Category: Sustainability

Consolidation in the Swiss label market

The handling of the Ecobau requirements, which sometimes formed the basis for the Minergie ECO label, has apparently not yet been finally clarified. As is well known, they have largely been included in the SNBS (Swiss Sustainable Building Standard), as they include topics that will become even more important in the future, namely the circular economy, gray energy, etc. – sustainable buildings are not just buildings that have been optimized in terms of operational energy .
And yet, this consolidation creates clarity in the market and is also a clear commitment to the SNBS, as a key benchmark in the Swiss construction and real estate market and an important instrument for implementing the Energy Strategy 2050.
Click here for the media release from the Swiss Federal Office of Energy

April 2022
Swissolar President Jürg Grossen in conversation

In the last year, the expansion of photovoltaics has reached a new record. Will this boom last longer?
Jürg Grossen: It still has to increase significantly, we have to expand two to three times faster than we have up to now. This is not an easy task. It needs the right funding instruments and incentives, then we can do it.
Which instruments are you thinking of?
Grossen: A mix of different measures. We must continue the one-time payment for new solar systems and see that there is enough money in the pot. Today, the extension is limited by the financial resources. We can prevent this by making the grid surcharge fund more flexible and allowing it to temporarily become indebted. And through a slight increase in the network surcharge – the statutory fee per kilowatt hour of electricity consumed.
In addition, we need incentives to further increase self-consumption of self-produced solar power. Today, under certain conditions, you can join forces within your neighborhood to use solar power together. We must expand these mergers. For example, to regional energy communities, which can also use the local distribution grid for a reduced grid fee. Last but not least, there needs to be a certain level of standardization in the purchase fees for solar power producers. Today in Switzerland, depending on the distribution network operator, there is a fee of between 3 and 20 centimes per kilowatt hour. This is difficult to explain.
All models for the Swiss energy mix 2050 now assume that photovoltaics will become the second pillar of energy supply alongside hydropower. Why has solar energy been given such weight?
Grossen: On the one hand, the prices for solar modules have fallen sharply and their performance has steadily improved. This makes the production of solar power cheaper. On the other hand, we have learned in recent years how much photovoltaics can contribute to the power supply. As an apprentice in the late 1980s, I installed solar systems on SAC huts. My boss at the time was convinced that PV systems could never be operated profitably on the grid. He died believing that. In our business, we only started planning PV projects again in the last 15 years, and over time we have seen that a huge contribution can be made – especially in combination with e-mobility. In addition, the PV electricity is produced exactly where it is needed, in the building.
In the future, Switzerland will primarily lack winter electricity. With which concepts can photovoltaics make a greater contribution to closing this gap?
We achieve the main share with systems on buildings in the mountain regions and in the Mittelland. The systems already supply 30 percent of the electricity in winter, and even more can be achieved with better orientation and the use of facades and balconies. In the mountains, the yield is twice as high in winter, but the costs are much higher for systems outside of residential areas. Therefore, one should primarily use the existing infrastructure – for example dams, cable car stations or hotels.
We will have far too much solar power in summer in the future. We have to convert it into synthetic gases or fuels.
And turn it back into electricity in winter?
Yes, sensibly in combined heat and power plants, where heat is also generated in winter. With a pure conversion back to electricity, the energy loss is very high. Some of it will also be used as hydrogen, which will reduce losses. For example in trucks or construction machinery.
You said that we need to expand two or three times faster. It is already difficult to find solar technicians today. How do we recruit the necessary skilled workers?
With Swissolar, we will start a program that will make it easier for career changers to enter this professional field. Because there will be industries that will need far fewer staff in the future, such as car garages, gas stations or the oil heating industry. It would be great if we could recruit these specialists for solar expansion. In addition, we want to establish training with a federal certificate of proficiency, so that training is possible straight from school.
The shortage of skilled workers is a major challenge. But we can also become even better as an industry. The assembly of solar systems must become more “industrial”. For the homeowner, it should not make a significant difference whether they have a roof built with or without solar modules.
The energy policy discussions in recent months have revolved primarily around security of supply and impending gaps. How do you assess the situation?
I am very glad that this discussion is finally coming to light. Because it is important and justified. The panic that some are spreading is unjustified. We will not be able to solve the problems with new nuclear power plants. In addition to building up a storage reserve for the winter, we have to start with the demand side in particular. Studies say that in the worst case, there could be a power cut for around fifty hours a year. There are enough consumers who would be willing to reduce their electricity consumption for a short period of time if they were compensated for it. So it's not just about additional production, but also about intelligent power consumption. In the future, electric cars will also be able to play a major role here. Because we will not only charge batteries, we will also be able to use them flexibly as storage. This is still not given enough consideration in the whole discussion on security of supply.
Many were very surprised at how quickly e-mobility has grown over the past two years. You are an electric car driver from the very beginning. Also surprised?
Not at all. But pleased and relieved. I bought an electric car in 2010 and saw how many kilometers I could drive with just a few PV modules. That was awesome. And the cars have gotten a lot better since then. Today, comfort in e-cars is better than in combustion-powered cars. We owe that to Elon Musk, who showed the industry how it can be done with Tesla.
What developments do you expect in the field of batteries?
I have become cautious with such forecasts. When it comes to PV modules and computer chips over the last few decades, we've always heard: it can't get any better or smaller. And we were repeatedly taught better by technological developments. That's why I don't see any hard limits as a matter of principle. Energy density and weight will be much better and electric cars will be cheaper than combustion engines in a few years.
One more thing is important to me. In the future, we will have to use the batteries more than once: ten years in the car, at least ten years in the building and only then for recycling. We don't need new batteries from the factory in the buildings or the district storage facilities, but can rely on batteries that have been discarded from the e-vehicles.
In your scenarios, you assume a significant improvement in energy efficiency. This topic has receded somewhat into the background in recent years. Do we need another awareness-raising campaign like the one we did when Federal Councilor Adolf Ogi demonstrated how we could cook eggs while saving energy? Or does technology solve all problems?
It's certainly not wrong to keep reminding people to use energy efficiently, but it's not primarily about making sacrifices. I still cook my breakfast egg according to the Ogi principle. That was a great idea. However, one must not forget that a great deal has happened in the field of energy efficiency. Today we need significantly less energy per capita. Consumption has become decoupled from population and economic growth. Total energy consumption has also fallen significantly in the last ten years and is now lower than it was in 1990. In addition, the energy efficiency of electronic devices has improved by 30 to 60 percent. And the end of the road has not yet been reached. The currently higher energy prices will certainly also help to make energy efficiency even more attractive.

