immo!nvest – Die Plattform für Standorte und Immobilien

Tag: Energie

  • Winterthur wants to become climate neutral by 2040

    Winterthur wants to become climate neutral by 2040

    The voters in Winterthur are in favor of a climate-neutral city by 2040. On November 28, two variants of a net zero for CO2 emissions were up for voting. One envisaged achieving climate neutrality by 2050, the second by 2040. In the key question, the variant prevailed by 2040, explains the city administration of Winterthur in a message .

    Net zero emissions mean that no more greenhouse gases are emitted than can be absorbed by natural and technical reservoirs at the same time. With climate neutrality by 2040, the city of Winterthur has set itself a more ambitious goal than the canton of Zurich and the federal government. Both aim to achieve net zero emissions by 2050.

    In the referendum in Winterthur, 61.31 percent approved the option by 2040. The climate target of a net zero by 2050 was approved by 63.59 percent of the voters. In the key question, the goal of climate neutrality by 2040 prevailed with 60.41 percent of the votes.

  • The Metropolitans: Over 180 parking spaces, electric car ready

    The Metropolitans: Over 180 parking spaces, electric car ready

    The two towers rise around 60 meters into the sky and thus shape the character of the Leutschenbach district in the north of the city of Zurich. However, “The Metropolitans” is not only visually impressive, it is also a showcase project when it comes to electromobility. The underground car park was equipped in such a way that a sustainable infrastructure for e-vehicles is available for the residents of the 212 apartments.

    Clear decision
    When the residential towers were completed in 2015/16, there was only one charging station in the underground car park. Little by little, other residents had their parking lot equipped. “There was a certain amount of wild growth,” explains Christian Steiger, who, as the delegate of the condominium owners, accompanied the expansion from the start. “When other owners expressed their interest in a charging station, we set up a project team to find a uniform solution”. The team obtained offers and recommended the charging solution from ewz after a thorough examination. “Working with ewz in the evaluation phase was very pleasant and productive,” explains Steiger. “We were also impressed by the price-performance ratio, the know-how and the complete solution.” The joint owners’ meeting followed the recommendation and decided, by far more, in favor of the ewz solution.

    Novel ceiling pillars
     After the award, ewz submitted a funding application to the City of Zurich, which covered up to 60 percent of the costs for the charging infrastructure as part of the 2000 watt contribution. The application was approved – implementation could begin in spring 2021. In a first phase, all 187 parking spaces in the underground car park were connected with a ribbon cable. This means that when you register, you only need to install and connect the charging station. Several dozen residents did this directly: in the summer of 2021, over 80 parking spaces were already equipped with a “easee” charging station.

    Depending on the location of a parking lot, the charging station is either mounted on the wall (wallbox) or suspended from the ceiling. Such ceiling pillars, each with up to four charging stations, are ideal for parking spaces in the middle of underground garages and impress with their high-quality design. According to Christian Steiger, the feedback on the new charging infrastructure is very positive. “The charging stations look good and work perfectly,” he sums up.

    Load management saves costs
     The charging infrastructure of “The Metropolitans” includes dynamic load management. It ensures that all connected e-cars receive sufficient electricity and are charged the next morning. At the same time, the system ensures that the need for charging is coordinated with the needs of the households. This automatic load balancing of the “easee” charging stations has the advantage that up to three times as many electric vehicles can be charged at the same time – 24 hours a day and thanks to a standard tariff at no additional cost. This prevents overloads or even power failures and ensures a reliable, stable power supply. In addition, thanks to the load management, an expensive expansion of the connected load of the two residential towers could be avoided.

    Simple billing
     While the basic expansion of the charging infrastructure was paid for jointly by all floor owners using a distribution key, the individual owner pays for the charging station himself. After that, only low costs are incurred in operation. The users receive a chip card (RFID card) so that they can identify themselves at their charging station and enable charging. The ewz package also includes an app that shows the electricity used and the costs at all times. You will be billed monthly via a credit card that is stored in the app. Users only pay ewz CHF 9.90 per month for these services.

    Advantages of the ewz charging solution
     Through the partnership, the residents benefit from a future-proof complete solution. The project team and the administration really appreciate having a single point of contact with ewz as the general contractor for the planning, implementation and operation of the charging infrastructure. This guarantees an efficient, practice-oriented solution with simple scalability. Ewz’s 24-7 customer service and its reputation as a city partner strengthen the customer’s feeling of security. You can also rest assured that your electric vehicles will only be charged with green electricity.

    Flexible, simple and sustainable: this is how the charging solution from ewz works. And you can find out more about Switzerland-wide energy solutions from ewz here.

  • Supporting the science-based 1.5-degree goal

    Supporting the science-based 1.5-degree goal

    In 2021, Pictet’s investment experts developed the Group’s own “Climate Investment Beliefs” as part of a comprehensive process. This initiative is based on two beliefs: Climate change has a significant impact on asset prices. Given its leadership position in the investment industry, it is important for the bank to understand these implications to support performance. As a manager and owner of assets with your investment activities influence on the consequences of climate change. It is therefore the responsibility of the company to find out how it can promote positive effects and mitigate negative ones.

    Dealing with the great ecological and social challenges of our time will require more cooperation and transparency. Joining the Net Zero Asset Managers Initiative and the SBTi’s commitment to the “Business Ambition for 1.5 ° C” reflect these convictions.

