The Schindler Group generated global sales totalling 8.16 billion Swiss francs in the first nine months of 2025, the Ebikon-based group of companies specialising in lifts, escalators and passenger conveyor belts announced in a press release. Year-on-year, this corresponds to growth of 0.8 per cent in local currencies. In the same period, order intake increased by 3.8 per cent in local currencies to 8.52 billion Swiss francs.
Both Schindler’s order intake and sales were supported by the Group’s modernisation and service business in the reporting period. By contrast, demand and sales in the new installations business were weaker than in the previous year. “We have driven growth and strengthened our competitiveness with standardised modernisation solutions”, Schindler CEO Paolo Compagna is quoted as saying in the press release.
At CHF 1.02 billion, operating profit at EBIT level was CHF 77 million higher than the previous year’s figure. Net profit totalled 796 million Swiss francs, compared to 748 million Swiss francs in the same period of the previous year. The EBIT margin increased by 1.2 percentage points to 12.5 per cent. Schindler is raising its EBIT margin target for the year as a whole by 0.5 percentage points to 12.5 per cent. The medium-term target for the margin remains at 13 per cent.
In the same press release, Schindler also communicates its latest commitment to sustainability. “In line with our commitment to the decarbonisation of cities, we now offer a lift made of low-emission steel that supports our customers in achieving their emission reduction targets,” explains Compagna.
The Office of Labour is responding to changes in the world of work, including demographic change, labour shortages and advancing digitalisation. The organisation aims to become more efficient, customer-friendly and digital by 2030. A key objective is to offer jobseekers and companies modern services and simplified access to information.
Hans Rupp, Head of the AFA, explains: “85 per cent of applications are already made digitally, and the trend is rising. Our customers want central points of contact and uncomplicated processes, which we want to provide through optimised digital offerings.”
Consolidation of locations for greater efficiency The AFA’s services are currently spread across 16 RAV locations throughout the canton. In future, five to seven central locations will take over these tasks. This adjustment will be implemented gradually and is based on in-depth analyses. No job cuts are planned.
Hans Rupp continues: “The previous structure dates back to a time when public transport was not yet so well developed. Today, centralisation allows us to reduce space and maintain specialisations and individual consultations in the long term.” By centralising, teams can be expanded and resources deployed more efficiently. At the same time, the organisation remains scalable so that it can react flexibly to rising unemployment.
Added value for Zurich as a business location Carmen Walker Späh, Director of Economic Affairs, emphasises the strategic importance of the modernisation: “Our aim is to position the Employment Office as a modern and customer-oriented centre of expertise for the labour market. This will not only benefit our customers, but also Zurich as a business location.”
The People’s Passenger and Crew Lounge at St.Gallen-Altenrhein Airport has been extensively renovated, according to a statement from the operating company People’s Air Group. The focus was on giving the space a fresher and more modern look and substantially raising the quality standard, the statement continues. A new design concept was developed together with the interior design firm Jürgen Krämer from Lustenau in Vorarlberg, Austria. The work was completed in three weeks.
According to the press release, the entire interior was redesigned, from the choice of colours to the furnishings and fittings through to the technology. There are armchairs and sofas for relaxing. A work area has also been set up with a high table, bar stools and plenty of power sockets. It should enable customers and guests to work productively during their stay at St.Gallen-Altenrhein Airport.
Access to the People’s Lounge is included in the People’s and Full Flex fares or can be purchased directly at check-in. A large selection of hot and cold drinks is available free of charge, supplemented by various snacks, according to the press release.
There is a direct connection from St.Gallen-Altenrhein to Vienna as well as flights to more than a dozen holiday destinations in the Mediterranean region.
After more than three decades of operation, the Herzogenmühle health centre is undergoing a fundamental modernisation. This measure takes into account the change in operational requirements and the changing needs of the residents. The project focuses on various structural optimisations that are to be implemented between July 2024 and July 2025. In particular, the aim is to create larger communal areas by merging various rooms. The aim is to improve mobility within the centre and increase the quality of stay for residents. Special niches for rollators and wheelchairs will make it easier to get around.
