immo!nvest – Die Plattform für Standorte und Immobilien

Category: Sustainability

  • Winterthur introduces new guidelines for sustainable procurement

    Winterthur introduces new guidelines for sustainable procurement

    New guidelines for the procurement of goods and services will apply in Winterthur from 1 July 2026. As the city states in a press release, in addition to legal requirements and existing social and economic principles, ecological and social criteria will be given significant weight in future purchases of CHF 50,000 or more in all municipal departments. These criteria are to be “reviewed as concretely and comprehensively as possible” on the basis of 13 categories.

    In concrete terms, this means that decisions on which procurements are awarded will be made based on their impact on the climate, energy efficiency, resource conservation, pollutant avoidance and the circular economy. The reason for this is the energy and climate concept of the 2022 legislative period.

    The procurement of goods and services in particular has a significant impact on the carbon footprint. This means that negative effects on the climate and environment can be reduced particularly significantly in this sector.

    The city expects the anticipated positive effects on climate and resource protection to also increase its economic efficiency in the long term. With a volume of CHF 400 million in 2024, Winterthur is “one of the most important regional clients for the private sector” in terms of procurement.

    The shift from suitability and award criteria to life cycle costs, quality and durability creates greater commitment and transparency. “In this way, we are making an important contribution to achieving climate targets and promoting a sustainable economy,” says Katrin Cometta, city councillor and head of the Department of Security and Environment.

  • Farewell to an energy price with a signal effect for the future

    Farewell to an energy price with a signal effect for the future

    The Swiss Federal Office of Energy is awarding the non-monetary Swiss Energy Prize Watt d’Or for the 19th and last time. The aim is to raise awareness of exceptional achievements in the energy sector and the advantages of innovative energy technologies. According to a press release, winners in the categories of energy technologies, renewable energies, energy-efficient mobility, and buildings and space will be honoured at the award ceremony.

    The Rigitrac SKE 40 e-direct electric tractor, which is ready for series production and has European type approval, impressed in the energy-efficient mobility category. Rigitrac Traktorenbau AGfrom Küssnacht am Rigi SZ developed the vehicle specifically for work where exhaust fumes and noise are undesirable, such as maintenance work for municipal utilities, in vegetable tunnels or at indoor sporting events.

    The winner in the energy technologies category is the Innovation Lab from Gaznatin Aigle VD, which is working with researchers from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL) and start-ups to bring technologies for sector coupling, decarbonisation and seasonal storage to market maturity. The project is based on the GreenGas concept, which combines combined heat and power, photovoltaics, electrolysis, hydrogen storage, CO2 capture, methanisation and Gaznat’s gas network in Aigle.

    An alpine façade solar power system from endigo Holding AGin Fiesch VS secured victory in the renewable energies category. The lightweight timber construction with a slatted façade, which is installed in Fiesch, represents the values of the endigo group of companies: close to nature, future-oriented, system-oriented and technically competent.

    In the buildings and space category, the jury selected the Hobelwerk site in Oberwinterthur, which was developed by the building cooperative mehr als wohnen,Lemon Consult AG and Low-Tech Lab, all from Zurich. The partners created an energy-efficient, sustainable and socially well-thought-out residential and commercial quarter that will serve as a model for non-profit housing construction in Switzerland in the future.

    A total of 55 entries were submitted for the Watt d’Or, with 17 entries nominated for the final round.

  • Zimmerberg region consolidates wastewater treatment in new plant

    Zimmerberg region consolidates wastewater treatment in new plant

    STRABAG AG is involved in the Zimmerberg wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) project. The Schlieren-based construction company is erecting the shell of the new Scheller pumping station in Horgen on the former Gasi site. According to a statement, the aim of this work is to replace the existing WWTPs in Horgen and Thalwil with a new plant.

    Both existing wastewater treatment plants are “getting on in years”. Instead of operating both pumping stations individually, which would involve high investment costs for comprehensive modernisation, both municipalities have decided to join forces and create a “joint, modern wastewater treatment plant” for the Zimmerberg region. Once the joint treatment plant is operational, the existing Horgen wastewater treatment plant will be dismantled. The resulting unused land on the lake shore will be made available for public use and urban development.

    The participating municipalities of Horgen, Oberrieden, Rüschlikon and Thalwil already joined forces in September 2020 to form the ARA Zimmerberg special-purpose association. ARA Zimmerberg expects that from 2029 onwards, it will be able to treat the wastewater of up to 78,000 residents and industry in the Zimmerberg region.

  • Real-time data against heat stress in construction and energy

    Real-time data against heat stress in construction and energy

    TrueWindSpeed is targeting the construction and energy industries in the Gulf region at Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week. As one of the exhibitors at the SWISS Pavilion, the Geneva-based start-up will be presenting its Heatector from 11 to 15 January 2026. The networked environmental measuring station provides fully automated, location-specific data for extreme climatic conditions. The high-precision sensor measures the WBGT index (wet bulb globe temperature) at the site of use in order to accurately assess the thermal load. By providing real-time data and automated alerts, it is designed to help companies comply with safety regulations and optimise their productivity.

    TrueWindSpeed has developed Heatector so that the measuring station can be deployed quickly and easily. The battery life is designed to allow the station to operate autonomously for five years. Heatector is now ready for the industrialisation phase.

    Extreme heat is a major occupational hazard recognised by the International Labour Organisation and the World Health Organisation, TrueWindSpeed argues in a statement. Beyond the health risks, heat stress is expected to reduce global working hours by 2.2 per cent in 2030 and cost the global economy $2.4 trillion. Heatector aims to convert this risk into manageable, verifiable data for ESG reporting. ESG stands for environmental, social and good corporate governance. In addition, the technology “protects the dignity of workers, prevents serious accidents and ensures social justice in the face of climate change,” according to TrueWindSpeed.

    “In a warming world, it is no longer enough to rely on general weather apps to ensure safety,” says company founder Guillaume Locher, who trained as an engineer at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne (EPFL), in the press release. “We provide the accurate on-site data needed to transform heat hazards into measurable safety and resilience for workers.”

  • Energy future in the Limmat Valley

    Energy future in the Limmat Valley

    The Limeco regional plant in the Limmat valley is facing a project of the century. A new waste recycling plant is to be built by 2034, followed by the reorganization of wastewater treatment by 2050. This will ensure that waste and wastewater from the Limmat Valley will continue to be processed in an environmentally friendly manner and used as a source of energy.

    The existing waste incineration plant will be replaced by a new building further to the west. A larger WWTP is to be built at the existing site to meet the needs of the growing Limmat Valley in the long term. The current WWTP will be decommissioned by 2050. It is located in a nationally protected nature and bird sanctuary.

    A project with vision
    The Limmattal Energy Center is a prime example of the transformation in the waste disposal and energy sector. From pure waste recycling, a multifunctional energy hub is being created that provides heat, electricity and gas – resource-conserving, locally anchored and climate-neutral.

    Design plan sets out framework
    A cantonal design plan forms the basis for planning law. It defines in a binding manner how the plants are to be phased, developed and embedded. Specifications on building plots, environmental and water protection, natural areas and public green spaces create planning security.

