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  • Construction wages will remain stable

    Construction wages will remain stable

    Despite the pandemic burdening construction activity, wages in the construction industry have remained stable this year compared to 2020, the Swiss Master Builders Association ( SBV ) informs in a message . According to her, the construction industry continues to pay “the best wages for craftsmen”. The pay of building cadres is comparable to that of academics in industry.

    According to surveys by the SBV, the current remuneration for foremen and foremen is currently around 7800 francs a month. The rest of the construction personnel have an average of 13 monthly salaries of 5901 francs each. The monthly wage ranges from 4921 francs for an unskilled worker without qualifications or work experience to 6743 francs per month for a foreman.

    The SBV defines education as central to increasing income in construction. The leap from one wage class to the next is associated with a plus of around 500 francs, explains the association. Anyone who moves up from foreman to foreman earns around 1,000 francs more per month. In contrast, wage increases due to years of work were comparatively small due to the “high minimum wages”.

    Around a third of construction site personnel will retire in the next ten years, the communication further explains. The SBV intends to counter the worsening shortage of skilled workers with “individual wage prospects based on targeted training and further education”. To do this, however, the wage system must be converted from general wage increases to performance-related, individual adjustments, says the association.

  • Smino earns 3.1 million francs

    Smino earns 3.1 million francs

    Smino has won over a number of investors with its platform for digital building planning (Building Information Modeling / BIM). The start-up from the St.GallenBodenseeArea has successfully completed a series A financing round and raised CHF 3.1 million, according to a press release .

    Smino is an offer from BBC Systems AG. The platform acts as a data hub for construction projects. This platform is now to be further developed. “The smino team impressed us and our partners with its comprehensive software solution for construction project management”, Manfred Heid is quoted in the message, managing partner of the investor BitStone Capital. “We are very pleased to support the team together with our co-investors as they expand into new markets and develop into a digital project assistant.”

    BitStone Capital led the financing round. Other investors are EquityPitcher Ventures, Swiss Startup Capital, Session VC, Swiss Immo Lab, AXEPT Business Software AG and Conreal. “Smino has managed to generate rapid growth and become a key player in the construction industry,” says Guy Giuffredi from Swiss Startup Capital. “Now the expansion is pending and we are convinced that the excellently positioned team will master this quickly and successfully.”

    This expansion is to be realized first in Switzerland and Europe. In the future, smino also wants to rely on applications with artificial intelligence, as co-founder Sandor Balogh calls it. “The Series A round enables us to expand our market leadership in Switzerland and expand internationally. A further branch will be set up in Germany specifically for the European region. “

  • Second heating network for Steinhausen can be financed

    Second heating network for Steinhausen can be financed

    The construction and operation of a second heating network for the Steinhausen community are economically feasible. This is confirmed by a feasibility study that WWZ Energie and the municipality began a year ago. According to a media release by both actors, their results will be presented to the population on October 20th at 7.30 p.m. in the Steinhausen community hall.

    They show that in large parts of the municipality the prerequisites in terms of energy density and demand for the construction and economic operation of a second and larger network are in place. This is to be operated with regional wood as an energy source.

    The Steinhausen Zentrum heating network has been in operation since 2017. The new network could be linked to this in the medium term as well as to the Ennetsee heating network planned by WWZ. This increases the security of supply and allows efficient dimensioning of the heating center.

    "The heating network, as we are planning it with WWZ, makes a significant contribution to the implementation of the Energy Strategy 2050," said Mayor Hans Staub. In addition, it increases “the attractiveness and quality of life in our community”.

  • Avobis buys Rimaplan and Centerio

    Avobis buys Rimaplan and Centerio

    Avobis is taking over the real estate service provider Rimaplan and the start-up company Centerio, which specializes in the marketing and management of commercial real estate, Avobis informs in a press release . In addition to the headquarters in Zug, both new acquisitions have a branch in Regensdorf ZH and belong to the entrepreneur Martin Döbeli. The two partners have agreed not to disclose the price of the takeover, which is retroactive to January 1st.

    Rimaplan and Centerio are to complete Avobis' range of services in the development, planning, realization and marketing of commercially used properties and areas. "Rimaplan and Centerio enjoy an excellent reputation in the market as competent real estate service providers", Sandro Sulcis, Co-CEO of the Avobis Group, is quoted in the press release. "Your portfolio of services in the areas of development as well as the marketing and management of commercially used properties and areas ideally complements that of the Avobis Group."