A major part of the conversion involves converting unused bathing facilities in the basement into a modern health and fitness room, including a physiotherapy facility. In addition, a previously unused nursing bath will be reactivated and the podiatry department will be relocated to a new area within the hairdressing salon. The outdoor areas of the health centre will be enriched by numerous newly planted trees, which will improve the local climate and contribute to increasing biodiversity.
In addition to these optimisations, necessary repairs are also planned. For example, the windows need to be refurbished due to leaks and the flat roof needs to be completely replaced. Photovoltaic systems are to be installed on the redesigned roof in order to increase the building’s energy efficiency. Furthermore, adjustments will be made to the exterior to increase accessibility and improve accident prevention. The energy and building technology will also be comprehensively modernised, including the installation of automated shading for the cafeteria, dining hall and multi-purpose hall to ensure better heat protection in summer. For these comprehensive measures, the city council approved new expenditure totalling CHF 1.664 million for the renovation and CHF 4.218 million for the partial refurbishment, including the usual reserves.
Flughafen Zürich AG is modernising part of its infrastructure with the construction of a new cargo hall. According to a press release, the building in the east of the airport will have an area of 9500 square metres. The airport’s oldest cargo halls date back to the 1950s and 1960s. They do not always meet today’s requirements, according to Flughafen Zürich AG.
The new Rächtenwisen freight hall will be used by dnata Switzerland AG, a service provider for ground handling and freight. The new cargo hall will include 20 docking ramps for lorries, areas for import and export processes and for customs and security checks. It will also be possible to handle pharmaceutical and hazardous goods here. Offices are located on a mezzanine floor on the south side.
In the past, it was mainly standardised pallet goods that were transported, according to the press release. Today, transport specialises in small goods and freight with different temperature and size requirements. This trend increases the need for suitable freight areas.
The hall is planned as a concrete column construction with a wooden supporting structure and photovoltaic system on the roof. Construction is due to start in April 2024, with commissioning expected in 2027.
In a groundbreaking decision, 4B, the leading Swiss company for windows and façades, is investing heavily in the Hochdorf site in the canton of Lucerne. This investment of around CHF 35 million marks the beginning of a new era in the production of windows and façades. The focus is not only on modernising the production facilities, but also on a consistent focus on sustainability and future viability.
The commitment to the Swiss economy and the Lucerne region is clearly reflected in this investment. For more than 125 years, 4B has established itself as a company with strong roots in Switzerland. With the expansion of the Hochdorf site, the company is sending a strong signal for further successful years in Switzerland.
The planned investments include the construction of a new machining centre and the erection of four new halls. These measures form the basis for long-term optimisation of the production processes and will enable increased industrialisation of window production. By creating additional production capacity, outsourced parts of the value chain can be brought back to Hochdorf, which helps to strengthen the regional economy.
4B is also paying particular attention to the energy supply at the Hochdorf site. With an investment of around four million Swiss francs in renewable energies, the company will be self-sufficient in electrical energy by mid-2025. By installing photovoltaic systems on the new and existing halls and utilising wood waste from production to generate thermal energy, 4B is demonstrating its commitment to a sustainable energy supply and the responsible use of resources.
The expansion and modernisation of the Hochdorf site underlines 4B’s innovative strength and long-term commitment to the Swiss economy and the Lucerne region.
The city council of Lausanne has decided to transfer the cable network of ten neighbouring municipalities to Sunrise. It wants its Services industriels de Lausanne(SiL) to focus its multimedia activities on the city area in future. With this strategic decision, the city wants to offer its citizens a more diverse range of services, dismantle the historic cable network and continue the development of its FTTH fibre optic network, according to a press release.
This step should help to ensure that customers outside of Lausanne are not penalised. Sunrise, the largest private telecommunications provider in Switzerland, convinced the city in a comprehensive evaluation process with its technical and operational expertise as well as its attractive offers for businesses and private individuals.
By taking over the cable network, Sunrise is acquiring an important digital infrastructure in the Lake Geneva region. It covers the municipalities of Prilly, Le-Mont-sur-Lausanne, Epalinges, Jouxtens-Mézery, Bottens, Morrens, Bretigny-sur-Morrens, Cugy, Froideville and Savigny. The transition is to take place gradually from May 2024 until around the end of the year.