April 2022
ACRON acquires certified sustainable office property in Leudelange, Luxembourg

“With our participation in the fully rented office building WOODEN, designed according to the ecological state of the art, we are offering German investors, among others, a direct investment in a sustainable property. By investing in this project, investors have the best prospects for a stable and promising investment," says Kai Bender, Managing Director of ACRON GmbH.
Wooden SA is the owner of the WOODEN office property, whose floor space of 9,462 m² is fully let to renowned financial companies. Among other things, the building will house the headquarters of Bâloise Assurances Luxembourg. The Baloise leases around 82 percent of the total floor space for up to 15 years. The remaining 18 percent will be used by the CLE (Compagnie Luxembourgeoise d'Entreprises) until at least the end of 2028.
The first wooden office building of this size in Luxembourg is a "pioneer project" at a desirable location in Leudelange. The growing importance and rapid development have already made Leudelange the most important conurbation in Luxembourg and one of the top locations for real estate in the country.
The tenants are expected to be able to move into their office space from the end of 2022.
This investment opportunity is open to semi-professional and professional investors from Germany via ACRON LUX REAL ESTATE I SCS (ISIN: LU2399210942), which was founded specifically for this purpose. After the investment in this club deal has been fully placed with 10 to 15 investors, the composition of the group of investors will probably not change until the exit. The company's goal is to develop WOODEN, hold and manage the property and later sell it for a profit.
BREEAM is the world's leading certification system for sustainable construction, which includes the entire life cycle of buildings – from new construction to use and maintenance. WOODEN was rated "BREEAM Excellent". The WELL Building Standard was developed to promote health and well-being in buildings worldwide. The types of wood used in the property come exclusively from sustainable forestry from PEFC-certified forests in the greater Luxembourg area. For every tree felled, one or two new ones are planted.

April 2022
Environmental regulations in Andermatt Reuss are met

The environmental monitoring in Andermatt Reuss has announced a positive result, according to a media release by Andermatt Swiss Alps AG . The intensified construction activities would have fulfilled the environmental requirements, it is said. At the start of construction of Andermatt Reuss, Andermatt Swiss Alps AG commissioned the engineering office Hodel Umweltberatung , based in Schaffhausen, to monitor and document the environmental impact.

As part of the environmental monitoring for 2021, the review extended not only to the operation of the Andermatt Swiss Alps Golf Course and the upcoming revitalization of the Dürstelenbach, but also to the construction measures for a podium extension and the construction of apartment buildings. The increase in construction activities has increased the number of inspections, but has not changed the result of a low burden on the environment, according to the statement.

The categories of immission control and measurements, water protection, nature conservation, butterfly monitoring and soil protection were examined in accordance with cantonal specifications.

From an ecological point of view, there is a positive finding for the operation of the Andermatt Swiss Alps Golf Course, which can be attributed to the protection and the practiced care of the nature conservation areas on the golf course.

April 2022
AMAG hands over award to Killer Interior

Killer Interior received an Audi Q4 e-tron as the prize for first place in the AMAG Group AG Family Business Award. According to a media release , the specialist for shopfitting and interior design had already won in September last year and was able to collect its prize at the AMAG location in Baden AG.

Killer Interior received the award for its “value-oriented corporate development” as well as the “inner drive and striving for continuous change”, according to the jury. Employees can continue their education at the Killer Lean Academy and receive “meaningful orientation” through the value of sustainability anchored in the company’s vision and mission. The company was founded in 1963 and is managed in the third generation by Marco Killer.

The second and third-place applicant companies Hobet from Oberkirch LU and Zenhäusler Frères from Sitten VS also received a car. Unlike Killer Interior, you can only use it for one year and not keep it.

The Zug-based automotive company AMAG’s competition for the Family Business Award 2022 runs until May 13th.

April 2022
Confederation provides cantons with work assistance on climate protection

The Federal Office for Spatial Development ( ARE ) wants to support the cantons in countering the spatial causes and effects of climate change, explains the ARE in a statement . It has created a working aid for the cantonal structure plans. With these structural plans, which are binding for all authorities, the cantons control their spatial development.

The working aid developed by the ARE is intended to supplement the existing guidelines for cantonal structural planning. It offers good and realizable practical examples of how spatial planning can meet the challenges of climate change. Both measures for climate protection and measures for adapting to climate change are discussed.

As an example of a climate protection measure, the ARE cites the promotion of walking and cycling as anchored in the canton of Geneva’s structure plan. This and “the planning principle of short distances” are “important spatial planning levers for climate protection”.

When it comes to adapting to climate change, the ARE cites an example from the canton of Schaffhausen. In his structure plan, he stipulated that areas in the settlement area should not be sealed if possible, so that the water can seep away and contribute to the formation of new groundwater reserves.

April 2022
New recycling center focuses on circular economy

The city of Zurich is planning to set up a sustainable, innovative recycling center on the Juch site in Zurich-Altstetten. It is intended to replace the Hagenholz recycling center. The city council has now approved an additional loan of 4.24 million francs for the implementation of the project, the civil engineering and waste disposal department of the city of Zurich informed in a statement .

The construction of the new recycling center is intended to serve as a pilot project for circular construction. On the one hand, the reuse of as many elements as possible from the Hagenholz recycling hall and other components owned by the city is planned. On the other hand, value is placed on a simple and independent renewal of components in the new recycling center.

The operating concept of the center is also based on the principles of the circular economy. It is planned to repair disposal goods as far as possible and to recycle them.

