immo!nvest – Die Plattform für Standorte und Immobilien

Tag: Kooperation

  • Co-operation to leverage the potential of the Silbern industrial estate

    Co-operation to leverage the potential of the Silbern industrial estate

    Today, Silbern is an important location for production, trade and shopping and contributes significantly to the economic strength of the region. At the same time, the area has hardly developed at all over the years in terms of urban development and urban space and lags behind the potential of other business locations in the region. This is precisely where the new alliance comes in. It wants to initiate qualitative further development instead of merely managing the existing utilisation.

    Integrative approach instead of individual interests
    In the Silbern Future Alliance, IG Silbern, Limeco, BirdLife, the city of Dietikon and the canton of Zurich are working together in a long-term, collaborative framework. The approach is clear: the economy, mobility, environment and nature are planned and managed together. The aim is to recognise conflicting objectives at an early stage and to develop solutions in a coordinated and transparent manner based on interests.

    Vision and charter as a binding framework
    The result of a two-year mediation process led by Joris Van Wezemael is a common vision, supplemented by a binding charter. Both create orientation, define guidelines and strengthen reliability in the cooperation. This gives companies and landowners a framework within which they can actively shape development. With more planning security and clear expectations regarding the compatibility of economic, ecological and social concerns.

    Sustainable economic and living space
    The alliance sees itself as a long-term cooperation with a clear ambition. Silbern is to develop into a location that offers attractive framework conditions for companies, improves accessibility and at the same time strengthens natural and living spaces. Infrastructure is seen as key, as part of the solution, for example by converting waste materials into energy and new resources.

    Common will as a success factor
    The next step requires concrete projects and the sustained will of all those involved to share responsibility. Entrepreneurs, property owners, the public sector, infrastructure operators and nature conservation organisations have already developed a better understanding of each other and mutual respect in the dialogue to date. This basis of trust is crucial if the shared vision is to be realised and Silbern is to make the leap from an underestimated working area to a future-oriented economic and living space.

  • The fireproof future of energy storage

    The fireproof future of energy storage

    The salt battery, an integral part of early electromobility, is a safe and durable storage medium that is convincing in various applications. In contrast to lithium-ion batteries, the salt battery uses a solid, ceramic electrolyte that is neither flammable nor explosive. In Switzerland, Empa researchers are working with industrial partners to further improve the performance and efficiency of this technology.

    Advantages over conventional batteries
    The solid-state architecture and high operating temperature of around 300°C make the salt battery particularly suitable for extreme applications such as tunnelling or offshore installations, where safety is a top priority. Due to its temperature resistance and low-maintenance design, it is also used for the emergency power supply of mobile phone antennas, which have to work reliably for decades even under harsh conditions.

    Economic efficiency and challenges
    One disadvantage of the salt battery is its high operating temperature, which requires a basic consumption of energy. Empa researchers such as Meike Heinz and Enea Svaluto-Ferro are therefore working on cell structures that enable the battery to heat itself during use and thus work more efficiently. Despite the additional energy requirement, the salt battery is considered more economical and stable than many alternatives in certain applications.

    Resource-saving raw materials and recycling systems
    Another advantage is the availability of the required raw materials: Sodium and aluminium are inexpensive and plentiful, making battery production cost-effective and sustainable. Empa’s current research focus is on reducing the nickel content in the cells in order to further reduce the ecological footprint. In future projects, zinc could even replace nickel – an option that could further improve access to sustainable energy storage systems.

    Future prospects
    As research progresses, the salt battery could find its way from specialised fields of application to broad, stationary applications. Its use as a long-lasting and safe storage system for residential areas or neighbourhoods is being seriously considered. It thus offers an innovative alternative to lithium-ion batteries and shows how research at Empa can set the course for the future of energy storage.

