knowledge building and networking were identified as the main levers for promoting circular construction, writes C33. As a first step, a learning network is now to be set up, among other things.

  • Winterthurs Innovationslabor Grüze – Vorreiter für zirkuläres Bauen

    Winterthurs Innovationslabor Grüze – Vorreiter für zirkuläres Bauen

    Winterthur bereitet sich auf die Eröffnung des bahnbrechenden Innovationslabors im Stadtteil Neuhegi-Grüze vor. Dieses Gebäude, das im Frühjahr 2024 seine Pforten öffnen wird, ist nicht nur ein Zentrum für Informationsaustausch, Veranstaltungen und innovative Bauexperimente, sondern dient auch als gemütliches Kaffeehaus und Begegnungsort. Mit seinem Engagement für nachhaltiges Bauen und seiner vielseitigen Nutzung wird das Labor die Entwicklung des gesamten Stadtteils maßgeblich beeinflussen.

    Im Zentrum des Projekts steht ein revolutionäres Konzept, das von der Stadt Winterthur, der Zürcher Hochschule für Angewandte Wissenschaften (ZHAW) und Holcim entwickelt wurde. Es basiert auf dem Prinzip des “Leihens statt Besitzens” von Bauteilen, wodurch eine nachhaltige Ressourcennutzung und eine signifikante CO₂-Einsparung erreicht wird. Die verwendeten CPC-Elemente, eine Innovation der ZHAW und der CPC AG, sind sowohl belastbar als auch filigran und ermöglichen eine Reduzierung des CO₂-Fußabdrucks um bis zu vierfach sowie Materialeinsparungen von bis zu 75%.

    Der Ansatz des Innovationslabors Grüze besteht darin, Bauteile als wiederverwendbare Ressourcen zu behandeln. Holcim übernimmt dabei die Verantwortung für die Demontage und Wiederaufbereitung der Bauelemente für den zukünftigen Einsatz. Dieses Konzept stellt eine Win-Win-Situation für Bauherren und die Umwelt dar, da der herkömmliche Gebäuderückbau entfällt.

    Die innovative CPC-Technologie, entwickelt von der ZHAW und unterstützt von Holcim, markiert einen Wendepunkt im Hochbau. Sie ermöglicht eine effizientere Bauweise mit reduzierten Ressourcen und bietet neue gestalterische Freiheiten, insbesondere bei der Integration von Haustechnik.

    Die erfolgreiche Umsetzung des Innovationslabors ist das Ergebnis einer engen Zusammenarbeit zwischen Partnern mit umfassender Fachexpertise. Martin Joos vom Tiefbauamt Winterthur hebt hervor, dass das Ziel von Anfang an war, Neues zu wagen und Nachhaltigkeit in den Vordergrund zu stellen. Das Innovationslabor Grüze spiegelt den fortschrittlichen, aufgeschlossenen Geist des Stadtquartiers Neuhegi-Grüze wider, das als eines der wichtigsten Entwicklungsgebiete in Winterthur gilt.

  • Swiss Sustainable Finance offers property investors a guideline

    Swiss Sustainable Finance offers property investors a guideline

    In its SSF Spotlight section,Swiss Sustainable Finance has published a guide for companies, banks, funds and private individuals who invest directly in sustainable real estate in Switzerland. Against the backdrop of the major contribution that the building sector must make to achieving the Swiss net-zero target by 2050, it offers guidance and recommendations for action.

    For example, it explains the most important frameworks for sustainability assessment and reporting, ESG (Environment, Social, Governance) and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and provides specific examples for the property sector. The publication also provides an introduction to the current and planned regulatory framework in Switzerland and the EU. It also provides an overview of national and international certifications, quality seals, benchmarking and monitoring instruments that measure the sustainability profile of property with regard to ESG factors, for example.

    According to the association, the benefits of a sustainable investment strategy could outweigh the costs involved “and ultimately have a positive impact on society, the environment and the valuation of the property portfolio”. A four-step approach is recommended for investors seeking guidance on implementing a sustainability strategy.

    This begins with strategy development and a portfolio assessment. In a second step, an action plan is formulated with specific improvement measures for the property portfolio. This is followed by continuous evaluation based on the predefined targets. Finally, transparency should be created by regularly communicating performance indicators and progress to stakeholders.

