Tag: immobilien

Beatrice Bichsel becomes new Head of SBB Real Estate

Beatrice Bichsel has worked in various functions at SBB Real Estate for twelve years. During this time, she has become familiar with the various facets of the business and has played a decisive role in shaping the division. Beatrice Bichsel has been Head of Facility Management as a member of the Management Board since June 2020 and has been interim Head of SBB Real Estate since Alexander Muhm took over at SBB Freight Traffic. As Head of Facility Management, she has strategically realigned the department, standardised service provision throughout Switzerland and further developed the business processes and organisation.

Beatrice Bichsel will take over as Head of SBB Real Estate on 1 September 2023. Beatrice Bichsel holds a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in law from the University of Berne and was admitted to the bar of the Canton of Berne in 2008. Most recently she completed an Executive MBA at the University of St. Gallen. She is 41 years old and lives in Gümligen.

“I am delighted that with Beatrice Bichsel we have been able to attract a dynamic, committed and competent leader as part of our internal succession planning. She is very familiar with SBB, the real estate industry and our current challenges,” says SBB CEO Vincent Ducrot.

The Board of Directors and the Management Board wish Beatrice Bichsel much pleasure and success in her new tasks

August 2023
AXA celebrates the completion of one of the largest occupied refurbishments

Aarau’s Telli shines in new splendour: with the official opening event on 25 August 2023, one of Switzerland’s largest energy-related renovations in an inhabited state came to an end.

Raise your glasses! The Telli building complex in Aarau was officially opened last weekend in a festive atmosphere. In addition to the opening ceremony on Friday, 25 August, the new neighbourhood meeting place was also inaugurated the following day.

The B and C wings of the building were renovated to bring them up to today’s energy standards while they were still occupied. The fact that the tenants did not have to leave Telli during the renovation makes the project one of the largest of its kind in Switzerland. “An occupied refurbishment of this magnitude presented us all with enormous challenges. The fact that we were able to master them together was something we wanted to celebrate properly with everyone involved,” says Frederick Widl, Head of Real Estate at AXA Investment Managers.

More living comfort – less CO2

In addition to new façade insulation and the installation of district heating, the flats also received modern ventilation. This will save around a thousand tonnes of CO2 per year. Residents also enjoyed 90 cm larger west-facing balconies. In addition, meeting zones and a neighbourhood meeting point with community rooms were created. The spacious green areas were designed in the spirit of the original park with native trees and flower meadows. “In the redesign, it was important to us to make the far-sightedness and power of the park perceptible again and to promote the community life of the residents in the outdoor space with new offerings,” says Rita Illien of Müller Illien Landscape Architects. The renovation also took into account the protection of historical monuments: although the buildings were given a new shell, the original appearance was preserved.

Sustainable in all areas

In addition to the energy-related refurbishment, social aspects also played an important role. It would not have been socially acceptable to strip the 581 flats of their tenants. Nevertheless, an inhabited refurbishment is a challenge for all involved. “A project of this magnitude required transparent communication right from the start,” says Manuela Gnehm, project manager at AXA Investment Managers. The entire tenant community was regularly informed and actively involved through various channels. “The

Among other things, the Tellicafé provided tenants with a place where they could share their concerns, questions and ideas with the administration and trained estate coaches,” continues Manuela Gnehm.

Telli Quartierstreff: Meeting place for big and small

On Saturday after the official event, the festivities continued in the form of a neighbourhood party. This was open to all residents, the entire city of Aarau and other curious people. In addition to a colourful programme and a variety of gastronomic offerings, guided tours through the Tellipark and visits to the newly renovated flats were also offered. The centrepiece of the event, however, was the inauguration of the neighbourhood meeting place, which forms the heart of the “Tellipark” and offers community rooms for the residents. “We look back on an eventful weekend and are happy about the enthusiasm with which the participants celebrated the opening of the new Telli with us,” says Manuela Gnehm.

August 2023
10 million Swiss francs in funding for concrete recycling technology

Almost 40% of global CO2 emissions are attributable to the construction and building sector. Around 30 billion tonnes of concrete are produced worldwide every year and demand continues to rise. The binding agent cement and the composite material concrete are important building materials – but their production contributes to climate change. Estimates suggest that the cement industry alone is responsible for more than 8% of global greenhouse gas emissions. With reCO2ver® Sika has developed an innovative technology that enables complete recycling of concrete demolition material and is unique in the concrete industry.

17,000 tonnes of CO2 storage in concrete demolition material by the end of 2030

Sikas not only processes old concrete into the high-quality individual components gravel, sand and cement stone, but can also bind additional CO2 thanks to a chemical process. Approximately 15 kilogrammes of CO2 can be permanently stored per tonne of demolition material. In addition, the performance of the cement paste powder produced in the process is optimised by Sika additives

Additives and can thus be used again as a cement substitute in concrete production. A pilot plant has been in operation in Switzerland since October 2021 – the test phase has now been successfully completed.

In order to be able to provide standardised proof of the plants’ added climate value, Sika is developing a climate protection programme together with South Pole in accordance with the specifications of the Swiss Federal Office for the Environment (BAFU). A significant milestone has now been reached with regard to the implementation and use of this technology for CO2 capture and storage: the Swiss Climate Cent Foundation guarantees the purchase of CO2 certificates from this programme of initially CHF 10 million until the end of 2030.

The implementation of the industrial plants is a central component of the certified climate protection programme. By the end of 2030, around 17,000 tonnes of CO2 are to be stored in concrete demolition material. This is roughly equivalent to the amount of CO2 released during the construction of 850 single-family houses made of concrete. Philippe Jost, Head Construction Sika: “With our innovative strength and our sustainable technologies, we enable our customers in the construction and automotive industries to reduce their ecological footprint and make the transition to more sustainability. We are very pleased that the reCO2ver® technology is being specifically promoted. We are convinced that through the programme we are creating great added value for the construction industry, the environment and for future generations.”

August 2023
CEO Esther Denzler leaves WWZ

As CEO of the WWZ Group, Esther Denzler has driven the consistent focus on sustainability, but also the improvement of internal processes and systems with great commitment over the past one and a half years. Different ideas regarding the management of the company have now led to the joint decision to part company, which is being taken by mutual agreement. The Board of Directors would like to thank

Esther Denzler for her valuable contribution to WWZ and wishes her all the best for her personal and professional future all the best for her personal and professional future.

Andreas Ronchetti elected as new CEO
The Board of Directors has elected the current Chief Financial Officer, Andreas Ronchetti, as the new CEO. With this election, the Board of Directors is counting on continuity and stability in the company. Andreas Ronchetti has a long track record in the strategic financial management of medium-sized, industry-related companies, since 2019 as CFO of

WWZ. Under the leadership of the new CEO, the implementation of the strategy will be consistently pursued. Andreas Ronchetti will take over the new function with immediate effect.

August 2023
Decline in orders continues

In the first half of 2023, the main construction industry generated 11 billion Swiss francs in turnover, which is practically stagnant compared to the same semester last year. Building construction and civil engineering developed similarly. Accordingly, capacity utilisation is still high and the employment situation is good.

