immo!nvest – Die Plattform für Standorte und Immobilien

Category: Sustainability

  • Research project focuses on seasonal energy storage

    Research project focuses on seasonal energy storage

    According to a LinkedIn post, the University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Western Switzerland (HEIG-VD) and the engineering firmPlanairhave launched the BIG4HEAT project. BIG4HEAT will run for two years and is supported by the Swiss Federal Office of Energy (SFOE). Services Industriels de Genève (SIG), Groupe EausGranges-Paccot FR and Cadcime, based in Eclépens VD, are also industrial partners in the project.

    The main objective of the project is to develop an underground seasonal heat storage facility (Chemical Thermal Energy Storage, CTES). The heat energy is to be stored in summer and then used in winter. HEIG-VD and Planair want to use old cisterns for this purpose, which will be converted into heat storage facilities in line with the principles of the circular economy and retrofitting, i.e. the conversion of older facilities. According to HEIG-VD, “seasonal storage could reduce the electricity deficit in winter by almost 20 per cent”. With this project, HEIG-VD and Planair aim to reduce CO2 emissions and create space in urban areas from 2030 onwards by using underground storage facilities.

    Founded in 1956 and based in Yverdon, HEIG-VD conducts research in collaboration with companies, local authorities and national and international partners in various fields such as energy and sustainable development. Planair, based in La Sagne NE, is active in the fields of energy transition and renewable energies.

  • Multiple use of private car parks efficiently utilised

    Multiple use of private car parks efficiently utilised

    Many private car parks remain unused for hours at a time, during the day in residential neighbourhoods and at night at work or shopping locations. With multiple use, owners make their car parks available when they do not need them themselves. This reduces the pressure on public car parks, while cities gain space for more greenery, cycle connections and quality of life. The basis for this is a management concept commissioned by the Department of Construction and Transport, which aims to make more efficient use of private parking facilities.

    Four pilot projects demonstrate the potential
    Since the beginning of this year, four projects have been running in which owners are working together with the car park brokers ShareP and Parcandi. PSP Swiss Property is providing around fifty underground car park spaces for multiple use at Hochstrasse 16. Lonza AG opens its company car park on the Lindenhof site to residents at night and at weekends. There are further offers in the St. Alban suburb at the Goldener Löwen and at Dornacherstrasse 8/10, with solutions for residents and commuters alike. The projects will be monitored and analysed for two years and form the basis for further implementation.

    Flexible offers for different needs
    The new parking models are aimed at different user groups. Commuters can book fixed or recurring parking spaces during the week. Residents benefit from secure parking spaces at night and at weekends. Season tickets are available for regular users, while short-term offers are available for spontaneous journeys. The result is a parking system that adapts to people’s everyday lives instead of creating additional space requirements.

    Advice for owners and supplementary neighbourhood parking
    Owners of parking facilities can now obtain advice free of charge. The initial consultation shows how car parks can be managed more efficiently without a great deal of effort. Multiple-use models can also be used without advice and without authorisation procedures. At the same time, the canton is promoting additional neighbourhood car parks. By taking over the Horburg multi-storey car park, it will create over 300 rentable parking spaces for residents from April 2026, thus strengthening the overall offer in the neighbourhood.

  • Timber construction as an investment

    Timber construction as an investment

    Timber and hybrid buildings have established themselves as a serious alternative to energy-efficient solid construction. Studies conducted by Wüest Partner and Durable on behalf of Lignum and FOEN show that timber buildings can compete with solid construction in terms of construction costs and performance, although they are slightly more expensive on average. For investors, timber construction thus becomes a building block for achieving sustainability goals without sacrificing economic solidity.

    Costs, life cycle and risk profile
    In a cost comparison, the median construction costs of timber buildings are around 10 per cent higher than those of solid construction. In the lower price segment, however, the values are very similar. Energy standards such as Minergie-P have a greater influence on costs than the choice of load-bearing structure. In the short to medium term, timber buildings benefit from high cost security, lower operating and maintenance costs and a better deconstruction and reuse profile. Over very long periods of 80 years, the greater durability of mineral construction methods has a positive impact on costs, meaning that their life cycle costs are lower.

    Ecological advantage and Green Premium
    Ecological evaluations show that timber constructions reduce grey greenhouse gas emissions by an average of around 20 percent compared to a mineral twin, and significantly more for individual components. The effect is particularly large in the case of extensions, where timber construction enables significant CO₂ savings compared to replacement new builds and creates additional space at the same time. International meta-studies on certified green buildings also point to price and rental premiums as well as lower capitalisation rates, an indication that the market rewards sustainability as a risk buffer.

    Time as a yield driver
    The green premium in timber construction is primarily created by process advantages. A high degree of prefabrication, modular systems and digital planning significantly shorten the construction time. For investors, this means earlier returns and a reduction in construction and project costs due to the time factor. Model calculations estimate savings of around CHF 200 per square metre for a six-month time saving. At the same time, scheduling, coordination and weather risks are reduced, resulting in more stable budgets and more predictable cash flows.

    Strategic role in the portfolio
    Institutional investors such as specialised sustainability funds see the main added value of timber and hybrid construction less in rents than in ecological benefits, the reduction of stranded asset risks and robust ESG positioning. In existing buildings, timber construction scores particularly well in the case of extensions and redensification, where its lightness and prefabrication lead to superior overall economics. For yield-oriented investors, timber construction is therefore particularly worthwhile where process advantages, ESG strategy and location quality interact.

  • PropTech Switzerland 2025

    PropTech Switzerland 2025

    Around 430 PropTech companies are currently active in Switzerland, many of them with roots at ETH or EPFL. This is an indication of the strong focus on deep tech and research. A large proportion of the companies are still in the early stages of development, with around half generating less than CHF 0.5 million in annual revenue. Nevertheless, the majority of companies expect increasing revenues, which characterises the mix of young start-ups, growing scale-ups and established technology companies.

    Funding, segments and sustainability pressure
    Due to the high number of completed financing rounds in 2024 and according to estimates, several hundred million francs have flowed into Swiss PropTechs in recent years. Solutions for smart buildings, energy efficiency, digital transactions, data analysis and AI-based services are particularly in demand. Around a fifth of companies are active in digital brokerage, followed by smart building solutions and data and AI products. The area of sustainability and lifecycle management is becoming increasingly important, driven by ESG requirements and net zero strategies. A significant proportion of PropTechs now integrate environmental sustainability as a core function of their offerings.

    Internationalisation and visibility in the start-up ecosystem
    Between 30 and 40 Swiss PropTech companies are already active in European or global markets, exporting their technologies or testing them in international pilot projects. At the same time, PropTechs regularly appear in rankings of the most promising Swiss start-ups, where they are among the fastest-growing young companies. The picture is thus shifting from a niche to a visible growth segment in the national innovation ecosystem.


    Slow adoption meets increasing digitalisation pressure
    Despite scalable products, customer acquisition remains challenging. Decision-making and procurement processes in the property industry often take one to one and a half years, which delays market entry and stretches out roll-outs. At the same time, there is increasing pressure to digitalise processes, make better use of data and operate buildings more sustainably. From regulatory requirements to rising energy prices. For PropTechs, this creates a field of tension between long cycles on the customer side and the fast pace of technology and capital requirements.

    Europe as a growth lever and opportunity for Switzerland
    The European PropTech market is growing dynamically and is expected to expand its volume significantly by the end of the decade, driven by investments in AI, smart buildings and sustainable refurbishment technologies. Europe currently holds a substantial share of the global PropTech market, from which Switzerland can benefit disproportionately with its high level of innovation, strong university landscape and exportable solutions. Overall, the scene is small but highly innovative. It is in the process of professionalising itself, becoming internationally oriented and changing the real estate industry in the long term.

    Facts & Figures PropTech Switzerland 2025

  • How Basel-Landschaft creates spaces for innovation and living

    How Basel-Landschaft creates spaces for innovation and living

    Basel-Landschaft is building for the future. Former industrial sites are being transformed into innovative campuses, flexible business parks and urban neighbourhoods. Dreispitz combines art, education and high-tech on the cantonal border and creates space for 4,000 jobs, research and sustainable architecture at the highest level. Uptown Basel in Arlesheim is positioning itself as a hotspot for Industry 4.0 and medtech with quantum computing pioneers and an ecological beacon character. New neighbourhoods in Muttenz, BusinessCity and AM SCHÄNZLI combine living and working spaces, green open spaces and climate-friendly mobility, further enhancing the location’s profile as a centre of knowledge and innovation.