    An environmental impact assessment is being carried out in parallel. It examines the impact of the construction and operating phases on the environment, local residents and ecosystems. The aim is to create an energy center that combines climate and resource conservation. This includes electricity, district heating and gas production from renewable sources as well as concepts for the direct capture of CO₂ emissions.

    Participation and information
    The design plan will be open to the public for 60 days from January 20, 2026. Citizens, associations and authorities can comment on the draft during this time. The submissions will be examined by the cantonal authorities and documented in an objection report.

    On Wednesday, January 21, Limeco is hosting a public information event at which representatives of the canton and the company will present details of the project and answer questions. Information about the event can be found at www.lez.ch/gestaltungsplan.

    The complete documents are available at www.zh.ch/raumplanung and can also be viewed at the municipality of Dietikon and the Cantonal Office for Spatial Development.

  • Future model for life sciences, research and cluster power

    Future model for life sciences, research and cluster power

    The centrepiece of the campus is a kilometre-long, continuous park that physically and socially connects all the buildings. The striking buildings Main Campus HQ, HORTUS, ALL, HOPE, SCALE as well as Swiss TPH, ALBA Haus and many more are grouped around the green ribbon and create a space for dialogue, recreation and networking with more than five football pitches of park space. With over 5,000 workplaces on completion and more than 115,000 m² of usable space, the site will set new standards for infrastructure and collaboration in Switzerland and Europe.

    Architecture and sustainability as drivers
    The architecture by Herzog & de Meuron and Felippi Wyssen visibly conveys the idea of innovation to the outside world. The Main Campus HQ is practically fully let and, as a multifunctional research and communication centre, is a magnet for companies such as JNJ, SKAN, Basilea, the University of Basel and other players. Flexible multi-storey car parks and mobility services support the sustainable use of the site. SENN is acting as investor, developer and total contractor – from planning and realisation through to long-term marketing. The project is being developed in close collaboration with Basel Area Business & Innovation, the Canton of Basel-Landschaft and other partners from the worlds of science and business.

    HORTUS, an office building that amortises its production energy in 30 years, is outstanding. It was built from wood, clay and waste paper, generates energy via photovoltaics and fulfils the highest ESG criteria. Every component is part of the circular economy and prepared for future utilisation cycles. The inner courtyard garden by Piet Oudolf contributes to biodiversity and the indoor climate. HOPE and SCALE will offer further flexible spaces suitable for the public and production from 2028. Neighbours Swiss TPH and ALBA Haus strengthen the health science focus of the site, while the Holiday Inn Express complements the international business and network offering.

    Image: Switzerland Innovation Park Basel Area Main Campus

    Cluster, community and innovation
    More than 100 companies – from global players and spin-offs to young scale-ups – characterise the area and use programmes such as BaseLaunch and DayOne for start-ups, networking and knowledge transfer. Cluster events, community platforms and modern co-working infrastructures promote dialogue and the creation of joint projects. Educational facilities, childcare, catering, sports and conference facilities create a fully-fledged urban working ecosystem.

    The Botnar Institute of Immune Engineering as a beacon
    The Botnar Institute of Immune Engineering (BIIE), which will move into the ALL, a new, sustainable building on the campus in 2027, will provide a special boost. The decision in favour of this location underlines Basel’s importance as a research location. The institute, funded by the Fondation Botnar with around 1 billion dollars, brings together up to 300 top researchers from all over the world to develop innovative immune-based diagnostics and therapies. The aim is to close gaps in health technologies and improve quality of life worldwide. The BIIE community will have a significant impact on the cluster and the Basel region and will strengthen global networks with partners such as Oxford and ETH Zurich.

    Impact and perspective
    The Switzerland Innovation Park Basel Area Main Campus brings together knowledge, infrastructure and community in an internationally visible innovation centre. By integrating sustainability, empathy and excellence, a global hub for cutting-edge research, vibrant entrepreneurship and future-oriented urban development is being created in Allschwil. The model shows how site development, architecture and science clusters can pave the way for economic and social transformation today and tomorrow.

  • Engineers’ Day 2026

    Engineers’ Day 2026

    Against the backdrop of climate change, digitalization and sustainable mobility, engineers are taking on a key role. They develop solutions for renewable energy systems, resilient infrastructures, smart mobility concepts, digital technologies, data-based applications and resource-conserving production.

    focus on the next generation
    Engineers’ Day aims to get young people interested in technology at an early age, from primary school children to university students. Companies and institutions offer guided tours, workshops, demo stations and dialog formats that bring professions to life and enable direct encounters with experts.

    the background to this is a persistent shortage of skilled workers, particularly in engineering and STEM professions, where women continue to be severely underrepresented. Companies, organizations and educational institutions are therefore invited to register their own events and activities for 4 March 2026 and thus actively contribute to the promotion of young talent.

    national Conference of Engineers
    The National Conference of Engineers will be held on the same day for the first time. Around 40 experts from business, science, politics and associations will come together at Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts in Horw to discuss specific measures to strengthen the next generation of engineers.

    the aim of the conference is to join forces across industries and disciplines and find new ways to attract more young people in their diversity to engineering, STEM and tech professions. The conference thus complements the decentralized activities of Engineers’ Day with a strategic platform for exchange and joint initiatives.

    from Muttenz to Lucerne
    The handover from the previous venue of Muttenz to Lucerne in October 2025 marks a further step in the format’s development. With the first National Conference of Engineers at HSLU, Engineers’ Day 2026 will not only be an event for young talent, but also a meeting place for decision-makers in the engineering and education landscape.

  • Gray Energy Steep Pass for Tenant Protection

    Gray Energy Steep Pass for Tenant Protection

    Grey energy in context
    The strength of the argument comes from the absolute statement that “the preservation of existing buildings and thus grey energy is always better than demolition”. According to a survey of experts, the vast majority of specialist planners, architects and service providers in the property sector agree with this stance. However, just under half of property owners also share this view, albeit with reservations.

    When asked in more detail, the respondents differentiated their attitude. Poor building fabric or poor energy efficiency, an outdated usage structure, utilisation that cannot be activated for the realisation of more living space or economic viability could be arguments against preservation. The sector rightly emphasises that there is no absolute truth and that the treatment of each property must be weighed up between ecological, economic and social aspects.

    One regulation for two different concerns
    Parallel to the intensification of the debate on the conservation of grey energy, the tone on tenant protection has become more heated. Various initiatives at cantonal and federal level want to prevent tenants from having to leave their homes due to extensive renovations or building replacements. These initiatives also take the uncompromising position that no eviction is always better than eviction. The canton of Basel-Stadt shows how quickly regulations can take effect. Barely three years after the introduction of the housing protection initiative, fewer properties are already being demolished and therefore fewer properties are being let out. The protection of residential property has a predominantly economic effect, with the regulated prices for new flats making replacements and renovations less financially attractive for property developers. As a result, fewer projects are being realised.

    Cautious discussion about social and societal costs
    As little as the absolute statement on the preservation of grey energy is correct, the blanket statement that not renting out is always better than renting out does not apply. The statement may be true for the individual tenant concerned, but not when it comes to providing housing for the entire population. Extensions and replacements can create more living space for more people, often in locations that are already well developed and supplied. Structural deficits in housing cannot be remedied without interventions in the building structure.