Lower construction activity in the medium term

In the medium term, however, the outlook is becoming gloomier. In the first half of the current year, orders in building construction were CHF 0.6 billion lower than in the same period last year, in civil engineering CHF 0.5 billion lower. Overall, this corresponds to a decline of 8.3 percent. Several companies even reported a negative order intake overall. This means that already planned construction projects were temporarily paused, redimensioned or completely put on hold.

Accordingly, the work in progress has also decreased in the past quarters, standing at 15.9 billion Swiss francs at the end of June 2023, 2.6 percent lower than a year ago.

From housing surplus to housing shortage

The stock of housing orders has also declined. The trend is clear, too few flats will be built this year and next. In the last 12 months, the franc volume of approved housing applications has fallen by 9 per cent compared to the previous 12 months. The housing shortage could be solved more quickly with less regulation. In addition, appeals are often used to push through particular interests at the expense of the creation of new housing. SBC will lobby accordingly at the Federal Council’s next round table on the housing shortage so that construction activity can be accelerated again.

SBC thanks Credit Suisse for very good cooperation – Construction Index to be continued

The Construction Index predicts a 2% increase in turnover for the next quarter compared to the same period last year. This edition marks the end of SBC’s 14-year partnership with Credit Suisse on the Construction Index. SBC would like to thank Credit Suisse for the always very good cooperation, it has been greatly appreciated. SBC will continue the established forecasting tool, from the 4th quarter of 2023 in an adapted form and with a new look.

August 2023
Five location projects compete for award

The Swiss Association for Location Management(SVSM) has announced the five nominees for its SVSM Awards 2023. From Basel to Uri to Bad Ragaz, a total of twelve applications were received, according to a media release from the umbrella organisation.

The awards are intended to make the innovative strength of projects from all over the country visible. According to the organisers, since 2007 these awards have been “not only a reward but also an incentive for actors in location management and economic promotion”. Small initiatives are considered just as much as large ones. They can be local or national in scope.

This year’s nominees are the Innovation Sandbox for Artificial Intelligence of the Standortförderung Kanton Zürich, the new HSG Learning Center SQUARE of the HSG Foundation and Light Ragaz AG’s Light and Water World. Other contenders for the prize are the Echt regional platform of Standortförderung Zürioberland and the intercantonal daycare subsidies project of WirtschaftsPortalOst.

In mid-September, these five organisations will present their projects to a jury. The award ceremony will take place on 16 November as part of the hybrid SVSM Dialog Wirtschaftsförderung conference in Olten ZH. One person will also be honoured there as location manager of the year.

August 2023
WIPO Limmattal takes place on 9 November in the Umwelt Arena

The Limmattal Business Panel(WIPO) will take place again on 9 November in the Umwelt Arena in Spreitenbach, according to the sponsoring association Wirtschaft Limmattal. According to a media release on LinkedIn, the motto of the business meeting is: “The future is moving – be part of it! By way of background, it is said that the future means everything that follows the present. And the past? This question is the basis for the journey into the future. Ticket orders and the programme have been online since Monday, 28 August.

According to the media release, around 1000 participants from business, politics and trade take part in WIPO every year. The event was launched in 1999 by three patron associations: Industrie- und Handelsverein Dietikon(IHV), Wirtschaftskammer Schlieren(WKS) and the Vereinigung für Industrie, Dienstleistungen und Handel Spreitenbach(IDH). The first WIPO Limmattal took place in Dietikon in 2000.

The WIPO is preceded by four input sessions. They are dedicated to the topics: Mobiliar – Cyber Risk Management for Companies. Then: Cybersecurity: the human factor as a cornerstone in digitalisation – How does Swisscom establish cybersecurity awareness among employees? Afterwards: Future Skills – How IKEA is making its employees fit for the future. And finally: Planzer & Stadt Dietikon – Gute Fahrt: Beweglichkeit im Denken und Handeln für eine urbane Gütermobilität der Zukunft.

After the welcome by WIPO President Fredi Pahr at 4 p.m., there will be a talk by futurologist Georges T. Roos, founder of the privately financed future institute Roos Trends&Futures and the European Futurists Conference Lucerne. After a panel discussion and networking over an aperitif, the event will continue until 9 pm.

August 2023
Krüger acquires Innovida Swiss Technology

Krüger + Co. AG, based in Degersheim, is acquiring heat pump manufacturer Innovida Swiss Technology SA, based in Sant’Antonio. The acquisition is intended to enable the indoor climate specialist to meet the growing demand for climate-friendly heating solutions, according to a media release. Nothing was disclosed about the purchase price.

Innovida is to continue as an independent company within the Krüger Group. In order to make products and spare parts available from stock for customers, installers and resellers, Krüger is commissioning a new production facility in Cadenazzo TI. This should significantly increase production capacity.

With the acquisition of Innovida Swiss Technology, Krüger Holding says it is underlining its commitment to “expand its range of environmentally friendly heating solutions and offer its customers first-class service”.

Innovida Swiss Technology has developed an environmentally friendly heat pump for single-family homes and various types of heating. According to the media release, the patented solution is highly efficient, quiet and can be installed invisibly in light wells.

Krüger was founded in 1931 and today employs 290 people at 21 locations throughout Switzerland. The family-owned company sells, rents, installs and maintains appliances and is particularly known for its Secomat room air dryer developed in the 1970s. In addition, Krüger + Co. AG offers products and services in the areas of humidification and dehumidification, construction and emergency heating, air conditioning, water damage drying.

August 2023
Fortimo realises real estate project in Dubai

Fortimo Group is unveiling a new real estate project in Dubai. According to a media release on zawya.com, the St.Gallen-based company is realising a new development in the Dubai Hills residential area. It is working with local partners Eaglewing Projects and OCTA Develop.

The new residential complex, called The Golf Residence, will reportedly include 200 residential units with views of the nearby golf course and green parks. They will be equipped with high-end kitchen facilities from Europe. Several pools, communal areas and sports facilities are also planned. With a co-working space for residents, Fortimo also aims to cater to the trend of more remote working.

“We are excited to take the next step in our expansion into Dubai with The Golf Residence, our first build-to-buy project in the United Arab Emirates,” Remo Bienz, co-owner of Fortimo, is quoted as saying. Fortimo is impressed by the development of Dubai into an “internationally recognised, vibrant destination”. The company wants to be part of this development, Bienz said.

August 2023
Early planning phase is crucial for net zero in real estate

A broad-based portfolio study by Implenia shows how climate-neutral buildings can be realised. For this study, the construction company’s Real Estate Division examined 36 of its own development projects in Switzerland. According to a press release, this study reveals the most important levers for decarbonising buildings over their entire life cycle, both in terms of emissions during their construction and during operation.

Implenia has compiled these influencing factors in a white paper. It is aimed at investors, developers and clients who want to bring their project onto a net-zero target path.