    In Pratteln, Bredella, the Campus der Wirtschaft and Zentrale Pratteln are creating modern urban living spaces that focus on sustainable development, smart infrastructure and flexible usage concepts. In Allschwil, Bachgraben is developing into a leading life sciences location with the Switzerland Innovation Park Basel Area, where biotech, medtech and pharmaceutical companies are driving forward cutting-edge research and high-tech innovations. The Laufen Industrial Park and Ziegelei Ost in Allschwil are creating momentum for regional production, craftsmanship and community, with a focus on the circular economy and CO² reduction. GETEC PARK is a growth engine for chemistry and life sciences, driven by decarbonisation and ESG standards.

    Basel-Land thus demonstrates how diversity, sustainability and innovative strength are driving transformation.

    Dreispitz
    Dreispitz in Münchenstein (Basel-Landschaft) is one of the most diverse areas in the Basel region. It combines art, education and business. Over 380 companies and around 4,000 jobs characterise the Dreispitz business park, flanked by universities such as the FHNW and creative clusters. The intercantonal site offers space for innovative companies, start-ups, culture and modern educational institutions. A vital location for the future of the entire region.

    uptownBasel
    uptownBasel is currently building the future. Since 2019, a state-of-the-art innovation campus has been under construction for the jobs of the coming decades. The world-renowned dental implant manufacturer Straumann will relocate a total of 1,000 jobs to the forward-looking development area by 2028. Arlesheim will thus become the most important hotspot for medical technology in Switzerland. The campus, which is being rapidly developed by the Staehelin family and Fankhauser Arealentwicklungen, features several buildings already under construction with sustainable architecture of the highest standard. The roof deck has attracted worldwide attention and, together with the seminar and event rooms, is helping to make the site the state-of-the-art centrepiece of the Baselland industrial location.

    Laufen Industrial Park
    The Laufen Industrial Park is located on the former tile factory site of Keramik Laufen AG on the south-eastern edge of the city and has been owned by the Abendrot Foundation since 2017. Following the major fire in 2020, which destroyed around 80% of the building, the commercial site will be rebuilt between 2025 and 2027 as single-storey timber frame buildings. The aim is to create a modern, affordable offering for small regional businesses, craftsmen and creative professionals, with flexible rental spaces and individual expansion options. A network of commercial streets ensures good access, lighting and promotes networking among users. Densification and multi-storey extensions are possible in order to respond flexibly to regional demand. The focus is on sustainability. The concept is characterised by the reuse of building components, wood instead of concrete and renewable energy. An area association is to strengthen cohesion. The overall result will be a regionally relevant, versatile and sustainable commercial centre.

    AM SCHÄNZLI
    The new AM SCHÄNZLI district in Muttenz marks an urban reinterpretation of living, working and leisure at the gateway to Basel. By 2029, three high-rise buildings with 385 apartments and 14,000 m² of commercial space will be built on the 74,000 m² “Hagnau Ost” site. A central square and intensive greening lend urban density a quality of life right next to the Birs recreation area. The focus is on resource-saving construction, energy efficiency (SNBS Gold), photovoltaics and optimised mobility for pedestrians and cyclists. AM SCHÄNZLI stands for modern location development and the sustainable integration of city and nature.

    BaseLink site
    The Bachgraben site in Allschwil has developed into a driver of innovation in Basel. The location combines international life science companies, state-of-the-art research and sustainable urban development. Projects such as the BaseLink site and new public transport and cycling initiatives are creating attractive jobs and an urban environment. Close cooperation between the canton, municipality and business community ensures dynamism and makes the area a showcase project in the tri-national region.

    Business campus
    The new business campus is located directly next to the railway station in Pratteln and is developing into one of the most important event and work locations in the Basel area. By 2028, the H² building will become a state-of-the-art centrepiece. Six floors offer over 10,000 m² of flexible laboratory, event and office space, complemented by a congress hall for up to 1,900 people and a total of more than 6,000 m² of event space. The campus is aimed at companies from industry, research and services, with sustainable architecture, optimal accessibility, infrastructure from a single source and synergies with the Bredella district. The development strengthens the region’s competitiveness and positions Pratteln as an international centre for innovation, exchange and major events.

    GETEC PARK.MUTTENZ
    GETEC PARK.MUTTENZ is the leading industrial cluster in north-western Switzerland for chemicals, pharmaceuticals and life sciences. It combines state-of-the-art infrastructure, secure laboratory and logistics space, and sustainable energy and resource concepts on 50 hectares. The park, which emerged from Infrapark Baselland and Schweizerhalle, is home to global corporations and numerous SMEs. Innovative solutions such as Waste2Value and ESG-based processes make GETEC a growth engine for the industry.

    Pratteln headquarters
    The Pratteln headquarters project is transforming the former Coop site north of the railway station into a lively, ecologically and socially oriented neighbourhood. By 2026, around 480 cooperative apartments for 1,200 people will be built, complemented by a new school, around 15,000 m² of commercial space and a variety of open spaces. Construction and planning are consistently focused on preserving existing structures, reusing building components and sustainable energy supply. Historic industrial buildings such as the sugar silo will be preserved. The cooperation of six developers and the innovative utilisation concept make Pratteln Headquarters a showcase project for non-profit and sustainable neighbourhood development in the Basel region.

    Bredella in Pratteln
    Bredella in Pratteln represents the large-scale transformation of a central industrial area into an innovative urban quarter. In the immediate vicinity of the railway station, 87,000 m² of diverse residential, work and leisure facilities are being created, interspersed with green spaces and renovated industrial buildings. The master plan and neighbourhood plans focus on gradual development, sustainable mobility and a high quality of life. With a perimeter block, high-rise buildings, commercial and studio space, car-free areas and lively ground floors, a model for urban living in the Basel area is being created. Bredella boldly combines modernity, history and sustainable development.

    Ziegelei Ost
    Ziegelei Ost in Allschwil is undergoing a comprehensive transformation into a lively, mixed-use neighbourhood. Historic buildings are being carefully preserved and combined with new uses for living, working and recreation. The neighbourhood is characterised by large green spaces, diverse public spaces and a finely meshed network of paths connecting three central squares: Kulturplatz, Quartierplatz and Lettenwiese. The industrial tradition remains evident through the preservation of the brickworks halls and their integration into modern structures. The project focuses on circularity, the reuse of building components and flexible new buildings to ensure climate protection, sustainability and a high quality of life.

  • Energy sales vary from region to region

    Energy sales vary from region to region

    Industrielle Betriebe Interlaken AG (IBI) sold around 96 million kilowatt hours of electricity in its distribution network in 2025. This represents a slight decrease of 0.9 per cent compared to the previous year. At 13.2 million kilowatt hours, own production was 12 per cent below the previous year’s figure. According to a statement by the energy and water supplier in the Interlaken area, this was due to warranty work on the hydroelectric power plant on the shipping canal.

    The decline was more pronounced in the case of gas. Sales fell to 35.9 million kilowatt hours, which corresponds to a decrease of 19.7 per cent. According to IBI, large customers in particular had optimised their systems or switched to alternative heating systems.

    Water sales in 2025, on the other hand, were 1.1 per cent above the previous year’s figure at around 1.8 million cubic metres. The proportion of spring water was 97 per cent, compared with 99.4 per cent in the previous year. The reason for the decline was cleaning and inspection work on the infrastructure facilities in the Saxettal valley.

    IBI reduced electricity prices by around 24 per cent in the reporting year. This was because the company was able to purchase energy for 2025 at a lower price following the price increases from mid-2022 onwards. In addition, the national grid company Swissgrid also reduced the costs for system services and electricity reserves.

    IBI switched from a dual tariff to a single tariff at the beginning of 2026. The dual tariff, which had been in place since the 1960s, shifted part of electricity consumption to night-time. The strong expansion of photovoltaics has now changed the logic of electricity production and consumption, with solar power being fed into the grid during the day.

  • Biogas plant to be converted to biomethane production

    Biogas plant to be converted to biomethane production

    Axpo Biomasse AG now operates a biogas processing plant in Aarberg instead of the previous combined heat and power plant. The fermentation plant in Aarberg processes around 20,000 tonnes of regional biomass into electricity and natural fertiliser every year. The biogas produced in this process is now processed into biomethane and fed directly into the existing gas network.

    Previously, the biogas was used to generate electricity and heat. The changeover is intended to make more efficient use of the energy content of the biomass used. “In this way, we are making another important contribution to the decarbonisation of the energy supply and to regional value creation,” says Daniel Gobbo, Head of Axpo’s Biomass Business Unit.