  • Focus on solar technology for agriculture

    Focus on solar technology for agriculture

    The international energy company Eaton and the agrivoltaics specialist Insolight, also based in Lausanne, have agreed on a strategic collaboration to optimise the use of solar power in agriculture. According to a press release, Eaton’s experience in intelligent energy management will be combined with Insolight’s solar technologies. In particular, it will be investigated whether Insolight’s photovoltaic systems can be coupled with Eaton’s battery storage systems (BESS) and charging infrastructure for electric vehicles. Insolight plans to install more than 100 projects with a capacity of 300 megawatt peak by 2026. For its part, Eaton intends to support the projects with technical expertise and product training.

    Both companies will also support the farmers involved in the integration, commissioning and ongoing maintenance of new sustainable energy systems. Insolight’s agrivoltaic systems not only generate electricity that can be used on the farms, but also protect plantations against wind, hail and heavy rain.

    “This collaboration with Eaton represents an important milestone in our endeavour to bring innovative agrivoltaic solutions to the market,” said Luiggino Torrigiani, Head of Marketing and Partnerships at Insolight, in the press release. “By partnering with Insolight, we can extend our capabilities to the agrivoltaic sector, where energy efficiency can have a real impact alongside agricultural productivity,” added Anne Lillywhite, Senior Vice President and General Manager for Energy Transition, Digital and Services at Eaton.

  • New partnership promotes regional networking in Eastern Switzerland

    New partnership promotes regional networking in Eastern Switzerland

    The St.Gallen-based association IT rockt! and collektiv AG will be working together in future. According to a press release, IT rockt! Will move into premises in the coworking space collektiv (st.gallen). This means that IT rockt! will be “at the centre of events”, which will also enable the Eastern Switzerland IT cluster to expand its offering for members and employees. From September, IT rockt! will also be more flexible than before when organising events at collektiv (st.gallen).

    According to the press release, the collaboration between the two organisations will promote local exchange. This will promote regional networking. “We are very much looking forward to working with collektiv (st.gallen)”, Eva De Salvatore, Managing Director of IT rockt!, is quoted as saying in the press release. “The stimulating atmosphere creates ideal conditions for our IT community, and the region will benefit from such an enriching programme.”

    “It’s great to have a partner like IT rockt! at our side,” adds Majid Parente, founder and CEO of collektiv AG.

  • Four eastern Swiss cantons strengthen cooperation for a networked future

    Four eastern Swiss cantons strengthen cooperation for a networked future

    On July 4, 2024, the governments of the cantons of St.Gallen, Appenzell Ausserrhoden, Appenzell Innerrhoden and Thurgau signed a declaration on closer strategic cooperation. This step marks the start of an intensive cooperation process aimed at strengthening and networking Eastern Switzerland. The joint declaration underlines the commitment of the four cantons to work together to find and implement solutions to common challenges.

    Joint commitment to the Lake Constance region
    The four cantons had previously announced that they would work together to establish the international Lake Constance region at a national level as part of the Swiss Spatial Concept. This project was positively received by the economy and the public and highlighted the potential of closer cooperation to strengthen Eastern Switzerland as a whole.

    Strategic fields of action and annual discussions
    The declaration raises cooperation to a strategic level. The governments of the four cantons will discuss fields of action for cooperation on an annual basis and evaluate the potential for cooperation. Employees of the administrations are invited to submit proposals and participate in the selection of areas for action.

    Possible strategic fields of action include spatial development, transport, education and culture, innovation and digitalization, natural hazard prevention, crisis management and security. The cantons hope that strategic cooperation will lead to more efficient and effective solutions in these areas.

    Flexible cooperation models
    Cooperation can take different forms depending on the needs and situation. Solutions can either be implemented jointly by all four cantons or by two or three cantons. Other cantons, particularly from Eastern Switzerland, can also participate in projects. Each canton decides individually whether a joint solution makes sense for it and offers added value.

    Institutionalization of cooperation
    A central concern of the governments is to start the process of strategic cooperation and then institutionalize it. By taking this step, the four cantons are sending out a strong signal for closer cooperation and a networked future for Eastern Switzerland.