    Martin Döbeli will step down from the operational management of his two companies, but will continue to serve as Chairman of the Board of Directors of Rimaplan and Centerio. In addition, Döbeli will participate as a shareholder in Avobis Group AG, according to the announcement. The two new subsidiaries are to operate independently under the existing names "until further notice".

  • Partners want to bring hydrogen into the building sector

    Partners want to bring hydrogen into the building sector

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

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

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

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

  • Tax deductions for eco-investments in new buildings should take effect more quickly

    Tax deductions for eco-investments in new buildings should take effect more quickly

    There is currently a waiting period for environmentally friendly investments in real estate. Such investments are only tax-deductible five years after the property has been built. Last December, Councilor of States Roberto Zanetti (SP / SO) submitted a motion calling for this waiting period to be shortened.

    In view of the high construction costs, the financial limits of especially younger builders for ecological measures in new buildings are understandable, writes Zanetti in his motion. If, after completion of the building, it turns out “that the corresponding ecologically desirable additional investments would be financially viable”, the owners will, however, in view of the five-year waiting period “be careful not to take these investments by hand immediately”. This is “regrettable from an ecological point of view,” says Zanetti.

    The shortening of the waiting period called for by the SP Council of States can now be implemented. After support from the Federal Council and the adoption of the motion by the Council of States, the National Council has now “accepted the proposal without discussion”, the parliamentary services inform in a message . Now it is the Federal Council’s turn. He must create the legal basis for shortening the waiting period. In addition, different procedures between the cantons are to be harmonized so far.

  • Megura gives Birchmeier Group a new look

    Megura gives Birchmeier Group a new look

    The Baden-based communications and advertising agency Megura has revised the Birchmeier Group’s public presentation. According to a media release, the new appearance under the motto Birchmeier enthusiastic is intended to clearly show the company’s development from the small construction company founded in 1940 to today’s large group with over 600 employees. The current range of services includes more than pure construction work. Birchmeier has developed from a pure construction company to a broad-based specialist within the construction world.

    This development should also be made visible and noticeable in the appearance of the brand, according to the announcement. Logo, design, photo style, imagery, tonality as well as information architecture and user experience on the website were rather down-to-earth. Megura introduced an iconic B in the logo in the so-called refresh of the brand, which enthusiastically depicts Birchmeier’s positioning. The new page captivates with a light and reduced design, direct and simple tonality and an authentic world of images.

    The Birchmeier Group presents itself on the redesigned page as a general contractor who takes full responsibility for the turnkey implementation of a construction project. Architects and specialist planners are integrated in the service contract. The customer has only one contact person.

  • Collabo wins further investors

    Collabo wins further investors

    Kollabo has raised a total of 2.4 million francs in a seed financing round, the Zurich start-up informs in a message on startupticker.ch. In addition to the already existing lead investor Wingman Ventures, Kollabo was also able to win PropTech1 Ventures from Berlin as well as other well-known business angels as investors. Roland Brack, Christian Wenger and Stéphane Pictet are named in the communication.

    Kollabo intends to use the established funds to expand the company’s own job platform for temporary work in the construction industry. Craftsmen can create their own profile at Kollabo and have their specialist knowledge certified in an evaluation system. The aim of the young company is to “become the dominant digital ecosystem for qualified craftsmen in the DACH region,” explains Kollabo in an entry on LinkedIn.

    “It is no secret that the shortage of skilled workers is the decisive bottleneck in the timely completion of construction projects”, Anja Rath is quoted in the message on startupticker.ch. The managing partner of PropTech1 Ventures sees the collaboration as “the right solution for this problem”. In addition, Rath points out that Kollabo’s sales are growing threefold every year. “Kollabo’s vision of offering additional products in the future, such as the possibility for craftsmen to book accommodation or insurance for individual orders, also opens up the opportunity for further synergies and growth potential,” says the manager of the young company’s new lead investor.

  • Westhive is planning a new location at Stettbach train station

    Westhive is planning a new location at Stettbach train station

    Westhive wants to open a new shared office in Stettbach Mitte, right next to the Stettbach S-Bahn station, as announced in a message on LinkedIn. More than 120 jobs are to be offered there as early as the first quarter of 2022. There will be six meeting rooms for conferences and seminars. The infrastructure should also include a restaurant and a fitness room.