The new recycling center on the Juch site is scheduled to go into operation at the end of 2026. At a later date, the city of Zurich also wants to replace the Werdholzli recycling center with an equivalent recycling center in Zurich-North, explains the Civil Engineering and Waste Management Department.

April 2022
Super core residential real estate for return and sustainability

In order to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees, the world must become climate-neutral by 2050 according to the Paris climate agreement. Real estate investors play an important role in reducing CO ₂ emissions. According to the World Green Building Council, buildings cause around 40 percent of global CO ₂ emissions during operation and construction.
The 2050 climate goal represents a major challenge because it requires far-reaching measures in the building sector. At the same time, however, it also offers opportunities, especially when it comes to sustainable living space in popular cities. Based on particularly low-risk real estate in a prime location (core assets), in combination with the sustainability factor, one can speak of an up-and-coming “super core” asset class.
Investment decisions are increasingly being made not only on the basis of expected returns, but also on the basis of environmental, social and corporate governance aspects (ESG criteria). Therefore, fund managers go to great lengths to meet sustainability criteria and to communicate transparently. A lot of money goes into optimizing the ESG profiles of potential investments, for example in the form of green building certifications or the climate neutralization of entire funds.
But it is also clear that the industry as a whole needs clear rules if it is to fully exploit its potential to deal with the climate crisis. A corresponding legal framework offers a solid basis to support professional investors on their way to more sustainable decision-making processes.
Financial and social returns
This development also creates new investment opportunities, not least with the new asset class Super-Core. Residential properties in established urban regions with a strong ESG profile are sustainable per se – ecologically, socially and economically. They are also inherently low-risk, as sought-after residential areas in attractive cities have historically proven to be extremely crisis-proof.
Super-Core also offers the opportunity to generate a social return. Large investors are able to manage large housing stocks efficiently and professionally with digital support. This increases the residents' quality of life. They like to live in the neighborhood and move less often. This is all the more true when social infrastructure such as day-care centers, green spaces and local amenities are already firmly integrated during the construction phase. Investors, in turn, benefit from lower tenant fluctuation, a higher occupancy rate and a more sustainable environment overall.
Super-Core also means constructing buildings according to modern sustainability criteria. New near-natural materials and increasingly popular methods such as modular construction can massively reduce both CO ₂ emissions and construction time and costs. The components are manufactured in factories and then assembled on site.
It's not just about ESG
It would, however, be wrong to restrict the view to new buildings. Most of the houses that we will live in in the next 50 years have already been built. The sustainable renovation of existing buildings is therefore becoming increasingly important. While every building is different, there are many ways to achieve significant results at relatively low cost. The simple measures include changing the lighting, ventilation and insulation, modern heat and water supply and photovoltaic systems. Greenwashing and redevelopment just for the sake of rent increases must be avoided at all costs. Investors and tenants would rightly rebel.
As important as sustainability is, the appeal of super-core residential real estate lies just as much in its financial security. Aside from logistics, no other real estate market segment has proven as resilient in terms of cash flow and valuations as residential real estate over the past several years. The new Super-Core asset class is a real asset for real estate investors.

April 2022
SNBS certifications in Basel for sustainability

On March 30th, Stefanie Steiner, project manager of the certification organization SNBS, presented the certificate to the new cooperative housing project on Schorenweg in Basel and thanked the builder of the Northwest Housing Cooperative for the good work and handling of the certification.

In particular, great importance was attached to social values such as a multi-purpose room or residents’ café. The SNBS building standard is a building standard that covers the building itself and the site in the context of its surroundings. It enables the needs of society, the economy and the environment to be equally and comprehensively included in planning, construction and operation. The prerequisite for this is the view of the entire life cycle of a property.

The winning project, which emerged from a competition, is the final building block to close a vacant lot that resulted from the demolition of a former Novartis office building on Schorenweg. 94 apartments can be found in the buildings, which impress with their permeable structure and clearly defined outdoor spaces and passageways. The latter connect the different uses of the public, semi-public and private areas. The roofs accommodate a photovoltaic system with an output of approx. 230,000kWp, the settlement draws the electricity as a group for self-consumption (ZEV).

Due to the central location near the train station, the number of parking spaces tailored to the use and the numerous bicycle parking spaces, the requirements for mobility from the energy efficiency path can be met. A spacious bicycle storage hall and numerous above-ground parking spaces encourage the use of fuel-free means of transport and support the sustainability concept of the client and the canton. By taking into account the social and economic aspects, which are checked in addition to the energetic criteria in the SNBS building certification, the SNBS building certification is a perfect supplement to the Minergie-P-ECO certification. As a building standard, the SNBS building allows the Comprehensively incorporating the needs of society, the economy and the environment into planning, construction and operation.

April 2022
Uneco produces petrol and diesel from wood

Sursee-based Uneco Energie Schweiz AG is currently installing a pilot plant for the local production of synthetic fuels from biomass. The facility will be built on the site of the two Buttisholz companies Interspan Tschopp and Toma Holz . Uneco board member Peter Müller presented the project at the second energy aperitif organized by the Energie Hub Buttisholz association.

The “Putin-free” energy, as Müller described the new form of energy according to a report in the weekly newspaper “Anzeiger vom Rottal” at the energy aperitif, is to be produced primarily from wood residues. According to the information, the process is based on the technology of so-called thermochemical carbon conversion . The fuels kerosene, petrol and diesel are obtained from wood, biomass and other organic waste. Finally, activated carbon can also be produced. This could be used by the construction industry, for example, as insulating material.

The pilot plant is scheduled to go into test operation at the end of the year. Its expansion in the coming year is already being considered. With this pilot plant, Uneco wants to show how non-fossil energy can get from the laboratory into the local real economy.

The energy aperitif is organized by the Energie Hub Buttisholz association. The municipality wants to be CO2-neutral by 2035 and thus become a lighthouse project in the energy transition.