According to this analysis, the most effective levers for decarbonisation can be found in the early planning phase, starting with site selection. This is because if the site conditions are unfavourable in terms of renewable energies, it is much more difficult to achieve net-zero use.

In addition, building parameters set early on also have “a significant impact on emissions targets”. These include shape, compactness, orientation, basement and support structure. “With the right combination of location, design, the use of renewable energies, intelligent systems and ecological materials, we develop buildings in which future generations can live and work sustainably,” says Marc Lyon, Head Real Estate Development Switzerland at Implenia.

August 2023
Supply rents rise

The monthly rental index compiled by the digital real estate marketplace Homegate in cooperation with Zürcher Kantonalbank closed at 122.4 points in July. Compared to the previous month, the index increased by 0.6 points or 0.5 percent, SMG Swiss Marketplace Group AG informed in a press release. Compared to the previous year, asking rents rose by 4 per cent across Switzerland. There is a pause in the increase in the canton and city of Zurich. However, both show increases compared to the previous year.

In July, asking rents rose the most in the cantons of Basel-Stadt, St.Gallen and Vaud, by 0.8 per cent each. There was no increase of more than 1 per cent in any canton. Asking rents in the canton of Zurich were below the national figure with an increase of 0.2 per cent.

Only six cantons showed a decrease in asking rents, led by the cantons of Schwyz (1.9 per cent) and Graubünden (1.3 per cent). Compared to the previous year, however, asking rents have risen across the board, including in Zurich by 6.1 per cent. And the canton of Schwyz also shows a clear increase over the last year (6.4 per cent).

The Swiss cities surveyed show that asking rents for the city of Zurich did not change in July. Nevertheless, they have risen significantly by 10.1 per cent compared to the previous year. The other cities also show increases in asking rents of between 2.2 per cent in Lucerne and 7.8 per cent in Lugano compared to July 2022. In July, asking rents rose everywhere except in the city of Zurich, with the largest increases in Lucerne (1.7 per cent) and St.Gallen (1.2 per cent).

The next Homegate rent index is expected to be published on 14 September.

August 2023
New plastic protects against flames

Epoxy resins are resistant and versatile plastics. In combination with glass or carbon fibres, they are used, for example, to manufacture components for aircraft, cars, trains, ships and wind turbines. Such fibre-reinforced epoxy-based plastics have excellent mechanical and thermal properties and are much lighter than metal. Their weakness: they are not recyclable – at least not yet.

Now Empa researchers led by Sabyasachi Gaan from Empa’s Advanced Fibers Laboratory have developed an epoxy resin-based plastic that is fully recyclable, repairable and also flame retardant – while retaining the favourable thermomechanical properties of epoxy resins. They have published their results in the Chemical Engineering Journal.

Recycling epoxy resins is anything but trivial, because these plastics belong to the so-called duromers. In this type of plastic, the polymer chains are closely cross-linked. These chemical bonds make melting impossible. Once the plastic has hardened, it can no longer be deformed.

The situation is different with thermoplastics, such as PET or polyolefins. Their polymer chains are close together but not bonded. Under the influence of heat, these plastics can be melted and formed into new shapes. The only problem is that due to the lack of cross-linking, their mechanical properties at elevated temperatures are generally not as advantageous as those of duromers.

A new type of plastic
The special epoxy resin that Empa researchers have developed in collaboration with national and international partners is actually a duromer – but unlike other duromers, it can certainly be melted like a thermoplastic. The key is the addition of a special functional molecule from the class of phosphonic acid esters to the resin matrix. “We originally synthesised this molecule as a flame retardant,” says Empa scientist Wenyu Wu Klingler, who co-invented the technology. However, the bond that the molecule forms with the polymer chains of the epoxy resin is reversible, i.e. it can be dissolved again under certain conditions. This loosens the cross-linking of the polymer chains so that they can be melted and shaped.

Such materials, also called vitrimers, have only been known for about ten years and are considered particularly promising. “Today, fibre-reinforced plastics are practically impossible to recycle, except under extreme conditions that damage the fibres,” explains Wu Klingler. “Once they have had their day, they are incinerated or disposed of in landfills. With our plastic, it would be possible for the first time to put them back into the material cycle.”

Their vision for the future, adds group leader Sabyasachi Gaan, is “a composite material in which the fibres and the plastic matrix can be completely separated and reused.” The researcher sees a particular advantage in carbon fibre-reinforced plastics, for example, as used in the construction of planes, trains, boats, cars, bicycles and more. “The production of carbon fibres requires a lot of energy and releases an enormous amount of CO2,” he explains. “If we could recycle them, their ecological footprint would be a lot better – and the price a lot lower.” In addition, valuable additives such as phosphorus could be recovered from the polymer matrix.

Tailor-made material
Fibre-reinforced plastics are not the only application for the new plastic. For example, it could be used to coat wooden floors, as a transparent, resistant layer that has good flame-retardant properties – and where scratches and damage can be “healed” again with a little pressure and heat.

“We didn’t develop a single material for a specific purpose, but rather a toolbox,” Gaan explains. “The flame retardancy, recyclability and repairability are all there. We can optimise all other properties depending on the intended use.” For example, he says, flow properties are particularly important for the production of fibre-reinforced plastics, while exterior wood coatings must also be weather-resistant.

To pursue these and other applications of the material, the researchers are now looking for industrial partners. The chances of commercial success are good: because in addition to all its other advantageous properties, the modified synthetic resin is also cheap and easy to manufacture.

August 2023
Heat pump market calms down

Sales of heat pumps have stabilised at a high level. This is shown by a look at the market figures recorded by GebäudeKlima Schweiz. In 2021 and 2022, the Swiss association of manufacturers and suppliers of heating, ventilation and air-conditioning technology regularly recorded over 20 percent growth in sales of heat pumps. In the second quarter of 2023, it was still up ten per cent compared to the same period last year. “This has brought some calm to the market and allows us to gradually reduce the pent-up heat pump order intake from last year,” says Luigi Di Cola, managing director of Hoval Switzerland and board member of GebäudeKlima Schweiz. In fact, delivery times of up to twelve months have been experienced in some cases over the past two years. The heat pump market has grown by more than 50 per cent since 2020 against the backdrop of higher prices for fossil fuels and the targeted energy turnaround, explains Luigi Di Cola. At the same time, the numbers for fossil heat generators dropped sharply, especially in the small output range. “However, there is still demand for larger oil and gas heaters, among other things in connection with bivalent heating systems.”

Increase in district heating
In response to the explosion in demand, Hoval, for example, has expanded its production of heat pumps by 300 per cent, which is now having an effect. In addition, the supply chains have also stabilised somewhat, although not yet completely. “Unfortunately, not all suppliers kept up with the expansion of capacities. The result is that sometimes specific elements, such as plate heat exchangers, are suddenly missing and we can no longer produce individual heat pump models. Or there is a lack of water storage tanks, so that the entire system cannot be installed.” According to Luigi Di Cola, however, the supply chains should continue to normalise in the coming months. The managing director of Hoval Switzerland also does not expect the growth figures for heat pumps to be as high as in recent years in the foreseeable future. On the one hand, because many system owners with lower financial and/or planning hurdles have already switched. “On the other hand, we are now seeing a strong increase in sales of district heating stations in urban areas, which of course has an influence on other heating technologies.”