    Stettbach Mitte is interesting for Westhive thanks to its “good traffic location”. The new office location will have a direct connection to public transport as well as a connection to the A1 motorway. “This results in a large catchment area that extends from the Glatttal via Zurich Oberland to Winterthur,” said a message from Stettbach Mitte about the new arrival.

    Weshtive was founded in 2017 and opened its first coworking location in Zurich in 2018. The company now offers offices and workplaces with a complete service infrastructure at five locations. Further locations are being planned.

  • Locatee takes 7.1 million euros

    Locatee takes 7.1 million euros

    Locatee was able to secure fresh capital in the amount of 7.1 million euros in a financing round, according to a media release . Venture capitalists such as SmartFin , Verve Ventures , FYRFLY Venture Partners , Tomahawk VC , Swiss Immo Lab and Zürcher Kantonalbank have invested.

    The Zurich start-up has developed software that can be used to optimize the use of space in office buildings. The software obtains the necessary data for the utilization from existing IT infrastructures, motion sensors or WLAN networks.

    The solution is intended to help real estate managers in large companies to make fact-based decisions about their office buildings. Employees can also benefit from the software. For example, you can see where free desks can be found.

    Locatee expects the occupancy analysis market size to grow to more than $ 5 billion by 2025. This is also related to the change in the role of offices, which the COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated significantly.

  • Artwork produces solar power

    Artwork produces solar power

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

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

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

  • Demand for larger apartments is driving the construction industry

    Demand for larger apartments is driving the construction industry

    The construction industry has proven to be crisis-resistant during the corona pandemic. According to a press release, the economic research and consulting institute BAK Economics expects building construction to grow by 0.4 percent this year. An increase of 0.6 percent is expected for 2022.

    The prospects for construction activity vary between residential construction, commercial construction and infrastructure construction. While residential construction is increasing, commercial and public construction projects are recording slight losses. The demand for larger apartments is growing due to increased home work. In addition, the energetic renovations and the expected turnaround in interest rates are driving growth.

    In contrast, the pandemic-induced decline in the number of public-sector construction projects is having an impact on infrastructure construction. The number of commercial construction projects is also falling, as many companies postpone or stop planned construction projects. Thanks to the current economic upturn, according to BAK Economics, an upturn in both areas can be expected in 2022.

    Positive results in building construction are expected for the years 2023 to 2027. In commercial and infrastructure construction, the medium-term order situation should remain constant.

    There are regional differences in overall construction activity: According to BAK Economics, the regions of Zurich / Aargau, the Lake Geneva region and central Switzerland have the best forecasts. The institute expects the Basel region to stagnate in the medium term.

  • Delta School relies on LEDcity

    Delta School relies on LEDcity

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

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

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

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

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

  • Construction company W. Schmid AG is now called WSG

    Construction company W. Schmid AG is now called WSG

    The construction company W. Schmid AG has carried out a rebranding. The company founded in Glattbrugg by Walter Schmid in 1966 now appears as WSG. According to a message on LinkedIn, this is seen as a milestone for the owner-managed SME. Due to the dynamic change caused by digitization, the business model, competencies and company culture have already been adjusted. Now follow the matching modern dress, it says in the message. In addition to the new WSG logo, the generously designed new logo in light green lettering bears the addition “See what will be.” This is intended to signal the “fresh wind” in the traditional company, according to LinkedIn.

    The development from the original construction company to today’s WSG is described on the company’s website. The company is active in German-speaking Switzerland, with three offices in Glattbrugg, Zug and Basel and employs around 70 people. WSG is active as an innovative real estate developer and is responsible for the construction of more than 10,000 apartments in the past 55 years.

    As a construction company directly at the airport, the airport region around Kloten shaped the orders and customers of W. Schmid AG. Swissair and the hotel chains with their airport hotels are named as regular customers. The company also paid attention to sustainability early on. The first solar facade was built in 1988 and the first apartment building with a Minergie certificate was completed in 1998. In 2016, the world’s first energy self-sufficient apartment building was built by W. Schmid AG.

