immo!nvest – Die Plattform für Standorte und Immobilien

Tag: Menschen

  • Sustainability and quality of life in harmony

    Sustainability and quality of life in harmony

    In a new study published in the “Journal of Cleaner Production”, Empa researchers show that a good life is possible for more than ten billion people within planetary boundaries. Using a technical approach and the so-called donut model, they have calculated that humanity can live sustainably without sacrificing an adequate standard of living. Hauke Schlesier and Harald Desing from Empa’s “Technology and Society” laboratory and Malte Schäfer from the Technical University of Braunschweig have demonstrated this potential.

    The donut as a model for sustainability
    The donut model, consisting of two concentric circles, serves as the basis for the study. The outer circle represents planetary boundaries such as biodiversity, climate and land use. The inner circle symbolises basic human needs. The space between the circles, the donut, represents the sustainable use of natural resources in order to achieve an adequate standard of living. This theoretical basis has now been empirically confirmed.

    Using resources efficiently
    The study shows that an ecological life is possible for more than ten billion people, but far-reaching changes are necessary. There is an urgent need for action, particularly in the energy system and in agriculture. The complete abandonment of fossil fuels and a switch to a plant-based diet are crucial. The sustainable use of phosphorus and nitrogen and the avoidance of land use changes are further key measures.

    A balanced standard of living
    A key component of the transformation is the equalisation of living standards. While the global South would benefit from a significant increase in living standards, resource consumption in the global North would have to be reduced. This applies in particular to living space and individual mobility without compromising well-being. Public transport and healthcare could be expanded without significantly harming the environment.

    Narrow scope for sustainability
    The researchers emphasise that although the donut of sustainable living exists, it is very narrow. However, technological progress and the shift towards a circular economy offer potential for additional ecological leeway. “Our model is based on the current state of technology. Future innovations could expand the donut,” explains Schlesier.

    Empa’s study provides powerful proof that sustainability and quality of life are compatible. It shows the way to an ecologically and socially just life for all people on our planet.

  • New home for senior citizens Greencity 2026

    New home for senior citizens Greencity 2026

    A visionary residential project is being built in the south of Zurich that offers older people a lively and safe environment. The development on construction site B6 in Greencity combines private and municipal involvement. Losinger Marazzi AG is developing the project for the investment foundations of Pensimo Management AG, which are providing a total of 179 flats for older people. Of these, the City of Zurich Retirement Homes Foundation (SAW) will take over 60 flats, while the remaining 119 flats will be let by Pensimo to tenants aged 55 and over. This collaboration represents a new partnership and gives all tenants access to SAW’s services.

    A green centrepiece for Greencity
    Construction site B6 is the latest chapter in the sustainable development of the Greencity district. Since 2014, Losinger Marazzi has been transforming the site of the former Sihl paper factory into Switzerland’s first 2000-watt site. The inner courtyard of the new building will feature green areas, trees and seating, inviting people to linger. Arcades on the ground floor create sheltered access areas to commercial spaces, which could offer facilities such as a medical centre, a fitness studio, a bakery or a café on 3,500 square metres, says René Büchi, the portfolio manager responsible at Pensimo.

    Comprehensive services from SAW
    The City of Zurich Retirement Homes Foundation provides all tenants with a comprehensive service package. This includes a 24-hour emergency call service, extended caretaking, laundry service, social services and various events on the estate. If required, tenants can also take advantage of home help and outpatient care services. Andrea Martin-Fischer, Director of SAW, emphasises: “Our aim is to enable tenants to live independently and safely well into old age.”

    Focus on sustainability
    Greencity’s sustainability goals are consistently applied to the new retirement housing project. Herbert Heinen, Project Manager at Losinger Marazzi, explains: “An optimised load-bearing structure, lightweight walls, a wooden façade and an energy concept with 100 percent renewable energy significantly reduce CO2 emissions and bring the building close to the net-zero target in operation.” Pensimo and Losinger Marazzi are also aiming for certification with the SNBS Gold label. Construction started in March 2024 and the building, designed by JSWD Architekten from Cologne, is scheduled for completion at the end of 2026.

    With this pioneering project, Greencity is setting new standards for sustainable, age-appropriate living and demonstrating how private and public partnerships can create forward-looking solutions.

  • Of people, technologies and organisations

    Of people, technologies and organisations

    The right use of innovations makes the difference between successful and less successful companies. Numerous practical examples show that the effects of innovative work equipment quickly fizzle out if investments are not also made in the users and in operational processes.