  • Circular economy in the construction industry pays off

    Circular economy in the construction industry pays off

    Incorporating the circular economy into building construction and urban planning could significantly reduce carbon emissions, according to a new white paper entitled Building circular: Maximising CO2 abatement and business opportunities: Maximising CO2 abatement and business opportunities). It was published jointly by the World Economic Forum and the consulting firm McKinsey & Company and presented at the annual meeting in Davos.

    The built environment currently accounts for around 26 per cent of the global greenhouse gas emissions that cause climate change. The white paper emphasises that by 2030, more sustainable circular approaches to consumption and production could save 13 percent of carbon emissions from the built environment. By 2050, this could be 75 per cent.

    This could result in annual net gains of 46 billion dollars by 2030 and 360 billion dollars by 2050. The calculations are based on an analysis of the CO2 footprint of six building materials: Aluminium, cement, glass, plaster, plastic and steel.

    “Newly conceived design, technology and innovative business models can significantly reduce waste, conserve resources and unlock economic value,” according to a McKinsey press release. It describes the white paper as a “call to action for leaders in the public and private sectors”. Lighthouses” or pilot projects that demonstrate the feasibility and scalability of circular economy models could also be crucial to the spread of better green building practices.

  • Ecocycle technology from Holcim receives award

    Ecocycle technology from Holcim receives award

    Holcim’s Ecocycle technology has been named a “beacon of the circular economy in the built environment”, according to a press release. This was announced as part of a joint initiative by the consulting firm McKinsey & Company and the World Economic Forum at its annual meeting in Davos. The award recognises pioneering solutions that demonstrate a novel, unique approach to the circular economy, proven and substantial impact of high value, and significant scale and maturity.

    Holcim already operates over 100 of its Ecocycle recycling centres. According to their own figures, they recycled almost 7 million tonnes of construction waste into new building solutions in 2022. This corresponds to over 1,000 lorry loads per day. This network is to be expanded to 150 locations by 2030. In Europe alone, the Group plans to recycle over 20 million tonnes of construction waste. Ecocycle makes it possible for concrete, cement and aggregates to contain between 10 and 100 per cent recycled demolition materials without compromising on performance.

    “With our advanced recycling of demolition materials, we can already reduce the carbon footprint of cement by up to 40 per cent,” Holcim’s Head of Sustainability Nollaig Forrest is quoted as saying. “This is just the beginning. With our innovations and partnerships along the entire value chain to further develop building standards, we want to accelerate the transition to circular construction in all the urban centres in which we operate.”

  • Implenia and Empa join forces for CO2-negative building materials

    Implenia and Empa join forces for CO2-negative building materials

    As Empa ‘s realisation partner,Implenia is building the Beyond Zero Unit in Empa’s NEST building in Dübendorf, the construction and real estate company based in the Glattpark district of Opfikon announced in a press release. The new unit will be used for research into CO2-reduced and CO2-neutral building materials. The Beyond Zero Unit will be integrated into the middle level of the NEST research and innovation platform.

    “We are delighted that Implenia is able to enrich the great research and innovation platform NEST with a new unit as a partner,” said Jens Vollmar, Head Division Buildings at Implenia, in the press release. “As a leading Swiss construction and real estate service provider, we are thus jointly providing important insights for the future, CO2-reducing construction and operation of buildings and infrastructure.” Implenia intends to use the knowledge gained from the Beyond Zero Unit for its own developments and planning.

    The new unit in the NEST building is not the company’s first collaboration with the research institute. “Implenia has realised pioneering sustainable buildings on the Empa Campus in Dübendorf, most recently a laboratory and office building and the first car park in hybrid timber construction in Switzerland,” explains Empa Director Tanja Zimmermann. “The fact that Empa and Implenia are also working together in research into innovative building materials with this new partnership and are investigating promising applications over a longer period of time on our NEST platform promotes the direct transfer of sustainable innovation into practice.”