Continue to plan early
As a homeowner, you should still think about the future of your own heating early on. The situation has calmed down on the part of manufacturers and suppliers. “But now the ordered systems are being implemented, and the workload of the installation companies is correspondingly high,” observes Luigi Di Cola. Manufacturers and suppliers are therefore doing everything they can to simplify the work of planners and installers as much as possible with good documentation and other assistance. At the same time, the Managing Director of Hoval Switzerland appeals to end customers for understanding for any installation bottlenecks that may arise and continues to advise that planning be tackled in good time with all those involved and that under no circumstances should the gas or oil heating system be removed too early.

Source www.gebaeudetechnik-news.ch

August 2023
Strabag focuses on sustainability for apartment buildings

Strabag has begun work on the construction of six apartment buildings that will house a total of 29 condominiums, according to a media release. Strabag has set itself the target of handing over the turnkey building pit within twelve months. Part of this work includes 18 geothermal boreholes, as the heat supply for the houses will be realised by geothermal energy. The houses will also be connected via an underground parking garage, which will have different levels.

“In total, we have around 4-5 months to complete the main excavation,” Roger Reich, technical group leader for civil engineering at Strabag AG, is quoted as saying. “That is relatively sporty. The construction site is also in the middle of a residential neighbourhood, which means we have to work particularly closely to schedule.”

For the bored piles, the Schlieren-based company relies on sustainable basalt fibres. The conventional steel reinforcement of the piles can thus be largely replaced. On the one hand, this reduces the construction time and, by reducing the steel resources required, CO2 emissions are also kept lower.

August 2023
Umwelt Arena shows lighthouse project Building 2050 Urdorf

The latest flagship project of the Building 2050 concept of the Swiss Environment Arena Foundation isa CO2-neutral housing development in Urdorf. It is now being made accessible to interested parties as part of guided tours. According to a LinkedIn post by the foundation, the programme is also suitable as a company outing. In the first module, participants are given a guided tour of the housing complex itself. They are also shown a model flat. The second module takes place in the Umwelt Arena in Spreitenbach, where further background information on the Building 2050 concept is presented. The Environment Area itself will also be in focus. Among other things, participants could travel between the two locations on the Limmattalbahn.

The CO2-neutral residential development in Urdorf features several sustainable building concepts. For example, recycled concrete and brick were used, which allow solar thermal energy to be stored with as little loss as possible. In addition, showers with heat recovery, geothermal probes and triple-glazed windows, for example, contribute to high energy efficiency. Thanks to such measures, electricity and heat are free of charge for tenants within a defined budget. The development was built by W. Schmid + Co. Glattbrugg and Umwelt Arena’s exhibition and specialist partners.

August 2023
Strategy idea “Limmat Valley City” shows potential

Thomas Sevcik entwickelte in den letzten Monaten eine Strategieidee für eine zukünftige Limmattalstadt. Er erkennt im Limmattal eine ausgeprägte Modernität und eine Stadt, die in erster Linie durch die Menschen geformt wird. Ausserdem hat er noch viele Vorschläge für eine der interessantesten und dynamischsten Regionen im Land. Denn: Was im Limmattal heute und morgen passiert, betrifft übermorgen die ganze Schweiz.

Das Limmattal steht exemplarisch für den Wandel von Agglomerationen in der ganzen Schweiz und für die enormen planerischen Herausforderungen, welcher dieser mit sich bringt. Für eine umsichtige Raumentwicklung braucht es politischen Willen, eine breite Diskussion und vor allem ein gemeinsames regionales Verständnis.

Den Wandel kreativ gestalten
An der Generalversammlung der regionalen Standortförderung Limmatstadt vom 15. August 2023 stellte Thomas Sevcik den rund 200 Gästen seine Strategieidee erstmals vor. Der Autor hat viele mutige Ideen für die Region. Zu den Prägendsten gehören eine Hochschule, der Ausbau der Shopping-Raststätte Würenlos zu einem Mobilitäts- und Kommunikationshub sowie die Neuplanung des Rangierbahnhofs. Die Strategie zeigt auf, wie viel möglich ist – aber auch, wie viel noch getan werden muss.

August 2023
Manifesto against housing shortage

URBANISTICA’s Manifesto for Urban Planning aims to raise awareness and conviction among the population and politicians that urban planning must once again be practised seriously and competently in this country in order to meet the current challenges as well as the needs of future generations.

With the advent of individual mobility in the middle of the last century, urban planning in Switzerland fell into oblivion. The primacy was given to transport planning and land use segregation, which led to urban sprawl in Switzerland. With the adoption of the revision of the Spatial Planning Act in 2013, the Swiss people decided that no further building land should be zoned and that future population growth should be accommodated by means of inner settlement development.

The following manifesto is intended to initiate the necessary discourse on urban planning and urban development. Urbanistica is a website, platform and movement at the same time, which sets impulses and promotes public dialogue with the aim of ensuring that high-quality, sustainable and needs-oriented urban planning and good urban development is once again practised in many cantons, municipalities and cities in Switzerland. In the interest of sustainable spatial development in Switzerland, the initiators ask you to consider and sign the manifesto. Every voice is important! Manifesto against housing shortage. www.urbanistica.ch

August 2023
Real Estate meets Limmattal – The new real estate meeting place for Limmattal

But the Schlierefäscht has even more to offer – it is not only a festival of fun and celebration, but also an exciting platform for business and industry. A special highlight is the newly launched real estate meeting “Immobilien meets Limmattal” on Thursday, 7 September 2023 with exciting keynotes, panel discussions and exchange of experiences.

The half-day event will focus on the topic of “Limmattal site development”. It offers a unique opportunity to delve deeper into the development of the region and gain insights into the challenging interplay of architecture, urban planning and social aspects.

Be inspired by the latest trends, analyses and innovative solutions. You can expect exciting keynotes from renowned speakers such as Michael Hermann, Managing Director of sotomo, Fabienne Hoelzel, Professor of Urban Design at the State Academy of Fine Arts Stuttgart or Thomas Sevcik, CEO of arthesia, interesting insights into the areas of Dietikon, Schlieren and Spreitenbach as well as a lot of interesting information about electromobility, the property market and sustainability for areas.

Take the opportunity to make valuable contacts and get to know the Limmattal real estate industry. Register now and secure your ticket at the exclusive price of CHF 80 (instead of CHF 150) with the note “reader offer immo-invest”.

Real Estate meets Limmattal
Thursday, 7 September 2023, from 2 p.m.
Event tent, Pischte 52, Schlieren

Programme:
Link

Registration:
Link

August 2023
Raiffeisen has bad news

The increase in rents in Switzerland is likely to continue to gain momentum. The increases following the hike in the reference interest rate at the beginning of June will take effect at the beginning of October. But that was just the beginning, according to a study by Raiffeisen on Thursday.