    The company is aware that achieving these goals is tantamount to a Herculean task and that efforts can only be successful if all financial actors pull along. It requires fundamental change, as well as long-term commitment and persistence and the contribution of all economic actors. Pictet wants to publish a climate action plan with concrete targets for 2030 in 2022.

    The group looks back on over two hundred years of history, based on a long-term and responsible approach to its own business and the management of its clients’ assets. In doing so, the company not only takes into account the interests of today’s, but also those of future generations. This is the core of responsible thinking and the most effective contribution we can make to a sustainable future on our planet.

  • Schwarm finances IWB's second solar system

    Schwarm finances IWB's second solar system

    Tenants without their own roof helped finance IWB ‘s second solar system. You have acquired an individual share in the planned solar system on the Spittelmatthof near Riehen BS through the participation model Sonnenbox Crowd. In return, they will receive an electricity credit of 100 kilowatt hours per invested square meter over a period of 20 years.

    This second system is 350 square meters and will have an output of 72 kilowatts. That corresponds roughly to the electricity needs of 25 to 30 households. As stated in a press release , it only took a few weeks to fully finance them.

    The preparations for its construction were already under way. It should be completed by the middle of next year. The installation of the first swarm-financed system is also imminent. It is being erected on a roof by IWB in Basel’s Gundeli district. “The great demand spurs us on to offer the people of Basel more solar systems soon,” Martin Albrecht, product manager of the Sonnenbox Crowd, is quoted as saying. “We are looking for other suitable roofs for this.”

  • Subsidies result in record expansion at solar

    Subsidies result in record expansion at solar

    According to a media release by the Federal Office of Energy (SFOE), the federal funds for photovoltaic systems are having an effect: The record construction of photovoltaic systems from 2020 will probably be exceeded this year.

    According to the information, more than 18,000 photovoltaic systems with a total output of 360 megawatts were registered for one-off remuneration from January to the end of October 2021. That is around 25 percent more than in the same period last year. In the third quarter, their number even increased by 40 percent.

    All system operators who have submitted their complete application to Pronovo AG on time could expect a payment. A total of CHF 150 million would be paid out as a one-off payment for 26,000 small photovoltaic systems. 500 applications have been received for large photovoltaic systems. As confirmed by the SFOE, the planned funding amounts could be paid out to all applicants who correctly submit their application by the respective deadline in the coming year.

    No further systems were added to the feed-in tariff system in 2021. After completion, 19 photovoltaic, 79 hydropower, 422 wind energy and 42 biomass projects would have received funding approval.

    The investment contributions made available for small and large hydropower plants were only partially called up in 2021. New requests could be processed immediately without a waiting list.

    No applications have been received for an investment contribution in favor of electricity-producing sewage gas and waste incineration plants, wood power plants or geothermal projects. New ones could be processed immediately.

  • AMAG Winterthur puts new solar system into operation

    AMAG Winterthur puts new solar system into operation

    The AMAG Group has put a new photovoltaic system into operation at its Winterthur location, informs the automotive trading group for all brands of the Volkswagen Group in a message . The system built by Helion with an output of around 157 kilowatts peak was installed on the roof of the AMAG building for Volkswagen and VW commercial vehicles. The group intends to use around 60 to 65 percent of the approximately 158 megawatt hours of solar power expected annually.

    “With the solar energy obtained from the photovoltaic system, we can cover around 60 percent of our electricity requirements at the Zürcherstrasse 312 location in Winterthur,” Martin Zgraggen, Managing Director of AMAG Winterthur, is quoted in the press release. “The increasing number of electric vehicles means that more electricity is required, which the new solar system supplies us.”

    The AMAG buildings for the Audi and Skoda brands in Winterthur were equipped with a solar system back in 2013, the press release explains. The group had the first photovoltaic system installed on the roof of its central spare parts warehouse in Buchs ZH in 2008. In the current year, in addition to the new system in Winterthur, two further solar systems were installed in Wettswil am Albis ZH and in Basel.

    The automobile trading group with its headquarters in Cham ZG wants to be completely climate-neutral by 2025. To this end, solar systems are to be installed on an area of around 50,000 square meters by 2024. The group is looking into a deployment for a further 100,000 square meters of space at AMAG locations.

  • Deutsche Ökobank relies on Meyer Burger

    Deutsche Ökobank relies on Meyer Burger

    The GLS Bank from Germany relies on Meyer Burger for its offer of a package for the expansion of solar systems. The cooperative bank, which operates according to socio-ecological principles, wants to promote the expansion of photovoltaic systems in the commercial and public sectors. To this end, the bank has launched a so-called carefree photovoltaic package for corporate customers. In addition to financing, it includes a number of other services.

    As part of the package, the GLS Bank decided in favor of Meyer Burger as a cooperation partner for photovoltaic modules, the solar company from Thun informs in a message . “We have high demands on our products and our production in terms of environmental and resource conservation as well as social factors”, Katja Tavernaro is quoted there. “Our high-performance solar modules are a good example of a successful relationship between sustainability and economy,” says the Chief Sustainability Officer at Meyer Burger Technology AG. Concretely, Tavernaro leads a reduced use of material and energy, the renunciation of toxic ingredients, the production exclusively with electricity from renewable energies and the observance of social standards in the supply chains.

    This is in line with the goals of the GLS Bank: “We don’t just want to get photovoltaics on the roof, we also ask questions about the quality and sustainability of the modules,” explains bank representative Michael Orth.