April 2022
Steinfels Swiss lays the foundation stone for a new factory

Steinfels Swiss laid the foundation stone for its new building in Winterthur on March 30, the Coop subsidiary, which specializes in the production of sustainable cosmetic and hygiene products for the retail trade, hospitals and gastronomy, informed in a statement. “With the new building, we are investing in the Winterthur production site and expanding our range of cosmetic products,” Christian Koch, CEO of Steinfels Swiss, is quoted as saying. “In this way we can meet the increasing demand for cosmetic products, especially for sustainable alternatives.”

In the new production building, the company wants to renew its cosmetics production and realign the production of detergents, the press release explains further. The internal flow of goods should be automated. The end of the construction work is scheduled for the end of 2023. The new production premises offer space for 150 employees.

Steinfels Swiss had the old production building demolished for the new building project worth CHF 35 million. The new building is intended to set “standards in terms of sustainability”, the company explains in the press release. On the one hand, it is built according to the Minergie standard. On the other hand, a large part of the required electrical energy is to be produced with the company’s own photovoltaic systems. Steinfels Swiss will obtain the thermal energy required for production from Stadtwerke Winterthur in the form of waste heat.

April 2022
Climate neutral by 2050

Many homeowners cannot afford a renovation. Long-term loans are now intended to support builders who want to make their property climate-friendly but do not have sufficient financial resources or prefer to invest their money in their core business. At least that's what the state wants. Whether and how this can be done remains questionable. Because the financial institutions intended for this, such as banks and insurance companies, are hardly interested in loans with terms of more than 30 years. The federal government therefore wants to act as a security guarantor. A pilot project in Berne is now to examine whether this financing idea is realistic.
The Zuger Energeek Group AG proposes another way. "With Energeek®, the solar panel with rental for you", she gets people to invest in solar energy, whether they own real estate or not. Energeek provides the solar panels and the real estate projects. Anyone who wants to invest can buy one or more panels online and then rent them out to a project company. Upon purchase, the buyer also benefits immediately from the one-time payment (EIV), the federal subsidy for solar systems. The panels acquired will be integrated into a larger panel network that generates electricity sustainably; the buyer of these panels thus becomes a producer of electricity through renewable energy with the right to rental income. A minimum rental price is guaranteed when the contract is signed. However, upward rent adjustments are possible at any time. For example, when the price of electricity rises with inflation. The purchased solar panels can also be resold, inherited or given away at any time together with the rental agreement and the associated rental income.
Another big advantage: so that solar panels and the projects work very efficiently, solar trackers are used whenever possible and in addition to the permanently installed PV area. With these, the panels are not permanently installed, but rotate according to the sun. This means that, for example, the morning and evening sun is also optimally used. Or discover the smallest gap in the cloud on a cloudy day and use it to generate electricity. This achieves an increase in production of an additional + 63% kWh on average. This in comparison to permanently installed solar panels.
Energeek Group AG presents the projects for which solar panels can be purchased on its website. The buyer can decide for himself which project the acquired panels should be rented to. For example, a project on a horse farm and hotel in the Freiberge is currently on offer. There, the group, together with its certified partners, will set up photovoltaic systems on a planned area of 1,590 square meters and thus supply the hotel building infrastructure, neighbors, heat pumps and e-charging station(s) with electricity. A panel in this project currently costs a little more than CHF 900, the annual rental income is CHF 82.50. A respectable return.
More information at www.energeek.biz

March 2022
Superblocks make cities more livable

A study by the Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Testing and Research ( Empa ) examined which cities have the potential to be transformed using superblocks. This means of urban planning can counteract increasing heat, noise and air pollution and dwindling green spaces due to climate change or population growth. Urban planning is key, study author Sven Eggimann is quoted in a statement by Empa: “The design and use of street space influences the quality of life of residents and has the potential to significantly improve the urban climate.”

Barcelona is a model for the formation of superblocks. There, ideally, 3 by 3 blocks and their inner courtyards are combined into a super block. The development traffic is routed around the outside, the inside remains completely car-free. Instead of streets and parking lots, bicycle paths and footpaths, green areas and meeting zones will be created. In addition, heat-reducing measures can be implemented.

According to Eggimann, the potential of this urban design is so high because streets make up a significant part of the total area in today’s urban areas. In European cities, this is typically between 15 and 25 percent.

Eggimann calculated the superblock potential of individual cities with values between 1 percent and a third of the streets. Cities such as Mexico City, Madrid and Tokyo showed the greatest potential. However, according to Eggimann’s study, cities whose streets are laid out less grid-like than in Barcelona are also suitable for super blocks: “This offers the opportunity to make urban districts more attractive by putting people and not vehicles at the center.”

March 2022
Implenia receives the highest rating for sustainability

The Implenia construction group was the first construction and engineering company to receive the highest possible rating for sustainability. The New York-based financial services provider MSCI ESG Research, which is primarily active in investment banking, raised its rating from AA to AAA. MSCI ESG Research provides research, assessment and analysis of companies’ ESG (Environment, Social, Government) performance.

“For us, the MSCI ESG rating AAA is further confirmation that we live sustainability, one of our five corporate values, successfully in everyday life and for the benefit of our customers,” CEO André Wyss is quoted as saying in a press release . “We not only develop and build sustainable areas in Switzerland and Germany, for example the 2000 watt-certified Lokstadt in Winterthur, but also support our customers in the planning and implementation of all questions relating to sustainable real estate and infrastructure.”

In its announcement, Implenia refers to the recognition of its commitment to sustainability through other positive external evaluations. Among other things, Ecovadis awarded the group silver status. In addition, Sustainalytics classified Implenia as the industry leader in 2020 with a “high 84 points”.

February 2022
MV Invest intensifies sustainability advice

MV Invest AG has bundled all activities related to the Swiss Sustainable Real Estate Index (SSREI) in a separate company, SSREI AG, based in Zurich. The SSREI was developed to assess the sustainability of the Swiss real estate portfolio and supports owners in aligning their real estate with the increasingly stringent sustainability requirements and in securing their long-term value.