    The biomethane produced is purchased by Energie Wasser Bern (ewb), the energy supplier for the city of Bern. According to the announcement, ewb has signed a contract for the complete purchase of the production. Transport will be via the Seelandgas AG network. For possible surplus quantities, Gasverbund Mittelland (GVM) is also building a pressure boosting station so that the gas can be fed into the Gasverbund Mittelland high-pressure network.

    By purchasing the gas, Energie Wasser Bern is contributing to the promotion of biogas production in Switzerland. “By purchasing gas from the Aarberg plant, ewb is consistently pursuing its strategy for a CO2-neutral energy future and strengthening sustainable security of supply,” says Marcel Ottenkamp, Head of Energy Management at ewb.

  • Heating network in Aargau to undergo strategic development

    Heating network in Aargau to undergo strategic development

    AEW will take over the Hägglingen Zinsmatten heating network from the municipality of Hägglingen on 1 May, according to a press release. “We are delighted to continue providing reliable heating to the customers of the Hägglingen Zinsmatten heating network and to work together to develop the plant in a sustainable manner,” said Daniel Wernli, Head of Heat Production at AEW.

    The heating network, which has been in operation since 2007, supplies heat to 30 properties. Wood chips are used as the primary energy source. The plant’s wood boiler has an output of 450 kilowatts, and an oil boiler is also available. AEW estimates the average annual energy consumption at around 1,100 megawatt hours.

    With the Hägglingen Zinsmatten heating network, AEW now operates a total of 78 such plants in the canton of Aargau and neighbouring regions. The production capacity is more than 240 gigawatt hours per year, supplying a total of 17,000 households.

  • Industrial company once again ranks among the most sustainable worldwide

    Industrial company once again ranks among the most sustainable worldwide

    KONE has made it onto the A list in the sustainability ratings for companies just published by CDP, known as the CDP Scores 2025. This list comprises the top 4 per cent of the more than 22,100 companies from around the world that were assessed. The ratings range from D to A and show how ambitious and effective companies are in terms of climate, water security and forests.

    According to a press release, the lift manufacturer has been disclosing its data via CDP since 2009 and has now achieved a CDP rating of A or A- for the 13th consecutive time. At the end of January, KONE was ranked 54th in this year’s Global 100 Most Sustainable Corporations in the World list by Corporate Knights, placing it second among engineering companies.

    “This recognition reflects our systematic efforts to integrate sustainability into everything we do – from our products and services to our operations and partnerships,” said Kirsi Simola-Laaksonen. He is KONE’s Senior Vice President and responsible for sustainability and the environment.

    He goes on to explain that the proportion of renewable drives in KONE lifts will have increased significantly by 2025. This has improved the energy efficiency of the products and reduced both the company’s own CO2 emissions and those of its customers. As over 99 per cent of emissions come from the product and value chain, the company is “actively working with suppliers to identify opportunities to reduce emissions from the materials used in our products”.

    KONE has been headquartered in Espoo, Finland, since 1910. KONE (Switzerland) AG has been operating in Switzerland since 1996. The company employs over 60,000 people in more than 70 countries.

  • Parahotellerie drives overnight stays in Spiez to new record high

    Parahotellerie drives overnight stays in Spiez to new record high

    Tourism in Spiez reached a new record in 2025 with 198,000 overnight stays. However, according to a statement by Spiez Marketing AG (SMAG), this is solely attributable to growth in the non-hotel sector. This sector increased its overnight stays by 35 per cent to 63,000. At the same time, overnight stays in hotels fell by 2.5 per cent to 135,000.

    More than half of the overnight stays were attributable to visitors from Switzerland. China followed with a share of 9 per cent, Germany with 7 per cent and the USA with 5 per cent. Visitors from Switzerland accounted for 15 per cent of the non-hotel sector, followed by China with 11 per cent, the USA with 10 per cent and Germany with 9 per cent.

    The increase in overnight stays brings with it challenges. Last spring, the municipal council commissioned the local location promoter SMAG to set up a working group. Representatives from politics, the population, the hotel industry and para-hotels, as well as retailers and other tourism professionals, were tasked with identifying these challenges and finding solutions. The resulting 2026 action plan is now to be implemented.

    “It is not our goal to chase overnight stay records,” said Stefan Seger, managing director of Spiez Marketing AG, in the press release. The promotion of tourism should not be at the expense of residents. “We are committed to tourism that is as sustainable as possible.”

  • New process brings decorative high-performance wood into series production

    New process brings decorative high-performance wood into series production

    The Koster AG Holzwelten joinery, a family business based in Gossau, has developed what is known as marble wood in collaboration with Empa. Marble wood is characterised by a pattern of fine black lines caused by a fungus. This unique wood, once a rare chance find, is now produced in an annexe of the carpentry workshop using stainless steel containers, laboratories and climate and vacuum chambers. According to a press release, the product is now being marketed under the name Myrai.

    As part of a joint Innosuisse project, the carpentry workshop and Empa developed a standardised, scalable process for the targeted production of marbled wood. In a vacuum chamber, boards made from native hardwoods such as maple, beech or ash are brought to the correct moisture content, sterilised and inoculated with the fungus. They then spend several weeks in a climate chamber to allow the fungus to grow and the resulting patterns to develop. Finally, the wood is dried in a technical process and the fungus dies.

    “The special thing about this fungus is that it does not break down the highly lignified areas of the cell wall, so the wood retains a high degree of bending stiffness,” says Empa researcher and fungus expert Francis Schwarze, who works for the Cellulose & Wood Materials Laboratory in St. Gallen, quoted in the press release.

    The resulting marbled wood is particularly suitable for decorative applications such as furniture, interior design and musical instruments. As part of the project, the carpentry workshop has developed expertise in controlling and refining the appearance of the wood. Jakob Koster, former CEO of Koster AG Holzwelten, will now focus on the sale and further innovation of marbled wood. According to Koster, demand is already high. The carpentry workshop and Empa also already have new ideas for further collaboration.

  • Both Basel cantons want to support the ramp-up of hydrogen

    Both Basel cantons want to support the ramp-up of hydrogen

    The cantons of Basel-Stadt and Basel-Landschaft have presented their first joint hydrogen strategy. It aims to build on the region’s role as Switzerland’s energy hub and support the ramp-up of the hydrogen economy. According to a statement on the strategy, the region is well positioned to do so thanks to its trimodal transport infrastructure, the Rhine ports and large tank farms.

    The region intends to rely exclusively on hydrogen produced from renewable energies. This is mainly needed where high energy densities are required. The two cantons commissioned a study by the Zurich-based planning office EBP Switzerland to determine demand. According to the study, hydrogen demand in industry, heavy goods transport and shipping could account for between 0.4 and 3.4 per cent of the energy demand of both cantons in 2025.

    The regional infrastructure for green hydrogen and its derivatives, such as methanol, is to cover all stages of the value chain, from production to use. The strategy focuses on both hydrogen clusters and energy hubs in order to create industrial ecosystems.

    Economically, the production of green hydrogen makes sense above all in close proximity to the production of renewable energies. The municipal utility company IWB and Fritz Meyer AG are currently planning Switzerland’s largest electrolyser in the port of Birsfelden. It will have a capacity of 15 megawatts and will draw its electricity from the Birsfelden run-of-river power plant.  The hydrogen could be consumed by industry in the immediate vicinity. IWB also wants to offer the planned cluster to projects in Germany and France. However, the final investment decision has not yet been made. Part of the hydrogen pipeline is already under construction along the Rhine.

  • How Basel-Landschaft creates spaces for innovation and living

    How Basel-Landschaft creates spaces for innovation and living

    Basel-Landschaft is building for the future. Former industrial sites are being transformed into innovative campuses, flexible business parks and urban neighbourhoods. The Dreispitz combines art, education and high-tech on the cantonal border and creates space for 4,000 jobs, research and sustainable architecture at the highest level. Uptown Basel in Arlesheim is positioning itself as a hotspot for Industry 4.0 and MedTech with quantum computing pioneers and ecological lighthouse character. New districts in Muttenz, BusinessCity and AM SCHÄNZLI combine living and working spaces, green open spaces and climate-friendly mobility, further raising the location’s profile as a centre of knowledge and innovation.