    The signing of the declaration on closer cooperation marks an important milestone on the way to a stronger and more efficient Eastern Switzerland. Together, the cantons want to overcome challenges and develop the region sustainably.

  • BKW acquires majority stake in HelveticWind

    BKW acquires majority stake in HelveticWind

    BKW has increased its stake in the HelveticWind cooperation to 60 per cent. The remaining 40 per cent will remain with Elektrizitätswerke des Kantons Zürich (EKZ). This strategic decision, which was signed on 5 July 2024, marks a significant realignment of the cooperation between the energy supply companies. Previously, BKW held 29 per cent and EKZ 20.2 per cent of the shares in HelveticWind.

    Successful cooperation in Germany and Italy
    HelveticWind operates a total of six wind farms, four of them in Germany with an installed capacity of 67 megawatts (MW) and two in Italy with 52 MW. BKW, which is already active as a service provider for the plants, has extensive expertise in the maintenance and optimisation of these wind farms. With the acquisition of the majority stake, BKW can further expand its existing portfolio of renewable energy generation plants.

    Future-oriented planning and CO2 neutrality by 2040
    Margarita Aleksieva, Head of Wind & Solar at BKW, is enthusiastic about the majority acquisition: “We want to help shape the energy transition in the coming decades and be CO2-neutral in the energy business by 2040. In this context, we are also examining the repowering potential of the six wind farms. Our aim is to optimise the existing sites in the future and increase our energy yield thanks to the latest technology.”

    Thanks to long-standing partners and outlook
    BKW would like to thank its departing partners Energie Wasser Bern, Genossenschaft Elektra Baselland and SN Erneuerbare Energie for their many years of collaboration. The reorganisation of the cooperation will enable BKW and EKZ to continue their partnership successfully and drive the energy transition forward together.

    History and objectives of the HelveticWind cooperation
    The HelveticWind cooperation was founded in March 2010 by Energie Wasser Bern and BKW. The original aim was to realise a wind power portfolio with an installed capacity of over 100 MW, which has since been exceeded. The German wind farms include Gross Welle, Lüdersdorf-Parstein, Sendenhorst and Wulkow, while the Ventisei and Eolo wind farms in Italy are part of the portfolio.

    With its majority stake in HelveticWind, BKW is strengthening its position in the field of renewable energies and taking an important step towards a sustainable energy future.

  • Strategic cooperation improves property management processes

    Strategic cooperation improves property management processes

    Planon has announced a strategic partnership with PROMOS consult, a Berlin-based SAP partner specialising in residential and commercial real estate and facility management. The collaboration covers the DACH region. The globally active Dutch proptech company, which is represented in Switzerland with a branch in Technopark Zurich, also offers software solutions for property and facility management.

    According to Planon’s press release, the aim of this partnership is to optimise processes, simplify workflows and increase tenant satisfaction. Planon’s innovative solutions for facility management will be combined with PROMOS’ in-depth industry knowledge and broad portfolio of services for the core processes of property management.

    “We are convinced of the extensive opportunities that this partnership offers,” Planon COO Stephan Mau is quoted as saying. “Together, we will offer Promos SAP customers a forward-looking solution for property management.” PROMOS CIO Volker Schulz is “convinced that our customers will benefit from the combined expertise of both companies and that we will transform the German-speaking market in the long term”.

  • New cooperation between SVIT Zurich and “immobilienjobs.ch”

    New cooperation between SVIT Zurich and “immobilienjobs.ch”

    As part of the collaboration, “immobilienjobs.ch” creates exciting career opportunities for jobseekers by providing access to job offers in the property industry. This includes not only traditional jobs, but also innovative positions that arise as a result of changing industry requirements. The platform thus ensures that jobseekers and companies find each other in a modern, efficient and targeted way.