  • Homeowners are ready to switch to renewable heating

    Homeowners are ready to switch to renewable heating

    The focus of the eleventh customer barometer renewable energies presented by Raiffeisen Switzerland is on the deployment and use of heating technologies, solar systems and electromobility. According to a media release , the survey by Raiffeisen, the University of St.Gallen and EnergieSchweiz showed that half of the homeowners surveyed are generally willing to replace their oil or gas heating with a more environmentally friendly technology.

    A quarter of those surveyed have not yet thought about a replacement, according to the media release. 30 percent of those surveyed already use climate-friendly heating technologies such as heat pumps, solar thermal energy and district heating. But 28 percent still heat with oil. Around a fifth of these have already opted for a climate-friendly replacement in the next few years.

    According to the Raiffeisen report, photovoltaic systems (PVA) are currently growing exponentially. 22 percent of the homeowners surveyed already have a system for generating solar power. 30 percent could imagine a purchase in the near future. This year’s study also looked at battery storage for photovoltaic systems. The main arguments for this are given as a 26 percent increase in revenue from electricity production, 23 percent a reduction in CO2 emissions and a reduction in electricity costs (22 percent).

    According to the announcement, Raiffeisen relies on a holistic advisory process to increase the modernization rate. “We are convinced that long-term planning and financial preparation of the investment in the property are decisive success factors in order to carry out the optimal modernization measures at the right time,” Roland Altwegg, Head of New Business Models & Ecosystems at Raiffeisen Switzerland, is quoted as saying. And: “What is often forgotten: Environmentally friendly technologies also increase the value of a property.”

  • Binningen steigert Anteil an erneuerbarer Wärmeenergie

    Binningen steigert Anteil an erneuerbarer Wärmeenergie

    Primeo Energie hat beim Schulhaus Spiegelfeld in Binningen eine neue Pelletheizanlage in Betrieb genommen, informiert der Baselbieter Energieversorger mit Sitz in Münchenstein in einer Mitteilung. Die neue Anlage ersetzt ein veraltetes erdgasbetriebenes Blockheizkraftwerk. Mit der Umstellung auf die Pelletheizung steige der Anteil an Wärmeenergie aus erneuerbaren Quellen in Binningen auf 35 Prozent, schreibt Primeo Energie.

    Diesen Anteil wollen Gemeindeverwaltung und Energieversorger zukünftig auf 70 Prozent ausbauen. Dazu sei geplant, die Abwasserwärme auf dem Hauptwasserkanal in der Baslerstrasse und dem Birsig zu nutzen, heisst es in der Mitteilung. Zeitgleich werde Primeo Energie in den Ausbau und die Verdichtung des Wärmenetzes investieren, um weiteren Interessierten den Anschluss zu ermöglichen.

    Zudem engagiert sich Primeo Energie beim Klimaschutz im Gebäudebereich. Zusammen mit dem kantonalen Förderprogramm für Energieeffizienz und erneuerbare Energie im Gebäudebereich unterstütze das Unternehmen „die Transformation des Gebäudeparks in Richtung Klimaneutralität“, schreibt Primeo Energie. Mit dem Baselbieter Energiepaket werden die Sanierung von Altbauten, neue Methoden der Wärmeproduktion und energieeffiziente Neubauten gefördert.

  • Yes I do. Renovation for the future.

    Yes I do. Renovation for the future.

    • The single-family house from the sixties …
    • … is hardly recognizable after the gradual renovation.
    • The covered main entrance with carport.

    Flumroc AG has been committed to energy-efficient and professionally implemented modernizations for years and supports the federal government’s energy strategy with various commitments.

    With your new information campaign “Yes, I do. Renovation for the future. ” draws your attention to the need for renovations and offers building owners, interested parties and experts an online information platform. Potential builders often shy away from the expense of an energetic renovation. Flumroc shows that with the right support and approach and precise planning, nothing stands in the way of successful implementation.

    Stock analysis
    The free eVALO analysis tool provides initial guidance as to which renovation measures make sense. With a few clicks you can simulate your renovation and receive initial information on the energetic state of your property. It also provides you with initial clues about investments and financing.

    In a next step, it is advisable to have a so-called GEAK (building energy certificate of the cantons) issued by a specialist. This evaluates the quality of the building envelope and the energy efficiency of the building technology.

    An inventory analysis of your property can also be carried out by other specialists, such as an energy advisor. The planning and implementation of comprehensive renovation measures is complex and should therefore be carried out by a planner with the appropriate professional competence.

    In the right order to the goal
    Decisive for a successful renovation are the coordinated renovation measures in the right order and the choice of the right material.

    At the beginning of every renovation there is the insulation of the building envelope.

    Energy-efficient windows can be installed to match the insulation. This is followed by the application of modern building technology. The residents benefit in many ways from a well-planned and holistically implemented renovation. You save costs in the long term and at the same time enjoy the most modern living comfort. In addition, renovations are in most cases more resource-efficient than demolitions.

    Rely on the right materials in the long term
    The awareness of the choice of the right materials is also very important. At this point you can make a significant contribution to sustainability and ecology. In addition, important aspects such as heat, noise and fire protection can be included in the decision-making process. Properties that distinguish Flumroc stone wool.

    A very well insulated house needs less heating energy in winter and less cooling capacity in summer. The easy-to-process material provides excellent soundproofing and, with a melting point of over 1000 ° C, also provides excellent fire protection. In addition, Flumroc’s products meet the highest ecological standards with regard to the extraction of the raw material, transport, industrial processing, use on the building and recycling during dismantling. Because Flumroc stone wool is 100% recyclable!