    In Pratteln, modern urban living spaces are being created with Bredella, the Campus der Wirtschaft and Zentrale Pratteln, which focus on sustainable development, smart infrastructure and flexible utilisation concepts. In Allschwil, Bachgraben is developing into a leading life sciences location with the Switzerland Innovation Park Basel Area, where biotech, medtech and pharmaceutical companies are driving forward cutting-edge research and high-tech innovations. The Laufen Industrial Park and Ziegelei Ost in Allschwil create impetus for regional production, craftsmanship and community, focussing on the circular economy and CO² reduction. GETEC PARK is a growth driver for chemistry and life sciences, driven by decarbonisation and ESG standards.

    Basel-Land demonstrates how diversity, sustainability and innovation are driving transformation.

    Dreispitz
    Dreispitz in Münchenstein (Basel-Landschaft) is one of the most diverse areas in the Basel region. Art, education and business come together here. Over 380 companies and around 4,000 jobs characterise the Dreispitz business park, flanked by universities such as the FHNW and creative clusters. The intercantonal area offers space for innovative companies, start-ups, culture and modern educational institutions. A vital future location for the entire region.
    www.dreispitz.ch

    uptownBasel
    uptownBasel is building the future. A state-of-the-art innovation campus for the jobs of the coming decades has been under construction since 2019. The world-famous dental implant manufacturer Straumann is relocating a total of 1,000 jobs to the future-oriented development site by 2028. Arlesheim will thus become the most important hotspot for medical technology in Switzerland. The campus, which is being realised at a rapid pace by the Staehelin family and Fankhauser Arealentwicklungen, is characterised by several buildings already under construction with sustainable architecture at the highest level. The Roofdeck has now attracted worldwide attention and, together with the seminar and event rooms, serves to make the site a state-of-the-art centrepiece for the industrial location of Baselland.
    uptownbasel.ch

    Laufen Industrial Park
    The Laufen Industrial Park is located on the former Keramik Laufen AG tile factory on the south-eastern edge of the city and has been owned by the Abendrot Foundation since 2017. Following the major fire in 2020, which destroyed around 80% of the substance, the industrial site will be rebuilt as a single-storey timber system building from 2025 to 2027. The aim is to provide modern, affordable accommodation for small regional businesses, tradespeople and creative professionals, with flexible rental space and customised expansion options. A network of commercial lanes ensures good access and lighting and promotes networking between users. Densification and multi-storey extensions are possible in order to respond flexibly to regional demand. The focus is on sustainability. Re-use of building components, wood instead of concrete and renewable energy characterise the concept. An area association is intended to strengthen cohesion. Overall, a regionally relevant, versatile and sustainable commercial centre is being created.
    www.abendrot.ch

    AM SCHÄNZLI
    The new AM SCHÄNZLI neighbourhood in Muttenz marks an urban reinterpretation of living, working and leisure at the gateway to Basel. Three high-rise buildings with 385 flats and 14,000 m² of commercial space will be built on the 74,000 m² “Hagnau Ost” site by 2029. A central square and intensive greening will lend urban density and quality of life directly on the Birs recreational area. The focus is on resource-conserving construction, energy efficiency (SNBS Gold), photovoltaics and optimised mobility for pedestrians and cyclists. AM SCHÄNZLI stands for modern site development and sustainable integration of city and nature.
    am-schaenzli.ch

    BaseLink site
    The Bachgraben site in Allschwil has developed into Basel’s innovation engine. The site combines international life science companies, cutting-edge research and sustainable urban development. Projects such as the BaseLink site and new public transport and cycling initiatives are creating attractive workplaces and an urban environment. Close cooperation between the canton, the municipality and the business community is creating momentum and making the area a showcase project in the tri-national region.
    sip-baselarea.com/maincampus/

    Campus of the economy
    The new Campus der Wirtschaft is located directly next to the railway station in Pratteln and is developing into one of the most important event and work locations in the Basel region. By 2028, the H² building will be a state-of-the-art centrepiece. Six storeys will offer over 10,000 m² of flexible laboratory, event and office space, supplemented by a congress hall for up to 1,900 people and a total of more than 6,000 m² of event space. The campus is aimed at companies from industry, research and services, with sustainable architecture, optimal accessibility, infrastructure from a single source and synergies with the Bredella neighbourhood. The development strengthens the region’s competitiveness and positions Pratteln as an international centre for innovation, exchange and major events.
    h2-pratteln.ch

    GETEC PARK.MUTTENZ
    GETEC PARK.MUTTENZ is the leading industrial cluster in north-west Switzerland for chemicals, pharmaceuticals and life sciences. State-of-the-art infrastructure, safe laboratory and logistics areas as well as sustainable energy and resource concepts are concentrated on 50 hectares. The park, created from Infrapark Baselland and Schweizerhalle, is home to global corporations and numerous SMEs. Innovative solutions such as Waste2Value and ESG-based processes make GETEC the growth engine of the industry.
    www.getec.swiss

    Pratteln headquarters
    The Zentrale Pratteln project is transforming the former Coop site north of the railway station into a lively, environmentally and socially oriented neighbourhood. By 2026, around 480 cooperative flats for 1,200 people will be built, supplemented by a new school, around 15,000 m² of commercial space and a variety of open spaces. Construction and planning consistently focus on preserving existing buildings, reusing building components and sustainable energy supply. Historic industrial buildings such as the sugar silo will be retained. The cooperation between six property developers and the innovative utilisation concept make Zentrale Pratteln a showcase project for non-profit and sustainable neighbourhood development in the Basel region.
    centralpratteln.ch

    Bredella in Pratteln
    Bredella in Pratteln stands for the large-scale transformation of a central industrial site into an innovative urban neighbourhood. In the immediate vicinity of the railway station, 87,000 m² of diverse living, working and leisure facilities are being created, interspersed with green squares and renovated industrial buildings. The masterplan and neighbourhood plans focus on gradual development, sustainable mobility and a high quality of stay. With perimeter blocks, high-rise buildings, commercial and studio spaces, car-free areas and lively ground floors, a model for urban living in the Basel region is being created. Bredella boldly combines modernity, history and sustainable development.
    bredella.ch

    Brickworks East
    Ziegelei Ost in Allschwil is undergoing a comprehensive transformation into a lively, mixed neighbourhood. Historic buildings are being carefully preserved and combined with new uses for living, working and recreation. Large green areas, diverse public spaces and a finely meshed network of paths connecting three central squares – Kulturplatz, Quartierplatz and Lettenwiese – are characteristic of the area. The industrial tradition remains tangible through the preservation of the brickworks and their integration into modern structures. The project emphasises circularity, the reuse of building components and flexible new buildings in order to ensure climate protection, sustainability and a high quality of life.
    www.ziegelei-ost.ch


  • Renovating bridges with “smart” steel

    Renovating bridges with “smart” steel

    Many reinforced concrete bridges were designed for traffic loads and vehicle weights that are outdated from today’s perspective. At the same time, chlorides, water and frost have been causing problems for the structures for decades. Traditional refurbishments reach their limits where components are already severely cracked or permanently deformed.

    This is where the new Empa system comes in. It combines a proven method, the additional layer of ultra-high-strength, fibre-reinforced concrete, with an active reinforcing element that specifically builds up internal prestressing forces. The aim is not only to increase load-bearing capacity, but also to literally rebuild damaged bridge slabs.

    UHPFRC meets shape memory steel
    Bridges are already being retrofitted with a thin layer of ultra-high performance fibre-reinforced concrete, which is applied directly to the deck slab. The high-performance concrete is very dense, resists water and de-icing salts and can be easily reinforced. A robust “protective armour” with structural added value.

    The Empa team led by Angela Sequeira Lemos and Christoph Czaderski is now replacing the conventional steel reinforcement in this layer with bars made of iron-based shape memory steel. After installation, the bars are heated to around 200 degrees Celsius and attempt to contract, but are prevented from doing so by the concrete. The result is an internal prestress that closes cracks, reduces deformations and permanently puts the slab in a more favourable state of tension.

    Cracks close visibly
    In a first step, the team investigated the bonding effect between UHPFRC and shape memory steel. How well does the bond remain after heating? How reliably can forces be transferred? This was followed by large-scale tests with five concrete slabs, each five metres long, which simulated self-supporting bridge decks.

    One slab remained unreinforced, the others were given a UHPFRC layer, either with conventional reinforcement or with Fe-SMA bars. In order to simulate realistic conditions, the slabs were initially loaded until cracking occurred and only then reinforced. After heating the Fe-SMA bars, existing cracks visibly closed and sagging areas lifted up again. Significant improvements in deformation were already evident during this activation phase.

    Stiffer, stronger, longer-lasting
    The tests were accompanied by a dense measurement concept. Digital cameras observed the crack patterns, while fibre-optic sensors inside the panels recorded strains along the rods. Similar to fibre optic cables in telecommunications, except that here the backscattered light is used to measure deformation.

