Tag: CO2-Reduktion

Zug Estates places third green bond

Zug Estates Holding AG has taken another significant step in its sustainable finance strategy. Following the successful launch of green bonds in 2019 and the complete conversion of the bond portfolio to green bonds in 2022, the company has now placed another green bond for CHF 100 million. The issue, which will be paid out on 30 September 2024, has a coupon of 1.65% and a term of seven years. This increases the proportion of unsecured bonds in relation to all interest-bearing financing to around 45%.

More flexibility for sustainable investments
In the run-up to the issue, Zug Estates expanded its existing Green Bond Framework into a Green Finance Framework. This innovation enables the company to access other green financial instruments in addition to green bonds. Zug Estates is thus expanding its flexibility in financing sustainable projects and sending a strong signal in favour of the future of green investment.

Under the new, strict selection criteria, buildings and sites are classified as green if they either emit less than 1 kg of CO2 equivalents per square metre of energy reference area or have prestigious sustainability certificates such as BREEAM, DGNB/SGNI, SNBS or Minergie. Despite these demanding requirements, 95% of Zug Estates’ entire portfolio can be categorised as green properties – proof of the company’s consistent strategy in the area of ecological sustainability.

The Suurstoffi showcase for sustainable real estate
A large proportion of Zug Estates’ green properties are located on the Suurstoffi site. This ultra-modern, almost CO2-free development site has also been allocated to the existing and newly launched green bond. As at 30 June 2024, the market value of the Suurstoffi properties earmarked for the green bonds is CHF 418.4 million. This site is an outstanding example of the implementation of Zug Estates’ sustainable development strategies and sets new standards in the field of sustainable construction and operation of real estate.

Confirmation from international rating agencies
Zug Estates has received high recognition for its green finance framework from ISS Corporate Solutions, one of the world’s leading ESG research and rating agencies. This Second Party Opinion (SPO) strengthens investor confidence in the company’s sustainability strategy. In addition, Zug Estates was awarded a “C” rating and “Prime” status by ISS (International Shareholder Services) on 23 August 2024. This underlines the high value Zug Estates places on environmental, social and governance-based sustainability.

Successful placement of the green bond
The placement of Zug Estates’ new green bond met with great interest from institutional investors. They particularly appreciate the fact that the funds are invested directly in properties that meet the highest sustainability requirements and are already operated almost entirely CO2-free. UBS AG and Basler Kantonalbank acted as joint lead managers for the issue. Admission to trading on the SIX Swiss Exchange has been applied for, which further increases the attractiveness of the green bond.

Sustainability as a strategy for the future
With the placement of its third green bond and the expansion of its green finance framework, Zug Estates is once again demonstrating its leading role in the field of sustainable property financing. The company shows how a consistent ecological focus can not only increase the value of the portfolio, but also make an important contribution to reducing CO2 emissions and promoting sustainable development. Zug Estates is thus setting a new standard for the entire property sector.

August 2024
Holcim posts record high profitability

Holcim generated sales of 12.81 billion Swiss francs in the first half of 2024, the globally active Zug-based building materials group announced in a press release. This corresponds to a year-on-year decline of 1.9 percent. In local currencies, growth of 1.6 percent was achieved.

The recurring operating result at EBIT level increased by 8.1 per cent year-on-year to CHF 2.21 billion. The corresponding margin increased from 15.6 to 17.2 per cent. A record-high margin of 23.2 per cent was even achieved for the second quarter of 2024.

Group profit before impairments and disposals rose by 7.5 per cent to CHF 1.38 billion. By contrast, net profit fell by 3.4 percent to CHF 1.22 billion. In the half-year under review, Holcim made eleven acquisitions and sold four parts of the Group.

Holcim can also point to successes in terms of sustainability. For example, CO2 emissions in relation to sales were 7 per cent lower in the reporting period than in the previous year. In addition, Holcim’s low-emission cement ECOPlanet already accounted for 26 percent of Group-wide cement sales. The share of low-emission concrete ECOPact reached 28 percent. At the end of 2023, the share of the two sustainable products was still 19 percent each. “Our leading sustainable construction solutions – from the low-CO2 concrete ECOPact to the energy-efficient Elevate roof systems – make us the partner of choice for major projects, such as in the infrastructure sector or in the construction of data centres,” Holcim CEO Miljan Gutovic is quoted as saying in the press release.

August 2024
Cement recycling – a cost-effective and efficient way
The study recently published in the journal PNAS, led by Imperial College London and in collaboration with Empa and EPFL, shows that recycling cement paste from demolished concrete is one of the most effective and economical ways to reduce CO2 emissions. The process of CO2 mineralization, in which CO2 is absorbed into building materials such as concrete, could reduce emissions from cement production by around 15% – equivalent to 0.8% of global greenhouse gas emissions in 2020.