    With the FUTURO generation, Flumroc also offers insulation products with natural binders. The residents of the renovated buildings can enjoy a pleasant room climate all year round and benefit from an extremely high level of living comfort.

    More information on this at: www.flumroc.ch/jaichwill

  • Houzy launches energy calculator

    Houzy launches energy calculator

    Houzy now also offers an energy calculator on its platform as a further aid for property owners. According to a press release , this can be used to determine the energy efficiency of a building. In this way, Houzy promotes sustainable renovation measures as well as transparency for property owners and prospective buyers.

    In addition, the energy calculator simulates the influence of energetic measures on energy consumption, heating costs and CO2 emissions. He takes into account the investment costs and calculates both the funding and the long-term savings potential. In four steps you can find out how facade insulation, insulated windows or a heat pump influence energy efficiency.

  • Building the future of energy

    Building the future of energy

    The property right at the entrance of the municipality is less than 10 kilometers away from the city of Winterthur and is still an idyllic piece of land, with a direct connection to the banks of the Töss and with a view of meadows and forest. The goals of the Energy Strategy 2050 are being built here. The Verde Blu development has been inhabited since autumn 2019. So far, so normal. It is noteworthy, however, that this development covers a large proportion of its energy requirements itself and that exclusively from renewable sources. "The specifications of the Energy Strategy 2050 are an opportunity for the real estate industry," explains Dieter Stutz from Atlantis AG, which is active in the areas of environmental consulting, settlement planning and architecture and who developed the project. The heat supply via groundwater was the best and most convincing solution for the area. Atlantis planned and implemented this complex construction project together with EKZ.

    Sustainable living as a need
    The new construction project Verde Blu with nine residential and commercial buildings comprises 108 condominiums as well as various commercial areas that are used by a Migros branch, a community and a physiotherapy practice, among other things. An old, listed barn serves as a common room and provides rustic charm on the site. In contrast to this is the state-of-the-art technology that supplies the system with energy: groundwater is used as a heat source for the heating and hot water, which supplies the houses with decentralized heat pumps via a so-called anergiering. An anergy ring is a cold local heating system that, in contrast to conventional local heating systems, works with transfer temperatures below 30 degrees Celsius. Anergy networks therefore have no heat losses in the lines, but even achieve additional energy gains through the environmental heat. In summer, the buildings can be passively cooled with the groundwater via the anergy ring.

    A photovoltaic system that is optimally designed to meet the needs of the building provides the electrical energy for the building. The complex was only built after the apartments had already been occupied. Because they wanted to leave the decision for or against solar power to the owners. The fact that the system with a peak output of 100 kilowatts was approved by an overwhelming majority at the first owners' meeting in winter 2019 speaks for itself. Martin Nicklas, who is responsible for modern energy solutions at EKZ, is not surprised: "In the real estate sector, we have long known the need to make a contribution to sustainability in the living area as well." A charging infrastructure for the 209 parking spaces was installed in the lower-level garage. Thanks to load curve management, it is possible to charge the cars in stages if a whole fleet of electric vehicles should one day populate the garage.

    Well-coordinated system
     In Kollbrunn, power generation as well as heating and cooling generation and electromobility are combined in an integrated energy system. The centerpiece is an intelligent control system that maximizes the self-consumption rate and takes over load management. In this way, what is actually the most important goal can be achieved: that the electricity produced by the PV system is also consumed as much as possible on site. The controller uses weather forecasts from an external weather portal for this purpose. An algorithm in the control system evaluates this data and decides on the previous evening whether enough solar power will be produced the next day to charge the boiler and storage tank of the heating system. If the solar production is too low, the boilers are charged during the night at the low tariff, otherwise the system waits until enough solar power is available the next day to start the heat pump.

  • "The Energy Act takes us a decisive step further in terms of climate protection"

    "The Energy Act takes us a decisive step further in terms of climate protection"

    What topics do you deal with as the head of the building department of the canton of Zurich?
    Martin Neukom: As a member of the government, I have many different tasks. On the one hand, I lead the construction department with around 1,800 employees. On the other hand, I am a member of the seven-member government, which deals with the important political business from all directorates. As the construction director, I deal with very different topics, from noise protection to agriculture and waste management. Among other things, it is this variety of topics that makes my work exciting.

    How many construction projects are you currently working on?
    There are around 700 construction projects – from the roof renovation of a school building to the PJZ police and justice center, which is currently one of the largest construction sites in Switzerland. We do nature conservation and water protection projects as well as the maintenance of the 1500 kilometers of state roads in the canton. Through spatial planning, we influence development, protect the cultivated land and shape the appearance of the canton.

    To what extent do you benefit from your engineering degree and your master’s degree in solar energy systems for your work as head of the canton’s building management?
    The exchange with the experts in the building department is exciting and enriching. My scientific background helps me understand numerous topics and projects, for example in the energy or environmental protection sector, but also in the construction sector.

    What are the most important construction projects that are currently running in the cantons or that will start in the near future?
    These include the police and justice center as well as the Zurich Center university area with its new buildings for the university and the upgrading of public spaces. The laying of the foundation stone for the Winterthur district facility is planned for this November.

    Several construction projects are underway at the Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW). Where do you see the greatest challenges and progress here?
    Building in existing structures is a major challenge here. In addition, the space in the densely built-up Winterthur must be used optimally. Various projects have already been successfully completed, for example the university library.