    Both the conventional reinforcement with UHPFRC and the new system with shape memory steel were able to at least double the load-bearing capacity compared to the unreinforced plate. However, under everyday loads, such as normal road traffic, the Fe-SMA variant proved to have a clear advantage. The panel became stiffer, permanent deformations occurred later or disappeared completely and existing cracks could be closed. The system thus acts like a “reactivation” of the existing load-bearing structure.

    Fields of application and next steps
    Both the ultra-high-strength fibre-reinforced concrete and the shape memory steel are still relatively expensive. The system is therefore most economically attractive where other reinforcement methods are no longer sufficient. For example, in heavily deformed, already damaged bridges or, in particular, sensitive structures with limited intervention space.

    The use of the system is not limited to bridges. Applications in building construction are also conceivable, for example in cantilevered balconies, flat roofs or sensitive components where compact reinforcement solutions and a very dense surface are required. The Innosuisse-funded project was developed in collaboration with OST, the Empa spin-off re-fer and cemsuisse. Following the successful trials, the team is now looking for a suitable bridge for the first pilot application. If this step is successful, the “smart” reinforced concrete could develop into an important tool for dealing with the ageing Swiss bridge infrastructure.

  • From local entrance to networked residential address

    From local entrance to networked residential address

    The Neugut site marks the southern entrance to Rickenbach and is located in the municipality’s core zone. The project proposal by Fischer Architekten and Uniola groups seven new residential buildings around two courtyards, while an existing eighth building is integrated into the neighbourhood. A new building with commercial use on the ground floor will be constructed on the site of the existing restaurant, addressing the entrance to the neighbourhood and the village.

    urban planning classification
    The alignment of the new buildings is based on the existing building and Haus Wiesental on the one hand, and on the almost parallel alignment of the surrounding village buildings on the other. This creates a settlement pattern that takes up the existing structure instead of creating a foreign body.

    A narrow stream separates the residential area from the open field and at the same time forms a clear landscape edge. The large lime tree and the position of the “Wiesental” are retained in the new concept, which strengthens the continuity of the townscape.

    interlocking landscape and settlement
    Two use-intensive courtyards form the inner backbone of the new settlement. Opposite them, green spaces are pushed into the development structure from the west, linking the landscape and settlement areas.

    Thanks to the targeted arrangement of the underground car park, the majority of the green space remains unbuilt. This improves planting, infiltration and the water cycle and is in line with the spatial planning objectives of functionally securing and enhancing green spaces.

    Neighbourhood for pedestrians and bicycles
    Garage access, deliveries and above-ground visitor parking spaces are bundled together at the southern edge of the perimeter. There, the neighbourhood opens up to the street space with a square in front of Haus Wiesental, marking the transition from traffic to the residential-oriented inner area.

    The interior of the area is reserved for pedestrians and cyclists. The project thus sends a clear signal in favour of the quality of life within the neighbourhood and a traffic-calmed residential environment.

    Timber construction and expression
    With the exception of the basement floors and stairwells, the buildings are designed as timber structures. The façade consists of an insulated timber frame construction with rear-ventilated timber cladding, thus combining energy efficiency with reduced CO₂ emissions.

    vertical double supports structure the façades primarily in terms of height, but vary depending on the building type. In this way, the material appearance remains harmonious, while the structure subtly refers to the internal spatial system and gives the ensemble a lively character.

    from study commission to design plan
    The project was preceded by a study commission with five invited teams, from which Fischer Architekten and Uniola emerged as the winners. The jury particularly recognised that the proposal “naturally” fits into the existing development structure and strengthens the character of the entrance to the town.

    The next stage is the private design plan, which is expected to become legally binding in 2027. Only then will the specific construction project be developed – with the aim of transforming the Neugut site from a specialised use with equestrian facilities to a finely networked residential quarter with a clear address at the entrance to the village.

  • Clean waste disposal systems as a success factor in property management

    Clean waste disposal systems as a success factor in property management

    Functioning waste disposal systems are a central component of modern properties. Underfloor and waste containers must not only be emptied, but also professionally cleaned on a regular basis to ensure hygiene, operational safety and value retention. The requirements for odour management, cleanliness and documented service processes are growing, especially in densely used residential and mixed-use areas.

    For property managers and owners, this means that container cleaning must increasingly be seen as an integral part of site management. Today, modern processes with closed water cycles and standardised procedures enable efficient and sustainable implementation.

    Practical example from Ascona

    A recent CleanTech Day in Ascona showed how professional container cleaning works in practice. Representatives from local authorities and facility management took the opportunity to watch live cleanings and exchange ideas directly with experts. The positive response confirms the growing importance of structured container maintenance in property operations.

  • Areas in Basel-Stadt as the engine of the future

    Areas in Basel-Stadt as the engine of the future

    Basel-Stadt is a prime example of the sustainable transformation of European industrial regions. A new urban culture is growing on what were once closed production sites, combining density, diversity and participation. Areas such as VoltaNord are creating affordable living space and promoting social diversity. Klybeckplus and Klybeckquai are opening up the Rhine area for living, education and leisure. A milestone for urban networking by 2037.

    The cityscape is also changing on the outskirts. The Dreispitz-Nord area combines commerce with urban living, while the Wolf area and Walkeweg are giving rise to new forms of energy-efficient, neighbourly neighbourhoods. In the north, Vordere St. Johann is developing into the region’s centre of knowledge and health with its campus, university and hospital. Projects such as Westfeld are creating places of coexistence that combine building culture, sustainability and social innovation.

    Basel is thus becoming a laboratory for the urban future – characterised by cooperation, down-to-earthness and foresight.

    Rosental Mitte
    Rosental Mitte is developing from a closed industrial area into a permeable, diverse business location. In addition to workspaces, the canton of Basel-Stadt is gradually creating new spaces for living and leisure. Existing structures are being respectfully rebuilt, with historical elements retained as anchors of identity. Public paths and green spaces connect the neighbourhoods, promoting interaction and mobility. One third of the apartments are being built in the affordable segment. Rosental Mitte stands for forward-looking urban development and sustainable urban quality of life.
    rosentalmitte.ch

    VoltaNord
    VoltaNord is a lively district for around 1,500 to 2,000 residents and up to 2,500 jobs being built on the former Lysbüchel site in the north of Basel. Two-thirds of the new flats are affordable and promote social diversity. The development combines dense working and living with added value for the St. Johann district. A new primary school and attractive open spaces make the site a future-oriented place to live, learn and work.
    voltanord.ch

    klybeckplus
    The former industrial site in the north of Basel is being transformed into a mixed-use urban quarter between the Rhine and Wiese rivers. Around 300,000 square metres of space for living and working is being created for up to 15,000 people. Owners Rhystadt AG and Swiss Life AG are developing the site in collaboration with the canton of Basel-Stadt. The 2022 urban development model forms the basis for this. New tram lines, roads, parks and school locations are creating a network of future-oriented neighbourhoods with an urban character.
    klybeckplus.ch

    Klybeckquai & Westquai
    Klybeckquai and Westquai are being transformed from industrial port areas into lively urban landscapes on the Rhine. The relocation of the port railway is creating space for new uses and opening up the urban landscape towards the water. A mixed-use residential neighbourhood with schools, daycare centres and green courtyards is growing on Klybeckquai. After 2029, Westquai is set to become a diverse location for work, culture, leisure and nature. Both areas are developing into sustainable, future-proof neighbourhoods in line with the Net Zero 2037 initiative.
    klybeck-kleinhüningen.ch

    Dreispitz North
    The Dreispitz Nord area on the eastern edge of Gundeldingen is undergoing change: where the MParc shopping centre, the OBI DIY and garden centre and other commercial enterprises still dominate today, a new, diverse district is emerging. The Christoph Merian Foundation and the Migros Basel cooperative are jointly shaping the future of the area. The urban development concept by Herzog & de Meuron enables the development of residential space and attractive green and open spaces, and promotes a mixed-use, forward-looking neighbourhood with a lively character.
    dreispitznord.ch

    Walkeweg site
    The six-hectare Walkeweg site in the south of Basel is being developed into a lively, family-friendly residential neighbourhood. Up to 650 people will be able to live here affordably and energy-efficiently. The canton and SBB are working with building cooperatives to create a diverse range of affordable and compact apartments. A new primary school, spacious natural areas, communal courtyards and a green neighbourhood square and park create space for social interaction and sustainable quality of life. The development follows the principle of “low cost – low energy”.
    areal-walkeweg.ch