Cementpaste recycling is the frontrunner among the technologies
Of the ten CO2 mineralization technologies examined, recycled cement paste proves to be the most promising. Cement paste, a binding agent for concrete, usually comes from demolished buildings and can be processed at low cost. Rupert J. Myers from the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Imperial College emphasizes: “Our results show that CO2-mineralized cement could be a key technology for decarbonizing the construction sector.”

Economic benefits and sustainability
The study highlights that cost-effective CO2 mineralization technologies are up to five times cheaper than conventional carbon capture and storage methods. In addition, they offer a long-term solution, as building materials can store CO2 for centuries. Justin D. Driver from the Department of Chemical Engineering at Imperial College adds: “While CO2 mineralization is not an all-purpose solution, it offers great potential for reducing emissions in the construction sector.”

Limitations and further research needed
Ellina Bernard, a scientist at Empa’s Concrete and Asphalt Laboratory, points out that the amount of material available for carbonation is limited, which restricts the potential of this technology. Nevertheless, the potential CO2 savings of 15% are significant. Further research to optimize and reduce the cost of carbon capture and utilization (CCU) technologies remains essential.

Recommendations for the future
The study formulates concrete recommendations for political decision-makers, investors and researchers:
- Develop strategies to support the recycling of concrete demolition: the aim is to promote the recycling of concrete demolition in order to maximize emission reductions.
- Focusing on competitive CO2 mineralization technologies: The focus should be on developing and supporting those technologies that have proven to be economical and effective in making optimal use of resources.
Ensure transparency in the competitiveness of these technologies: To enable investors to make informed decisions, clear and comprehensible information must be provided on the costs, market opportunities and possible applications of the various technologies.
July 2024
69 million dollars secured for CO2 storage technology

Neustark has secured financing totalling 69 million dollars. According to a press release, the ClimateTech company from Bern was supported by the Decarbonisation Partners financing fund, a partnership between BlackRock and Temasek, with the backing of Blume Equity. UBS initiated debt financing. Existing financiers Siemens Financial Services, Verve Ventures, ACE Ventures and Holcim also participated in the new capital round.

Neustark intends to use the acquired funds to strengthen its position in Europe and gain new markets in America and Asia.

Neustark, a spin-off from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich(ETH), has developed a process in which CO2 is converted into limestone, which is bound to the pores and surface of the concrete granulate. The carbonated granulate can then be used in road construction or for the production of recycled concrete. According to the company, Neustark currently operates 19 plants with this technology in Germany, Liechtenstein, Austria and Switzerland. The company aims to store 1 million tonnes of carbon dioxide from the air by 2030.

June 2024
Partnership for the development of sustainable earth building materials

ERNE AG, headquartered in Laufenburg, and Oxara AG from Dietikon are joining forces to develop sustainable building materials based on clay. The two companies have already signed a letter of intent to this effect, ERNE announced in a press release. Through the partnership with the spin-off of the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich(ETH), the construction company aims to change the Swiss construction landscape and set a new standard for sustainability.

“ERNE’s company history is characterised by innovation and creative solutions,” said Markus Meier, Managing Director of ERNE AG Bauunternehmung, in the press release. “Oxara is therefore the ideal partner for us to make a contribution to CO2 reduction in the industry with the joint development of sustainable building materials.” According to ERNE, it has been interested in clay construction for some time, but has not yet found a suitable binding agent.

This shortcoming is to be remedied with Oxara. The company’s founders have developed a patented technology for additives and binders that can be used to produce recyclable, cement-free and unfired building materials from building rubble and excavated material. Compared to conventional bricks and concrete, they have up to 90 per cent lower CO2 emissions and are suitable for the construction of three to six-storey buildings.

May 2024
Award for sustainable new build in Central Switzerland

Lignum, the timber industry association, has awarded the Swiss Timber Label to the new Campus Sursee event hall. According to the umbrella organisation of the forestry and timber industry in Central Switzerland, wood is a good choice for the construction of buildings due to its low material weight, high load-bearing capacity and its positive effects on the indoor climate.

Few educational institutions have opted to build with wood. “It is not often that a leading training centre for construction professionals builds with wood and thus relies on the countless advantages of this renewable raw material,” Melanie Brunner, Managing Director of Lignum Holzwirtschaft Zentralschweiz, is quoted as saying. It is a special honour to be able to award such a prestigious building, she said. The advantages of wood as a building material are synonymous with securing jobs in the region, reducing grey energy and managing forests in an environmentally friendly way. The event hall contains 217 cubic metres of wood. The timber framework and box girder elements consist of 92.3 per cent Swiss wood. This means that 159 tonnes of the greenhouse gas CO2 can be bound in the building.

Lignum awards the Swiss Wood label to identify wood that has grown in Swiss or Liechtenstein forests and is processed in Switzerland or the Principality. It can be found on the product and on accompanying documents.

