immo!nvest – Die Plattform für Standorte und Immobilien

Tag: Gebäudetechnologie

  • Financing secured for market entry in Germany

    Financing secured for market entry in Germany

    Viboo AG has successfully completed its second financing round, the Dübendorf-based company, which was founded in 2022, announced in a press release. A total of 3.3 million euros was raised from existing and new investors. The spin-off from the Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology has developed a tool for optimising the use of energy in buildings.

    Viboo intends to use the new funds for its upcoming entry into the German market. To this end, the start-up wants to expand its energy management tool into a comprehensive tool for building management. “We have laid the foundations in Switzerland – with over 40 satisfied customers, some of whom are already in the portfolio roll-out phase, and significant energy savings in existing buildings,” said viboo co-founder Felix Bünning in the press release. “We are now taking the next big step by entering our first EU market, where the combination of energy prices and regulation is providing a strong pull.”

    The financing round that has now been concluded was led by Realyze Ventures from Cologne. “With viboo, we are investing in an innovative software solution that drives the decarbonisation of the existing building segment and thus addresses a very large market,” said Marnix Roes, Investment Manager at Realyze Ventures, in the press release. Viboo has also gained Zürcher Kantonalbank(ZKB) as a new investor. The bank is looking forward to “supporting viboo in the upcoming scaling process”, explains Nicola Leuenberger, Investment Manager at ZKB.

  • Focus on smart and sustainable buildings

    Focus on smart and sustainable buildings

    According to a press release, Susanne Seitz is the first head of the Buildings Division at Siemens Smart Infrastructure. Previously, as Head of Sales and Marketing at Siemens Smart Infrastructure, she was responsible for the digital transformation of sales and marketing on a global level, among other things. Prior to that, she was a member of the Group Executive Management of Landis Gyr. The Swiss national studied environmental engineering at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich and holds an Executive MBA from the University of St.Gallen.

    Since October 1, the Buildings Division has bundled all building-related areas of Siemens. It has almost 30,000 employees worldwide and works with an ecosystem of partners in 60 countries. “Buildings cause more than 40 percent of annual global CO2 emissions worldwide and we have a responsibility to drive their decarbonization,” Matthias Rebellius, member of the Managing Board and CEO of Smart Infrastructure, is quoted as saying in the press release. “Smarter buildings create added value for owners, users, operators and the environment as a whole.”

    The new business unit is intended to further expand Siemens’ leading position in the building market. “With innovative technology, we can accelerate the transformation towards smarter, more autonomous and self-sufficient buildings by leveraging the benefits of artificial intelligence, IT/OT convergence and digital services,” Susanne Seitz is quoted as saying.

    Siemens Smart Infrastructure is based in Zug.

  • Opening of the “STEP2” NEST unit

    Opening of the “STEP2” NEST unit

    On 29 August 2024, the latest building module “STEP2” was officially opened in Empa’s NEST research and innovation building. This two-storey module in the south-east of NEST brings together a large number of innovations, all of which are aimed at significantly reducing material and energy consumption in the construction industry and promoting resource-saving construction methods.

    In Switzerland, the construction sector is responsible for the majority of raw material consumption, waste generation and a third of CO2 emissions. With the NEST building, Empa, together with over 150 partners, is pursuing the goal of developing new technologies and materials to the point where they are ready for the market. The “STEP2” unit is the latest example of how this vision is being turned into reality.

    From the digital staircase to the adaptive façade
    When you enter the “STEP2” unit, the innovative ribbed filigree ceiling immediately catches the eye. This was developed by an interdisciplinary team and enables spans of up to 14 metres, ideal for office and high-rise construction. Thanks to digital planning methods and 3D-printed formwork, it was possible to reduce the amount of material used by 40% without compromising on stability. The ceiling also fulfils important functions in terms of room acoustics and as a thermal storage mass.

    Another technological masterpiece is the curved “Cadenza” concrete staircase, which forms the centrepiece of the building. It was realised using computer-aided design and 3D printing technologies, which enabled an extremely material-efficient construction method. This staircase is an impressive example of how digital manufacturing technologies can contribute to innovative and sustainable design solutions in the construction industry.

    Holistic energy concept and innovative materials
    The “STEP2” unit is based on an integrated energy and comfort concept that was developed in collaboration with leading engineers. The innovative double skin façade, which is equipped with modern shading technology and controlled natural ventilation, plays a central role in the building’s energy efficiency. This façade also serves as a test platform so that new technologies can be easily integrated in the future.

    STEP2″ also focusses on innovation and sustainability when it comes to the materials used. For example, wall and floor panels were made from recycled waste materials such as denim fibres, paper cups and coffee grounds. These materials not only reduce the need for new raw materials, but also help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

    Co-creation and market readiness
    The “STEP2” unit was developed using a co-creation approach in which all partners involved worked closely together from the outset. This approach made it possible to develop marketable solutions that have a real future in the construction industry. For BASF, the main partner in the project, “STEP2” provides the ideal environment to translate its chemical expertise into concrete, sustainable construction solutions.

    “STEP2” is more than just a building module – it is a real innovation environment that demonstrates how research and industry can successfully work together to bring sustainable technologies to market. In future, the unit will serve as a workplace and innovation workshop to achieve further progress in sustainable construction.

  • Swisspor is building in Reiden

    Swisspor is building in Reiden

    Swisspor wants to set up a production plant for mineral insulating materials and a service center in Reiden Mehlsecken. The internationally active company based in Stans has secured the area of 200,000 square meters designated by the canton of Lucerne as a strategic work area, according to the Lucerne State Chancellery in a press release . The establishment of a building and environmental technology cluster planned by swisspor is supported by the canton of Lucerne and the municipality of Reiden .

    swisspor will use 145,000 square meters of the total area of the site for its own facilities. The remaining area is reserved for research institutions and other companies active in the field of building and environmental technology. The Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts wants to expand its existing cooperation with swisspor in Reiden Mehlsecken.

    In addition, other industry-related companies and research partners are to be recruited. The coordination for this was taken over by the Switzerland Innovation Park Central , according to the statement. The Federal Materials Testing and Research Institute ( Empa ) was also addressed.

    “We support the creation of a building and environmental technology cluster with swisspor and the Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts,” government councilor Fabian Peter is quoted as saying in the statement. The head of the construction, environment and economic department sees a double opportunity for the region and canton: “On the one hand, jobs, innovation and value creation are created and on the other hand, the cluster makes a contribution to achieving our climate goals”.