  • Forster and ConReal Swiss join forces

    Forster and ConReal Swiss join forces

    Forster enters into a strategic partnership with the technology start-up ConReal Swiss AG . For this purpose, the kitchen builder is getting into the start-up company for the digitization of the construction and real estate industry from Winterthur through its investment company e-comm Beteiligungen AG, based in Baar, according to a media release. The companies do not disclose the investment amount.

    The collaboration will initially focus on household appliances. Existing partners from the trade are to be offered new services. In addition, the partnership supports the “ongoing development of the digital marketplace” for interior design.

    “With this partnership, we are able to combine Forster’s competencies and market knowledge with ConReal’s digitization capabilities in order to create a better offer and a unique shopping experience for both tradespeople and end consumers,” said Joachim Wallishauser, Managing Director of e-comm, quoted in the press release.

  • Baulink realizes the Marriot Hotel in Basel

    Baulink realizes the Marriot Hotel in Basel

    Munich Hotel Partners GmbH ( MHP ) has commissioned Baulink with the realization of a Marriot hotel in Basel, informs Baulink AG in a message . Specifically, the Invita division, which specializes in hotel interiors, is to renovate the former Swissôtel Basel. The hotel, which has been closed since November 2020, was bought by MHP and the American HIG Capital .

    Invita will act as the general contractor for the design of the hotel’s 125 rooms and public areas, the communication further explains. “With our experience from the first conversion phase, we offer the best prerequisites for successfully and efficiently carrying out the project for MHP,” Robert Diepenbrock is quoted there. The head of the Invita department at Baulink is convinced that “he can bring specialist knowledge of hospitality to a team of first-class partners”.

    For the execution of the project, Invita will work together with the architects Oana Rosen from Frankfurt. The notification does not provide any information about the financial scope of the contract.

  • Baden's tallest building is called Akara Tower

    Baden's tallest building is called Akara Tower

    In addition to other projects, the tallest residential and office building in the city is being built on the former ABB site near Baden's train station. In the meantime, the name for the 66 meter high tower is also known: Akara Tower. The client is Akara Funds based in Zug, planning and construction are carried out by HRS Real Estate from Frauenfeld TG. The real estate company Markstein AG , based in Baden, has been commissioned to market the commercial and office space in the Akara Tower and the rental apartments.

    In terms of traffic, 150 rental apartments are being built in the Akara Tower in the best traffic location, just a four-minute walk from the train station. They have 1.5 to 4.5 rooms. Office and service space can be rented on floors two to four. There are two commercial spaces on the ground floor. Marketing of the office space will start this autumn. The apartments will be advertised for rent from summer 2022. The move into the Akara Tower is planned for the fourth quarter of 2023.

    The planning also includes the establishment of parking spaces. Next to the high-rise building and under the future town square, an underground parking garage with almost 500 parking spaces is being built. The parking spaces provided for the high-rise are also located there. There are also around 350 bicycle parking spaces available.

  • MoneyPark wins Hypi Lenzburg

    MoneyPark wins Hypi Lenzburg

    MoneyPark has "brought another strong product partner on board," writes the fintech, which specializes in mortgages and real estate, in a press release . Specifically, MoneyPark is working together with Hypothekarbank Lenzburg . As part of a sales partnership, MoneyPark will sell the Hypi Lenzburg mortgages throughout German-speaking Switzerland.

    This means that the Hypothekarbank is significantly expanding its own sales network, according to the announcement. However, according to her, Hypi Lenzburg will continue to serve the core markets of Aargau and Solothurn itself “via its 13 branches and two advisory offices”.

    Both partner companies rely on a combination of personal advice and technology in their business model, is further explained in the communication. MoneyPark has over 20 branches throughout Switzerland and 15 branches in German-speaking Switzerland. According to its own information, the company works with more than 150 banks, insurance companies and pension funds.

  • Allreal focuses on western Switzerland

    Allreal focuses on western Switzerland

    According to a media release, the real estate company Allreal is acquiring individual companies from Immosynergies Holding Sàrl , based in Cointrin GE. According to a press release, almost all of the properties taken over are in prime locations in the canton of Geneva. There is also a portfolio of development projects in the cantons of Geneva and Vaud. Allreal is thus significantly expanding its involvement in western Switzerland.