    Wolf site
    The Wolf site is being transformed from a freight station into an urban district with a variety of uses. Around 550 flats are being built in the west, a third of which are affordable, while the east will feature office, logistics and commercial space as well as public facilities. Historic buildings are being preserved and integrated into the new courtyard structure, which places particular emphasis on noise and space concepts. SBB is developing and investing here as the owner, creating socially diverse and sustainable living spaces on around ten hectares in the heart of Basel.
    wolf-basel.ch

    Vorderes St. Johann
    Vorderes St. Johann in the north of Basel is developing into an important location for research, education and health. Over the next few years, new buildings for clinics, universities, libraries and private research institutes will be constructed around the Schällemätteli campus and the university hospital. The canton is also pushing ahead with the development of new tram lines and transport projects. A total of 16 construction and infrastructure projects are being implemented, supported by both private and public actors, which will secure the future of the district as a centre of knowledge and health.
    vorderes-stjohann.ch

    University Hospital Basel: Health Campus
    With its Health Campus, the University Hospital Basel is pursuing a comprehensive development plan to ensure competitiveness and cope with increasing pressure on usage. New buildings such as Clinic 2 by Giuliani Hönger and Clinic 3 by Herzog & de Meuron offer flexible use, modern processes and urban quality. A new development plan regulates the development of the entire site, including green spaces and listed buildings. The construction projects are expected to be completed by 2039 and will strengthen Basel’s position as a healthcare location in the long term.
    unispital-basel.ch

    Westfeld
    On the former Felix Platter Hospital site in the Iselin district, Westfeld is creating a diverse urban quarter with 525 new apartments, converted existing buildings and space for commercial and social services. The wohnen&mehr cooperative is committed to sustainable construction and promotes new living models and community spirit through a neighbourhood garden, Westfeldplatz square and local services. The second construction phase will bring further apartments, commercial space and a bicycle pavilion. Westfeld is creating new meeting places and enriching the neighbourhood in a sustainable way.
    wohnen-mehr.ch



  • Investor joins circular building materials developer

    Investor joins circular building materials developer

    Medley Ventures from Copenhagen is participating in a pre-Series A financing round for the building materials manufacturer Oxara, based in Dietikon. Medley Ventures is the venture capital fund of the founders ofTo Good To Go, an initiative against food waste. According to a press release, the investor is convinced by the combination of technological innovation, industrial scalability and real-world applicability.

    Oxara replaces CO2-intensive cement with circular binders generated from recyclable and previously unused construction waste. The company’s products can be easily integrated into conventional construction operations, according to the press release. Oxara intends to use the fresh capital to accelerate product development, certification pathways and industrial partnerships, enabling a broader market launch in Switzerland and international markets.

    “What convinced us was the vision behind Oxara: engineering excellence, real industrial impact and credible hope for a better future in construction. By making cement redundant and turning waste into a valuable resource, they are demonstrating that innovation can change the way we build,” Mathias Christensen, co-founder and CEO of Medley Ventures, is quoted as saying in the press release. Gnanli Landrou, CEO and co-founder of Oxara, sees the financing as strong endorsement from a company that is effectively committed to sustainability.

    As part of a Series A financing round, Oxara aims to raise CHF 20 million in fresh capital by March 2026.

  • Renewable energies drive long-term strategy

    Renewable energies drive long-term strategy

    The Zurich Cantonal Electricity Works (EKZ) has had a challenging financial year in 2024/25. According to the annual report, total output fell by only 4.2 per cent to 1,176.4 million Swiss francs. However, operating profit before interest and taxes fell by 64.9 per cent to 18.8 million.

    Nevertheless, profits rose by 24.9 per cent to CHF 186.3 million. According to astatement, this is a result of the company’s investments in the electricity producer Axpo and the Graubünden cantonal utility Repower. The canton and the municipalities with a stake in EKZ will receive a distribution of CHF 46.6 million, around CHF 9 million more than in the previous year.

    The decline in operating income is partly due to the drop in electricity production in Germany and France. Wind power production fell by 14.9 per cent to 517.9 gigawatt hours, while solar power production from photovoltaics fell by 11.5 per cent to 253.2 gigawatt hours.

    EKZ has continued to invest in the expansion of renewable energies in Switzerland. The Madrisa Solar plant in Klosters GR was partially connected to the grid. In Embrach ZH, construction began on the solar plant on the roofs of Embraport. In addition, 4,886 new private solar plants with a total output of 100.5 megawatts were connected to the grid. In the previous year, there were 3,839 systems with 77.7 megawatts. In addition, around 17,500 parking spaces in underground car parks were equipped with EKZ’s charging management system.

    Urs Rengel speaks of a strong annual result. “Uncontrollable fluctuations due to weather, prices, demand and market developments are part of today’s energy system and are likely to continue to increase significantly, both to the benefit and detriment of EKZ,” the EKZ CEO is quoted as saying in the press release. “Investments in production facilities have a long time horizon and we are convinced that they will make a valuable contribution in the long term.”

  • Modular furniture system optimises waste management in the office

    Modular furniture system optimises waste management in the office

    Lista Office LO is expanding its office furniture brand of the same name with a modular system for waste management. According to a press release, the LO Value modular system offers sliding and pull-out containers in various sizes, reversible doors and interchangeable magnetic or adhesive labels.

    Fronts that open at the touch of a finger and generous disposal flaps with handles or foot pedals are designed to reduce contact points and the risk of contamination. Freely integrable PET and can presses compress the volume of waste. This in turn reduces the effort required for storage, transport and management.

    According to the information provided, the available LO Value variants are designed to fit into any design concept. As a colourful counterpoint, it attracts attention, while in monochrome it can blend in with its surroundings – depending on “whether the call for waste separation is to be implemented discreetly or as a visual exclamation mark”.

  • Solar diesel to make construction machinery more climate-friendly

    Solar diesel to make construction machinery more climate-friendly

    The construction company Eberhard Bau from Kloten will in future operate its machinery with solar diesel from the Zurich-based cleantech company Synhelion. The long-term purchase agreement, which has now been announced in a press release, provides for the use of renewable diesel from 2027 onwards. According to Synhelion, this will reduce net CO2 emissions by up to 100 per cent compared to fossil fuels. The sustainable fuels can be used in all existing combustion engines.

    Eberhard Bau is Synhelion’s first customer in the construction industry, which has had little leverage to defossilise construction machinery and construction sites. Until now, solar diesel has been used by companies in the aviation, shipping and road transport sectors. Construction machinery, however, is heavy, is used in undeveloped terrain and is difficult to electrify due to its high power requirements. Solar diesel provides a sustainable solution for CO2 reduction “where there was previously no viable alternative,” says Silvan Eberhard, Head of Logistics at Eberhard Unternehmungen.

    According to its own information, Synhelion has been operating the world’s first industrial plant for the production of solar fuels since 2024 with DAWN, which manufactures in Germany. The construction of the first commercial plant is in the planning stage and is scheduled to go into operation in 2027.

    In addition to Eberhard Bau AG, Swiss International Air Lines, Pilatus Aircraft, Zurich Airport, AMAG Group and the Lake Lucerne Shipping Company have signed purchase agreements for renewable fuel with Synhelion.

  • New distribution centre strengthens fresh produce logistics

    New distribution centre strengthens fresh produce logistics

    Denner opened its third distribution centre for chilled products in Mägenwil on 2 February 2026. This is the food retailer’s response to the strong demand for these goods. According to a press release, it is the first chilled distribution centre to be certified according to the Minergie standard. Denner is creating 70 additional jobs there.

    The additional location will supply 250 of the 872 stores with fresh produce. Together with the three distribution centres for non-chilled goods, Denner will in future supply its branch network from six logistics locations.

    Denner is working on expanding its branch network and wants to add more fresh products to its range. The new building took two years to construct and, according to CEO Torsten Friedrich, “symbolises the growth” of Denner. The aim is to secure the logistics for the growing demand for fresh food. In addition, travel distances have been reduced. This could save 120,000 transport kilometres per year. A 10,000 square metre storage area has been created in Mägenwil. It allows more than 700 products to be stored and cooled at between 2 and 5 degrees Celsius.

    The Minergie certificate attests to the new building’s energy efficiency during operation. Waste heat from the energy-intensive operation of the cooling system is used for heating. The entire electricity requirement is generated by photovoltaic systems on the roof and on the south façade. In addition, eight charging stations for trucks and ten for passenger cars can be powered. Another new building for uncooled products is scheduled to go into operation in Aclens VD in 2027.