  • Neues Lehrkonzept für Biodiversität im Bauwesen lanciert

    Neues Lehrkonzept für Biodiversität im Bauwesen lanciert

    Angesichts der zunehmenden Herausforderungen des Artensterbens und des Verlusts an Biodiversität, insbesondere in urbanen Gebieten, hat das Projekt Campus4Biodiversity ein Lehrkonzept entwickelt, das darauf abzielt, zukünftige Fachleute in der Baubranche zu schulen und zu sensibilisieren. Dieses Konzept, das in Zusammenarbeit mit dem Institut für Baustoffe und biobasierte Materialien (IBBM) der Berner Fachhochschule (BFH), dem Netzwerk für Nachhaltigkeitslösungen (SDSN Schweiz) und der Non-Profit-Organisation scaling4good erstellt wurde, ist nun öffentlich zugänglich.

    Das Lehrkonzept stellt eine Reaktion auf den alarmierenden Zustand der Biodiversität in der Schweiz dar, wo fast die Hälfte der Lebensräume und über ein Drittel der Arten bedroht sind. Barbora Starovicova, Leiterin des Projekts, betont die Notwendigkeit, das Bewusstsein und Verständnis der Baufachleute zu schärfen, um effektive Lösungen für diese Umweltprobleme zu finden.

    Das Konzept richtet sich an Dozierende und Leitende von Baukursen an Universitäten und Fachhochschulen. Es soll den Studierenden nicht nur das notwendige Wissen vermitteln, sondern auch praktische Ansätze bieten, um biodiversitätsfördernde Maßnahmen in und um Gebäude herum zu entwickeln und umzusetzen.

    Die Bereitstellung des Lehrkonzepts als frei zugängliche Ressource ist ein entscheidender Schritt, um eine breite Wirkung zu erzielen und die Bauindustrie in Richtung einer nachhaltigeren Praxis zu führen. Dieses Konzept könnte sich als wesentlicher Beitrag zur Bekämpfung des Artensterbens und zur Förderung der Biodiversität in städtischen Umgebungen erweisen.

  • Implenia kooperiert mit Empa und Eawag für NEST-Projekt „Beyond Zero“

    Implenia kooperiert mit Empa und Eawag für NEST-Projekt „Beyond Zero“

    Implenia, ein führender Anbieter im Schweizer Bau- und Immobilienmarkt, hat sich mit der Empa und Eawag zusammengeschlossen, um an der Planung und Errichtung einer neuen NEST-Unit namens „Beyond Zero“ mitzuwirken. Diese Einheit soll mehrheitlich aus CO2-reduzierten und CO2-negativen Baumaterialien bestehen, die während des gesamten Lebenszyklus von Gebäuden und Infrastrukturen getestet und bewertet werden. Zu den innovativen Materialien zählen unter anderem Wärmedämmstoffe und Zement, die CO2 aus der Luft binden, sowie lehmbasierte Mauersteine, die ohne Brennvorgang auskommen.

    Die Partnerschaft mit NEST unterstreicht Implenia’s Engagement in der Nachhaltigkeit. Das Unternehmen wurde bereits für seine nachhaltigen Bestrebungen von verschiedenen Organisationen wie Sustainalytics, Ecovadis und MSCI anerkannt. Jens Vollmar, Head Division Buildings bei Implenia, betont die Bedeutung dieser Kooperation für das zukünftige Bauwesen und die nachhaltige Entwicklung der Branche. Die gewonnenen Erkenntnisse sollen in alle Divisionen von Implenia einfließen, einschließlich in der Bewirtschaftung durch Wincasa und im nachhaltigen Immobilienportfolio von Ina Invest.

    Prof. Dr. Tanja Zimmermann, Direktorin der Empa, sieht in der Partnerschaft ein großes Potenzial für die praxisnahe Anwendung nachhaltiger Innovationen. Bereits realisierte Projekte auf dem Empa Campus in Dübendorf, wie ein Labor- und Bürogebäude sowie das erste Parkhaus in Holz-Hybridbauweise in der Schweiz, zeigen die Fortschritte in der nachhaltigen Bauweise. Diese neue Kooperation soll den Transfer innovativer Baumaterialien in die Praxis weiter vorantreiben und den Weg für zukunftsträchtige Anwendungen im Bauwesen ebnen.