Elvira Bieri, who already played a leading role in the conception and introduction of the SSREI, was won as managing director of the SSREI AG and has been taking care of all matters of the SSREI together with Geraldine Hug since January 1st, 2022. Elvira Bieri also acts as Chief Sustainability Officer (CSO) of MV Invest AG.
In addition, Ulrich Kaluscha complements the advisory team of MV Invest AG. As Senior Advisor, he will contribute his many years of experience in product and investment management of direct and indirect real estate. He will place a special focus on the integration of sustainability issues in the structuring and selection of indirect real estate portfolios.
MV Invest Managing Director Roland Vögele continues to see an increasing need for sustainability advice in the real estate industry. With the clear positioning of SSREI AG as a provider of a Swiss real estate sustainability index and the expansion of the MV Invest team by three employees who focus on sustainability issues, MV Invest is now ideally positioned in the market.
Source MVInvest www.mvinvest.ch

February 2022
Paperi's first "2000-watt area" in the canton of Zug

The paper mill shaped the community of Cham and the Zug West region for more than 360 years. A new living and working quarter with industrial charm is now being built on the former industrial site. Formative existing buildings are being supplemented with striking new buildings directly on the Lorze and implemented sustainably. The story continues and bridges are built between past and future, between people and nature, between living and working. “Sustainability” has played an important role as an overall topic since the beginning of the site development. As the client, the Cham Group committed itself to the goals of the 2000-watt society early on in the planning process and made the decision to use fossil-free heat supply out of conviction and even before the intention of certification. As the crowning glory of the ongoing sustainability efforts, the Papieri was the first area in the canton of Zug to be awarded the “2000 Watt Area” certificate today. On behalf of the Swiss Federal Office of Energy, Daniel Kellenberger thanked the Cham Group for their commitment and perseverance in not only talking about energy and CO ₂ targets, but actually implementing them with the “2000 Watt Area” certificate, among other things.

Zero CO2 emissions
The Papieri area offers completely new foundations for an energy-efficient, climate-neutral and sustainable society. This makes it a pioneering project throughout Switzerland. Practically from the beginning of the development of the site, the Cham Group decided to completely dispense with fossil fuels for heat generation and to rely fully on the favorable location factors with hydropower, geothermal probe fields and photovoltaics. The highlight of the area is the completely CO ₂ -free energy system. The entire energy supply on the site is based on 100% renewable energies. This is achieved by means of geothermal probes and a river water catchment, which each serve a central heating and cooling network via heat pumps. Thanks to a ZEV (association for self-consumption) with the renovated small hydroelectric power plant on the Lorze and large-scale photovoltaic systems of 6,500m2 on the new buildings, around 40% of the total energy required can be generated on site. “Moreover, other aspects of comprehensive sustainability are explored in practically every project, be it through “building recycling”, ie intelligent conversion of the existing building, the use of CO ₂ -optimized construction principles such as timber construction, or through intelligent sharing offers in the field of mobility,” explains Lukas Fehr, Head of Development at the Cham Group.

Lighthouse character for municipality and canton
So far, only 43 areas in Switzerland have been certified with this label by the Swiss Federal Office of Energy –
26 of them as a 2000-watt area “in development”. Government Councilor Florian Weber is also pleased that the canton of Zug is playing a role in this. “100 percent for 2000 watts: the Cham Group is opening up a new era of comprehensive and sustainable energy concepts for large-scale developments at the Papieri site,” says the construction director. As Energy City Gold, the municipality of Cham also celebrates the award of the papers as a “2000-watt area”. “The award is a seal of quality for the Cham Group’s site development, an incentive for others and at the same time corresponds to the community’s commitment to climate protection. After all, Cham wants to become climate-neutral internally by 2030; by 2050, “net zero” greenhouse gas emissions should even be achieved for the entire municipality,” explains Drin Alaj, Head of Traffic and Safety for the Cham municipality. And Mayor Georges Helfenstein adds: “We see the developments on the Papieri site as an opportunity and are pleased about this certification and about the new, vibrant and now also certified sustainable quarter”.

Marketing start of the first office and commercial space
On February 10, 2022, the rental of the shop, office and commercial space on the ground floors of the properties in the first construction phase, which will be ready for occupancy at the end of 2022, will start on the papieri-cham.ch website. The Papieri area offers space for every business model and company of different sizes. Not interchangeable and arbitrary, but sustainable, well thought out and in the middle of a lively district.

February 2022
When the current can be felt

Riccardo Pozzi is Head of Energy Management at Primeo Energie AG and responsible for procuring electricity, including for EKZ customers. To understand the price of electricity, you have to look at the prices for other energy sources. Because the price of electricity is closely linked to this. So let's look at the price of gas. Because it currently determines the electricity price and there is a lot to be read, seen and heard about it in the media: it is reaching record values. And a rapid price recovery is not yet in sight. "The reasons for this high gas price are, on the one hand, that the gas storage facilities could not be filled in the summer months," explains Riccardo Pozzi. The price of gas was already rising back then. In the hope of a price recovery, the annual filling of the gas storage facilities had been postponed. Added to the wait is the delayed commissioning of the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline. In the future, this will transport Russian gas directly to Germany via the Baltic Sea. However, political and legal issues have delayed commissioning until now. Thus, the demand is greater than the supply, which drives up the price on the market.
dependence of the electricity price
But what does the price of gas have to do with the price of electricity? Electricity is traded on various exchanges on the European electricity market. The price is determined by the most expensive technology used to generate electricity. This is because these power plants are deployed in the order of their marginal costs (variable costs). And so until the demand is met. The most expensive power plant used thus determines the price. This mechanism is expressed by the so-called "merit order curve".
“Currently, it is mainly gas-fired power plants that determine the price,” explains the energy specialist. This explains the sharp rise in electricity prices. But there is another reason for the increase in electricity costs: CO2 certificates. Power plants have to purchase certificates for the CO2 emissions they produce. These are also traded and their prices are largely influenced by the EU. As a result of the EU's ambitious emission reduction targets, the prices for CO2 certificates have also risen.
Electricity price prospects
"Currently, business customers on the open market who are still without a contract, i.e. customers with a consumption of more than 100 MWh, are feeling the high electricity price very badly," says Riccardo Pozzi and adds: "Up to now, many customers have hoped that the prices would would go down." Customers in basic services would have it better. Because while business customers buy electricity at the current price, the price for customers with basic supply is made up of an average over two years. "Our customers will feel the effects of the current electricity price trend in 2023 and 2024 through a major price increase," explains Karl Resch, Head of Regulation Management and Network Management at EKZ. "Since we have hardly any own production in Switzerland and are therefore dependent on market prices, our price increase will be somewhat larger than that of energy suppliers who have a large proportion of their own production," adds the expert. And he says: "These companies tend to have higher electricity prices over the years, but they don't fluctuate as much". EKZ will also be one of the cheapest electricity suppliers in Switzerland in 2022. The extent to which electricity prices will increase in 2023 has not yet been determined. Because the tariffs will not be determined until summer 2022. However, EKZ continues to work to keep electricity prices as low as possible.
Composition of the electricity price
If you want to know how the electricity price is made up, read the article on energie-experten.ch by Claudio Maag, Deputy Head of Network Management and Regulatory Management at EKZ.