    A holistic approach to corporate development is the MTO concept, which focuses on the interaction of the three aspects of people, technology and organisation. The model is based on the insight that companies must continuously find new ways to remain competitive. However, innovative technologies prove to be useless if they are not supported by people or are not embedded in the processes within the organisation as a whole.

    The link between people, technology and processes is that people use technology to carry out processes and achieve their goals. Technology can improve the efficiency and productivity of processes, while people contribute their knowledge and skills to make the best use of technology and manage the processes.

    The MTO model strives to design work systems to meet both the individual needs and capabilities of employees and the needs of the organisation. Optimal alignment leads to better work outcomes, as every interaction between people, technology and the organisation has a significant impact on the efficiency, performance and satisfaction of employees.

    The combination of holistic corporate development with a strong innovation orientation is the prerequisite for long-term success. Companies that integrate people, technology and organisation into their strategic direction are better positioned to meet the challenges of the ever-changing business world and achieve sustainable growth.

  • Regio Energie Solothurn awards two prizes in 2023

    Regio Energie Solothurn awards two prizes in 2023

    Regio Energie Solothurn did not just award a prize for energy efficiency, climate protection and sustainability at its annual energy forum, as is usually the case. This year, according to a statement, two organisations were awarded instead: the Restessbar Sol othurn association and the Discherheim Solothurn foundation.

    The Restessbar association saves food. Since 2017, its members have been collecting fruit, vegetables, pastries and drinks from partner companies on a voluntary basis, which would otherwise end up in the waste. They are then sorted and distributed to around 300 people on twelve tours per week. In this way, around 26 tonnes of food that can still be consumed are saved from disposal every year. In addition, the association conducts educational work against food waste and supports pupils in the preparation of a cookbook.

    At the Discherheim, “care is taken to ensure that everything you do has as long an effect as possible”, says Regio Energie Solothurn. At the three locations of the foundation, which offers housing and jobs to people with disabilities, this also applies to energy efficiency and resource conservation, both in the conversion of the heating source and the fleet of six vehicles to electric drives. The electricity for this comes from the building’s own photovoltaic system. In addition, the biotope, hedges, natural meadow, insect hotels and birdhouses contribute to biodiversity.

  • Five technologies on the way to net zero

    Five technologies on the way to net zero

    The TA-Swiss study aims to inform policy-makers and the public about the opportunities, limits and risks of different methods for CO2 extraction and storage. Aspects such as feasibility, climate effectiveness, costs, resource consumption and impacts on the environment and population were considered.

    The five technologies are:

    • the storage of CO2 as biomass in forests and the use of wood
    • storage in the form of humus in the soil and the use of plant carbon
    • capture and storage of CO2 from biomass combustion (BECCS)
    • removal from the air and storage (DACCS)
    • the accelerated weathering of demolition concrete and rock (carbonation)

    Each of the five NETs was assessed based on the current state of knowledge and with the help of expert interviews. Potential opportunities, risks, synergies and conflicts were identified and considered from a system perspective. Based on this, general and specific, technology-related options for action and recommendations were derived and reflected on together with selected stakeholders.

    The most important general recommendations of the study
    In order for NET’s contribution to the net-zero target to be implemented in an environmentally and socially compatible manner, politics and society should address the issue at an early stage. This requires in particular that the public is involved in shaping the conditions of use of NET by means of fact-based and comprehensible information.

    There is a need for an overarching strategy for the use of limited resources, such as renewable energy, water, biomass and soil, and for financing for the development and implementation of NET.

    Further research is needed to determine the potential of the different technologies.

    It must be possible to record the amount of CO2 removed from the atmosphere in the long term in a transparent and simple way to create a reliable assessment framework and avoid counting the same CO2 more than once.

    The minimum period of CO2 fixation from which a technology or NET project is recognised in terms of the Climate Strategy should be reflected.

    NETs can only be used as a supplement to the priority reduction of greenhouse gas emissions when achieving the net zero target. Therefore, it is important that separate targets apply to the reduction of CO2 emissions and to CO2 removal.

    Switzerland currently has a pioneering role in the development of NET. This competitive advantage should be further strengthened by promoting the relevant research and development, as well as demonstration projects.

  • «The real estate industry still has the best years of digitization ahead of it»

    «The real estate industry still has the best years of digitization ahead of it»

    About the person
    As Chief Digital Officer at Steiner AG, Giuseppe Giglio is responsible for digital transformation and the development of new digital products. Previously, he was responsible for the digitization of sales channels and the development of support platforms for private customers at Swisscom.