    What is needed is a more objective discussion on how the conflict of objectives between the protection of the individual and the interests of society can be resolved in the best possible way. In some cases, delaying a replacement or upgrading the existing housing stock for a further life cycle may make sense; in other cases, the social benefit of more living space outweighs this. The focus should be on the discussion of how to best cushion the social impact of rent reductions. Regulations should be focussed on finding solutions for cases of hardship.

    A balanced discourse is needed
    Absolute considerations ignore the fact that decisions are often complex and require diverging concerns to be weighed up. Sustainable solutions are usually caught between different arguments.

    Representatives of the industry should be aware that generalised statements reduce the scope for context-specific discussions. If the sector unthinkingly backs the preservation of grey energy or opposes rent reductions, the door for the discussion of moderate regulations closes.

  • Zurich strengthens energy transition with 60 million program

    Zurich strengthens energy transition with 60 million program

    Buildings are among the biggest energy consumers in the canton of Zurich. Around 40 percent of energy requirements and a third of CO₂ emissions are attributable to this area. However, a lot has changed in recent years. Technical innovations, the CO₂ levy and cantonal regulations are having an impact.

    With the energy subsidy programme, the canton is creating additional incentives to replace fossil fuel heating systems, insulate building shells or modernize heat distribution systems. Demand for subsidies remains high, fueled by the revised Energy Act of 2022.

    Financial framework until 2029
    The cantonal government is now requesting CHF 60 million from the cantonal council to continue the program. These funds are to be supplemented with shares from the CO₂ levy and from the national impulse program. Provided the federal benefits are not reduced, this will result in a total budget of up to CHF 286 million for the years 2026 to 2029.

    The focus is on measures in the building sector. Advice and information services will also be supported, particularly for owners who want to renovate their properties to make them more energy efficient or are looking for alternatives before the statutory ban on electric heating systems from 2030.

    Focus on innovation and biogas
    In addition to traditional building renovations, the canton will increasingly promote innovation in future. One million francs per year is available for pilot projects that test new technologies and processes for efficient energy use or storage. A further CHF 250,000 per year will go towards the promotion of biogas from agricultural facilities. A promising energy source for industrial high-temperature processes.

    In this way, the energy promotion program combines climate protection with regional value creation. It strengthens innovation and at the same time acts as a lever on the way to net zero in Zurich’s building stock.

  • Wolf-Areal Basel affordable apartments

    Wolf-Areal Basel affordable apartments

    SBB is pressing ahead with the transformation of the former Wolf freight station into an urban living and working quarter. As with the Volta Nord project, former railroad areas are being opened up for living, working and leisure.

    from 2028, around 270 apartments will be built on two building plots in the heart of the site, specifically positioned in the affordable segment.

    low-cost rent and contemporary forms of housing
    The Basler Wohngenossenschaft is planning around 150 cooperative apartments, while Vivanta is planning around 120 additional affordable units. All apartments will be built according to the cost-rent principle, which allows for moderate rents in the long term.

    the concepts are based on contemporary forms of living for different phases of life, from families to singles to older people. Communal areas and meeting zones are intended to strengthen neighborhood life and promote social networking.

    Non-profit partners with a clear mission
    BWG and Vivanta pursue an explicitly non-profit mission. To secure affordable living space while maintaining high quality and sustainability standards. The projects should demonstrate that ecological construction methods are compatible with affordable rents.

    building rights as a development instrument
    Building plots are allocated on the basis of a partnership-based building rights agreement developed jointly by SBB, the Federal Office for Housing and the Swiss Housing Association. This model creates reliable conditions for non-profit developers and accelerates the realization of affordable housing in city centers.

    with the development of the Wolf site, SBB is continuing to pursue its strategy of opening up areas that are no longer required for operational purposes for modern urban use and making a substantial contribution to affordable housing.

  • Real estate market in a state of tension

    Real estate market in a state of tension

    With the Swiss National Bank’s interest rate cut to 0% in summer 2025, financing conditions will return to historic lows. Buyers will benefit, as will institutional investors who are shifting capital into investment properties. As a result, prices are rising again, especially for apartment buildings.

    At the same time, the falling reference interest rate is leading to rent reductions for old contracts. However, demand clearly exceeds supply. This is pushing the rental housing market further towards scarcity.

    Ownership wins, preservation loses
    The abolition of the imputed rental value is changing the ownership landscape. Without the tax burden, interest in buying is increasing, especially in the middle income bracket. However, the abolition of the flat-rate maintenance deduction curbs investment in building maintenance. Some cantons are already examining alternative taxes to compensate for the loss of revenue. The reform decision therefore has a double effect. It stimulates the market, but harbors risks for the building fabric.

    Construction activity collapses
    Construction output fell sharply in 2025. In Zurich by around 35 %, in Ticino by as much as 80 %. This is due to political uncertainties, rising construction costs and complex approval procedures. This has a direct impact on rental prices, which continue to rise in many regions.

    The result is a structural shortage that will persist in 2026. Even a slight drop in immigration figures will do little to change this. SIV members in particular see the shortage as the main price driver of the year.

    Politics as a game changer
    Cantons and cities are experimenting with changes to building laws, from car-free districts to stricter regulations on the disclosure of pre-rentals. For project developers, this means more uncertainty, longer procedures and increasing risks.

    Investors are becoming more selective and the choice of location is gaining in importance. The market is becoming increasingly fragmented along local lines.

    Climate risks and new valuation standards
    FINMA Circular 2026/1 makes sustainability mandatory. Banks and insurers must explicitly include climate and natural hazards in their risk assessments.
    Exposed locations are becoming less attractive, while stable and climate-resilient properties are gaining. For institutional investors, this means rethinking valuation models and portfolios.

    Residential properties on the rise, commercial properties under pressure
    The SIV analysis shows a clearly divided market picture. The residential market remains robust despite the turnaround in interest rates. Demand is high, vacancy rates are continuing to fall and should soon drop below 1.2 %. Rent increases are realistic, particularly for new lettings. The pressure on the market remains.

    In contrast, the commercial sector is under increasing pressure. Numerous companies are selling office space, resulting in a slight increase in vacancy rates. Modern, ESG-compliant new buildings are holding their own, while older properties are becoming less attractive and price concessions are becoming necessary.
    The retail sector is also showing a mixed picture. Local supply remains stable, but fashion and electronics stores are struggling with declining footfall and falling profitability.
    In terms of mortgages, owners are benefiting from low interest rates. Overall, financing costs are falling significantly. At the same time, energy and maintenance costs are rising and thus remain a fixed cost driver.

    Despite political and economic uncertainties, the majority of SIV members expect rising prices and stable income in the residential segment and a further decline in construction activity.

    Differentiation as a key factor
    The market will remain robust but selective in 2026. Quality, location and climate fitness determine success. While residential is considered a safe asset class, commercial is becoming a challenge. Investors and owners are faced with the task of reading market environments more precisely and incorporating regulatory dynamics at an early stage.