There is “fire in the roof” for rents, the real estate experts write. The next increases in the reference interest rate are already in sight. “The reference interest rate is expected to rise to 1.75 per cent in December. This would mean that the majority of Swiss tenants would be threatened with another rent increase on 1 April 2024. According to the interest rate scenario, a further increase would then only be possible at the end of 2024 or beginning of 2025.

Two-thirds affected in second round
While in the current round of increases, it is estimated that just under half of all tenants are potentially affected, after the second reference interest rate increase, there should be potential for increases in around two-thirds of all tenancies, it continues.

And the increases will be clearly above the planned 3 per cent. The landlords also pass on part of the accumulated inflation to the tenants and claim the general cost increases. An exact forecast is fraught with great uncertainty in the absence of experience with such a situation. But the experts expect that in the course of the next year, with the second increase in the reference interest rate, the rent increase throughout Switzerland is likely to climb to 8 per cent at times.

But it is not only the increases that are driving rents. The prerequisite for landlords being able to push them through at all is above all the continued high demand and the scarce supply. “The demand for rental flats continues to increase strongly in rapid steps due to dynamically growing immigration,” the study states.

Recordnetimmigration
The experts believe it is possible that net immigration this year will even break the previous recordbalance of2008. “By May 2023, the net migration of the foreign resident population in Switzerland was a quarter higher than in the comparable period of the previous year.” And this does not include the Ukrainian refugees in the country, who are often supported by the municipalities in their search for housing on the open market.

In addition, there are other effects, such as a high number of new households or the influence of the trend towards home offices. This increases the demands on the housing situation.

No improvement in supply in sight
The rental housing market is increasingly drying up. Vacancy rates are low, especially in urban centres, and asking rents are rising.

There are hardly any signs of supply-side relief of the housing shortage. Although the number of building applications submitted for flats has at least stabilised in recent quarters, the urgently needed construction offensive is still a long time coming. “The thin project pipeline is far from sufficient to satisfy the current strong additional demand for housing.

Subsidies for housing construction or individual subsidies
In this context, the Raiffeisen experts also take a critical look at the demands for stronger subsidies for non-profit housing construction. This also costs a lot of money, they say, and needy tenants do not always live in municipal or cooperative housing. According to the authors of the study, about half of the residents of cooperative flats have such a high income that they do not need the subsidies.

The strong reduction in the price of these flats leads to certain false incentives. Households that benefit from these low rents have little interest in leaving this flat later, even if their living conditions change. Raiffeisen writes that the question is whether subject-specific support – i.e. direct support for households in need – would not ultimately achieve more desirable results.

August 2023
Lack of understanding of project data

The CDE is the starting point for consistent data management. It is in the interest of the property owner to have access to the current project information at all times, to avoid incompatibilities and to be able to change access rights. It is all the more surprising that the value of data is still not fully understood. Too often, they are viewed solely from an IT perspective and reduced to their function as measuring instruments.

Themarket is changing rapidly
The market for CDE solutions is fast-moving and diverse. Overall, there is a trend towards specialisation, which requires a high level of integration. Independent tools are often bought up by large technology providers or built into existing solutions. This leads to problems when taking over projects that have already been completed. To ensure a smooth exchange of data, it is recommended to use a platform as consistently as possible.

Rapid innovation unsettles users
Competition among providers is fierce. New tools are constantly entering the market and functionalities are constantly being developed. The result is a great deal of uncertainty among many building owners and operators, both in terms of selection and application. The rather slow construction and real estate industry meets the short innovation cycles of the technology sector here. Use cases, process flows and responsibilities must therefore be clearly defined before the system is selected in order to avoid disappointment.

And who owns the data?
The question of data sovereignty is central: Who owns the data in the CDE and who is entitled to it when the construction project is finished and the building is handed over for operation? Current practice shows that this question is often neglected. It is therefore essential that the building owner specifies the set-up, orders the CDE according to his own ideas and regulates the ownership of the data at an early stage.

User-friendliness leaves a lot to be desired
The project CDE solutions examined by pom+ can be roughly divided into two groups: Either they are expert tools with extensive functions or simple applications with limited possibilities. Common to both groups is a lack of usability. Almost 45 per cent of the tools examined were rated three or less on the five-point scale. The problem here is that CDEs are not only used by technology-savvy people – they have to address the whole team. Manufacturers should pay more attention to this in their further development. Joachim Baldegger, head of the study and Head of Service Unit Future Lab, summarises: “Modern construction means thinking about operations already in the construction project and ordering the right data. Common Data Environments play a central role in this. However, there is still a long way to go, because many tools have gaps in their functional scope and can only deal with data to a limited extent or record it in a structured way. Only when this is ensured can data from the project be efficiently transferred to the target systems of the property owners and added value generated.”

August 2023
Home ownership is becoming more expensive

Prices for residential property continued to rise in the second quarter of 2023, theFederal Statistical Office(FSO) informs in a statement. The residential property price index it collects rose by 1.2 per cent quarter-on-quarter and currently stands at 115.9 points. In a year-on-year comparison, the experts at the FSO observed an increase of 2.4 per cent. The base of the index was fixed at 100 points in the fourth quarter of 2019.

Prices of condominiums increased by 1.6 per cent quarter-on-quarter and by 2.1 per cent year-on-year. Single-family homes saw a 0.7 per cent quarter-on-quarter and 2.7 per cent year-on-year increase. The property price index for single-family homes closed the quarter at 117.4 points. Its counterpart for condominiums was slightly lower at 114.6 points.

In the quarter under review, prices for single-family houses rose most strongly in urban communities outside conurbations or in a small conurbation, at 3.4 per cent. In contrast, prices in urban municipalities of large agglomerations and in intermediate municipalities remained largely unchanged compared to the previous quarter. In the case of owner-occupied flats, the FSO experts observed rising prices in all municipality types in a quarterly comparison. The strongest increase, 2.4 per cent, was for condominiums in urban municipalities of a medium-sized agglomeration.

August 2023
Sika strengthens its presence in Peru

Sika is acquiring Chema, a leading manufacturer of mortar products in Peru, primarily for tile installation, according to a media release. With this acquisition, the Baar-based specialty chemicals company is expanding its position in the South American country’s so-called building finishing sector, according to the release. The expansion of distribution channels will create “exciting opportunities for cross-selling complementary products such as sealants and adhesives, liquid membranes and waterproofing systems”, Sika said.

Chema’s four modern plants and seven warehouses ensured nationwide coverage of production and distribution. Chema achieved sales of the equivalent of CHF 50 million in 2022 with tile adhesives, grouts and other complementary products. The company supplies smaller specialist shops in addition to DIY shops and building material retailers.

“Through our joint business activities and improved market access, we have an excellent basis for further growth and a strong position in the Peruvian market,” Regional Head Americas, Christoph Ganz, is quoted as saying. “With the nationwide geographic presence, we strengthen our strategic focus on major cities and our offering of complete solutions for new and existing customers.”