    According to a survey, less than half of homeowners have looked at alternatives to oil and gas when it comes to replacing heating
    The subject of energy is very important to you. The CO2 law failed in the last vote at the ballot box. The canton of Zurich will vote on the energy law in autumn. What goals do you want to achieve with this new law? What are the key issues for residential and commercial property owners?
    With the amendment to the Energy Act, the Canton of Zurich is creating an important basis for effective climate protection in the building sector. In the future, oil and gas heating systems will have to be replaced by climate-neutral heating systems at the end of their service life. In order to avoid high costs and hardship cases, there are exceptions. The canton’s financial contributions to climate-neutral heating will be increased to make the switch easier.

    The homeowners association of the Canton of Zurich has called the referendum. The HEV advocates voluntariness and personal responsibility instead of coercion and regulations. In addition, the HEV says that homeowners have long been assuming their responsibility. How do you react to these arguments?
    Today more than every second oil or gas heater is replaced by a new oil or gas heater at the end of its service life. This means that the canton is not achieving its climate targets. According to a survey in the city of Zurich, less than half of homeowners have looked at alternatives to oil and gas when it comes to replacing heating. In order to achieve the climate targets, binding rules are needed for the replacement of heating systems. The Energy Act takes us a decisive step further in terms of climate protection.

    How confident are you that there will be a YES this time?
    The population in the canton of Glarus has just approved an even more ambitious energy law than we are putting it to the vote in the canton of Zurich. In addition, the canton of Zurich has approved the CO2 law with over 55 percent. I am confident. But it is definitely not going to be a walk, on the contrary.

    The city of Zurich seems to be on track in terms of climate technology. The picture is different in the canton. How do you sensitize the rest of the canton of Zurich to the energy issue?
    It is now more about acting than about raising awareness. The Energy Act would bring us a lot further here.

    When it comes to financial support for solar systems, the canton of Zurich does poorly in a Swiss comparison. When and how do you intend to change that?
    There is indeed a need for action here, and we are working intensively on it. In addition, the Cantonal Council has instructed the Government Council to work out a corresponding template by 2022.

    What does your solution in the mobility sector look like?
    Here, too, net zero must be the goal. This means that there must be no environmentally harmful emissions. The era of fossil internal combustion engines has passed. The sooner they are replaced, the better for the climate and thus for us and future generations. Good cooperation with the Department of Economics, which is in the lead in mobility, is also important to me here.

    Most cantons rely on architects for their master builders. You have appointed Beat Pahud as the new cantonal master builder on August 1, 2021. Critics complain that he did not complete a degree in architecture. What do you reply to them?
    The management of the structural engineering department with its 150 employees does not require a degree in architecture. What it takes: a strong leader with a lot of know-how in the construction sector. Beat Pahud is the ideal cast for this.

  • App facilitates energy planning for buildings

    App facilitates energy planning for buildings

    With Polysun, Vela Solaris AG from Winterthur has developed a solution that should facilitate the planning of energy systems for buildings and neighborhoods. It makes it possible to simulate energy systems in these environments. In this way, possible energy systems can be displayed for an initial examination and compared with one another.

    Based on Polysun, Vela Solaris and the building technology association suissetec set up the building technology calculator web app. The association is now making the solution available to its members and customers, as stated in a message .

    “With the building technology computer, we enable our customers to take the step towards the digital conception of energy systems”, Lars Kunath, responsible for digital solutions at suissetec, is quoted as saying. He also emphasizes the “reliability of the simulation results and the high level of professionalism of Vela Solaris as a development partner”.

    “The cooperation with associations as well as manufacturers and dealers represents a real enrichment for Vela Solaris”, says Angela Krainer, Managing Director of Vela Solaris. “We always strive to make our solutions available to as large a user group as possible”.

  • Partners want to bring hydrogen into the building sector

    Partners want to bring hydrogen into the building sector

    Romande Energie , GreenGT as well as the Nomads Foundation and the Realstone Group are joining forces to use local hydrogen in the energy supply of the real estate sector. As part of a project called Aurora, the French-speaking partners want to develop the necessary solutions.

    Aurora is intended to cover various aspects of the production, distribution and use of hydrogen, according to a communication . The aim is to introduce integrated solutions such as water electrolysis or fuel cells into existing systems such as photovoltaics and battery storage.

    The joint project should take several years. First the modeling, then the installation of the developed systems in several buildings is planned. After that, the developments are to be marketed.

    The Nomads Foundation is a private, non-profit foundation that promotes multidisciplinary collaboration. GreenGT is active in hydrogen technology and also offers advice. The Realstone Group is a specialist in collective real estate investments. Romande Energie is an energy supplier that relies on renewable energies.

  • Artwork produces solar power

    Artwork produces solar power

    Solar cells can also decorate buildings as objects of art. This is shown by a project that has now been implemented at the NEST research building of the Eidgenössische Materialprüfungs- und Forschungsanstalt ( Empa ) and the EAWAG water research institute. The facades of the building have been fitted with photovoltaic modules, which together result in a work of art.

    To this end, Empa implemented the project called Glasklar, on which it worked together with Zug Estates and students and lecturers from the two departments of Design & Art and Technology & Architecture at the Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts. The latter designed photovoltaic modules in a two-week block event, which visually match the NEST building as design objects. The design was implemented by textile design student Lynn Balli. It was selected for use in the NEST building in an interdisciplinary design competition.

    “If we can arouse the interest of designers in the design of building-integrated photovoltaic modules, we will make an important contribution to greater acceptance of photovoltaic facades and thus promote the expansion of renewable electricity production in Switzerland,” says Björn Niesen, NEST innovation manager Message from Empa quoted.