  • Canton Zurich wants to use large roofs for solar power

    Canton Zurich wants to use large roofs for solar power

    The Zurich Cantonal Council wants to improve the security of the electricity supply with solar power and long-term storage. According to a statement, it presented two proposals to amend the cantonal energy law on 6 January.

    The first bill stipulates that roofs larger than 300 square metres must be equipped with solar panels across their entire surface. This requirement applies to new buildings and the renovation of existing roofs. The cantonal government estimates the potential of fully utilising all suitable roofs at around 6 terawatt hours of electricity per year. This corresponds to around two-thirds of the canton’s current electricity consumption. According to the cantonal government, around 60 per cent of this potential lies in large roofs.

    The second bill provides for the expansion of long-term storage facilities. Electricity grid operators are to jointly promote these in future. This promotion is to be financed by a levy on electricity consumption not exceeding 0.5 centimes per kilowatt hour. The corresponding promotion fund is to be managed by the Zurich Cantonal Electricity Works (EKZ). The cantonal government wants to use this to make the surplus solar power generated in summer available for use during the winter months.

    Both proposals will now be submitted to the Cantonal Council for deliberation.

  • Basel becomes the building site of the future

    Basel becomes the building site of the future

    When the doors to Swissbau 2026 open tomorrow, Messe Basel will be transformed into a vibrant center of the construction and real estate industry. 592 exhibitors and partners will showcase products, systems and ideas for sustainable building and modern living.

    Hans Wicki, member of the Council of States and President of the umbrella organization Bauenschweiz, opens the trade fair with the Globus Basel lighthouse project as an example of sustainable renovation. Accompanied by representatives from politics and business, the industry demonstrates how professional expertise, climate targets and building practice can be combined.

    Experience craftsmanship live
    In Hall 1.0, the focus is on a real construction project. A two-storey house is being built in front of visitors’ eyes. Over 15 craft businesses will be demonstrating their skills, from woodworkers to solar installers, from tile layers to plasterers. The project makes tangible what building culture means in everyday life.

    Right next door, a cooperation with the Swiss Painting and Plastering Contractors’ Association SMGV brings color into play. Decorative plaster textures, live training sessions by two Swiss master craftswomen and the “Swiss Prize for Plaster and Paint” exhibition – a marketplace full of ideas and dynamism.

    Sharing knowledge, shaping change
    The Swissbau Focus and Swissbau Lab platforms create space for dialog. Here, experts discuss the circular economy, climate adaptation and digital change in the construction process. High-caliber speakers and practical examples provide food for thought and show how the future can be implemented in concrete terms.

    Whether in specialist forums or in direct discussions, knowledge transfer remains at the heart of the trade fair. All events are included in the admission price. A clear plus for trade visitors.

    Rooms for inspiration
    Design lovers and interior professionals will find new inspiration in the Trend World Interior Design (Hall 1.2). Bathroom innovations, surfaces, light and materials combine to create an atmospheric world of experience. Like Swissbau Focus, the hall will also remain open on Saturday, providing space for encounters outside the working week.

    Looking to the future
    Swissbau 2026 is more than just a trade fair. It is a showcase for progress, a laboratory for solutions and a place where the industry and society work together on the construction of tomorrow.

  • Valais start-up drives district heating planning forward in Europe

    Valais start-up drives district heating planning forward in Europe

    The software solutions developed by Valais-based start-up Urbio, which supports energy suppliers in their transition to clean energy and facilitates the creation of energy plans and district heating networks, will soon be available throughout Europe. The start-up has previously supported more than 200 projects in Switzerland, Germany, France and Belgium.

    The reason for the European expansion is the considerable potential for district heating, according to a press release. District heating could cover 50 per cent of Europe’s total heating needs from renewable sources, compared with just 10 per cent at present, and even less in some large economies. Sébastien Cajot, CEO of Urbio, identifies the obstacles: “We repeatedly encounter the same weaknesses in the initial planning phases: there is a high degree of uncertainty, reliable data is scarce and financing is difficult. As a result, fossil fuels remain the standard solution for most property owners.” This is where Urbio comes in, explains the CEO: “Collecting data, analysing it and dimensioning energy infrastructures: Urbio digitises this process in a single application. Thanks to generative design, our algorithms offer the most suitable solutions according to predefined energy requirements. The solution currently includes energy planning for specific areas, feasibility studies for district heating and direct integration with third-party tools such as websites or CRMs.”

    Industry players can now create their account on urb.io and learn about examples of projects that have already been completed. The first project application of the software solution is free of charge.

  • From material to strategy – circular thinking in construction

    From material to strategy – circular thinking in construction

    This year’s Swissbau is focusing participants’ attention on the topic of circular economy and materials as one of seven key themes. With a total of 35 keynote sessions, panel discussions, themed events and practical solutions, it is the most prominent theme at the leading trade fair for the Swiss construction and real estate industry after digitalisation and collaboration, which has 38 events. Overall, the content on offer is grouped around seven key themes.

    Swissbau 2026 will take place in Basel from 20 to 23 January under the motto “Setting new impulses together”. On 24 January, the new Trend World in Hall 1.2 of the exhibition centre will still be open.

    The programme, with the main theme of circular economy and materials, will start on Tuesday, 20 January, with the themed event “Faster, cheaper, more sustainable: modularisation and prefabrication make construction projects better”. Speakers include Konrad Graser from the Zurich University of Applied Sciences, Fabian Franke from ERNE Holzbau, MOD founder and CEO Marc Beermann, and Tom Van Mele from VAULTED.

    On Wednesday, 21 January, the keynote session “Building without materials – what does circular design need?” is scheduled. In this session, speakers from Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts will use concrete examples to show how existing materials can be transferred to further cycles of use using new methods. Contributions will also come from Basler Bauteilbörse, Bau-Teilen GmbH and Flumroc AG.

    A practical talk will highlight the technical and architectural aspects of wood as a material, while another will examine the possibilities and limitations of the circular economy using the example of laboratory buildings. The panel will discuss whether concrete can become “the game changer of the construction revolution”. The main event on Thursday, 22 January, will be the event on the topic of “The circular economy in practice – how can we solve conflicting goals together?”

  • IWB apprentices recycle street lights in their own start-up

    IWB apprentices recycle street lights in their own start-up

    A group of IWB trainees is turning disused Metro 45 street lamps into high-quality floor lamps. Sketches were turned into a prototype, and the first ten lamps have now been built. The team received support from experienced employees. According to a statement from IWB, a total of around 2,400 old lamps are suitable for reuse. The trainees have founded their own start-up to implement their project. The team includes a businessman, a business IT specialist, a road transport specialist, a network electrician and a metalworker.

    In a video published alongside the press release, one of them says that it is “exciting to work together with other apprentices; it brings us closer together”. One colleague thinks it’s “cool that we’re allowed to take on so much responsibility and that they trust us to make the right decisions”. Another colleague points out that it’s “difficult to have to make all the decisions yourself”. “But somehow it’s also fun, especially when you see the final product of the prototype and know what the sketch once looked like.”

    Project manager Saskia Damann explains the aim of IWB: “We want our students to learn as much as possible, for example things like entrepreneurial thinking, circular thinking and personal responsibility. These are skills they will need for their future.”