    According to the announcement, the package taken over by founder and owner Olivier Plan from Immosynergies Holding Sàrl includes investment properties of around CHF 500 million and additional development properties of around CHF 210 million, which have a potential investment volume of more than CHF 700 million. Allreal also buys the general contractor belonging to the group of companies. All 45 employees will be taken over. The net purchase price of the entire transaction is given as around CHF 400 million.

    Half of the net purchase price is to be paid in cash and half in Allreal shares. As a result, Olivier Plan, who is 100 percent owner of Immosynergies Holding Sàrl, will be one of Allreal's largest shareholders after the transaction is complete.

    The Board of Directors of Allreal Holding AG intends to carry out a capital increase from the authorized capital while excluding subscription rights for the previous shareholders. It is planned to issue up to 650,000 new Allreal shares, which corresponds to an increase in the existing share capital of 4.1 percent.

    As a result of the transaction, the total market value of the Allreal investment properties will rise to around CHF 5.1 billion.

  • Jaisli-Xamax equips Bern special education school

    Jaisli-Xamax equips Bern special education school

    The Dietiker electrical company Jaisli-Xamax is responsible for the electrical installations for the new building for the special education school in Bern ( HPS). Work began in March and, according to a message on Facebook, should go until January 2023⁠. Jaisli-Xamax therefore provides the following services: high and low voltage installations, building automation and the delivery of switchgear.

    The special education school is a special school for the city and region of Bern. The building of HPS correspond according to the communication of Jaisli-Xamax not today's operational requirements are age-related need of renovation and can werden.⁠ spatially and structurally developed Therefore, arises new school with a gymnasium on a vacant lot on the grounds of elementary schools Bümpliz and Lieutenants.

  • Holcim wants to reduce marine litter

    Holcim wants to reduce marine litter

    Holcim , the subsidiary Geocycle and the German Society for International Cooperation ( GIZ ) want to jointly advance the circular economy in order to reduce pollution of the oceans. For this purpose they have entered into a partnership.

    According to a press release from Holcim, this strategic alliance focuses on reducing plastic and marine litter in India, Mexico, Morocco and the Philippines. Waste management is to be improved in the coastal communities there. It is also planned to set up equipment for material recovery. In addition, the partners want to start awareness campaigns and involve the tourism and hotel industries.

    The participating municipalities are to be involved in the collection of large quantities of plastics for recycling or co-recycling for energy generation. This should give employees access to the legal labor market, better wages and social protection benefits.

    Holcim already worked with GIZ and the Northwestern Switzerland University of Applied Sciences last year. At that time, the organizations jointly revised the guidelines for recycling waste in cement production. In the waste and cement industry, they are considered a reference document for safe and environmentally sound waste management.

  • Building program has a record year

    Building program has a record year

    2020 was a record year for the federal and cantonal building program. A total of CHF 299 million has been paid out for renovation and new construction projects, more than in any previous year, according to a federal media release.

    Of this, 119 million francs went to thermal insulation projects. At 72 million francs, system renovations make up the second largest share. This involves extensive renovation of the building envelope, which can be combined, for example, with renovation of the heating systems. Around 62 million francs in funding have been awarded for projects relating to heating changes, solar and ventilation systems. In these projects, known as building services, an increase of 65 percent was achieved compared to the previous year.

    The building program also has successes in terms of climate protection and employment. The measures funded in 2020 will save 5.7 million kilowatt hours of electricity and 1.4 million tons of CO2 over the entire service life. However, since the subsidy rates were increased compared to 2019, the proportion of francs paid out per ton of CO2 saved rose from 205 francs to 207 francs. The employment effect is 2,100 full-time equivalents, the additional domestic added value is 88 million francs.

  • Schaffhausen extends contract with Generis AG

    Schaffhausen extends contract with Generis AG

    Generis AG will continue to run the economic development agency for the canton of Schaffhausen until 2024. The same applies to the office for the promotion of regional and location development. The government council decided this at its meeting on Tuesday.

    The service contract currently runs until the end of 2022. After that, it can be extended for a further two years for the last time. At the beginning of 2015, Generis AG was awarded the contract to manage both facilities.

    As stated in a communication from the government council, Generis AG has “so far fulfilled its mandate very well. The results achieved to date in the field of business development represent a real success story. ”That is why the service contract is now being extended.