  • NEST-Projekt setzt auf CO2-Speicherung in Gebäuden

    NEST-Projekt setzt auf CO2-Speicherung in Gebäuden

    In der Schweiz ist der Bausektor für rund 28% der CO2-Emissionen verantwortlich. Angesichts dieses hohen Anteils rückt die Idee, Gebäude als Kohlenstoffsenken zu nutzen, in den Fokus der Forschung. Die neue Empa-Initiative „Mining the Atmosphere“ zielt darauf ab, CO2 aus der Atmosphäre in Baustoffen zu binden und langfristig zu speichern. Das Projekt „Beyond Zero“ im NEST soll bis 2026 demonstrieren, wie solche Gebäude realisiert und betrieben werden können.

    Bestehende Technologien wie emissionsarmer Beton oder kohlenstoffnegative Isolationsmaterialien bieten bereits vielversprechende Ansätze. Reto Largo, Geschäftsführer von NEST, betont jedoch, dass das Ziel über das Erreichen einer Netto-Null-Bilanz hinausgeht. Die Vision ist es, Gebäude als effektive CO2-Senken zu nutzen. Gerade bei mineralischen Baustoffen wie Beton, einem der meistverwendeten Materialien, wird ein enormes Potenzial gesehen.

    Für die Entwicklung und den Einsatz neuer CO2-negativer Baumaterialien ist eine enge Zusammenarbeit verschiedener Experten erforderlich. Neben den Empa-Laboren unter der Leitung von Mateusz Wyrzykowski, Gruppenleiter Betontechnologie, wird das NEST-Team auch vom Architekturbüro OOS unterstützt. Andreas Derrer, Gründungspartner von OOS, hebt die Bedeutung realer Bauvorhaben hervor, die eine ganzheitliche CO2-Bilanzierung und Potentialanalyse ermöglichen. „Beyond Zero“ soll Antworten auf die Frage geben, ob und wie Gebäude zukünftig zur Senkung des CO2-Gehalts in der Atmosphäre beitragen können. Dieses Projekt markiert einen signifikanten Schritt in der Entwicklung nachhaltiger Baukonzepte und könnte weitreichende Implikationen für die Immobilienbranche haben.

  • Kriens electricity suppliers realise heating network

    Kriens electricity suppliers realise heating network

    The two electricity suppliers to the town of Kriens, Energie Wasser Luzern(ewl) and Centralschweizerische Kraftwerke(CKW), are also becoming heating suppliers: according to a press release, the Kriens town council has decided in favour of the Kriens heating network consortium with ewl and CKW following a public tender for the construction and planning of a heating network.

    The heating network will help to supply additional properties in Kriens, namely the Obernau, centre and Kupferhammer-Kehrhof areas, with thermal energy. According to the city council, this is in line with the goals of the city’s climate strategy to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions from buildings by 2045.

    According to the information provided, the winning project assures Kriens a high level of territorial coverage and provides for transitional solutions that guarantee the population a high degree of planning security for the changeover in their heat supply. CKW and ewl are planning their project with a broad mix of different renewable energy sources, including regional wood. According to City Councillor Maurus Frey, this will create an attractive offer “so that together we can take a step towards our climate targets”.

    In the upcoming construction work in Hergiswaldstrasse, the renovation work is to be carried out at the same time as the pipeline construction for the heating network, if possible. The city and ARGE intend to announce further details once the legally prescribed deadlines have expired.

  • Avobis sees positive trend in residential yield property for 2024

    Avobis sees positive trend in residential yield property for 2024

    In its Outlook 2024, real estate service provider Avobisanticipatesa favourable trend for residential yield properties. The forecast for 2024 is consistently positive, according to a press release. According to the forecast, the attractiveness of residential investment property is likely to increase again in anticipation of lower interest rates and due to positive fundamental factors, and buyers are likely to show greater interest. This is expected to lead to a revitalisation of liquidity on the transaction market.

    Despite a revitalised market dynamic, general price increases are not foreseeable in the near future. Institutional investors, who have supported the buyer side in recent years, could increasingly act as sellers. This is also due to the increased sustainability requirements. According to Avobis, environmentally conscious reorganisation of portfolios is leading to properties being sold and more sustainable properties being acquired instead.