    What began as an idea, according to the IWB in a further statement, “is slowly taking shape and shows what is possible when learners take responsibility and work together across disciplines.” As a partner, the Basel-based lamp manufacturer and retailer Regent Lighting made the decisive step possible. It carried out the safety and quality tests. Planning for the second production round is currently underway.

  • Energy price sets final point with clear signals for the future

    Energy price sets final point with clear signals for the future

    PensimoFondsleitung AG, based in Zurich, is planning a capital increase of CHF 150 to 200 million for itsSwissinvest Real Estate Fund (Swissinvest) division in the first quarter of 2026. According to a press release, the fresh capital will be used to repay debt incurred in connection with the acquisition of two properties in the Zurich city area.

    The properties are a central residential and commercial property in Zurich-Wiedikon and an office property in Zurich-Oerlikon. The property in the Wiedikon district comprises 53 apartments, retail, office and storage space, and an underground car park with around 190 parking spaces. The approximately 12,500 square metres of lettable space generate an annual target rental income of CHF 4.4 million. The investment volume amounts to CHF 134 million.

    Swissinvest has acquired a 50.1 per cent co-ownership share in the property in Oerlikon. The 25,500 square metre office property has an annual target rental income of CHF 7.4 million, of which Swissinvest accounts for CHF 3.7 million. According to the press release, the property has potential for residential conversion.

    The total investment volume amounts to CHF 210 million with a target rental income of CHF 8.1 million. For the 2025/26 financial year, additional income of CHF 5 million is expected compared to the previous year. The Swissinvest Real Estate Fund’s half-year report will be published on 27 February 2026.

  • Modern hall solution supports specialised recycling processes

    Modern hall solution supports specialised recycling processes

    Bieri Tenta AG, a manufacturer of fabric solutions based in Grosswangen, has announced the successful completion of a warehouse project at its Susten site. The client was BOWA Recycling AG, a subsidiary of Theler AG from Raron VS that specialises in recycling contaminated soil. According to the press release, the warehouse is optimally designed to meet the requirements of modern recycling operations and is already the second project in which the companies have collaborated. In 2019, Bieri had already built a 2,700 square metre hall for BOWA Recycling AG.

    The warehouse in Susten is a gabled hall with a floor space of just under 3,000 square metres. The warehouse is equipped with six Bieri roller doors (5 x 5 metres) and six escape doors, which guarantee smooth operations and a high level of safety in everyday use. During the six-week installation process, Bieri used a mobile crane to lift the steel parts, which weighed up to 13 tonnes, to their destination. A 59 x 61 metre film weighing around 3.6 tonnes serves as the roof and covering for the membrane hall. The membrane is suitable for the installation of a photovoltaic system, allowing customers to generate sustainable energy directly on site.

    The client, BOWA Recycling AG, is a subsidiary of Theler AG and operates a soil washing plant in Leuk-Susten, but has also been operating a thermal treatment plant since 2024. According to its own information, the company achieves recycling rates of up to 99 per cent for contaminated soil material.

    The Bieri Group is a manufacturer of technical textile solutions for industries such as manufacturing, construction, transport, architecture and events. The company is divided into Bieri Tenta AG in Grosswangen and Bieri Zeltaplan GmbH, based in Leipzig, Germany.

  • Grid takeover brings new impetus to local energy supply

    Grid takeover brings new impetus to local energy supply

    According to a statement, Turgi is changing its electricity network operator. Regionalwerke AG Baden (RWB) will take over the electricity network in Turgi on 1 January 2026. This means that the previous operator, AEW Energie AG (AEW), will discontinue its electricity supply and customer service. The new point of contact for all matters relating to electricity supply will then be the regional electricity supplier RWB.

    The takeover of the water supply was able to be carried out earlier, as the municipality was responsible for this. The electricity grid, on the other hand, belongs to AEW and will become the responsibility of RWB at the beginning of 2026, as Adrian Fuchs, Head of Electricity Supply and member of the Executive Board at RWB, explains. With this step, RWB is underlining its “regional role” and offering a reliable, secure and sustainable electricity supply for the population. In addition, electricity costs for new customers are to be lower. Compared to the previous year, this will result in savings of 10 per cent for an average annual consumption of 4,500 kilowatt hours per household.

    The change of network operator is linked to planned renovations and an expansion of the electricity grid as part of the merger of Turgi with the city of Baden in early 2024. According to the announcement, 2,000 electricity meters will be replaced by smart metering systems from mid-2026. Medium-term plans envisage connecting the electricity grids of Baden and Turgi to strengthen security of supply.

  • Watt d’Or last edition of an energy prize

    Watt d’Or last edition of an energy prize

    The Swiss Federal Office of Energy awarded the Watt d’Or for the nineteenth and final time on January 8, 2026. The prize has been awarded since 2007 as a non-endowed seal of quality for energy excellence. The aim was to make exceptional achievements in the energy sector visible and to attract business, politics and the public to innovative energy technologies. 55 applications were received for the 2026 edition, 17 projects made it to the final round, from which the jury, chaired by National Councillor Susanne Vincenz-Stauffacher, selected the four winning projects.

    Gaznat Innovation Lab “GreenGas“
    Gaznat’s Innovation Lab in Aigle, where the gas supply company is working with EPFL and start-ups to test technologies for sector coupling, decarbonization and seasonal storage on an industrial scale, won in the energy technologies category. The GreenGas concept combines CHP, photovoltaics, power-to-gas (electrolysis), hydrogen storage, CO₂ capture, methanation and Gaznat’s real gas network at the Aigle site, thus building a bridge from research to industrial application.

    Endigo with alpine façade PV
    Endigo Holding AG from Fiesch, which has installed an alpine façade solar system at its new company headquarters in Goms, received an award in the renewable energy category. The lightweight timber construction with slatted façade combines architectural quality with a PV solution that utilizes the existing alpine light and reflection potential and stands for endigo’s regionally anchored, nature-loving and future-oriented energy focus.

    Electric tractor from Rigitrac
    Rigitrac Traktorenbau AG from Küssnacht am Rigi received the award for energy-efficient mobility for the SKE 40 e-direct electric tractor, the first production-ready electric tractor with European type approval. The vehicle is emission-free, quiet, maneuverable and particularly energy-efficient, making it suitable for applications where exhaust fumes and noise are undesirable. For example, in municipal maintenance, in vegetable tunnels or at indoor sports events.

    Buildings and space
    The Hobelwerk site in Oberwinterthur, which was developed by the building cooperative “mehr als wohnen”, Lemon Consult AG and the Low-Tech Lab together with other partners, received an award in the buildings and space category. The district impresses with its timber construction, the use of recycled materials, intelligent energy systems, an innovative ventilation concept, climate-oriented architecture and social diversity and is regarded as a model for forward-looking, non-profit housing construction in Switzerland.