August 2023
Implenia is leading the construction of the Ligerz Tunnel

The IBD consortium has been awarded the contract by SBB to build the Ligerz tunnel, Implenia announced in a press release. The construction and real estate company from Opfikon is the leader of the IBD consortium. In addition to Implenia, the consortium includes the construction companies Bernasconi from Luterbach SO and De Luca from Biel BE.

The contract includes the construction of a 2.1-kilometre-long double-track tunnel with four escape tunnels and a 114-metre-long viaduct for the N5 motorway exit, as well as various additional structures. The contract is worth a total of 220 million Swiss francs. Around CHF 150 million of this is Implenia’s share.

The contract is Lot 2 of the Ligerz-Twann double-track extension, which is intended to eliminate the rail bottleneck on the Jura river line between Lausanne and Biel. The Zurich-based construction and real estate company is deploying its experts from the fields of civil, tunnelling, special civil engineering, structural engineering, railway engineering and maritime work for the project. “We are looking forward to executing this large and complex railway infrastructure project together with our ARGE partners and to once again demonstrating our many years of experience and expertise in this field,” Christian Späth, Head Division Civil Engineering at Implenia, is quoted as saying in the press release. The location of the tunnel in protected areas is described there as a major challenge for implementation.

August 2023
Crowdlending, a new source of real estate financing

Investors benefit from fixed interest rates in Swiss francs. Unlike traditional savings accounts, which often offer negligible returns, real estate crowdfunding offers attractive returns and is therefore an interesting alternative for those who want to maximise their income. In addition, the minimum investment required is affordable. This widens the circle of investors and allows them to diversify their real estate portfolios by investing in different short- and medium-term projects while avoiding the volatility of the equity markets.

Optimise financing structures
Real estate crowdfunding is not a substitute for banks, but complements the equity of real estate developers. The loans granted by investors are subordinated and secured by real estate, which provides security in case of default. This approach allows developers to focus on developing existing and new projects without tying up a large part of their capital in ongoing projects. This allows them to complete their financing quickly and avoid diluting future profits from their businesses by using external financing partners.

Property owners now have access to an additional source of financing to add value to their assets. They can use the funds received for renovations and improvements to their properties and thus optimise the financial structure of their property portfolios. This financial flexibility is a great advantage for owners who want to increase the value of their properties while maximising returns.

Apart from the individual benefits, real estate crowdlending also contributes to Switzerland’s economic and social dynamism. By encouraging the creation of new housing and the renovation of existing assets, it meets the housing needs of the local population. The increasing demand for housing in Switzerland, especially in urban areas, requires high investments in the real estate sector. Real estate crowdfunding offers an innovative solution for financing these projects and thus contributes to the country’s economic growth. Furthermore, by supporting real estate projects, real estate crowdlending creates employment opportunities in the construction industry and related service sectors.

Conclusion
In summary, real estate crowdlending is an innovative source of financing for the real estate sector in Switzerland. With undeniable benefits for investors, developers and property owners, it opens up new perspectives and appeals to a growing number of people in Switzerland with a
growth of over 400% in six years and a volume of CHF 142 million1 by 2022. This model offers an interesting alternative to traditional investments and contributes to the democratisation of real estate investments in Switzerland.

August 2023
Home prices rise by 1.2% in Q2 2023

In Q2 2023, both the prices of single-family houses (+0.7%) and those of owner-occupied flats (+1.6%) rose across Switzerland compared with the previous quarter. In the case of single-family houses, prices rose the most in the urban municipalities of a small conurbation or outside a conurbation (+3.4%), while prices in the urban municipalities of a large conurbation and in the intermediate municipalities remained stable. The condominium market segment shows higher prices than in Q1 2023 in all municipality types. The strongest price increase took place in the category of urban municipalities of an intermediate agglomeration (+2.4%). Further information at www.bfs.admin.ch/bfs/de/home/aktuell

August 2023
Making use of the scope for structuring property gains tax – the BETTERHOMES experts explain what’s important
If you sell a property, there are a number of tax aspects to consider. This applies above all to the real estate gains tax, the amount of which depends on the sales price, the length of ownership and the tariff models of the respective canton. In this article by the real estate specialists at BETTERHOMES, owners can find out how to calculate the tax correctly, how it can be reduced and what to look out for.

Determining property gains tax – BETTERHOMES clarifies
Taxation refers to the difference between the purchase and sales price. In addition to the property itself, the purchase price also includes value-enhancing investments, costs for advertisements, broker commissions, notary fees, costs for early mortgage terminations and for changes of ownership.

The amount of taxation depends on the length of ownership, whereby there is a progressive scale in most cantons. The shorter the period between purchase and sale of the property and the higher the profit, the higher the tax in relation to the profit.

To determine the tax, one first determines the taxable profit. This is calculated from the sales proceeds, from which the investment costs are deducted. Thus:

|Taxable profit = sales proceeds – investment costs|

In order to determine the profit tax in the next step, the amount of profit, the period of ownership, allowances and the tariff model applicable in the respective canton are also taken into account.

Ownership period:
In most cantons, a higher tax must be paid on profits realised in the short term. In Zurich, for example, the tax burden increases by 50 % if the property was held for less than one year before the sale. On the other hand, there are reductions for long periods of ownership. In Bern, for example, if you hold a property for five years, the real estate gains tax is reduced by 10 %.

Tariff:
A distinction is made between proportional and progressive tariffs. The proportional variant is characterised by the fact that the tax rate remains the same regardless of the amount of profit. The length of ownership is taken into account with a degressive tax rate. The degressive tax rate is applied in the cantons of Aargau, Appenzell Ausserrhoden, Basel-Stadt, Fribourg, Geneva, Nidwalden, Obwalden, Ticino, Thurgau, Uri and Vaud. In the other cantons, only the progressive rate is applied, which depends on the amount of profit.

Tax allowances:
In most cantons, the real estate gains tax does not apply to very small gains. Depending on the location, the tax allowance ranges from CHF 500 (Basel-Stadt) to CHF 13,000 (Lucerne). There are special regulations in Thurgau, Ticino, Valais and Neuchâtel. Here, all profits are exempt from tax if the tax does not exceed a defined amount between CHF 30 and 100.

In two cantons there is a general tax deduction, but sellers are only entitled to it once per calendar year. It amounts to CHF 10,000 in Uri and CHF 2,000 in Schwyz.

Let us illustrate the calculation of the real estate gains tax using the example of Zurich.
- Purchase price: CHF 1’000’000.-
- Investment in appreciation: CHF 30’000.-
- Sales price: CHF 1’150’000.-
- Costs for estate agents, advertisements etc.: CHF 20’000.-
- Gain on property: CHF 100’000.-
- Deduction for six-year ownership period (38 %): CHF – 38’000.-
- Taxable property gain: CHF 62’000.-
- Tax rate: 29.4
- Total real estate gains tax: CHF 18’228.-
How can you reduce the property gains tax?
The longer you own a property, the lower the tax burden. If a high profit is expected, it may therefore be advisable to postpone the sale for a few years. The maximum tax rebate is reached after a predefined period of ownership, which differs from canton to canton. In Zurich, for example, this is currently 20 years, in Lucerne 33 years and in Bern 35 years.