    This could also be accompanied by a certain degree of volatility. Such market conditions would create opportunities that could be of interest to attentive investors. In the current market environment, residential property reportedly offers a wide range of attractive investment opportunities, from simple buy-to-rent models to construction and promotion through to the realisation of profitable usage concepts.

  • The property sector in Switzerland: challenges and opportunities in the age of the 10 million population

    The property sector in Switzerland: challenges and opportunities in the age of the 10 million population

    Switzerland’s permanent resident population is expected to pass the 9 million mark in the first half of 2024 and could reach the magical 10 million mark by the mid-2030s. This rapid increase is historically unprecedented and is mainly driven by international migration, while construction activity cannot keep pace.

    Since the rise from Switzerland’s 5 million in 1955, more housing has been created and transport infrastructure has been massively expanded, helping to keep rents rising only moderately in relation to wages. However, this era of falling housing costs, greater consumption of space per person and more comfortable living seems to be over. Due to the decline in construction activity, there could be a shortfall of at least 150,000 flats by 2034 in order to keep space consumption stable.

    This is likely to result in rents rising faster than incomes. Rents on offer could rise by a total of 25 to 30 per cent in real terms by the mid-2030s, similar to the situation between 2002 and 2012. Rents in central locations in particular will rise even more sharply than in the periphery due to high immigration.

    Residential property prices, whether for owner-occupied homes or multi-family houses, are also expected to rise faster than incomes at moderate interest rates. Prime locations will continue to be in high demand due to growth, and the agglomerations around the major centres will also gain in importance, which will increase the willingness to pay in these areas. Residential property could therefore build on or even exceed past increases in value.

    However, there are also risks. If the housing situation deteriorates for many households, politicians could introduce additional regulations, which would exacerbate the situation. In such a scenario, construction activity could decline further and the building fabric and sustainability could suffer, as there are no incentives for comprehensive and energy-efficient renovations. The future of the property sector in Switzerland therefore depends on a balanced political and economic development.

  • Neustark removes CO2 from the air for ZKB

    Neustark removes CO2 from the air for ZKB

    The climate tech company Neustark will permanently remove 4,200 tonnes of CO2 from the air for Zürcher Kantonalbank. This is provided for in the six-year contract that the company, which was founded in 2019 as a spin-off of the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich, has concluded with one of Switzerland’s largest banks.

    According to a press release, these are residual emissions that are unavoidable for ZKB and cannot be reduced in the future. According to Neustark, this agreement is “a strong signal to the market” that “more and more international and national companies are taking CO2 removal measures to achieve net zero”.

    “We are teaming up with neustark to have a large part of our residual emissions removed by their innovative and high-quality mineralisation technology,” Marit Kruthoff, CSR Manager at ZKB, is quoted as saying. “We are delighted to be working with a regionally based start-up like neustark to help scale up an innovative technology for the net zero target.”

    A total of 14 Neustark capture and storage plants are currently in operation. They remove around 5000 tonnes of CO2 from the air every year. More than 20 further plants are under construction in Switzerland, Germany and Austria. Neustark is therefore well on the way to achieving its goal of permanently removing 1 million tonnes of CO2 by 2030. Its customers include Microsoft, UBS and Verdane.

  • Swiss premiere 100% recycled aluminium for Green Metro Campus

    Swiss premiere 100% recycled aluminium for Green Metro Campus

    This is the third project in Europe and a first for Switzerland. Green has teamed up with Implenia, Ernst Schweizer and Hydro Building Systems to implement this innovative solution. The use of recycled end-of-life aluminium leads to a significant reduction of the CO2 footprint by a factor of 40 and more than 167 tonnes of CO2 emissions are saved.

    The 100% recycled aluminium is used in the façade elements and reduces the CO2 footprint by a factor of 40 compared to primary aluminium, without compromising on quality. Roger Süess, CEO of Green, explains: “We are constantly exploring innovative ways to use new materials and are delighted that we have succeeded in doing so in collaboration with our partners.”

    Aluminium is considered a pioneering material for sustainable construction due to its strength, lightness and durability. It can be recycled almost indefinitely, using only 5% of the energy required to produce primary aluminium. Due to these excellent recycling properties, aluminium is already seen as an important part of a circular economy and its importance in the construction industry is expected to increase.