  • Experimental field of cooperative city life

    Experimental field of cooperative city life

    As an innovation and learning platform, “mehr als wohnen” sees the Hobelwerk not only as a housing estate, but also as a real-life laboratory for new forms of housing, participation models and cooperative governance. For experts in planning, housing construction and urban development, the neighborhood offers illustrative material for central questions of future urban development. For example, the focus is on how much community everyday life can actually tolerate and how mixed uses can be organized in such a way that they function robustly in the long term. It also shows how a district can be designed to be socially open, ecologically ambitious and yet economically viable.

    The Hobelwerk is located on the former site of the Kälin & Co. carpentry factory right next to Oberwinterthur railroad station and thus in a well-developed, formerly commercial location. The client is the building cooperative mehr als wohnen, which has realized its second major project after the Hunziker Areal and developed the site in two stages between 2018 and 2023.

    five new buildings and several converted existing buildings have been built on an area of around 16,000 m², with a total of around 158 apartments plus commercial and communal areas. The development is considered a model for socially, ecologically and economically sustainable urban development and has won several architectural and energy awards.

    urban design, architecture and mix of uses
    The various structures, including long blocks along the tracks, a courtyard house, a rectangular building and a small residential tower, create a small-scale quarter with courtyards, alleyways, play areas and gardens. Several offices, including pool Architekten, Ramser Schmid, Pascal Flammer, Baubüro in situ and Studio Vulkan, ensure diversity in the details while maintaining a clear overall figure.

    the mix of uses ranges from classic 1.5- to 6.5-room apartments, cluster apartments and micro co-living to residential studios for cultural workers and commercial space of various sizes, some of which is affordable. The first floor includes a daycare center, bakery, co-working space, studios, laundromats, common rooms and communal areas that function as an extended “living room” for the development.

    living concepts and everyday organization
    The cooperative combines established and experimental forms of living such as micro-co-living for one to two people with shared kitchens and common areas, spacious cluster apartments for shared apartments, classic family apartments and inclusive housing projects, for example with partner organizations such as jawohn. The residential offering is complemented by guest rooms, guest apartments and rooms that can be flexibly rented.

    the commons play a central role with arcades, roof terraces, common rooms and the covered Hobelwerkplatz square, which facilitate informal encounters and shared use. Residents actively shape the neighborhood in neighborhood groups and participation formats, a core component of the “more than housing” DNA.

    existing buildings, open space and identity
    The old planing mill hall and the Z-Hall were preserved, gently converted and now form the center with a covered square for markets, festivals, cultural and neighborhood events. In this way, the industrial past remains present as a spatial and narrative layer and gives the area a clear identity.

    the open space design with vegetable gardens, gravel paths, play areas and the greening of courtyards and façades aims to ensure a high quality of stay, heat reduction and biodiversity. Low-car access and a mobility station with bikes and trailers make everyday life without a car easier.

    sustainability, governance and learning character
    The project focuses on energy-efficient construction, robust, durable materials and the targeted reuse of components, combined with low per capita consumption of resources and space. The Hobelwerk received several awards for this, including as one of the best new construction projects in Switzerland and for its energy-efficient, resource-conserving design.

  • Apartments are shrinking again

    Apartments are shrinking again

    Households are getting smaller, while apartments remain large. The average household size has fallen to around two people since the 1960s, and the proportion of single-person households is now around 41%, in some cases half of all households in large cities. At the same time, the large multi-room apartment dominates the housing stock, a structural mismatch that puts new construction under pressure.

    added to this are price and location pressures as well as sharp rises in land, construction and energy costs. This makes large apartments unaffordable for many, while investors achieve higher returns per square meter with smaller units. Urban planning models are focusing on redensification instead of single-family homes, and the proportion of new-build apartments in apartment buildings has risen.

    technical consequences for planning and construction
    Smaller apartments do not mean less planning, but more complexity in a smaller space. Higher building densities, larger spans and finer load transfer place demands on structural planning. The building services must supply more residential units per building, with higher requirements for sound insulation, ventilation, cable routing and meter logistics.

    in terms of fire protection, escape routes, fire compartments and rescue concepts are becoming more demanding as densification and mixed use increase. At the same time, there is growing pressure for flexible floor plans that can be divided, combined or repurposed, from single apartments to family homes and back again.

    conversion instead of tabula rasa
    New construction alone cannot remedy the structural imbalance between household and apartment sizes. Most of the existing housing stock dates back to the days of other housing and family models. Demolition and replacement would be neither economically nor ecologically justifiable.

    the focus is therefore shifting to the existing housing stock. Dividing up large apartments, building additions in the courtyard, adding storeys or converting office space become the central engineering task. In technical terms, this means interventions in statics and fire protection, retrofitting building services during ongoing operations and precision work on the occupied building.

    space as an underestimated lever
    The most important message from the evaluations is that heating, insulation and systems engineering are decisive for energy requirements. The heated living space per capita is decisive. Living on fewer square meters automatically reduces the heating load, the use of materials and the operating energy required

    Smaller and more energy-efficient homes therefore become a double key. They are better suited to smaller households and noticeably reduce the energy consumption of the building sector. Downsizing has a more immediate effect than many individual technical measures, provided that floor plans remain liveable, adaptable and socially mixed.

  • Zurich strengthens energy future with solar and storage obligation

    Zurich strengthens energy future with solar and storage obligation

    The largest unused power plant is located on Zurich’s roofs. Around 6 terawatt hours of solar power could be generated annually, almost two thirds of the canton’s electricity requirements. The cantonal government wants to exploit this potential. In future, all suitable roofs over 300 square meters are to be fully covered with solar systems. New buildings are subject to the obligation from the time of construction, existing buildings when the roof is replaced.

    In this way, Zurich is focusing on proven structures. Solar energy is generated locally, can be implemented quickly and hardly encounters any resistance. It strengthens self-sufficiency, especially if surplus summer electricity can be stored.

    Storage as a bridge to winter
    The way to a secure winter supply is through storage. Three quarters of solar power is generated in the summer months. A surplus that should be available for long-term use in the future. The Government Council wants to oblige grid operators to promote long-term storage in a technology-neutral way.

    A moderate levy of no more than 0.5 centimes per kilowatt hour will feed the subsidy fund, which will be administered by the EKZ. For households and businesses, this means around two percent higher electricity costs. Hardship regulations protect electricity-intensive companies.

    Law with a sense of proportion
    Where systems are uneconomical, financial hardship exists or there is no grid connection, exceptions remain possible and the obligation does not apply. Protective interests for the landscape and townscape are also weighed up.

    Zurich is thus sending out a pragmatic signal. Instead of hoping for large-scale projects in the Alps or wind farms, the potential is being used locally. The combination of nationwide solar production and a storage strategy forms the backbone of a secure, renewable energy future in the canton.

  • Basel between regulation and reality

    Basel between regulation and reality

    The latest political interventions, above all the housing protection initiative that came into force in May 2022, have shaken up the industry. The Housing Protection Act protects the existing housing stock and acts as a brake on renewal. Many owners are asking themselves, is it still worth doing what would make economic and ecological sense? The current discussions in the local property sector show that realism dominates, optimism is rare and uncertainty is widespread. At least politicians have recognised the problem and made initial adjustments. On 1 November 2025, the ordinance on the Housing Protection Act was amended and corrections made. The amendment to the ordinance is a step in the right direction. But not much more. In order for renovation, refurbishment and investment to actually take place again, the law needs to be amended.