  • Without materials research, there would be no progress

    Without materials research, there would be no progress

    For Tanja Zimmermann, materials research is the backbone of technological progress. Around two thirds of all innovations are based directly on new or improved materials, from batteries and medical sensors to building materials. Empa’s approach, which develops materials for construction, energy and health as a national competence centre, is correspondingly broad. This ranges from basic projects in the laboratory to feasibility studies with industrial partners. These include more efficient energy storage systems, new photovoltaic technologies and two-dimensional nanomaterials such as MXene, which could make electronics and sensor technology more compact and powerful in the future.

    applications for energy, health and construction
    In the health sector, Empa is working on textile sensors that enable long-term ECGs without traditional gel electrodes and thus avoid skin irritation. Other projects focus on intelligent materials in operating theatres, such as adhesives that seal leaks in the abdominal cavity and provide early warning of leaks thanks to integrated sensors.

    In construction, the focus is on the circular economy and resource efficiency. New concretes and composite materials should achieve the same load-bearing capacity with significantly less cement and steel, thus noticeably reducing the carbon footprint of buildings. At the same time, Empa is developing highly temperature-resistant materials for drones that can fly directly into sources of fire, as well as carbon fibre-reinforced plastics, which are increasingly making bridges and large structures lighter and more durable.

    CO₂ as a raw material
    Empa is going one step further with its “Mining the Atmosphere” initiative. The aim is not only to save CO₂, but to specifically extract it from the atmosphere and utilise it as a raw material. Researchers are investigating how carbon from CO₂ can be incorporated into ceramic materials such as silicon carbide or building materials such as concrete so that buildings themselves become carbon sinks. In the long term, such approaches should help to offset some of the historical emissions and make the transition from a CO₂-emitting to a CO₂-binding society. A “project of the century” that requires enormous amounts of renewable energy and close collaboration between research and industry.

    High-tech from nature
    Zimmermann also relies on a combination of natural principles and high-tech in wood research. She sees wood as Switzerland’s only large, indigenous, renewable resource that is light, stable and can be modified in many ways. The spectrum ranges from fire-retardant mineralised wood to antimicrobial surfaces and the use of fibrillated cellulose, whose nanofibres can form transparent gels, highly porous sponges or barrier films for food packaging. Such cellulose sponges can selectively absorb oil from water or bind CO₂ from the air. As a spray coating, they extend the shelf life of fruit and vegetables without the need for plastic film. More recent projects are creating “living materials”, such as printed structures made of nanocellulose and diatoms, which are intended to monitor water quality as biological sensors.

    Long-term projects such as “CarboQuant“
    With “CarboQuant”, the Werner Siemens Foundation is supporting another long-term project at Empa. A laboratory that investigates carbon nanostructures for quantum technologies. The aim is to design graphene nanoribbons and nano-graphenes so precisely that their quantum effects can be utilised for electronic components at room temperature. For example, for sensors, communication or future quantum computers. Such projects show why foundations and public sponsors are central to Empa. Many material innovations take years or even decades before they can be scaled up and utilised commercially. For Zimmermann, however, it remains clear that without this staying power and without materials research, neither the technologies that make the energy transition possible nor many of the solutions that already make our everyday lives seem more natural than they are today would exist.

  • New role for H₂ heat

    New role for H₂ heat

    In a production hall, an inconspicuous device is making heating technology history. The first catalytic hydrogen air heating system has been put into operation at a customer. The 10 kW system provides peak load heat for a production area of around 1,000 cubic metres for the pump manufacturer Flusys, using hydrogen from regional supplies. For the young company from Wiesbaden, this is more than just a field test. It is a practical test for a technology that is intended to replace fossil fuels in the heating sector in the future.

    Commercial and industrial buildings
    The company is deliberately targeting commercial and industrial buildings rather than single-family homes. This is where high heat demand, limited electrical connected load and increasing pressure to decarbonise come together directly. A purely electrical solution using large heat pumps often fails due to expensive grid connections or simply a lack of capacity. The hydrogen heating system covers the peak load, while a heat pump or another heat source takes over the base load.

    In Offenbach, the 10 kW unit works in a hybrid network with a heat pump. The heat pump supplies the production area during normal operation, while the H₂ heating system kicks in on particularly cold days or when capacity utilisation is high. This division of tasks allows the heat pump to be dimensioned smaller and reduces the required electrical connected load, a noticeable lever for investment and output prices. For locations with an existing or planned hydrogen infrastructure, the system thus becomes an economical component of the energy supply.

    The flameless hydrogen heating system
    Technologically, the company differs significantly from conventional condensing boilers or H₂ burners. The system works with a flameless, catalytic process. Hydrogen is mixed with ambient air, remains below the lower explosion limit and only reacts with the oxygen in the catalyser. Heat is generated, but no visible flame, as the process is based on controlled oxidation rather than combustion.

    The lower process temperatures mean that neither CO₂, NOx nor particulate matter are produced; the only by-product is water in the form of humidity. At the same time, flammable hydrogen concentrations are never used in the appliance, making the technology inherently safe. HYTING sees this as a kind of “plug-and-play heating” with hydrogen that utilises existing air ducts or ventilation systems and can be scaled in a modular design.

    Practical test, endurance test and approval
    The system is not the first endurance test for the young technology. A leading engineering service provider had previously accompanied a 2,500-hour endurance test that simulated around ten years of real operation. During the test, there were neither failures nor measurable wear and tear on safety-critical components. Continuous emission measurements confirmed the absence of CO₂, NOx and particulate matter emissions.

    The first customer system now marks the transition from the laboratory to industrial reality. Further systems are to follow in the course of the first quarter of 2026, also in commercial applications with existing hydrogen expertise.

    Where does the technology make sense
    Despite the attention, catalytic hydrogen heating is no substitute for gas heating or heat pumps in the broad market. Hydrogen is currently expensive, the infrastructure is limited and a comprehensive H₂ network for residential neighbourhoods is not in sight. For the foreseeable future, there is therefore no basis for economical use in single-family homes.

    The situation is different in industrial clusters, harbour regions or chemical parks, where hydrogen is already being produced or the hydrogen core network is being set up. This is where it can play to its strengths. As peak load heating in combination with heat pumps, as a supplement to industrial waste heat or as a flexible option in logistics properties with their own hydrogen production from PV surpluses. The role is thus clearly defined, not as a competitor to heat pumps, but as a building block in hybrid systems for companies that can utilise H₂ without major additional expense.

    Whether the niche becomes more will ultimately be decided outside the technology room. The price of hydrogen, the pace of grid expansion and political decisions will determine whether flameless H₂ heaters will be used more frequently in commercial buildings in the future or remain a specialised tool that is primarily used in places where hydrogen is already part of the energy mix.

  • Innovative materials in construction

    Innovative materials in construction

    Lightweight concrete in a single pour
    ICSC Beton AG presented prefabricated parts made from its own lightweight concrete based on expanded glass, which are significantly lighter than normal concrete. At the same time, they have good insulation values, frost resistance and fire protection. This material is used to produce prefabricated elements that speed up construction processes and increase quality on the construction site. One focus is on lightweight concrete elements that combine static function, integrated ballasting and simple installation of solar modules, thus enabling roof renovation and solar installation in a single step. For experts in the audience, it became clear how prefabrication, lightweight concrete and photovoltaics can be combined to create sophisticated system solutions. With less weight, fewer interventions in the roof and more energy yield per square metre.

    Climate-neutral concrete on the construction site
    KLARK demonstrated how CO₂-saving concrete is already being used in building construction today. Without additional work for the construction site and with an externally tested climate impact. The concrete is based on the addition of biochar from waste wood, which permanently binds the carbon and stores hundreds of kilograms of CO₂ per cubic metre in the structure of the concrete. Technically, it largely behaves like conventional concrete. It can be pumped or processed by crane and remains fully recyclable. The stored CO₂ is not released again during demolition. In the Speakers Corner, it became clear that this opens up the opportunity for clients and planners to make measurable contributions to net zero strategies using familiar construction methods without having to reinvent processes and roles on the construction site.