If the purchase price includes not only the property but also, for example, furniture, garden tools and similar equipment, it is advisable to list them separately in the purchase contract. This ensures that they are not included in the real estate gains tax. In addition, costs such as those for the notary’s office, estate agent and advertisements should be claimed, as they reduce the amount of the taxable real estate gains.

Possibilities for reducing the real estate gains tax should be conscientiously examined together with a specialist, especially in times of a highly dynamic real estate market, in order to avoid financial disadvantages.

Can the real estate gains tax be waived?
There are situations in which the real estate gains tax does not have to be paid immediately, but is deferred. This is the case, for example, with an inheritance, a gift or a preferential inheritance. Likewise, the tax can be deferred in the case of changes of ownership between spouses in connection with the law of property, separation and divorce.

However, if the property is later sold to a third party, the deferred real estate gains tax must be paid in arrears. The basis for calculation is the difference to the original purchase price and not the acquisition price. However, the period of ownership of the previous owner is taken into account.

In the case of owner-occupied property, the tax is also deferred if the proceeds from the sale are invested in a new home in Switzerland within a reasonable period of time. This is also referred to as a replacement purchase. Depending on the canton, this must be done within two to four years. If you have bought a new home, you usually have to sell the old one within one to two years in order to defer the tax.

It should be noted that the tax deferral only applies to the part of the profit that is invested in the replacement property. If the purchase price of the new property is lower than the investment costs of the old property, the entire profit is taxable immediately. This case often occurs in practice when one exchanges the house for a condominium, which is significantly cheaper.

In principle, no tax deferral is provided for second and holiday homes. If you have acquired rented apartment buildings, the deferral can only be claimed for the owner-occupied part of the property.

The most important tips on real estate gains tax
Since real estate transactions involve a large financial volume, you should deal with the topic early on. The following tips can provide support.

Check legal deductions:
Each canton has different regulations on notarisation costs, agent fees, land pledges and land registry fees. Before selling, you should find out exactly what these are, as they can have a considerable impact on the profit and thus the tax burden.

Distinguish value-enhancing from value-preserving measures:
Costs for repairs and maintenance cannot be deducted, which is why it should be differentiated exactly which measures were carried out.

Relief options:
Is it possible to defer, reduce or completely avoid the real estate gains tax?

Under-value sales:
Particular caution is required in the case of under-value sales that are subject to tax deferral. For example, if a property is sold within the family well below its market value, no property gains tax has to be paid for the time being because of the tax deferral. However, if the property is later sold to a third party, this can lead to high costs, as the difference between the purchase and sale price is significantly higher.

Keep receipts:
The amount of real estate gains tax results from the difference between the sales price and the investment costs. It is therefore important that owners keep all receipts, e.g. on renovations. In the event of a later sale, these investments reduce the property gain and thus the tax burden.

Have the property appraised correctly:
The real estate gain is largely dependent on how correctly the value of the property is appraised. Therefore, an experienced appraiser should always be commissioned.

Conclusion – Make use of the scope for manoeuvre
When selling a property, a property gains tax is incurred which, depending on the canton, the value of the property, the length of ownership and other factors, can have a considerable impact. For this reason, it is important for prospective buyers and owners to inform themselves in detail about the applicable regulations prior to real estate transactions. This opens up financial leeway, such as postponing sales or using allowances to reduce the tax burden.

About BETTERHOMES
BETTERHOMES stands for success in real estate brokerage at fair conditions and has been able to establish itself as the largest independent real estate broker in the Swiss home market with the idea of Immobilienfairmittlung® – an innovative combination of the latest technology and local expertise – and is just as successful in Germany as it is in Austria.
The company guarantees real estate sellers the best value for money in a brokerage service and offers real estate seekers the widest possible range of attractive properties.

Further information:
BETTERHOMES Switzerland https://www.BETTERHOMES.ch/de/
BETTERHOMES Germany https://www.BETTERHOMES.de/de/
BETTERHOMES Austria https://www.BETTERHOMES.at/de/
BETTERHOMES International https://www.BETTERHOMES-international.com/
BETTERHOMES on the new inheritance law in Switzerland – https://bawos.ch/der-betterhomes-faktencheck-neues-erbrecht-in-der-schweiz/
BETTERHOMES on developments on the Swiss mortgage market – https://unternehmerzeitung.ch/unternehmen/detail/hypothekenmarkt-preise-sinken-aber-es-gibt-ausnahmen/
August 2023
Schweizer Konjunktur harzt – Verarbeitendes Gewerbe im Abschwung

In der Mehrzahl der befragten Wirtschaftsbereiche trübt sich die Geschäftslage im Juli ein – im Verarbeitenden Gewerbe bereits den sechsten Monat nacheinander. Dieser Wirtschaftsbereich befindet sich im Abschwung. Zum ersten Mal seit Januar 2021 kommt der Indikator für die Geschäftslage dieser Branche wieder im negativen Bereich zu liegen. Besonders deutlich ist die Abwärtstendenz bei den exportorientierten Firmen.

Einen Dämpfer erhält auch der Dienstleistungssektor. Überdies geht der Geschäftslageindikator in den Branchen Finanz- und Versicherungsdienstleistungen, Baugewerbe und Projektierung etwas zurück. Eine positive Entwicklung nehmen im Juli dagegen die Konsumbereiche Detailhandel und Gastgewerbe.

Inflationserwartungen geben nach – Bauhauptgewerbe rechnet mit sinkenden Preisen
Der Preisauftrieb nimmt in nahezu allen Wirtschaftsbereichen weiter ab. Vergleichsweise häufig sind Preisanhebungen im Gastgewerbe und bei den wirtschaftlichen Dienstleistungen geplant. In den anderen Wirtschaftsbereichen dürfte die Dynamik bei den Preisen in der nächsten Zeit gering sein. Das Bauhauptgewerbe rechnet sogar mit eher sinkenden Preisen für seine Leistungen. Die Erwartungen der Unternehmen über die eigene Preissetzung hinaus für die Entwicklung des Konsumentenpreisindex sind geringfügig weniger hoch als bisher. Die Unternehmen erwarten nun einen Anstieg der Konsumentenpreise in den nächsten zwölf Monaten um 2.5%. Im April gingen sie von 2.6% aus. Für die Inflation in fünf Jahren liegen die Erwartungen momentan bei 2.3% nach 2.5% im April.