February 2022
2. Global Real Estate Run in Switzerland – Get on the move!

After the endlessly long home office and shutdown time, the 1st Global Real Estate Run (impressions: https://globalrealestaterun.com/socialmediawall) came at the start of the year, in order to exchange ideas with like-minded people, and to do more than just active team building To do something good for oneself, but also for the environment: “Around 1400 participants from 46 countries modified the Global Run to meet their individual needs,” says the initiator Mario Facchinetti. “Once again, it is important to complete six kilometers in a time window of 24 hours: every participant is free to run, run or walk. Anyone can take part, free of charge – anywhere in the world. ” The run is of course 100 percent corona compliant. The six kilometers can be completed on a route of your choice, regardless of location. Registration on the Globalrealestaterun.com website is required to participate. Each participant then has access to a geotagged app that accompanies the event interactively.

Promote sustainability
Not only real estate professionals take part in the Global Real Estate Run, but also tenants and owners. The “team event of a different kind” is not only health-promoting, but also provides a topic of conversation. And by the way, you are also doing something good for the environment. Thanks to the collaboration with Unispace, Key4 by UBS, Immo! Invest, PropTechMarket, Schäppi Grundstücke and “There for Trees”, a tree is now being planted for every kilometer covered. Well: If these are not enough good reasons to be active to register for the next event and to make a contribution to more sustainability and innovation in the real estate industry.

Registration and more information: https://globalrealestaterun.com
Impressions:https://globalrealestaterun.com/socialmediawall
Media kit: https://globalrealestaterun.com/mediakit
Contact person: Mario Facchinetti, initiator, mail@globalrealestaterun.com

October 2021
Holcim wants to reduce marine litter

Holcim , the subsidiary Geocycle and the German Society for International Cooperation ( GIZ ) want to jointly advance the circular economy in order to reduce pollution of the oceans. For this purpose they have entered into a partnership.

According to a press release from Holcim, this strategic alliance focuses on reducing plastic and marine litter in India, Mexico, Morocco and the Philippines. Waste management is to be improved in the coastal communities there. It is also planned to set up equipment for material recovery. In addition, the partners want to start awareness campaigns and involve the tourism and hotel industries.

The participating municipalities are to be involved in the collection of large quantities of plastics for recycling or co-recycling for energy generation. This should give employees access to the legal labor market, better wages and social protection benefits.

Holcim already worked with GIZ and the Northwestern Switzerland University of Applied Sciences last year. At that time, the organizations jointly revised the guidelines for recycling waste in cement production. In the waste and cement industry, they are considered a reference document for safe and environmentally sound waste management.

September 2021
Empa proposes a plan for building renovation

The Dübendorfer Urban Energy Systems Laboratory of the Eidgenössische Materialprüfungs- und Forschungsanstalt ( Empa ) has developed measures to reduce the greenhouse gases of the 1.8 million buildings in the country. The laboratory wants to show what the appropriate steps are and in which order they should be taken, it says in a message . The goal is a decisive reduction in CO2 emissions for heating and cooling in order to achieve Switzerland's net zero target by 2050. If the ecological renovation of the building stock progressed at the current pace, it would take another 100 years, Empa calculates.

Led by Kristine Orehounig, the researchers used data mining to divide all residential and commercial buildings in Switzerland into over 100 archetypes, depending on the year of construction, heating type, location and number of users. Then all of them were checked for their suitability for photovoltaics and connection to a heating network.

According to Empa, this sorting work has shown that it is worthwhile to start renovating the roofs and windows of older buildings particularly quickly. This should be followed by the renovation of heating systems in almost all house types. It is important to replace fossil fuels as quickly as possible with photovoltaics on roofs and facades. The research team recommends generating heat using heat pumps and biomass heating. "If the proposed measures are taken," believes Kristine Orehounig, "the greenhouse emissions in Switzerland's existing building stock can be reduced by 60 to 80 percent".

August 2021
Canton of Zurich combats overheating of the settlement area

The canton of Zurich wants to reduce the heat load in the canton’s settlement areas. To this end, the canton is making a new website called Heat in the settlement area available, informs the canton administration in a message . The site offers an interactive tool with which the current climate situation for any area can be analyzed. The website also has recommendations and specific measures against overheating for any further development of the selected area.

In addition, examples of climate-adapted settlement development are presented on the new website. 18 possible measures are shown with which the climatic situation in urban planning, buildings and open spaces can be improved.

The canton also provides a digital application that can be used to examine and visualize measurement data on the air temperature from around 50 locations in the canton, explains the cantonal administration. For this purpose, the application is based on a measuring network operated by the cantonal office for waste, water, energy and air for two years. The digital tool is intended to contribute to a better analysis of heat waves and the effect of urban development measures on heat reduction.