  • Swiss Prime Quartier Riverside is ready for occupancy

    Swiss Prime Quartier Riverside is ready for occupancy

    In Zuchwil, the new residential and work area Riverside is now ready for occupancy. According to a press release , the first tenants will move into the Widi Huus and Sulzer Huus in October. The project of the Swiss Prime Investment Foundation is characterized by modern energy supply and traffic management as well as recreational opportunities. It was also developed by the Swiss Prime Investment Foundation in Olten as a “living space”. As a location in the country with all the amenities of an urban place. The new Riverside district combines living and working. The Aare in turn connects nature with the city. The quarter has direct access to the river.

    According to Jérôme Baumann, President of the Board of Trustees of the Swiss Prime Investment Foundation, “120 apartments have already been rented. Only a few are available. ”The apartments offer a lot of quality of life. The Solothurn architect Benedikt Graf from gsj architects and agps architecture was quoted as saying that the choice of materials was "extremely careful". The heat generation for heating and water takes place sustainably via a groundwater heat pump. Natural cooling is in operation in summer.

    All apartments are designed according to the guidelines of Procap Switzerland and are wheelchair accessible. There are individual charging stations for e-vehicles at the visitor parking spaces. The parking spaces in the underground car park can also be equipped with a charging station. All five houses of the first stage should be occupied by autumn 2022.

  • Holcim sells stores in Brazil

    Holcim sells stores in Brazil

    Holcim is selling its businesses in Brazil. As announced by the company, the company is valued at $ 1.025 billion. It comprises five cement plants, four grinding plants, six plants for aggregates and 19 ready-mixed concrete plants. The buyer is the Companhia Siderúrgica Nacional. "This sale is a further step in our transformation into the world's leading provider of innovative and sustainable building solutions," Holcim CEO Jan Jenisch is quoted as saying. "It gives us the flexibility to invest in attractive growth opportunities."

    With this sale, the company's balance sheet will be strengthened and the level of indebtedness will be significantly reduced, according to Holcim. It took place as part of an optimization of the portfolio. The proceeds will be used for investments in the Solutions & Products division. This builds on the acquisition of Firestone Building Products , an American manufacturer of flat roof systems, at the beginning of January. This transaction was valued at $ 3.4 billion. As a first step, Holcim introduced the Firestone GacoFlex line for waterproofing roofs in Mexico.

    Despite the sale of the Brazilian business, Latin America remains a key strategic growth region for Holcim. The group recently invested in an additional clinker plant in Malagueño, Argentina, and in a new grinding plant in Yucatán, Mexico. In addition, the expansion of the company's own retail network in Disensa is ongoing.

  • Smaller rental apartments save resources

    Smaller rental apartments save resources

    According to a press release , three scientists from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne ( EPFL ) have tried to find out what is behind the ever increasing space requirements of tenants. The background to this is that residential construction is not only the second largest source of energy consumption and CO2 emissions in Switzerland, right after traffic.

    The researchers at the Laboratory on Human-Environment Relations in Urban Systems ( HERUS ) at EPFL have therefore launched a survey among tenants. In Switzerland they make up 60 percent of the apartment occupancy. The responses from 968 tenants showed, among other things, that 40 percent of them moved into a larger apartment, although their household size had decreased. Only 25 percent would be willing to downsize under the same circumstances.

    The researchers summarized the following main obstacles to downsizing: the large living space serves as a status symbol, the bond with the current apartment and the neighborhood as well as the fear of loss of privacy.

    They propose several solutions: financial incentives to move and a sufficient supply of small apartments in city centers. In addition, there should be apartments of different sizes in the same building so that tenants can move without losing contact with friends and neighbors.

    They also recommend giving tenants who want to downsize, priority over other potential tenants. In addition, the current approach to privacy in the entire building should be reconsidered, says Anna Pagani from HERUS, for example "by providing workshops and music rooms that can be used by tenants".

  • Fewer apartments are empty

    Fewer apartments are empty

    As of June 1, 2021, Switzerland had a total of 71,365 vacant apartments, including single-family houses, according to the Federal Statistical Office ( FSO ) in a message . Compared to the previous year, this corresponds to a decrease of 9.5 percent. The corresponding vacancy rate fell in the same period by 0.18 percentage points to 1.54 percent. It fell for the first time in twelve years, according to the announcement.