Arbeitskräftemangel bleibt ein Problem, verliert aber an Schärfe
Die Unternehmen in der Schweiz suchen zwar insgesamt weiterhin zusätzliches Personal, allerdings sind die Einstellungspläne nicht mehr ganz so expansiv wie bislang. Dementsprechend ist der Arbeitskräftemangel in den Augen der Unternehmen weiterhin ein sehr dringendes Problem, es verliert aber im Verarbeitenden Gewerbe, im Baugewerbe und im Grosshandel im Vergleich zu bisher an Schärfe. Im Verarbeitenden Gewerbe und im Grosshandel sind die Sorgen über eine schwache Nachfrage derzeit drängender als die über fehlendes Personal.

August 2023
Holcim acquires German company Cooper Standard

Holcim has completed the acquisition of Cooper Standard Technical Rubber GmbH in Mannheim, Germany, according to its media release. Its highly durable technical rubber products are used for roofing systems. The company reportedly has an innovative research and development department, a state-of-the-art production facility and an experienced team of 130 employees.

This acquisition is expected to drive further growth of Holcim’s roofing business across Europe. “By expanding our range of roofing systems, we can play a greater role in providing innovative and sustainable solutions for energy-efficient buildings and contribute to the European Union’s Green Deal,” Jamie Gentoso, Global Head, Solutions & Products, is quoted as saying.

Holcim sees the German firm’s “innovation-driven approach” as an “excellent complement” to its existing umbrella business. With its strategic location in the Rhine-Neckar region, it complements other recent roofing and insulation acquisitions, he said.

The business will be expanded under the new name Holcim Technical Solutions & Products GmbH. As part of its “Strategy 2025 – Accelerating Green Growth”, Holcim aims to expand the Solutions & Products business to 30 percent of Group net sales by 2025 “and move into the most attractive segments of construction – from roofing systems to insulation and renovation”.

August 2023
With microorganisms against the winter power shortage

The joint study by Energie 360° and partners now shows that implementation is possible and economically interesting if existing gas storage facilities are used. These exist in Switzerland’s neighbouring countries. To this end, Switzerland must agree on rules for the import of renewable gas with its neighbouring countries. In geo-methanisation, surplus renewable energy, for example solar power, is converted into hydrogen (H2) in summer. This is injected into a natural underground storage facility together with CO2, which comes from biogas plants, for example. At a depth of more than 1000 metres, microorganisms – primeval bacteria known as archaea – combine hydrogen and carbon to form renewable methane gas (CH4). In winter, when the demand for electricity and heat is high, the renewable gas can be stored and used in a variety of ways.

Realisation possible in nearby countries
The research project “Underground Sun Conversion – Flexible Storage” (USC-FlexStore) by Energie 360° and the Austrian energy storage company RAG Austria AG investigated technical, operational, economic, ecological and regulatory aspects of the innovative process. The University of Bern, Empa and the University of Applied Sciences of Eastern Switzerland collaborated as Swiss research partners. The results of the project now show that such storage facilities are feasible – ideally, for economic reasons, where storage facilities already exist, for example in the Austrian Pilsbach.

Enormous potential for energy demand in Switzerland
The existing and good international cooperation on energy supply issues remains central. Thus, the existing infrastructure, i.e. the European gas grid, can be used and the stored energy can be used as renewable gas or electricity for industrial processes and peak load coverage, for example. Jörg Wild, CEO of Energie 360°: “The potential is enormous: annually, renewable energy of several terawatt hours can be stored seasonally with this process. This will substantially alleviate the winter electricity shortfall in Switzerland.” However, a prerequisite for the use of winter energy is that Switzerland concludes binding regulations with its neighbouring countries for the purchase of renewable gases.

Energie 360° is examining participation in the project
In a next step, Energie 360° wants to deepen the expertise it has gained for geo-methanisation and storage and to contribute its know-how to future projects in Switzerland and internationally. In addition, the company is looking into participating in a renewable gas storage project in a neighbouring country.

August 2023
Until the chemistry is right

The fact that she has mastered her field from A to Z is, as she points out, also thanks to know-how built up by colleagues at Empa – such as engineer Gabor Kovac. He pushed the production of stack actuators with expandable silicone discs for many years and developed them to operational maturity with his partner Lukas Düring until their spin-off “CTsystems” was recently taken over by the Daetwyler Group.

“The devices for measuring how actuators stretch in different electric fields were developed by them,” Opris says, “we were early on this topic, and that helped me enormously.” Unlike her colleagues, however, the chemist is working less on the technology for printing such components, but one “floor below” – on the synthesis of novel polymers that are suitable as non-conductive layers for stacked transistors, elastic films for power generation and other elements.

The desired profile: as thin as possible, with the long-term goal of many layers only ten micrometres thick; easily stretchable, sensitive to low current voltage and robust at the same time. And above all: printable, i.e. without solvents for the conductive layers between which the polymers lie. “Solvents can damage the polymer layers. Besides, the material would have to dry for a long time in order not to give off harmful vapours,” explains Opris, “so we try to do without them – with the right chemistry.”

There are many different requirements that researchers all over the world are dealing with. Suitable compounds that raise hopes are polysiloxanes, which the Empa specialist is also working on. An important advantage of these polymers: they are relatively easy to synthesise; the “backbone” of their strands is very mobile – and they can be specifically manipulated with polar groups, i.e. plus-minus charged molecules.

Snake-like molecules
What is difficult for laypeople to understand, Dorina Opris explains with a vivid image: “You can imagine these polysiloxanes like a pot full of snakes that want to move all the time.” The polar groups have a twofold effect on them. On the one hand, they make the molecular snakes more sensitive to electric fields so that they respond to low voltages. On the other hand, they act like a kind of glue between the molecules; this “stiffens” them and thus reduces the important elasticity. It is necessary to fine-tune both effects to achieve maximum success. For a practical application, the transition from the solid to the elastic state at low temperatures is important so that the technology can later be used at room temperature. In addition, such polymer structures still have to be chemically “cross-linked” so that they can become elastic layers – for example by UV light and with the help of so-called end groups: quasi molecular “hats” that the snakes wear at their ends. But in laboratory practice, it has so far proved tricky to reliably provide these polymers with defined end groups. “That annoys me already!” admits Opris with a smile.

Healthy ambition is needed for the TRANS project, which the chemist herself calls “very, very ambitious”. The team is optimistic because earlier work has already produced encouraging results; for example, a polysiloxane compound that reacted to a voltage of only 300 volts and deformed strongly – an extremely low value. Printing capacitor layers without solvents has also already been achieved. And a doctoral student recently developed a piezo-electric elastomer that, when stretched, shows a significantly higher electrical response than other compounds currently in use.

Creativity and team spirit for success
Of course, many more steps are needed to achieve usable successes – and those qualities that have brought Dorina Opris to Empa and ETH Zurich. Not only stamina and the ability to turn failed attempts into progress, but also to create an inspiring environment for employees that allows open debate and also mistakes so that good ideas emerge.

And above all: optimism. The boss believes that young researchers should be given exciting and challenging projects and then be allowed to work independently so that they remain motivated. Her advice to talented women based on her own biography: “Don’t wait until someone pushes you to do research. You have to be self-motivated and strong, and go for it! And also take a risk sometimes.”

August 2023