August 2021
Kompotoi is a finalist in the Swiss Excellence Product Award

Kompotoi is among the six finalists for the Swiss Excellence Product Award 2021 . Swiss Excellence has now announced this. The Zurich start-up convinced the jury with its mobile and sustainability-focused composting toilets. The award ceremony will take place on September 16 in the Technopark Winterthur. With the Swiss Excellence Product Award, the Swiss Excellence Foundation claims to make a contribution to promoting entrepreneurship and Switzerland as a technology and innovation location.

Kompotoi says it offers a “beautiful, user-friendly and sustainable alternative” to conventional toilets. They are “absolutely odor-free” and are made from wood “by hand in Switzerland”. You can get by without plastic, chemicals, electricity and flushing water. “We have developed a better solution than the conventional one for the mobile toilet area. It’s simple and obvious. That is why customers are enthusiastic about our product, ”said Kompotoi in his presentation for the Green Business Award , for which the company has also been nominated.

Instead, the collected residues are converted into stable humus soil using a combined process technology of fermentation and composting. “One kilo of compost stores an average of 0.2 kg of CO2,” said Kompotoi when asked about the environmental benefits of their product. “Kompotoi produced around 100 tons of compost in 2019, that’s around 20,000 kilograms of stored CO2. If all mobile toilets in Switzerland were operated as compost toilets, 13,200 tons of CO2 could be sustainably stored in the soil. “

Kompotoi rents out its wooden toilets for larger festivals, for example. The company is also planning systems in the public sector or for single and multi-family houses. Kompotoi also sells toilet solutions for garden houses, hunting lodges and alpine huts.

With Kompotoi, two more start-ups are competing for the Swiss Excellence Product Award: Hivewatch and Smartbreed . Three companies have also been nominated in the SME category: Advanced Osteotomy Tools – AOT AG , Qumea and Rheonics . All start-up finalists are already supported with a three-year coaching from the start-up sponsor genisuisse .

August 2021
Graubünden promotes recyclable building materials

Graubünden wants to increase the demand for recycled building materials. As the Canton now tells , he has to this end, together with the Association of Grisons concrete and gravel industry developed a brochure. It is intended to show project developers and building owners the possibilities of using recycled building materials.

Every year around 250,000 cubic meters of mineral construction waste are delivered to the 42 processing stations in the canton of Graubünden. That corresponds roughly to the volume of 1,300 single-family houses. As the canton further explains in its announcement, concrete demolition is already being recycled and used in new concrete structures.

However, mixed demolition and road pavement are often not returned to equivalent circular applications, but are used loosely, for example in foundations or deposited in landfills. That is neither ecologically nor economically sensible. That is why the message passed by the government on the Green Deal Action Plan provides for measures to close material cycles and to increase the recycling of building materials.

What is often missing is the demand for these recovered building materials. In terms of price, they would be on par with the primary materials. They also offer the added value of a sustainable use of resources. However, it is often overlooked that building materials are also polluted with CO2. The brochure now presented shows "for all conceivable applications in civil engineering which recycling products can be used".

August 2021
Lucerne University of Applied Sciences is dedicated to climate-friendly building

The study “Ready for Climate Change?” By the Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts (HSLU) aims to sensitize building owners to building climate-friendly. But it should also help buyers and tenants to evaluate a property.

The study suggests that in the future not only heating, but also cooling concepts will have to be taken into account. "The architecture of Switzerland is still too focused on making apartments pleasant and energy-efficient in winter", Gianrico Settembrini from the Institute for Building Technology and Energy at the Lucerne University of Applied Sciences is quoted in a media release. The decisive factor, however, is that buildings are planned with future climate data and not, as is the case today, with data based on past values.

The building stock consumes around 40 percent of Switzerland's final energy requirements, the HSLU continues. This must be further reduced. However, if the increased use of air conditioning equipment were necessary, this value could instead increase even further. "The use of cooling or air conditioning devices should be avoided, technical solutions may only be used when the passive options have been exhausted," says Adrian Grossenbacher from the Federal Office of Energy . It provided financial support for this study.

In total, the study team identified eleven parameters that have an impact on energy consumption as well as the thermal and visual comfort of a living space. These parameters, such as the properties of the windows, sun protection and shading elements, were simulated in a reference building in Basel-Binningen, which is typical for the Mittelland.

The HSLU provides guidelines for planners online for download . In order to accelerate the precipitation of available knowledge in the new architecture, the university will bring experts up to date with the three-day advanced training course “Building in Climate Change – Effective Measures for Builders and Planners” in September.

August 2021
New perovskite solar cells pass the lead test

A research group from the University of Life Sciences ( HLS ) of the University of Applied Sciences Northwestern Switzerland (FHNW) gives the all-clear: their tests show that the lead contained in the new perovskite solar cells is just as little washed out as all other functional metals, even if there is any weather damage. The cells were able to withstand rainwater and hail tests without the metal concentration in the rainwater increasing noticeably.

The prerequisite for a low environmental risk is that the solar cells are packed according to commercial standards. But "even with poor packaging, only 5 to 10 percent of the total lead content in rainwater was measured over several months," HLS doctoral student Felix Schmidt is quoted in a report by the FHNW. “We currently see little cause for concern with regard to the possible environmental impacts of lead.” However, this sensitive topic must be communicated transparently with regard to the social acceptance of this technology.

Permoskite solar cells are considered to be the future of photovoltaics. Tremendous advances in research have increased their efficiency from initially 3 to almost 30 percent in the past few years. It is thus just above that of traditional silicon cells.

Perovskite is the collective term for new materials, the crystal structure of which is similar to the natural mineral, also known as perovskite. Perovskites absorb light particularly efficiently and conduct the electricity generated well. They are both inexpensive and easy to manufacture and process. Among other things, two national research programs are running in Switzerland. They are designed to encourage the rapid adoption of this disruptive technology.

Now you have to think about “what will happen to the solar cells at the end of their lifespan”, continues Schmidt. "That is why we are currently developing ways to completely extract lead from old cells and use it again in new cells."

