immo!nvest – Die Plattform für Standorte und Immobilien

Tag: Fauna

  • Zurich focusses on the future

    Zurich focusses on the future

    The canton of Zurich looks to the north, or more precisely to Copenhagen, as a pioneering example. The Danish capital has impressively demonstrated that ambitious climate targets can be achieved without compromising on the quality of life. With an 80 per cent reduction in CO2 emissions since 2012, Copenhagen has achieved a remarkable feat. Inspired by this, the canton of Zurich is striving to achieve greenhouse gas neutrality by 2040, or by 2050 at the latest. This target, which will be put to a vote by Zurich’s electorate on 28 September 2025, is a clear commitment to a sustainable climate policy. It is not just a question of defining a target, but of consistently driving forward the effective reduction of CO2 emissions. This is an endeavour that requires determination and innovative strength.

    Success through targeted measures
    Alongside climate protection, the canton of Zurich is investing heavily in the preservation and promotion of biodiversity. Habitats for flora and fauna are being reclaimed through ecological upgrading, renaturalisation and near-natural maintenance. Successful monitoring impressively demonstrates how quickly nature adapts and thrives. One outstanding example is the upgrading of streams as part of the “Diverse Zurich Waters” programme, which led to the rapid reintroduction of dragonflies. The adapted maintenance of embankments along cantonal roads is also having an effect. Life is pulsating there, insects and small animals are once again finding a suitable habitat. These successes prove that the commitment to biodiversity is worthwhile and that nature responds quickly with targeted measures.

    Setting the course for a sustainable future
    The canton of Zurich is setting the course for a sustainable future by revising various laws and introducing new instruments.

    Noise protection ordinance
    The consultation on the revision of the Noise Abatement Ordinance, which is due to come into force on 1 April 2026, runs until 6 October 2025. This is a direct consequence of the amendments to the Environmental Protection Act adopted in September 2024.

    “Core zone plans“GIS map
    A new digital map now provides a comprehensive overview of the legally binding supplementary plans for “core zones” and their elements, based on the PLR-cadastre.

    CO2 Ordinance
    The Federal Council has brought the revised CO2 Ordinance into force with partial retroactive effect from 1 January 2025. It sets reduction targets for greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and specifies measures for adapting to climate change as well as subsidies for climate-friendly technologies.

    Combating invasive organisms
    The consultation on a revision of the Environmental Protection Act, which is intended to give the cantons more powers in the fight against invasive alien organisms, is open until 13 October 2025.

    Parking regulations
    An amendment to the Planning and Building Act from 1 August 2025 will make it possible to reduce the number of parking spaces in individual cases, provided that there is no relocation to public spaces.

    ÖKOPROFIT
    This tried-and-tested programme successfully helps companies to get started with environmental management in order to reduce costs, optimise resource efficiency and improve their environmental footprint. The canton of Zurich is endeavouring to get other cantons interested in ÖKOPROFIT.

    Listed buildings
    A bill currently undergoing consultation aims to simplify the construction and energy modernisation of listed buildings.

    Deep geological repository
    The general licence applications for the deep geological repository and the fuel element packaging facility, submitted by Nagra, are now publicly accessible after being reviewed and amended.

    Expansion of large-scale hydropower
    A report published by the Federal Council on 13 June 2025 highlights the considerable potential, but also the uncertainties surrounding the renewal and expansion of large-scale hydropower.

    Zurich is ready to take on the challenges of climate change and utilise the opportunities for a more sustainable future. It’s time to act, or as they say in Denmark “Så kom nu i gang!”

  • A model project for Switzerland Ecological upgrading of the River Sihl

    A model project for Switzerland Ecological upgrading of the River Sihl

    Over a century ago, rivers and streams were straightened and dammed in many places in Switzerland in order to provide flood protection and gain additional land. Today’s knowledge shows that this has had detrimental consequences for nature. These formerly dynamic and diverse watercourses have become ecologically impoverished and monotonous ribbons of water. The situation is similar in the Sihlwald, whose near-natural habitats for animals and plants have largely disappeared. Fish migration is also significantly impaired by these construction measures. The current revitalization project aims to restore dynamism and diversity to the river area.