  • Delta School relies on LEDcity

    Delta School relies on LEDcity

    The Delta School in Zurich has brought the lighting in its classrooms up to date with the latest technology. The old luminaires were replaced by the energy-efficient, sensor-controlled lighting from LEDcity , informs LEDcity in a message .

    As part of the Eco Schools project carried out by the school, the pupils were also involved in retrofitting the lighting. Yves Jungo from LEDcity, on the other hand, had to prove himself as a teacher: the customer advisor for the Zurich start-up company introduced the children and young people to the basics of electricity and lighting in two teaching units.

    For LEDcity, the cooperation with the school is a role model, the message goes on to say. “If you can convey to children the importance of careful use of our resources – and especially of the ‘invisible’ resource of electricity – this contributes a lot to a greener future,” Jungo is quoted there as saying.

    According to the company, users of the innovative lighting system saved up to 93 percent of energy costs compared to conventional lighting. To this end, LEDcity uses algorithms optimized by artificial intelligence, which control the light sources autonomously and as required.

    In the Delta School, the students were able to calculate the actual energy savings themselves: the interaction of LED technology, algorithms and sensors reduces costs by 60 francs per year and lamp.

  • Swissolar wants more sun in standard electricity

    Swissolar wants more sun in standard electricity

    Around 5 percent of annual electricity consumption in Switzerland is currently covered by domestically produced solar electricity, explains Swissolar in a press release . In the standard electricity products of the energy suppliers, however, the proportion of solar electricity is only 1.85 percent on average. The Association of the Swiss Solar Energy Industry is working together with the power comparison service myNewEnergy to increase the solar proportion of standard products to this 5 percent in a first step.

    “This value should be increased annually by at least the amount of additional construction in question,” Swissolar managing director David Stickelberger is quoted in the announcement. “Around 1 percent would correspond to the necessary expansion of photovoltaic systems.”

    The majority of households do not choose a special electricity product and therefore receive the standard offer from the respective energy supplier, explains Swissolar in the press release. If the proportion of solar power in the standard product is increased to the proportion of power consumption, the comparatively expensive power is divided among a large number of consumers, argues Swissolar. This keeps the product price low and opens up new sales markets for providers of solar power who have been “sitting on their clean electricity” up to now.

    “It is important that these certificates come exclusively from Swiss solar systems, because only such certificates make an effective contribution to a safe and clean power supply in our country,” explains Stickelberger. “To replace the nuclear power plant alone, we need 20 terawatt hours of solar power.”

  • A new solar community is emerging in Glarus

    A new solar community is emerging in Glarus

    The Technischen Betriebe Glarus ( tb.glarus ) are building a solar system on the roof of the gymnasium belonging to the Glarus Cantonal School. Private customers can buy their desired area of solar panels there and receive a fixed amount of solar power in return for 20 years.

    By participating in such a solar community, tenants without their own roof also have the opportunity to subsidize locally generated solar power. Another advantage is that you don’t have to worry about investment costs, planning or maintenance, according to tb.glarus in a press release .

    This emerging solar community is the third that tb.glarus is realizing. Two solar communities have already been successfully put into operation at the branch garden gym in Netstal GL. With its 666 square meters, the new facility will be almost twice as large as these two combined.

  • Empa achieves record for flexible solar cells

    Empa achieves record for flexible solar cells

    The Empa team from the Laboratory for Thin Films and Photovoltaics , headed by Ayodhya N. Tiwari, has set its seventh record for the efficiency of flexible CIGS (Copper Indium Gallium Diselenide) solar cells. After a record high efficiency of 12.8 percent in 1999, it has now reached 21.38 percent, according to a press release. This new record was confirmed by the independent Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems in Freiburg, Germany.

    The value now measured is already close to the best efficiency of conventional, non-flexible solar cells made of crystalline silicon of 26.7 percent. The highly efficient flexible solar cells are particularly suitable for use on roofs and building facades, for greenhouses, transport vehicles, aircraft and portable electronics. Together with the Niederhasli ZH-based company Flisom , a spin-off from Empa and the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich ( ETH ), the researchers are developing roll-to-roll production of lightweight, flexible solar modules for such applications.

    These solar cells are produced on a polymer film using a low-temperature evaporation method. The light-absorbing semiconductor material lies on top as a wafer-thin film. Empa researcher Shiro Nishiwaki optimized their composition. In this way he was able to further increase the efficiency. According to the team’s measurements, the increase in photovoltaic output remained stable even after several months.

    Tiwari’s team works closely with the Kovalenko Lab for Functional Inorganic Materials at ETH Zurich. The research and development work was supported by the Federal Office of Energy .

  • Switzerland has great potential for geothermal energy

    Switzerland has great potential for geothermal energy

    Switzerland has considerable potential in the use of alternative energy sources such as geothermal energy and in the underground storage of CO2. This emerges from a press release from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne ( EPFL ). Professor Lyesse Laloui from the Faculty of Architecture, Civil and Environmental Engineering ( ENAC ) at EPFL was head of the research group on geoenergy as part of the Innosuisse Energy funding program, which ran from 2013 to 2020. Eight competence centers have been set up. EPFL played a leading role in the field of geoenergy. Laloui is the author of the chapter on this in the final report of Innosuisse.