    The FSO analysts observed a decline in vacant apartments in six of the seven major regions. Only in the greater Ticino area did the vacancy rate rise by 0.12 percentage points to 2.83 percent. Within the cantons, the analysts found the lowest vacancy rates in Zug (0.34 percent), Geneva (0.51 percent) and Zurich (0.72 percent). The highest vacancy rates were observed in the cantons of Solothurn (3.15 percent), Ticino (2.83 percent) and Appenzell Innerrhoden (2.59 percent).

    The analysts have noted a particularly high decline in vacancies for new apartments and single-family homes. As of the reporting date, 7,066 vacant properties were offered for long-term rent or for sale across Switzerland, 24.2 percent fewer than in the previous year. The number of vacant single-family houses offered for long-term rent or purchase decreased by 18.8 percent to 5940 properties in the same period.

  • Regional 2025 celebrates halftime

    Regional 2025 celebrates halftime

    The Regionale 2025 celebrated its fifth anniversary with a celebration on the banks of the Limmat in Neuenhof AG. According to the announcement, the Regionale 2025 association was founded in 2015 and is supported by 16 Limmattal municipalities and cities as well as the cantons of Aargau and Zurich. It is intended to strengthen the identity of the Limmat Valley. To this end, 29 different projects are to be implemented by 2025.

    More than 100 invited guests took part in the celebration with an aperitif and a musical performance from the water. The focus of the celebration on September 9, the fifth anniversary of the association's start-up, was the exchange of all those involved across borders. For the previous president Brigitta Johner it was a farewell. She resigns from office after six years. "For a livable and lovable Limmat valley" was the motto of the FDP politician, it says in the message. The former canton councilor was bid farewell with speeches of thanks by Roland Kuster, Wettinger mayor and former vice-president of the Regionale 2025, the managing director Peter Wolf, the mayor of the host community, Martin Uebelhart, as well as two digital greetings from the two cantons. They came from government councilors Markus Dieth (Aargau) and Martin Neukom (Zurich).

    Halfway through, the next five years were also looked at. First there will be an interim show from May to October 2022. The projects nominated for the final project show will be presented there. Further projects will then be completed by 2025. The conclusion of the work of the Regionale 2025 culminates in a large project show at which all projects and processes in the region are presented to the public.

  • Implenia sells building construction business in Austria

    Implenia sells building construction business in Austria

    Implenia intends to sell its building construction business in Austria to Zech Bau Austria GmbH , the construction and real estate company from Dietlikon informs in a message . The sale should be completed by the end of October. The two partners have agreed not to disclose the purchase price.

    "We are pleased to have found a strategically suitable owner for our building construction activities in Zech Group, who will implement a sustainable growth strategy together with our employees in Austria," explains Jens Vollmar, Head of the Buildings Division at Implenia, in the press release. Implenia intends to take responsibility for completing projects that are already under construction.

    The sale of the building construction business in Austria is part of Implenia's strategy of concentrating on the company's core portfolio. The group wants to "focus on integrated construction and real estate services in Switzerland and Germany as well as tunnel construction and related infrastructure projects in other markets", it says in the announcement. At the end of 2020, Implenia had already sold Tüchler Aufbau GmbH in Austria. The company for interior and dry construction was taken over by HK-A Aufbau Holding GmbH.

  • Hofer municipal management expands board of directors

    Hofer municipal management expands board of directors

    Hofer Kommunalmanagement AG in Riniken presents three new board members. According to a press release , Otto Müller, mayor of Dietikon until 2018, the former CVP National Councilor Melchior Ehrler and the Limmattal network manager Jürg Hässig are new members of the board of directors. Bruno Hofer, founder of the agency for location promotion, which has also been active in the Limmattal since 2007, becomes Chairman of the Board of Directors.

    Hofer is setting a new focus in location development advice, according to the press release. For this purpose, the newly developed method for community management, the systemic community management SysKom, which is now under trademark protection, is being marketed throughout Switzerland. A market analysis has shown that the need for location promotion in Swiss municipalities exists and is growing, Hofer is quoted as saying: "The competition between locations virtually forces us to carry out impact-oriented location promotion."

    The methodological approach created by Hofer and his employees in Riniken is described in the media release as a handy method that is intended to help cities, municipalities and regions to experience an upgrade for their location in a simple process, which can also be reflected in rankings. According to Hofer municipal management, the method comprises eight steps from determining the location to spatial planning and location communication. According to the announcement, the end point is location marketing.