    Focusing on the project section in Sihlwald
    The core of the revitalization project is the river area at the Sihlwald terminus of the Sihltal-Zurich-Uetliberg railroad and the Zurich Wilderness Park Visitor Centre. With a length of around 1.8 kilometers, this section plays a key role in the Canton of Zurich’s revitalization planning and is a top priority. The aim is to enhance the ecological value of this section of the river and thus create new, high-quality habitats that are particularly important for animals and plants.

    Through the planned revitalization, those responsible hope to take on a pioneering role in the near-natural development of watercourses and at the same time increase the local recreational value for the population. This integrative approach should serve as a model for similar projects in other regions of Switzerland.

    More dynamics, more structure, more habitats
    Most of the Sihl’s current bank obstructions will be removed. New structural elements such as islands, large stones and more branches and rootstocks will make the river more diverse and dynamic than it is today. Thanks to a new fish ramp, the Sihl will be more passable for fish and other aquatic life. New ponds as well as wet meadows and rough pastures are also planned. All of these measures will create a variety of new habitats for animals and plants, thereby increasing biodiversity.

    On the right bank of the river, a zone will be created that will be reserved for nature. This quiet zone in the popular local recreation area will provide protected retreats for animals. This will benefit the kingfisher, for example, which is very sensitive to disturbance during the breeding season.

    Improving the quality of life
    The revitalization also makes the river area more attractive for people. Opportunities to spend time by the river and accessible ponds offer visitors insights into nature.

    To create a quiet zone for nature on the right bank, the current path below the visitor center will be moved to the left bank of the river. The footpath and cycle path will be separated there. This will give both road users more space. Along the new, varied footpath on the left bank of the river, the vegetation will be repeatedly thinned out. This provides interesting views of the wild riverbank opposite. Small footpaths lead to the river and to natural seating areas by the water. The bridge at the visitor center will be dismantled.

    Joint project between the canton ofZurichand SBB
    The revitalization of the Sihl is a joint project between the canton of Zurich and SBB. It is part of the environmental measures as part of the new concession for the SBB’s Etzelwerk hydropower plant. The ewz naturemade star fund and the federal government are also making financial contributions.

  • The new GIS browser as a public service for professionals and private individuals

    The new GIS browser as a public service for professionals and private individuals

    The canton of Zurich offers a huge pool of data with a spatial reference (geodata). Most of it is accessible free of charge via the GIS browser. Around 200 digital maps, grouped according to 21 main themes such as buildings, flora and fauna, leisure and geology, can be accessed online. Most of the data can be used without restrictions and the map content can be downloaded and printed directly.

    Broad benefits for professionals and private individuals
    The GIS browser is a useful planning and decision-making tool not only for professionals, but also for private individuals. Location factors such as the age of a house, proximity to public transport stops, shops, schools or sports facilities, planned building sites and journey times on the road network can be easily checked. Up-to-date and precise facts on numerous issues are available.

    History and development of the GIS browser
    Since its launch in 1999, the GIS browser has undergone continuous development. The new version is the third generation. Most of the publicly relevant maps are already available and the migration of the remaining maps is continuing.

    Advantages of the new GIS browser
    The portal has a new design and the user interface is intuitive and self-explanatory, even on smartphones and tablets. An intelligent search function makes it easier to find the desired map. The map views can be customised and used even better thanks to new functions such as filters and favourites lists.

    Integration into the new cantonal geoportal
    The geodata of the Canton of Zurich is also available in the geodata catalogue and geodata shop. These systems are now centrally accessible via the new geoportal geo.zh.ch. The geoportal also offers news on new maps and a help and support area.