    Lyesse Laloui sees great potential for the use of geothermal energy. The Swiss government has set the target for 2035 of generating 11 percent of the energy used for heating and cooling buildings from geothermal energy. Laloui assumes over 20 percent. “The project results show that this share could easily be doubled,” he is quoted in the communication. The possibilities of using geothermal energy to generate electricity were also examined. Laloui points out problems such as drilling deep without triggering seismic movements. “One day we will surely make it, but we are not there yet.”

    According to the Lalouis report, there are good opportunities for the underground storage of CO2 emissions in Switzerland, especially in the Central Plateau from Friborg to Zurich. Professor Laloui is quoted as saying that of the around 40 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent that are emitted in Switzerland every year, around 12 million could be stored underground.

  • The first Swiss hydrogen hub is being built in the Rhine ports

    The first Swiss hydrogen hub is being built in the Rhine ports

    The first Swiss hydrogen hub is to be built in the port areas of Birsfelden and Muttenz. According to a press release, four partner companies have agreed on this. Swiss Rhine ports , the energy company Varo , the filling station operator AVIA and the Basel energy supplier IWB have signed a joint declaration of intent for the construction of such a hydrogen node. As a green energy carrier, hydrogen will play an important role in the CO2-neutral future, according to the press release.

    The four partners from the energy industry and logistics see the ports of Muttenz and Birsfelden as ideal locations for a hydrogen hub, according to the joint media release published by Varo. The H2-Hub Schweiz project should include the production, distribution and use of hydrogen. The plans envisage not only distributing the hydrogen with the existing infrastructure, but also producing, storing and making available the green energy on site. The tank storage company AVIA AG and the energy company Varo Energy Holding AG are already active in the Rhine ports.

    IWB (Industrielle Werke Basel) produces and sells renewable and CO2-neutral energy as electricity, heating and cooling and for mobility. According to the announcement, IWB founded GreenH2 AG together with the petrol station operator and AVIA member company Fritz Meyer AG. The company is to build hydrogen production plants.

    Applications of hydrogen will soon be tested in the H2 hub Switzerland as a fuel for trucks, trains, other road vehicles and ships.

  • ESB promotes conversion to solar heating

    ESB promotes conversion to solar heating

    At the beginning of the month, ESB launched a program to promote newly built solar thermal systems in Biel, the energy company informed in a press release . With this, ESB wants to support the Biel climate strategy, it is said there. In particular, ESB wants to contribute to the city's goal of becoming climate neutral by 2050.

    For new buildings, a combination of gas heating and solar collectors is the standard solution for the requirements of the cantonal energy ordinance, writes ESB. The solar collectors could cover 60 to 70 percent of the hot water preparation and an additional 20 percent of the heating energy, writes ESB. According to the report, the greatest energy consumption in households occurs in these two areas.

    With a thermal solar system, property owners “not only make a valuable contribution to climate protection, but also enjoy numerous advantages,” argues ESB. As such, lower costs for heating materials, tax deductions and subsidies as well as a comparatively low cost of maintaining the system are mentioned in the notification.

    The ESB funding program provides for 250 francs per square meter of collector surface up to a total system size of 50 square meters. Anyone who installs a larger system can submit a request for additional support. ESB provides detailed information on the Internet .

  • CKW buys Elektro Basilisk AG

    CKW buys Elektro Basilisk AG

    CKW AG is growing in German-speaking Switzerland: the Lucerne-based specialist for integrated energy and building technology solutions has bought the Basel electrical company Elektro Basilisk AG . As CKW reports , with this targeted addition, it is optimally expanding its own portfolio. At the same time, it supports the strategy of expanding the building technology business, and especially solar. "Elektro Basilisk AG optimally complements the competencies within the CKW Group both geographically and thematically," Thomas Gisler, head of the electrical business unit at CKW, is quoted as saying.

    The company Basilisk, founded in 1997, offers all services related to electrical and telematics installations, repair services and solar technology. Almost 40 employees work for the company. Like the managing directors, you will remain in the company.

    According to its own information, the CKW Group supplies over 200,000 end customers in the cantons of Lucerne, Schwyz and Uri with electricity. It also offers products and services across Switzerland in the areas of IT infrastructure and communication, electrical engineering and energy technology. CKW employs more than 1900 people.

  • Rheinfelden Solar puts third system into operation

    Rheinfelden Solar puts third system into operation

    The Rheinfelden Solar project will shortly put its third solar system into operation, AEW Energie informs in a press release . The system with a peak output of 110 kilowatts is being built as part of a roof renovation on the works yard and fire department store in Stein. A total of 290 modules will be installed here.

    In the Rheinfelden Solar project, interested parties can support solar energy without having to set up their own solar system. Instead, they finance a system installed by Rheinfelden Solar with a one-time contribution per module. In return, those involved are credited with the electricity they have produced with the modules they finance over a period of 20 years in their own electricity bills.

    The modules of the system in Stein are sold at the same conditions as those of the considerably larger second system from Rheinfelden Solar on the roof of the Swisslos logistics center in Rheinfelden. Interested parties can now order the desired number of modules online at a price of 560 francs each, explains AEW Energie. From the beginning of 2022, 240 kilowatt hours of electricity per purchased module should be credited to the electricity bill.

  • Health center uses ecological heating center

    Health center uses ecological heating center

    The health center Dielsdorf relies on a sustainable heating technology solution. For this purpose, the Liechtenstein company Hoval has installed a heating center the size of a small single-family house on the roof of the facility , according to a press release . A solar system extends over the rest of the roof area.