    The façade elements for the new office building will be manufactured by Ernst Schweizer AG, while the aluminium will be produced by the Norwegian Hydro Group. This is currently the only manufacturer that can produce high-quality 100% end-of-life aluminium without the addition of primary aluminium and with a near-zero CO2 footprint. Although recycled end-of-life aluminium is currently available in small quantities and is associated with higher costs, the four partners are setting an example by using this promising material in Switzerland for the first time.

  • National Council against nationwide introduction of mandatory rental forms

    National Council against nationwide introduction of mandatory rental forms

    On Tuesday, the Grand Chamber rejected the initiative by former National Councillor Natalie Imboden (Greens/BE) – by 116 votes to 71 with 4 abstentions. A bourgeois majority from the SVP, FDP and Centre Party prevailed. The parliamentary initiative is now dead.

    Michael Töngi (Greens/LU) argued unsuccessfully that the rental form requirement would improve transparency in the rental sector. Today, prices are often increased when tenants change – resulting in a “far too high return”. By systematically disclosing the amount of the previous tenant’s or landlord’s rent, tenants would be able to defend themselves more easily against abusive rents.

    Philipp Matthias Bregy (centre/VS) stated on behalf of the majority of the committee that the cantons are already free to introduce a form for the initial rent of the previous tenant for their canton. Regulating the question of forms at federal level would contradict the idea of federalism.

    “All in all, the proposal creates more bureaucracy,” says Bregy. Tenants already have legal instruments at their disposal to contest the initial rent. He also pointed out that even in the cantons with mandatory forms, there had been no fall in rents or increased transparency.

  • Holcim and IUCN enter into partnership for biodiversity

    Holcim and IUCN enter into partnership for biodiversity

    The Zug-based building materials producer Holcim and the International Union for Conservation of Nature(IUCN) have agreed on a three-year partnership. According to a press release issued by the company, the focus will be on promoting a sustainable nature strategy based on measurable biodiversity and resource-friendly water consumption. The IUCN will pay particular attention to fresh water consumption in all stages of Holcim’s production. Together, the two partners want to raise awareness of nature among all stakeholder groups.

    “Nature provides the foundations for human prosperity and economic viability,” Dr. Grethel Aguilar, Director General of IUCN, is quoted as saying in the press release. “The commitment of companies to restoring biodiversity and protecting freshwater resources can be key to the well-being of our societies.”

    Nollaig Forrest, Chief Sustainability Officer at Holcim, is delighted with “the new era of close collaboration with IUCN for a strong positive impact on nature from biodiversity to water management”.

    The current agreement between the two partners is a continuation of the collaboration that began in 2014. This cooperation will help Holcim to present a project next year in which science-based targets for nature conservation will be defined for the first time. This project will be realized as part of the Science Based Targets Network (SBTN).

  • Forward-looking initiative for renewable energies in Switzerland

    Forward-looking initiative for renewable energies in Switzerland

    The development of robust supply channels for renewable fuels and chemical feedstocks in Switzerland is the focus of the “reFuel.ch” consortium. Supported by the Swiss Federal Office of Energy, the consortium, consisting of nine Swiss universities, universities, research institutes and an industrial partner, held its kick-off event on 8 December 2023. The initiative emphasises the urgency of climate-friendly measures and actively involves political decision-makers in the dialogue.

    During a state visit to Oman, a memorandum of understanding was signed by President Alain Berset to promote cooperation in the areas of sustainable energy and energy technologies. In this context, the “reFuel.ch” consortium received a “Letter of Interest” from the Omani ambassador, which emphasises the international importance and timely commitment of “reFuel.ch”.

    Subsequent concrete measures include a visit by a “reFuel.ch” delegation to Oman to discuss the production of sustainable energy sources and chemical feedstocks. These talks are part of a global effort to optimise production methods and develop more efficient manufacturing processes. Another project is being launched in southern Spain with the aim of increasing the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of renewable energy production.

    The consortium is also looking at domestic production, in particular the use of farmyard manure to generate energy and increasing efficiency in the production of synthetic fuels. Switzerland plans to meet its demand for sustainable fuels and chemical feedstocks by utilising solar energy production in sunny regions of the world and at the same time expanding domestic energy production.