    At the same time, it should be noted that the Basel housing market remains robust. The demand for good living space is unbroken, vacancy rates remain low (albeit less low than in other cities) and the attractiveness of the tri-border region, with its locally anchored pharmaceutical and life science industry, remains high. But the surrounding area is not sleeping either, with regulatory intervention in Basel encouraging a creeping relocation of investments to the neighbouring cantons and beyond. This not only affects investors, but also the local industry, which has to look outside Basel-Stadt for work. In some cases, this is causing prices to falter. This is not a healthy trend, but a warning signal.

    At the same time, the requirements for ESG compliance and energy efficiency are constantly increasing and with them the cost pressure. Anyone building or renovating today not only has to do the maths, but also justify themselves to banks, authorities and an increasingly critical public.

    In the short term, the search for stability and planning security dominates. In the medium term, the focus is shifting to the energy-efficient refurbishment of existing properties, not least from an ESG perspective.

    In the long term, the Basel property market will have to be judged on whether it can find a new balance between regulation, sustainability and profitability. Confidence remains, fuelled by the conviction that quality, innovative spirit and regional strength will endure even in challenging times.

    Fabian Halmer,
    President SVIT beider Basel
  • Innovative energy technology combines summer surplus with winter warmth

    Innovative energy technology combines summer surplus with winter warmth

    According to a press release, Matica AG from Wagenhausen and Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts have founded SeasON Energy AG. The aim is to industrialise and commercialise the SeasON sorption heat pump technology, which was jointly developed by the two partners over the past three years. It stores surplus renewable energy in summer using a thermochemical process and provides heating energy in winter with almost no additional electricity.

    “The founding of the spin-off SeasON Energy AG marks another important step in the further development of this pioneering technology and its market launch,” said Matica CEO Marc Lüthi. He will take over the operational management of the Zurich-based green tech start-up.

    “The first pilot plant, which has been in operation for a year at the animal carcass collection point in Frauenfeld, has proven that the technology works,” explains Benjamin Fumey, member of the board of directors of SeasON Energy and head of the CC Thermal Energy Systems and Process Engineering research group at the Institute of Mechanical and Energy Engineering at the Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts – Technology & Architecture.

    A second pilot plant is located at the postal delivery point in Kaltenbach TG and a third in a residential building in the German state of North Rhine-Westphalia. SeasON Energy plans to implement around a dozen further pilot projects over the next 12 to 18 months. The aim is to demonstrate the performance and economic efficiency of the technology.

    In 2025, the SeasON project was awarded the Prix Watt d’OR and the Greenovation Award. SeasON was also one of the three finalists in the Industry Innovation category ofthe Swiss Technology Award.

  • Renovation combines functionality, comfort and alpine location

    Renovation combines functionality, comfort and alpine location

    Heller Gastro AG will open its newly renovated and converted Eiger Lodge Grindelwald on 19 December 2025. The work centred on the renovation of the Eiger Lodge “Easy”, the older of the two buildings that form part of the Eiger Lodge. It was modernised between April and December. According to a press release, the investment volume totalled 4.5 million Swiss francs. The two hotel sections “Easy” and “Chic”, located directly beneath the north face of the Eiger, offer a total of 220 beds.

    according to the statement, 70 per cent of the order volume was carried out with local companies, while the remaining 30 per cent was carried out with companies from Bern and the Bernese Oberland. The new breakfast area now offers more space and large window fronts with mountain views. New kitchen facilities are intended to simplify processes behind the scenes. The reception and entrance area has also been completely refurbished. A sauna has been installed on the upper floor. An adjoining terrace is still under construction. The communal showers, which are part of the “Easy” multi-bed, double and family rooms, have also been completely renovated.

    The hotel has been the base for numerous mountain enthusiasts since the 1990s under the name Mountain Hostel. in 2015, it was taken over by Heller Gastro and renamed the Eiger Lodge. The company also operates the Eiger Mountain & Soul Resort Grindelwald on site.

  • Where the construction and real estate world is building its future

    Where the construction and real estate world is building its future

    Swissbau 2026 is more than just a trade fair. It is a seismograph of an industry in upheaval. Climate change, the energy crisis, scarcity of resources and a shortage of skilled workers are coming up against the rapidly advancing digitalization of the construction and real estate industry.

    the focus is on questions that will determine the future viability of a company today. How can we plan and build in a circular way? How can buildings become more energy-efficient and resilient? And how can digital tools be used to make processes simpler, more transparent and more collaborative? From design to operation.

    At the same time, there is growing pressure to visibly implement sustainable answers in projects, processes and products. Swissbau brings these topics together in a shared experience space where strategies, solutions and practical examples come together.

    focal points and highlights
    The trade fair sets clear focal points in terms of content. These include climate and energy, circular economy and materials, digitalization and collaboration as well as architecture and quality of life in the built environment. These topics will be presented in a practical and condensed manner in stage formats, guided tours and live demonstrations.

    highlights include premieres of new systems, materials and technologies that bring resource-saving construction and energy-optimized buildings to life. Live demos will show how digital planning, model-based collaboration and robotic production are changing the construction site and what opportunities this presents for efficiency, quality and occupational safety.

    how digital is Swissbau?
    Digitalization is no longer a stand-alone area, but runs as a common thread through the entire Swissbau. The focus is on end-to-end processes, from digital planning and BIM-supported collaboration to data rooms that connect planning, construction and operation.

    Platforms, tools and applications that make building data usable and thus contribute to more efficient project management, better decision-making and smarter operation will be presented at the trade fair. The physical trade fair will be complemented by an expanded digital presence that offers a program overview, streams of selected formats and extended dialogue opportunities before and after the trade fair days.

    The result is a hybrid knowledge and networking platform that goes far beyond the classic trade fair visit and enables companies to make their digitalization journey visible and think ahead.

    swissbau Focus Stage for dialog
    Swissbau Focus forms the heart of the trade fair in terms of content. In curated talks, panels and specialist events, associations, companies, universities and authorities discuss key issues relating to the future of the construction and real estate industry.

    The focus here is on framework conditions, strategies and specific responsibilities. How is the regulatory framework developing? What incentives are needed for climate-friendly and circular construction? What role do the public sector, real estate sector and industry play in the interplay?

    The character of the event is deliberately dialog-oriented. The focus is on exchange rather than frontal presentations, on controversial perspectives rather than one-sided product messages. This makes Swissbau Focus a place for managers and experts to sharpen their positions, form alliances and gain impetus for their own strategy

    Swissbau Lab and live craftsmanship
    While Swissbau Focus focuses on discourse, Swissbau Lab brings innovations to life. In a mixture of workshop, stage and laboratory, start-ups, established industry partners and educational institutions present new solutions. From digital tools and circular materials to pioneering construction processes.

    Formats such as the Main Stage, the Speakers Corner and thematic sessions focus on short, condensed inputs, best practices and direct exchange with the participants. This creates a field for experimentation in which new ideas can be tested, discussed and further developed. Close to practice, open to criticism and cooperation.