    SVIT Zurich members benefit from this co-operation. The job portal enables them to find qualified specialists more efficiently. In this way, staff shortages can be optimally and quickly eliminated, which in turn promotes the productivity and innovative strength of companies. It should be emphasised that “immobilienjobs.ch” is also an ideal platform for well-trained career changers who want to start their career with sound training and personal job coaching from SVIT Zurich. This allows them to present their skills and knowledge in the best possible way and facilitate their entry into the industry.

    A special offer for all SVIT Zurich members – “immobilienjobs.ch” offers them two job advertisements for the price of one. This exclusive offer ensures that the association’s members achieve maximum visibility and reach for their job offers, while at the same time reducing recruitment costs.

    Overall, this partnership offers clear advantages: it creates new career opportunities, promotes the recruitment of qualified specialists and efficiently integrates career changers into the property sector. The cooperation between SVIT Zurich and “immobilienjobs.ch” therefore represents a significant step towards more efficient and innovative personnel development in the property sector.

  • Holcim cooperates with the largest climate incubator in North America

    Holcim cooperates with the largest climate incubator in North America

    Holcim is now working with Greentown Labs to accelerate the development of new climate technologies for sustainable construction. The premium partnership with Greentown Labs, called Terawatt, gives Holcim preferential access to promising start-ups focussing on innovative and sustainable building solutions, according to a press release. The aim is for Holcim to become an early adopter of cutting-edge technologies for the decarbonisation of the construction industry.

    Greentown Labs is the largest incubator for climate technology start-ups in North America. The business incubator, with locations in Somerville, Massachusetts, and Houston, Texas, is home to more than 200 start-ups. Since its foundation in 2011, it has supported over 525 start-ups with laboratory space, shared offices, machine and tool workshops, electronics, software and business resources and a large network of experts. Holcim is also joining the Greentown Industry Leadership Council, which provides strategic advice to Greentown on issues such as shortening the time from technology development to market.

    “The combination of Holcim MAQER Ventures, our venture capital programme, with Greentown’s outstanding selection of successful climate tech start-ups will serve as a catalyst to reinvent how the world builds for a regenerative future,” Holcim’s Head of Sustainability Nollaig Forrest is quoted as saying. Through MAQER Ventures, Holcim says it is working with hundreds of start-ups in its open innovation ecosystem and is conducting research in 15 areas, from ultra high-strength concrete to 3D printing.

  • ETH and Climate Foundation cooperate on innovations in construction

    ETH and Climate Foundation cooperate on innovations in construction

    The Chair of Building Technology and Construction(BUK ETHZ) at ETH Zurich and the Swiss Climate Foundation will be working together in future on climate-friendly building materials and methods. According to a joint press release, the cooperation includes the assessment of funding applications received by the Swiss Climate Foundation as well as publicising the funding opportunities and the innovations being supported.

    New climate-friendly materials and construction methods are necessary for the climate adaptation of the property sector. Innovative solutions need to be tested and demonstrated in pilot projects in order to make them marketable and publicised. The BUK ETHZ will assess the practicability of innovations in addition to the Swiss Climate Foundation and thus help to minimise the residual risk. The Climate Foundation could compensate for financial weaknesses.

    “Initial applications in the construction sector are always a difficult and risky phase for new products and methods,” the two lecturers Daniel Studer and Daniel Mettler from BUK ETHZ are quoted as saying. “With this collaboration, we can make an important contribution to the transformation of the construction industry. This is demonstrated by spin-offs such as FenX or Oxara from the ETH environment, which were supported by the Climate Foundation.”

    FenX transforms mineral waste into high-performance and sustainable insulating materials for the construction industry. Oxara develops cement-free admixtures and binder technology that enables the upcycling of construction waste and excavated materials in a variety of concrete and block applications.

  • Pilot project for individualised living

    Pilot project for individualised living

    The Felivita development with 39 rental flats and 44 floor units is being built in a good location in Bachenbülach.