    Climate additives for plaster and co.
    KohlenKraft presented a climate-positive building material that permanently binds CO₂ in the building and at the same time offers advantages in terms of building physics. The centrepiece is a climate additive based on biochar, which can be mixed into mineral building materials such as plasters and coatings, turning building components into long-term carbon stores. In addition to CO₂ storage, the systems aim to improve the indoor climate and regulate humidity. This is an argument that has met with great interest, particularly in refurbishments and high-quality interior fittings. The message to manufacturers, planners and construction companies is that climate effects can be integrated directly into existing products without having to fundamentally change processing and detailed planning.thinking in concrete, building with wood
    In the Speakers Corner, the TS3 technology used real projects to demonstrate how familiar design logic and a new timber construction technique come together. An important step in turning large-volume timber buildings from a pioneering project into an established option. Today, large-scale, biaxial load-bearing timber ceilings with column grids of up to 8 x 8 metres can be realised with a special end-face bonding of cross-laminated timber. Load-bearing structures that were long reserved for reinforced concrete. The panels are rigidly joined on site by grouting the joints with cast resin, resulting in beam-free, point-supported flat timber ceilings that can be treated like flat concrete ceilings in the design. For architects and engineers, this opens up great freedom in terms of floor plans and subsequent conversions, as non-load-bearing walls can be moved flexibly, while weight, construction time and carbon footprint are significantly reduced compared to concrete ceilings.

  • New construction of the Fröschmatt School in Pratteln

    New construction of the Fröschmatt School in Pratteln

    The Fröschmatt School is Pratteln’s central secondary school and is currently undergoing a transformation. Due to a significant increase in student numbers and long-overdue renovations, it is becoming one of the largest and most modern school facilities in the canton of Basel-Landschaft. With an investment volume of just under CHF 119 million, a sustainable new building for around 36 classes and state-of-the-art educational requirements is being constructed on the existing site. The open competition was won by the winning design “Lungo” by Burckhardt Architekten AG, which integrates the school complex optimally into its park-like surroundings.

    Innovative architecture and flexible use
    The building ensemble is clearly structured. At the centre of the plot, the school building creates space for learning, meeting and development. The gyms, located in the north-east, including an all-weather area on the roof, are being built as separate pavilions. State-of-the-art hybrid timber construction and flexibly designed interiors meet the requirements for sustainability and future viability. Surrounding balconies provide protection from the sun and become lively terraces.

    Planning with the region in mind
    The schedule is ambitious. Construction of the main building will begin in 2026, with occupancy scheduled for 2029. The gyms will be completed by 2031. In the meantime, lessons will continue uninterrupted thanks to a specially constructed, sustainable temporary facility on the Hexmattwiese and in parts of the old building. The entire complex not only promotes contemporary teaching, but also enhances the attractiveness of Pratteln as a location and its development prospects.

  • Return of the wild waters at Schänzli

    Return of the wild waters at Schänzli

    The Schänzli site marks the beginning of a new era in landscape planning along the River Birs. The winning project, “Aqua fera” by Berchtold.Lenzin Landscape Architects, Versaplan and Holinger, frees the river from its rigid form and gives it freedom of movement. Shallow water zones, low-water channels and near-natural banks create habitats for fish, birds and amphibians, strengthen groundwater protection and make the floodplain landscape accessible again.

    Visitor guidance via wooden walkways, piles of branches and defined paths protects sensitive areas, while a refreshment bar and small event areas at the northern entrance provide space for people to meet. Towards the south, the terrain becomes quieter, merging into the Vogelhölzli nature reserve and opening up new perspectives on a revitalised Birs. Noise barriers along the motorway shield the area and at the same time form a new connection to the Käppeli district.

    City on the river
    The new Am Schänzli quarter borders directly on the nature reserve. Three high-rise buildings with around 400 flats, offices, restaurants and leisure facilities, together with spacious open areas and commercial space, form a lively urban fragment at the gateway to Basel. The development meets the SNBS Gold Standard, focusing on photovoltaics, heat recovery, green roofs and a compact design with biodiversity zones between the buildings.

    The mobility strategy prioritises slow traffic. Cycle, foot and tram connections link the neighbourhood with Basel-Stadt, the Birspark recreational area and the Hagnau sites. The principle of “open space through density” demonstrates its power here: a better quality of life through compact, intelligently organised construction.

    Cooperation and implementation
    The site development is financed by value-added levies on landowners in Hagnau and through public-private cooperation with the municipality of Muttenz. The neighbourhood planning process, which was approved after intensive public participation, forms the basis for the coordinated overall development of Hagnau East, Hagnau West and the Schänzli site.

    Construction of the high-rise buildings began in spring 2025 and will be completed in stages by 2029. While Am Schänzli is growing, the southern river area remains undeveloped and is becoming the backbone of a coherent green network between the city and the countryside.

    A model for the future of cities and nature
    The Schänzli project is symbolic of the new generation of Swiss urban development: ecologically regenerative, architecturally precise, socially integrated. It proves that economic density and ecological diversity are not mutually exclusive, but can reinforce each other.

    With “Aqua fera”, the Birs is not only being renaturalised, it is being reintroduced into everyday urban life. Muttenz is thus demonstrating how forward-looking planning can harmonise open space, climate resilience and urban quality of life. The Schänzli is becoming a living transition between city and nature and a powerful symbol for the return of wild waters.

  • Digital marketplace promotes circular economy in construction

    Digital marketplace promotes circular economy in construction

    Zirkular GmbH, based in Basel, has launched its new platform , rematerial. According to a press release, the new online DIY store will offer high-quality, reusable building components. For example, it will offer LED lights that have been reconditioned by specialist companies and now come with a guarantee. Components can also be reserved for a month or stored temporarily for up to 24 months for just-in-time deliveries. The building components collected from demolition sites are stored in a systematic manner.

    The rematerial platform can be used in conjunction with thePlanularplanning tool, which was also developed by Zirkular. In this module, architects, planners and builders can select the components required for their respective projects from a database. The path of the building material can be traced through the steps of source object, component, warehouse and target object.

    With both modules, Zirkular GmbH supports sustainable construction through circular economy, as demonstrated, for example, in construction projects such as the Lysbüchel Süd neighbourhood in Basel.

  • New headquarters combines industrial history with modern architecture

    New headquarters combines industrial history with modern architecture

    Electrification and automation group ABBis planning a new global headquarters in Zurich Oerlikon, according to a press release. The 80 million Swiss franc project reflects the history of the company and the city of Zurich and will create a modern workplace for around 500 employees.

    The location chosen is the historic ABB building, which will be renovated and modernised in accordance with heritage protection requirements. The historic building will be complemented by a six-storey new building in the inner courtyard, replacing the Chicago Hall event venue, which is not listed.  The new building will have a brick façade in keeping with the existing architecture and will be constructed using a material-efficient wood composite construction method. Supported by ABB technologies and photovoltaic systems, low energy consumption is to be achieved. The new headquarters covers a total area of around 10,800 square metres. Plans include a 280-square-metre lobby with exhibition space and a 450-square-metre media area.

    For Morten Wierod, CEO of ABB, the choice of location is a commitment to Switzerland and the city of Zurich, “where our global headquarters have been located since the merger of BBC and Asea in 1988. One of our predecessor companies – Maschinenfabrik Oerlikon (MFO) – was also based here for many decades. The combination of a historic building and state-of-the-art facilities will create an inspiring environment for cooperation and innovation.”

    Detailed plans for the new headquarters are expected in 2026/2027. The building is scheduled to be completed and ready for occupancy by 2031. Until then, ABB will remain in the Cityport building in Zurich Oerlikon.

  • Historic thermal baths get a green future

    Historic thermal baths get a green future

    The city of Baden and the canton of Aargau have granted the Bad zum Raben cooperative planning permission to renovate the Bad zum Raben swimming pool. According to a statement issued by the cooperative, the renovation will combine monument preservation, water hygiene, fire and flood protection, and efficient operations. Once financing has been secured, the renovation is scheduled to start at the end of 2026 and be completed in early 2028.

    “We are very pleased about this important milestone. The building permit gives us planning security and is the basis for further fundraising,” said Andreas Rudow, co-president of the Bad zum Raben cooperative, in the press release. “With the project approved, it will be easier to find funding.”

    The total cost of the renovation will be around CHF 4.5 million. While CHF 1 million has already been covered by own funds, donations and initial funding commitments, the remaining financing is to be secured through contributions from the public sector, foundation fundraising, donations and the sale of cooperative shares. The Bad zum Raben cooperative is also continuing to seek additional members and is symbolically selling components of the future baths.

    The renovation aims to preserve the historic building fabric and enable the communication of history and culture through sustainable bathing operations and flexible use. In addition to four pools with natural thermal water, the Bad zum Raben will feature a small bistro, a stage for cultural events, rooms for art and relaxation, and a bathing media library. The entrance area will offer insights into the history of the old bathhouse and the historic water system. After the renovation, thermal water will also be used to heat the showers in the baths and the apartments on the former hotel floors.