May 2024
SAK and NORM work together for greater energy efficiency

The energy supply company St.Gallisch-Appenzellische Kraftwerke AG(SAK) is entering into a partnership with Norm Technologies(NORM) from Zurich. NORM determines the energy efficiency of buildings as well as their CO2 emissions and refurbishment options. NORM has set itself the goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the building sector.

“This partnership with NORM is in line with our commitment to promoting innovative solutions that help our customers to increase their energy efficiency and make an active contribution to environmental protection,” said Philipp Inderbitzin, Head of Energy Solutions at SAK, in a press release. The collaboration will enable SAK to offer its customers a holistic energy analysis for their properties.

The first step of the analysis is carried out digitally and free of charge via the SAK website. In a second step, energy experts prepare a more in-depth analysis and show options for a customised renovation roadmap. With NORM’s expertise, SAK can advance its goal of achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040, which in turn supports the goals of the Swiss Climate and Innovation Act, the press release explains. In return, “working with an established partner like SAK enables us to come one step closer to our vision of decarbonising the real estate sector”, according to NORM founder Gian Reto à Porta.

May 2024
CoolCity lake water network, an urban powerhouse

As temperatures rise, Zurich is seeing an increase in the use of air conditioning systems, which significantly increases the city’s energy requirements. CoolCity is responding to this trend with an ambitious concept designed to sustainably cover the energy requirements for heating and cooling.

A strategically positioned energy centre
A 4,000 m² energy centre is being built in the heart of Zurich, in the ewz Selnau substation. This serves as a central interface for the efficient distribution of heating and cooling and is a key element of the city’s energy supply network. The project guarantees an optimum temperature supply for its users: 67°C for heating and around 12°C for cooling, directly from the lake water. Temperatures adjusted on site by heat pumps and cooling systems ensure maximum efficiency and comfort.

A sustainable energy distribution system
At the heart of CoolCity is a sophisticated system of primary and secondary circuits. This structure enables the flexible provision of heating or cooling and is supplemented by energy-saving freecooling in summer. It is not only a project for the present, but also a forward-looking step towards Zurich’s goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2040. The use of deep water from Lake Zurich to heat and cool buildings reduces CO² emissions by an average of 80 per cent compared to fossil fuels.

Overcoming challenges
Despite widespread approval, ecological, legal and technical challenges must be overcome during realisation. Close collaboration between the experts at ewz, Anex and other stakeholders is essential in order to develop innovative solutions for civil engineering and the continuous energy supply.

CoolCity is scheduled to go into operation in stages from 2031. This will allow the system to be adaptively optimised to meet Zurich’s changing needs. Through this development, Lake Zurich will take on a dual function: in addition to a local recreation area, it will become the basis for a sustainable energy supply for the city.

CoolCity symbolises Zurich’s pioneering spirit and its efforts to create innovative solutions for a sustainable future. Through the intelligent utilisation of lake water for the city’s energy supply, the project sets new standards in ecological urban development.

April 2024
World’s largest electric melting furnace for stone wool in operation

After a two-year construction period, the world’s largest electric melting furnace for stone wool was inaugurated today in Flums. This milestone marks a significant development for the Swiss stone wool producer Flumroc and emphasises its commitment to pioneering technologies. The new furnace runs entirely on electrical energy from Swiss hydropower, reducing CO2 emissions from the melting process by 80 per cent. This corresponds to an annual saving of around 25,000 tonnes of CO2, comparable to the emissions of 5,500 oil-fired households.

The opening ceremony was attended by more than 100 guests from the worlds of politics and business, including Federal Councillor Albert Rösti, who emphasised the importance of this investment for energy efficiency and environmental protection. He emphasised that such projects are crucial for reducing CO2 emissions and protecting the environment.

The electric melting furnace customised for the production facilities in Flums positions Flumroc as a pioneer in the stone wool industry. Damian Gort, Managing Director of Flumroc, explained: “With the world’s largest electric melting furnace, we are realising a technological feat that significantly improves the eco-balance of our products and makes an important contribution to an energy-efficient and sustainable building stock.”

The investment in the Flums site reinforces Flumroc’s commitment to regional production and ecological sustainability. “It is neither sensible nor ecologically justifiable to transport the voluminous product over hundreds of kilometres. Only through domestic production can we really guarantee a closed cycle,” says Gort. Flumroc has been producing stone wool in Flums for over 70 years and, with 225 employees, is one of the most important employers in the region.

The use of the new electric melting furnace makes Flumroc’s production process much more sustainable. Compared to conventional insulation materials, Flumroc’s Swiss stone wool now has the lowest greenhouse gas emissions from production to disposal. This consolidates Flumroc’s position as an environmentally conscious producer in the building materials industry.

April 2024
High-temperature heat storage could make the industry more sustainable

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

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

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

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

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

April 2024
WWZ begins construction of heat pipeline to Cham

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

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

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

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

April 2024