  • Hamilton Bonaduz AG is making targeted investments in its future development

    Hamilton Bonaduz AG is making targeted investments in its future development

    The renowned Domenig Architekten have once again been commissioned to design and realise the project. Construction work is in full swing along the A13 motorway and in the immediate vicinity of the “1.0” building, which went into operation in 2018. The nine-storey building will be connected to the existing complex by a four-storey intermediate wing. The outstanding component of this new building is the 40 metre high-bay warehouse, which offers space for a total of 12,000 Euro pallets. The existing fully automated, rail-guided transport system will be expanded and the intralogistics will be seamlessly linked to the existing systems of building “1.0”.

    The modern appearance of this high-tech building is characterised by intelligent glass with an electrochromic coating. This glass, together with metal and photovoltaic panels, emphasises the vision of the Hamilton brand. The innovative glass façade darkens independently when exposed to direct or indirect sunlight and only allows 1% of the light energy to pass through when completely darkened. In order to generate and utilise electricity independently, a total of 5,400 m² of photovoltaic panels are installed on the roof and façade. In addition, heat energy and moisture from the ventilation system are recovered by a heat exchanger. The modern energy concept is rounded off by the use of a groundwater heat pump, which is operated by a heating network in Domat/Ems. The building will receive the coveted Minergie A certification.

    In keeping with the “Hamilton 1.0” project, the new building is being planned in detail from start to finish with the help of Building Information Modelling (BIM). BIM is a holistic working method for the integrated planning, construction and management of buildings. All relevant data is modelled digitally and all parties involved work synchronously with the same information.

    With “Hamilton 2.0 “, the BIM process is even continued consistently in the implementation phase: For the first time, the digital 3D BIM model is used exclusively, making conventional paper plans on the construction site obsolete.

  • Smartwindows receives eco1 certificate

    Smartwindows receives eco1 certificate

    The window manufacturer smartwindows, based in the St.GallenBodenseeArea, has been awarded the eco1 certificate for its classico PVC window. According to a press release, it is the first and so far only window in the country to receive this certification. According to the press release, the vinyl window is the result of the company’s efforts to plan and build in a particularly sustainable and environmentally friendly way.

    The advantages of the smartwindows-classico include its high proportion of 70 per cent recycled materials. Furthermore, the raw material is reused up to eight times. The window fulfils the high requirements of ecobau and Minergie-Eco and meets the first priority of ecoBKP and ecoDevis. According to the press release, the installation of the classico PVC-U window should contribute to sustainably designed, well thought-out buildings that are of better quality and have a long service life. The result is rooms with a healthy indoor climate, less CO2, grey energy and pollutant emissions. Windows play a key role in this, according to the press release.

  • ETH and Climate Foundation cooperate on innovations in construction

    ETH and Climate Foundation cooperate on innovations in construction

    The Chair of Building Technology and Construction(BUK ETHZ) at ETH Zurich and the Swiss Climate Foundation will be working together in future on climate-friendly building materials and methods. According to a joint press release, the cooperation includes the assessment of funding applications received by the Swiss Climate Foundation as well as publicising the funding opportunities and the innovations being supported.

    New climate-friendly materials and construction methods are necessary for the climate adaptation of the property sector. Innovative solutions need to be tested and demonstrated in pilot projects in order to make them marketable and publicised. The BUK ETHZ will assess the practicability of innovations in addition to the Swiss Climate Foundation and thus help to minimise the residual risk. The Climate Foundation could compensate for financial weaknesses.

    “Initial applications in the construction sector are always a difficult and risky phase for new products and methods,” the two lecturers Daniel Studer and Daniel Mettler from BUK ETHZ are quoted as saying. “With this collaboration, we can make an important contribution to the transformation of the construction industry. This is demonstrated by spin-offs such as FenX or Oxara from the ETH environment, which were supported by the Climate Foundation.”

    FenX transforms mineral waste into high-performance and sustainable insulating materials for the construction industry. Oxara develops cement-free admixtures and binder technology that enables the upcycling of construction waste and excavated materials in a variety of concrete and block applications.