    Mr. Giglio, what is your job at Steiner AG?
    Together with my team of around 25 people, I am responsible for digital corporate development. Our goal: to keep the company technologically fit and to successfully establish it in new digital markets. A year ago, Steiner AG bundled the competencies for the digital area and gave me responsibility.

    You previously worked outside of the real estate industry. From your point of view, where is digitization in the real estate sector compared to other sectors?
    Other industries were able to benefit from the advantages of digitization earlier. Real estate is still at the beginning of this journey. However, in the many discussions I have had with various companies in our industry, I sense a great willingness to change. There is a kind of spirit of optimism. The real estate sector still has the best years of digitization ahead of it. It was also this circumstance that made me personally decide to switch.

    Was this spirit of optimism stimulated by the corona pandemic?
    The pandemic has certainly put some pressure on pushing digital issues. But I believe that the real estate industry would be at this point even without Corona. Companies don’t want to be left behind and remain competitive.

    Where is Steiner AG ahead in terms of digitization?
    Not least because of its modern IT infrastructure, the company was able to adapt very quickly to the new market conditions of the last two years. For example, we were able to immediately send the staff from the offices to the home office without any problems and ensure operations at all times. We came out of the pandemic more successful and stronger. Steiner AG also consistently relied on BIM for its own developments very early on. Today we can draw on more than ten years of experience in this technology and know all the tricks and pitfalls.

    Which digitization topics are currently particularly in demand?
    The energy and climate targets for 2030 challenge the industry along the entire value chain. In this respect, there is a great deal of demand for topics relating to transparency with regard to environmental indicators. In addition, online collaboration platforms – which are already standard in other sectors – are gradually gaining a foothold in the real estate industry.

    To what extent has BIM already established itself today?
    We find that BIM or parts of BIM are very often used in larger projects. We have also registered high demand for renovations and existing buildings in recent months. We have some catching up to do when it comes to smaller projects or explicitly in the area of building operations. Digitization is always associated with process changes and investments – many companies are still cautious here. We need to show decision makers the benefits of BIM and provide evidence.

    What are the advantages of BIM?
    BIM creates the basis for real networking of real estate projects. If applied consistently and consistently, planning errors can be avoided in an early phase – and it is possible to react faster and therefore more cheaply to new general conditions. Digital planning also enables efficient operation. The benefits for building operations are exponentially greater.

    « Artificial intelligence is already indispensable today »

    Can you give an example of Smart Home?
    The best-known examples are the intelligent control of building technology such as lighting, heating and security solutions, such as door locks or alarm systems. Such solutions are now widespread.

    What are the advantages of Smart Home?
    One speaks today of “Ambient Assisted Living”. Smart technology in the living area, for example, allows older people to stay longer in their own apartment or house and lead a self-determined life, even if they have health restrictions. For example, with the help of sensors that register when someone falls over and immediately trigger an alarm. There is also the option of controlling lights/blinds, etc. barrier-free via speech and not via complicated control elements. Last but not least, this topic also harbors a lot of potential on the investor side.

    Which one exactly?
    A smart home can measure and control the consumption of household technology such as heating or cooling, which leads to a reduction in electricity consumption. This results in lower operating costs.

    How and where are future technologies such as Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), Artificial Intelligence (AI) already being used today?
    AR and VR are currently still niche topics that are often used as marketing tools. They are excellent for visualizing visions and are breeding ground for inspiration.

    AI, on the other hand, is already a reality more often than you think: For example, when determining costs or detecting anomalies in building operation. Since these processes are usually carried out in the background, the user often does not notice that artificial intelligence or an algorithm is involved. If you plan and build digitally today, artificial intelligence has become indispensable.

    What is necessary for AR and VR to also become suitable for everyday use?
    We have to tackle projects with a «digital first mindset». The earlier a project is tackled digitally, the more profitable it becomes overall. We need more practical examples that show that projects with this way of thinking become more successful. VR in particular is helpful in an early phase to improve cooperation and to quickly make critical decisions. I am convinced that AR and VR will prevail in the real estate sector in the next five years.

    Which digitization solutions are most in demand from partners and subcontractors of Steiner AG?
    Many companies are still at the beginning of their digitization journey. That is why training courses, BIM management and real estate inventories for the digital inventory of the real estate portfolio are currently in particularly high demand.

    In your opinion, how will digitization change the industry in the next five years?
    I believe that digitization is bringing us all closer together. Clients, the public and companies work and exchange information on the same platform and actively shape the project. This leads to a democratization of real estate projects, which in turn leads to more successful and sustainable results.