“By taking over SiL’s cable network for the surrounding Lausanne region and providing our services directly to the more than 17,000 connected households, we are ensuring the continuous supply of innovative services of the highest quality to our customers,” Sunrise CEO André Krause is quoted as saying. “We will also modernise the cable network and make it future-proof for both residential and business customers.”
Reto Wyss betont die Wichtigkeit moderner und professioneller Einrichtungen für die Bevölkerung und sieht in der Abstimmung eine Bestätigung für die Stärkung des Bevölkerungsschutzes. Die umfassende Modernisierung des Zentrums wird nicht nur die Ausbildungskapazitäten verbessern, sondern Sempach auch als zentrale Bildungsstätte für Rettungskräfte in der Deutschschweiz positionieren. Ylfete Fanaj verweist darauf, dass die Anpassung an geänderte Anforderungen im Bevölkerungsschutz und in der Ausbildung essentiell sei.
Das mehr als fünf Jahrzehnte alte Zentrum wird umfassend modernisiert, um den aktuellen und zukünftigen Herausforderungen gerecht zu werden. Das Projekt, das 2025 startet und bis 2027 abgeschlossen sein soll, zielt darauf ab, das Ausbildungszentrum Sempach zu einem führenden Kompetenzzentrum für den Bevölkerungsschutz auszubauen. Neben lokalen Zivilschutzorganisationen sollen künftig auch überregionale Feuerwehren und Polizeieinheiten von den verbesserten Bildungsmöglichkeiten profitieren.
Diese Initiative ist ein zentrales Element in der Strategie des Kantons Luzern, die Ausbildungsinfrastruktur im Bevölkerungsschutz zu stärken und als Vorreiter in der Ausbildung von Rettungskräften zu agieren.
The plans to modernise the prison infrastructure in the canton of Bern are taking shape. The new building is to be financed with a total budget of CHF 13.5 million, which the cantonal government has now submitted to the cantonal parliament. This step is part of a comprehensive strategy to modernise the prison system, which is set out in the Canton of Berne’s master plan.
CHF 12 million has been earmarked for the competition to ensure the best possible realisation of the new building project. The need for this new building arises from the condition of the existing Biel/Bienne regional prison and the requirement to provide adequate support for the closed prison system. The clarifications on prison space requirements and operating costs requested by the Grand Council in advance have now been provided, which means that the project is based on solid data.
In addition, the realisation of the new building requires the relocation of a number of agricultural buildings that are essential for prison operations in Witzwil. In order to avoid expensive interim solutions, it is proposed to construct these buildings from scratch, for which an additional CHF 1.5 million has been budgeted.
The vote on these financing proposals is scheduled for the 2024 summer session of the Grand Council. The approval of these loans will not only advance the urgently needed modernisation of correctional facilities in the Canton of Bern, but also ensure an efficient and sustainable solution for the accommodation of offenders.
The presented project for the conversion and extension of the property at Gewerbestrasse 15 is characterised by its uniqueness and versatility. It includes various forms of utilisation as well as residential models, and combines existing structures with new buildings. A special feature of the project is that, once planning permission has been granted, it will be realised while the remaining tenants (Swisscom) continue to operate.
In the first phase of the project, the building will be stripped of its current façade and the existing attic and two floors below it will be removed. These are to be replaced by three residential floors and a new parapet in timber construction. The remaining five floors of the building, from the 2nd basement to the 2nd upper floor, will remain largely unchanged and will continue to be used for commercial, storage and technical purposes. A newly added terrace to the south of the building, together with a ramp on the east façade, will bridge the difference in height between the ground floor and the street without barriers.
The project also emphasises the differences between the existing building and the extension in the façades: the lower floors will have a rear-ventilated stone façade, while the extension will be clad in rear-ventilated ceramic cladding. Towards the west, the building volume gives way to the railway tracks in order to meet acoustic challenges and create a terrace that serves as an open space for both the residents and the commercial tenants. Access to the flats is via arcades, bridges and greenery, which characterise the building in the western quarter.
It is essential to involve all relevant actors in the neighbourhood design process to promote social sustainability. This includes both residential and commercial tenants. The creation of activity and meeting zones not only strengthens social cohesion but also provides a platform for business synergies.
Added value through neighbourhood activation The active management of a community increases the attractiveness and value of the neighbourhood, which has a positive effect on the marketing of vacant spaces. At the same time, sustainable social hubs are created that strengthen the sense of community.