    Felivita consists of seven building units with different owners. The Vertina Investment Foundation is one of them, participating in the project with 26 rental flats. These units are offered with the iwo residential model.

    An exciting project! There are seven months left for marketing, after which the flats will be completed for individualised occupancy. Individualised living is offered in this project as an alternative to condominium units. The tenants will be able to design the interior of their rental flat according to their own preferences, similar to home ownership.

    There are three different design lines to choose from. The basic lines can be combined with each other and floor coverings, kitchen fronts or bathroom tiles in different materials or colours can be selected. As an option, for example, the choice of a shower toilet or an upgrade of the kitchen appliances is offered. The digital configurator guides the future tenant through the selection process and directly reflects the additional costs incurred for the individualised rental flat.

    The additional costs incurred by selected “upgrades” are borne by the tenant and will be invoiced prior to commencement of the tenancy.

    In mutual interest, a long-term rental contract is concluded for five years. To ensure investment protection, tenant-side renewal options of five years will be agreed, which can only be terminated by the tenant.

    The developer is convinced that iwo will create added value for tenants and investors. The improvement of the offer for tenants leads to more sustainability and stability in the joint contractual relationship, which in turn reduces the maintenance costs to the benefit of the investors.

    The target group is prospective tenants who want to live in the development for the long term. Typically “best agers”, but of course also families or other settled groups of people.

    Markstein is responsible for marketing the entire project. The start of letting is scheduled for May 2023. Occupation of the rental and condominium flats is in autumn 2024.

  • FinanceScout 24 and Abilect enter into partnership

    FinanceScout 24 and Abilect enter into partnership

    FinanceScout24 and Abilect are teaming up with the aim of expanding digital solutions for the refurbishment and financing of real estate, according to a media release. The partnership combines two key challenges in the construction industry: Financing options for property refurbishments and digital solutions that ensure seamless contracting, management and execution of these works by suitable and vetted companies in the region, it says.

    Abilect, a general construction company based in Vaud, expects to see an increase in attractive financing channels for its customers for renovation work around the property.

    FinanceScout24 wants to provide even more customers than before with simple and efficient solutions for their financing needs. The organisation, management and implementation of modernisation and renovation projects depend “decisively on financing”, Jochen Pernegger, Managing Director of the financial services provider, is quoted as saying.

    Future financing solutions are to be geared to customer needs. The partnership is also expected to result in the possibility of creating a project dossier. In addition, customers will receive support in the search for qualified providers and in the implementation of the modernisation and renovation project.

  • Tilbago offers the cheapest debt collection statement

    Tilbago offers the cheapest debt collection statement

    Tilbago AG is lowering the price for digitally signed debt collection statements to 22.90 Swiss francs. This means that this “fully digital bridge” between private individuals and debt collection offices is the most cost-effective at the Lucerne-based company, according to a media release.

    A digital debt collection statement replaces the previously common paper form for a credit report, as it is required, for example, before concluding rental, credit or leasing contracts. It can be ordered online, is usually delivered by e-mail within a few hours and can be used as often as desired. The digital statement proves ex officio and forgery-proof that a person does not have any outstanding debts that are or have been enforced by means of debt collection.

    The online debt collection solution tilbago is a PostFinance innovation. Tilbago guides companies fully automatically through the debt collection process. This is intended to automate and optimise workflows and make it easier to comply with legal requirements and deadlines. The solution is hosted by PostFinance. According to the company, this means that the data remains in Switzerland and is protected in the PostFinance data centre.

  • BKW is stepping up its presence in two growth markets

    BKW is stepping up its presence in two growth markets

    In a press release , BKW announced the takeover of Arnold und Gladisch Objektplanung Generalplanung GmbH from Berlin and Dr. Blasy-Dr. Øverland Ingenieure GmbH from Eching am Ammersee announced.

    As the Bern-based energy and infrastructure company has announced, the success of the BKW Engineering network is to be continued and expanded with the new partners from Germany. In addition, company growth is important in order to successfully position oneself in competition with "multidisciplinary market leaders".