    “The large area offered itself for the use of solar energy. The entire system was lifted onto the roof using a crane, ”explains Edgar Stutz, Head of Technical Service at the Dielsdorf Health Center, in the press release. According to Heinz Hitz, technical sales consultant at Hoval, only around 30 systems of this size are put into operation in Switzerland each year.

    The heart of the energy supply is a gas condensing boiler and the solar panels. There are two energy stores in the basement. When both storage tanks have reached the required temperature, the excess energy from the solar system is automatically transferred to an old part of the building. The system is supplemented by an oil condensing boiler, which is only used in the event of a fault.

    Compared to conventional heating systems, the health center can save 120,000 kilowatt hours of energy with the new system, says Björn Zittra, Head of Sales Support at Hoval. “That corresponds to around 12,000 cubic meters of natural gas – or around 29 tons of CO2 per year,” he explains.

  • Raiffeisen nominates companies for entrepreneur award

    Raiffeisen nominates companies for entrepreneur award

    For the first time, Raiffeisen Bank is also presenting its entrepreneur award in the Espace Mittelland region. With this award it honors SMEs who are committed to “economically sustainable business development”, according to a media release . The six nominees have now been chosen.

    Megasol Energie AG from Deitingen SO is one of them. According to Raiffeisen, the SME is one of the world's leading manufacturers of solar modules. In 2014 Megasol Energie presented a solar module that will be used as a building material for the building envelope – a world first at the time.

    Puralpina ag , Wyssen Avalanche Control AG , Studersond AG and Stuberholz AG are among the nominees from the canton of Bern. Puralpina ag manufactures products for health in Switzerland, Wyssen Avalanche Control AG specializes in avalanche blasting systems, Studersond AG is a manufacturer of machines for soil digestion and Stuberholz AG specializes in timber construction.

    Krummen Kerzers AG from the canton of Friborg is one of the nominees. The logistics company operates internationally and attaches great importance to sustainability.

    The winning company will receive a trophy and prize money of CHF 10,000. In addition, an audience award worth CHF 5,000 will be awarded. The award ceremony will take place on September 9th.

  • Emmi uses solar energy from Amstutz

    Emmi uses solar energy from Amstutz

    Emmi and Amstutz Holzenergie AG are expanding their cooperation. According to a press release from Emmi, the products manufactured at Emmi's Emmen location, such as Aktifit or Lucerne cream cheese, will in future be produced using solar power from the roofs of the neighboring Amstutz AG. For twelve years now, 80 percent of the process energy required by Emmi has come from a wood chip plant on the Amstutz site. It feeds hot steam into the Emmi pipes via a pipeline.

    Amstutz's 1,440 photovoltaic modules produce around 500,000 kilowatt hours of electricity annually. Amstutz uses around 200,000 kilowatt hours itself, while 300,000 are given to Emmi. "We are pleased that our neighbor Emmi has been relying on environmentally friendly 'wood steam' from our company for twelve years and that we can now use solar energy from our roofs to strengthen the partnership for a sustainable energy future", CEO Albert Amstutz is quoted as saying.

    As the announcement goes on to say, the 25 or so Emmi operations in Switzerland are supplied with 100 percent electricity from European hydropower. In the future, the company wants to "significantly" increase the production of its own renewable electricity in the coming years. The roof of the new cheese dairy currently under construction in Emmen will also be equipped with photovoltaic elements.

  • Meyer Burger wants to move solar roof tiles out of their niche

    Meyer Burger wants to move solar roof tiles out of their niche

    The solar company Meyer Burger wants to expand its product portfolio with innovative solar roof tiles. To do this, it acquires an already approved and certified solution from a German engineering service provider. With the purchase, all intellectual property and extensive specialist knowledge will become the property of Meyer Burger. No information is given on the purchase price.

    With the acquisition, Meyer Burger does not only want to secure its own sustainable business development. Another goal is to increase the market demand for innovative roof tiles. "Integrated solar roof systems still represent a market niche today. With our innovative solar tile solution, we are planning to move roof-integrated solutions out of the niche into a larger market," explains Gunter Erfurt, CEO of Meyer Burger, in a press release .

    Meyer Burger plans to launch its new solar roof in the second half of 2022. The solar tiles should be used, for example, in private roof systems with complete new or replacement roofing, objects in redevelopment and monument protection areas, houses with a limited roof load and aesthetically particularly demanding roof installations.

    The group wants to present its solar roof at the Intersolar trade fair in Munich even before it is launched.

  • University of Zurich relies on Winterthur water flow

    University of Zurich relies on Winterthur water flow

    Stadtwerk Winterthur has won the University of Zurich ( UZH ) as a new customer. In the corresponding tender, the UZH assumed electricity from renewable energies and opted for water electricity from the European Union, explains the city administration of Winterthur in a message . The municipal company will supply UZH with 69 gigawatt hours of electricity from hydropower annually from 2024 to 2028.

    In addition, Stadtwerk Winterthur was able to win two more tenders from existing customers, the communication further explains. According to this, on the one hand, the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich ( ETH ) will also receive sustainable water power from the Winterthur municipal utility in the years 2024 to 2028. Of the 110 gigawatt hours contractually agreed annually, 4 gigawatt hours should meet the strict ecological guidelines of naturemade star.

    On the other hand, the Cantonal Hospital Winterthur will continue to receive electricity from hydropower from Stadtwerk Winterthur between 2024 and 2026. The corresponding contractual agreement includes the delivery of around 24 gigawatt hours of electricity annually, writes the city administration of Winterthur.