    At the same time, Treffpunkt Handwerk shows how much the building trade itself is changing. A two-storey timber house will be built live and companies will demonstrate work processes, tools and materials in operation. Digitalization, prefabrication and precision will be directly visible here, from smart tools to networked construction sites.

    Training, networking and safety
    A central concern of Swissbau 2026 is securing the next generation of skilled workers. Professional and industry associations, schools and training providers use the platform to showcase training paths, specializations and career opportunities. As well as to strengthen the dialog between young talent, companies and educational institutions.

    Networking runs through the entire trade fair. Lounge areas, themed meeting points and curated events offer space to initiate projects, deepen partnerships and forge new coalitions around the topics of climate, energy, digitalization and security.

    The topic of safety is broadly understood. From occupational safety on the construction site to building safety and resilience through to stable, trustworthy digital infrastructures. Swissbau 2026 shows that if you want to shape the future of construction, you not only need good products, but above all strong networks, shared knowledge and the courage to break new ground

    Trade fair dates and address
    Tuesday to Friday, January 20 to 23, 2026:
    9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
    All halls

    Saturday, January 24, 2026:
    9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
    Hall 1.2 and Hall 1.0 South
    Trend World Interior Design and Swissbau Focus
    www.swissbau.ch

  • Zug promotes sustainability and innovation

    Zug promotes sustainability and innovation

    On November 30, 2025, the Zug electorate clearly approved the Site Development Act. The cantonal government has now passed the implementation ordinance, meaning that the law and ordinance will come into force on January 1, 2026. The canton is investing the expected annual net additional revenue of around CHF 200 million from the OECD minimum tax in three areas. In social measures such as childcare, education and housing, infrastructure and innovative projects, such as blockchain and ETH collaborations or energy projects, as well as targeted subsidies to companies for sustainability and innovation.

    Impact-oriented sustainability promotion
    The central element of SEVO is impact-oriented promotion of climate protection in companies. Support is provided for projects that substantially reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the supply chain. The prerequisite is a saving of at least 50,000 tons of CO₂ equivalents; 30 francs are paid per ton saved. In this way, the canton rewards measurable, verifiable emission reductions instead of purely declarative climate promises and provides a clear incentive for large decarbonization projects.

    Stimulus for research and development
    In addition to sustainability, the program specifically addresses the innovative strength of Zug’s economy. The expenditure-based innovation promotion supports research and development activities with a contribution rate of 25% on qualifying personnel expenses, supplemented by a flat-rate infrastructure supplement of 35%. Funding is also provided for clinical studies conducted in Switzerland. In this way, the canton of Zug is strengthening both technology-oriented companies and research-intensive sectors such as pharma, medtech and deeptech.

    Flexible system in the shadow of the minimum tax
    The ordinance is deliberately designed to be flexible in order to be able to react to a dynamic international tax environment. The background to this is the OECD minimum tax, which affects around 400 companies in the canton. The new support system is intended to compensate for impending locational disadvantages and ensure Zug’s attractiveness as an international business location. Companies can submit applications for the first time from March 1, 2026, based on the figures for the 2024 financial year. The Directorate of Finance is responsible for implementation. The aim is an unbureaucratic, efficient system that rewards clearly measurable achievements in sustainability and innovation and positions Zug in global competition in the long term.

  • Federal government supports 33 model projects for tomorrow’s spatial planning

    Federal government supports 33 model projects for tomorrow’s spatial planning

    The model projects are seen as a field of experimentation for municipalities, regions and private organizations that want to tackle current challenges with new methods. These include an ageing population, housing shortages, a lack of space for sport and exercise, the decline in biodiversity and gaps in basic services in rural areas. What is needed are bold, directly implementable projects whose experiences can serve as a model for other regions. This funding instrument has been in existence for 25 years and is now supported by nine federal agencies from four departments under the leadership of the Federal Office for Spatial Development ARE.

    33 projects, six thematic priorities
    33 projects were selected for the 2025-2030 program generation and allocated a total of CHF 4.274 million. In addition to financial support, the projects will receive technical support and assistance with knowledge transfer, especially if solutions prove successful. The projects are divided into six thematic priorities.

    • Strengthening central functions in rural and mountain regions
    • Improving the quality of life through biodiversity and attractive landscapes
    • sport and exercise-friendly settlement planning
    • more sustainable regional food systems
    • sustainable housing through conversion and transformation of existing buildings
    • Co-creation of local services

    Broad federal sponsorship
    In addition to the ARE, the Federal Roads Office, the Federal Office for the Environment, the Federal Office of Public Health, the Federal Office of Culture, the Federal Office of Sport, the Federal Office for Agriculture, the Federal Office for Housing and the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs are involved. These federal agencies contribute their expertise and ensure that successful model projects also have an impact on other regions and programs. Some earlier projects have already been recognized with prestigious awards such as the Wakker Prize. The new projects will start at the beginning of 2026 and are intended to show how sustainable spatial development can be shaped on the ground.

  • Location policy in transition

    Location policy in transition

    Basel-Stadt has responded to international developments in the area of tax and location promotion with a revision of the Location Promotion Act, which was clearly approved by the Grand Council and the electorate in 2025. At the heart of Basel’s location package are two funds into which the cantonal government can pay between CHF 150 and 500 million annually, depending on the canton’s financial situation. 80 percent of the funds will flow into the promotion of innovation and 20 percent into the areas of society and the environment. A maximum of 300 million Swiss francs will already be allocated in the current year.

    Social added value through parental leave
    One component is support for voluntary parental leave that goes beyond the legal requirements. Companies that voluntarily grant their employees parental leave that goes beyond the statutory provisions can be reimbursed for up to three weeks of additional salary costs for mothers and fathers. This regulation strengthens the compatibility of work and family life and promotes a modern, inclusive work culture. A factor that is becoming increasingly important in the international competition between locations.

    Energy transition as a locational advantage
    The environmental section of the programme supports companies in Basel City that make targeted investments in decarbonization and energy efficiency in the canton and in Switzerland. Contributions are granted based on CO² savings achieved or energy saved. The canton can cover up to 40 percent of the investment costs of implemented measures. The reduction of the emission intensity of direct greenhouse gas emissions worldwide is also eligible for funding. The Basel location package complements and reinforces the other measures of the cantonal climate protection strategy with the goal of net zero by 2037. Basel-Stadt is thus setting standards throughout Switzerland for a practice-oriented climate policy that combines responsibility with economic rationality.

    Innovative strength from Basel for Switzerland
    The most important part of the Basel location package is the area of innovation. Here, the Canton of Basel-Stadt contributes to the personnel expenses of Basel-based companies for research and development. Depending on their size, companies benefit from graduated subsidy rates of up to 28% and additional contributions for depreciation on equipment for research and development and high-tech production. The canton also supports companies’ expenditure on clinical trials in Switzerland. This strengthens the canton’s profile as a leading innovation location and life sciences hub in Europe.

    A new balance between business and society
    The Basel location package is more than just a funding program. It is a strategic course-setting exercise to harmonize competitiveness, sustainability and social responsibility. The close involvement of business and politics has created a model that radiates beyond Basel – as an example of modern, future-oriented location promotion.