    The portfolio of the German companies promises an increase in competence for the growth markets of residential construction, safe construction, water and environment, it is said. Blasy Øverland contributes its expertise in water management, hydraulic engineering and environmental planning. The Arnold und Gladisch architectural office focuses on residential construction and safety-compliant construction.

    The BKW Group specializes in planning and consulting for energy, infrastructure and environmental projects and covers building technology, including the construction, service and maintenance of energy, telecommunications, transport and water networks. For its corporate goal of offering services for infrastructure, environmental and energy projects from a single source, BKW can draw on a network of more than 50 successful companies from Germany, Austria and Switzerland.

  • Holcim drives innovation from start-ups

    Holcim drives innovation from start-ups

    The Zug-based cement giant Holcim is teaming up with three young Swiss companies, according to a media release . The aim is to advance innovative technologies in the construction sector and promote sustainability.

    In cooperation with the Freiburg start-up Mobbot , for example, the integration of recycled building materials into 3D printing technology is to be promoted. Mobbot has developed the necessary 3D printing technology. Together with Holcim, it now wants to develop a concrete recipe that enables the use of recycled material in 3D printing.

    Holcim has entered into another cooperation with the Bern-based company Neuustark . The spin-off from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich ( ETH ) is developing a technology with which CO2 from the atmosphere can be permanently stored in recycled concrete. For this purpose, liquid CO2 is introduced into the demolition material. As part of the collaboration, neustark is investigating the CO2 conversion potential of the demolition concrete recycled by Holcim. In turn, Holcim is optimizing the concrete produced by Neustark. Holcim believes it is possible to integrate the neustark solution into its recycling process in the future.

    The third collaboration between Holcim and the Ticino start-up company HeatNeutral has been agreed. This has developed an innovative combustion system that is intended to promote the decarbonization of production facilities. According to the information, the heating system works particularly efficiently and achieves an almost 100 percent combustion of fuels. This means that less fuel is required for the same output. In addition, the HeatNeutral system can also burn CO2-neutral oils such as vegetable oils, used cooking oils and biodiesel. Holcim is testing the solution in its concrete plant in Birsfelden BL.

  • ABB is building off-grid charging stations with AFC

    ABB is building off-grid charging stations with AFC

    ABB and AFC Energy have agreed on a cooperation to bring hydrogen-powered charging of electric vehicles to the global market, according to a media release from AFC, based in Carnleigh, southeast of London. The cooperation with "the world leader in electrification technologies" ABB, so the announcement, found a global market of at least 140 billion dollars by 2030 for the charging of electric vehicles.

    Both companies want to use the hydrogen fuel cell system developed and manufactured by AFC, which supplies clean electricity for on-grid and off-grid applications. Off-grid charging stations for e-vehicles are also possible with such fuel cells and deliver CO2-free electricity. The partners will jointly market the integrated product and jointly develop a communication strategy for branding and use. It should be ready for use in the UK, Europe, the United States and other countries in the second half of 2021, according to the press release.

    Frank Muehlon, head of global e-mobility infrastructure solutions business at ABB, is quoted as saying, “ABB is a leader in e-mobility solutions and is proud to have played a key role in promoting e-vehicles around the world. The partnership with AFC Energy enables us to push the boundaries of e-mobility, especially with regard to off-grid applications, and thus enable a much greater range of e-mobility based on clean energy. ”Adam Bond, CEO of AFC Energy: "Today marks a historic milestone in the commercialization of our proprietary hydrogen fuel cell, as we begin a long-term collaboration with ABB." ABB offers strong and credible access to important customer channels in Europe and overseas.

    According to the announcement, the partnership will focus on the joint use of integrated high-performance EV charging systems in ABB's key markets. These are private users such as logistics companies and urban transport. The systems could also be used to supply power to ships and vertical take-off and landing vehicles (VTOL) because they are not connected to the grid.