August 2021
The federal government is also aiming for net zero for soil protection

With its Soil Strategy Switzerland, the Federal Council wants to counteract further soil loss through soil activity, erosion or pollutants. The main concern is that no more land is lost net in Switzerland by 2050. The booklet just published by the Federal Office for Spatial Development in the series “ Forum Spatial Development ” with the title “Dealing with the soil sustainably – the responsibility of spatial development” shows how it can be possible to preserve the soil in the long term.

It is no coincidence that this goes hand in hand with the also declared net zero target for CO2 emissions, according to Damian Jerjen, Director of the Association for Spatial Planning EspaceSuisse, in a press release by the Federal Office for Spatial Development: "Spatial planning is responsible for its instruments to use for climate protection and thus also to protect the soil. ”Because, on the one hand, these must make a maximum contribution to climate protection. On the other hand, they would help to adapt to the inevitable consequences of climate change.

In the booklet, Adèle Thorens Goumaz, Councilor of States (Greens / VD) and biodiversity expert, calls for greater specialist knowledge of soil quality to be developed. The decentralized decision-making structure represents an obstacle to sustainable soil management. In an interview, she suggests that we first come to an agreement on the agriculture of the future. "Only then should we start working on spatial planning, not the other way around."

A report also included in the booklet describes the renaturation work after the construction work on the Ceneri Base Tunnel has been completed. There, enormous masses of earth are returned to their original parcel. They are built into fertile soil and can be used for growing vegetables after a few years.

The booklet can be ordered in writing and for a fee from the Bern Federal Office for Buildings and Logistics . It is also available online and free of charge with audio contributions and photo series.

August 2021
Nidwalden receives facility for recycling building materials

ARGE EvoREC has put a new recycling processing plant for building materials into operation in Oberdorf. This is to transform concrete and mixed demolition from the region into high-quality new building materials, according to a media release . Specifically, for example, concrete and mixed granules are to be created in different grain sizes, rock compositions and with different properties.

ARGE EvoREC, a subsidiary of the Zurich based Holcim Kies und Beton AG and the Nidwaldner Zimmermann Umweltlogistik AG , wants to use the system to promote the circular economy in the construction sector. A large part of the recycled aggregate is used directly on site at the Holcim plant in Aennerberg for the production of recycled concrete. This closes the material cycle.

According to Reto Zimmermann, CEO of Zimmermann Umweltlogistik AG, the new facility is not only a commitment to sustainability, but also to the region. "We receive concrete and mixed demolition from the Nidwalden market and process it into granulate for the local production of concrete – which in turn can be used to create new, sustainable structures in the region," he is quoted in the press release.

July 2021
Urban Land Institute has a new chairman

Jürgen Marc Volm has started his two-year term of office as the new chairman of the Urban Land Institute (ULI) Switzerland. He succeeds Birgit Werner. As it is said in a media release , it has increased the number of members and increased activities significantly.

She acknowledges that Volm's “passion for real estate” is reflected in his career, “in which he has combined academic know-how with the successful development of a company. He is an enrichment for us as we want to continue growing and strengthen contacts with current and future industry leaders. "

In addition to his work as a partner and board member of pom + Consulting AG , based in Technopark Zurich , Volm is also the program manager of the master's degree in International Project Management at the Stuttgart University of Applied Sciences (HFT). As a Master of Engineering in International Project Management from HFT Stuttgart and Master of Business Administration from Liverpool John Moores University , the graduate civil engineer has extensive business management knowledge.

According to his own information, as chairman the focus is on promoting the sustainability debate according to the so-called ESG (environmental, social, governance) criteria, "especially with regard to the areas of circular economy and social responsibility". In addition, he wants to introduce the ULI UrbanPlan at Swiss schools and universities. The participants receive basic knowledge of urban renewal. He is also planning a ULI NEXT program. It is intended to connect the next generation of managers between the ages of 35 and 45 in the DACH region.

"ULI Switzerland has developed rapidly in the DACH region," says Marnix Galle, chairman of ULI Europe . “And we look forward to the next phase of growth under Jürgen's leadership. He will use the ULI platform to help shape the future of the built environment in Swiss communities and to inspire a new generation of real estate experts. "

July 2021
UBS and Baloise create an ecosystem for real estate

The major bank UBS and the Baloise insurer from Basel are entering into a strategic partnership. According to almost identical media releases, both are planning to merge their respective solutions and services for property owners.

The joint ecosystem Home & Living is to emerge from the Atrium and key4 mortgage platforms from UBS and Home from Baloise, which broadly covers the living and everyday needs of its customers. In addition, the partners intend to include existing and possible company holdings of both companies. In addition, they also express their intention to integrate the offers of various start-up companies.

"Baloise has in recent years greatly in expanding its ecosystem Home invested", is Yannick Hasler, Head of Retail Banking Baloise Switzerland, cited . "With the cooperation and investments in innovative Swiss start-ups such as Houzy , Devis , MOVU , Bubble Box or Batmaid , the foundation stone was laid for a service network that makes our customers' everyday lives easier."

With Atrium and key4, UBS laid the foundation for its platform business in Switzerland, says Sabine Magri, COO of UBS Switzerland AG. “The continuous expansion through partnerships with and investments in innovative start-ups and intermediaries is central to the further development of our ecosystem. The planned strategic partnership with Baloise is complementary, we can complement each other perfectly. "

July 2021
FenX convinces with sustainable insulation material

FenX AG has secured 2.7 million francs in a seed financing round, according to a press release . Investors include the real estate company Swiss Prime Site, Zürcher Kantonalbank and CADFEM International, which specializes in simulation-based planning.

FenX AG has developed a patented technology with which industrial waste can be converted into insulation boards using a cost-effective foam process at room temperature. According to the communication, the insulation boards produced in this way have good insulation properties and high mechanical strength. They are not flammable and cause almost no CO2 emissions.

On the one hand, FenX intends to use the fresh funds to continue investing in research and development. On the other hand, the company wants to set up its first production facility and prepare for market entry. FenX's long-term goal is to produce recyclable building materials around the world. Production is to take place decentrally from locally available resources.

FenX was spun off from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich ( ETH) in 2019. Behind the company are researchers from the ETH Laboratory for Complex Materials.

May 2021