immo!nvest – Die Plattform für Standorte und Immobilien

Tag: Ethik

  • OST thinks AI ahead

    OST thinks AI ahead

    Artificial intelligence is more than just a trend at the OST. It is an integral part of teaching and research. Rector Daniel Seelhofer emphasised that the OST specifically builds bridges between scientific excellence and practical application. More than 20 OST research institutes are now working with AI, often in collaboration with companies, administrations or the healthcare sector. The topic has been part of all degree programmes since 2021.

    The importance of this focus was emphasised by Bettina Surber, member of the St. Gallen cantonal government. She praised the OST as a driving force for Eastern Switzerland and pledged the canton’s political support for the university.

    From concrete to care to children’s language
    Various short presentations and films demonstrated the wide range of applications for AI at OST.

    Sustainable construction
    AI helps to optimise concrete mixes with reduced cement content for specific requirements.

    Focus on ethics
    How can AI be used fairly?

    Self-determined handling of data
    A digital “data account” is intended to give citizens more control over their information.

    Sport and intelligence
    Exergames train the intelligence of professional ice hockey players under physical stress.

    Healthy eating with digital support
    A smart app creates personalised meal plans – taking allergies, preferences and health goals into account.

    Agriculture with robots
    Agricultural robots carry out maintenance work such as irrigation or pest control independently.

    Care advice via chatbot
    A digital assistance system for caring relatives was developed in collaboration with the city of St.Gallen.

    Understanding children’s language
    An AI supports professionals in interpreting children’s expressions.

    Two panel discussions focussed on the social dimensions of AI. SRF presenter Florian Inhauser led the discussions. Questions about data protection, responsibility and inclusion were addressed. The discussion showed that technological development alone is not enough. Clear ethical guidelines and social dialogue are needed.

    AI as a tool, not an end in itself
    The second OST University Day made it impressively clear that artificial intelligence is already present in many areas of life – and is making real improvements possible. The decisive factor is how responsibly it is used. The OST is positioning itself as a key player in combining innovation with social benefits.

  • Focus on sustainability: company achieves Gold status

    Focus on sustainability: company achieves Gold status

    Implenia, headquartered in Opfikon, has repeatedly been awarded Gold status by EcoVadis. EcoVadis is a global provider of sustainability ratings that was founded in Paris in 2007. Implenia improved its score from 70 points in the previous year to 75 points. “We are extremely pleased that we have been able to maintain our Gold status despite EcoVadis’ stricter assessment criteria,” said Anita Eckardt, Chair of Implenia’s Sustainability Committee, in a press release. “Many of our public and private customers look for a good EcoVadis rating when awarding projects. And investors are also attaching more and more importance to sustainability ratings.”

    During the assessment period, Implenia introduced a code of conduct and made a binding commitment to human rights and to diversity, equality and inclusion (DEI). This and efforts in the areas of labour law and human resources led to a better rating than in the previous year, according to the press release. Implenia has set itself twelve “ambitious sustainability goals” for the period up to 2025.

    Companies are assessed by EcoVadis according to the aspects of environment, labour & human rights, ethics and sustainable procurement. The highest award is the Platinum Medal. The awards recognise the social and environmental performance of the companies that have undergone an assessment. According to the press release, EcoVadis is “the world’s largest provider of sustainability ratings with more than 130,000 rated companies from over 180 countries”.

  • Walo awarded by EcoVadis

    Walo awarded by EcoVadis

    According to a message on Facebook, the Dietiker construction company Walo Bertschinger AG has been awarded bronze certification in the sustainability ranking of the international independent agency EcoVadis . The company received the bronze award in its very first application. According to the statement, the certification is a motivation for further improvement in the area of sustainability.

    Walo, headquartered in Dietikon, operates internationally and is a fourth-generation family business. According to the company’s website , Walo has been combining consistency and innovation for 105 years. The Walo Group employs 2,450 people at 21 locations in three countries.

    EcoVadis evaluates the sustainability performance of companies in the areas of environment, working conditions, procurement and ethics. According to the announcement, over 90,000 companies have already been assessed.