Pioneers in nationwide implementation Initial projects in various neighbourhoods in Switzerland show the success of this approach. For example, a pop-up event was launched in Winterthur that combined gastronomy and culture for six weeks. Due to the great popularity, this concept will be further expanded and also implemented in Zurich for the coming winter.
A young but promising discipline Although community management is still quite new as a field, it is seen by experts as a promising and as yet untapped area. “We see great potential in this approach and want to develop and promote it,” say industry experts. I hope this paraphrase meets your needs and offers a new perspective on the subject.
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.
The Webermühle development in Neuenhof houses 368 rental apartments. The settlement on a peninsula in a loop of the Limmat was built on the industrial site of a former weaving mill and was ready to move into in 1984 after ten years of construction. Planned by the architectural office Steiger Partner AG and built by Ernst Göhner AG, the Webermühle with its different volumes offers living space for up to 1,500 residents. Despite the very high density, the apartments with the four rows of high-rise buildings arranged in a cross shape are characterized by a surprising foresight. Since 2008, the buildings realized in the “Göhner 3” modular construction system have been owned by a real estate fund from Credit Suisse Asset Management.
Ecologically and economically sustainable renovation A good 40 years after moving in, the apartments no longer met today’s standards – neither in terms of appearance nor in terms of comfort. With an analysis of the building structure, the client started planning an extensive partial renovation in 2009, which was implemented in stages between 2012 and 2014. The portfolio strategy of Credit Suisse Asset Management attaches great importance to ecologically and economically sustainable solutions. With the modernization of the Webermühle, one wanted to make the living and green space more attractive for the tenants and to maintain the value of the property. On the other hand, the building technology should be brought up to date and thus the energy consumption should be significantly reduced. Better connections to public transport were also an important goal: Since the construction of a new inclined lift in 2015, Wettingen train station can be reached within a few minutes on foot.
Heat supply: switch to flow heat The core of the energetic renovation is the reorientation of the heat supply. To this end, the client defined a clear goal right from the start: in future, the heat supply in the Webermühle should be at least 70 % CO 2 -free. Due to the size of the facility, Credit Suisse Asset Management wanted to have the heating system replaced by a contractor instead of producing heat itself. The sustainability of the solution proposed by ewz with a river water heat pump convinced the client even after a detailed examination by specialists.
White paper on the topic of energy-efficient refurbishment In addition to the practical example “Webermühle”, the white paper “Energy-related renovations as an opportunity for the real estate industry”, which was created in close cooperation between ewz and the research and consulting company intep, offers insights into the relevance of energy-related renovations.
Knowing that the building sector is responsible for about a quarter of emissions, there is an urgent need to renovate the building stock. Because the few climate-friendly and energy-efficient new buildings will not have a major effect on the entire sector. At the moment we are in a renovation backlog. The current renovation rate of one percent must be doubled in order to achieve the climate targets.
Practical experience shows that during renewal processes, too little attention is paid to energy-related refurbishment compared to replacement new buildings. The landowners often lack basic information that shows them the economic, ecological and social potential of energy-related renovations. The whitepaper is intended to make a contribution to precisely this. There is a basic overview of the urgency, legal framework, benefits, opportunities and possible strategies of energy-related renovations.
The results of an ecological balance sheet (life cycle analysis, LCA) and an analysis of the life cycle costs (LCC), for example, form an excellent basis for decision-making. These quantitative assessment methods take into account the entire building life cycle.
The life cycle analysis (LCA) to determine the environmental impact and the analysis of the life cycle costs (LCC) offer quantitative decision bases for energy renovation. (Source: Kellenberger (intep), 2021)
The Webermühle development in Neuenhof houses 368 rental apartments. The settlement on a peninsula in a loop of the Limmat was built on the industrial site of a former weaving mill and was ready to move into in 1984 after ten years of construction. Planned by the architectural office Steiger Partner AG and built by Ernst Göhner AG, the Webermühle with its different volumes offers living space for up to 1,500 residents. Despite the very high density, the apartments with the four rows of high-rise buildings arranged in a cross shape are characterized by a surprising foresight. Since 2008, the buildings realized in the “Göhner 3” modular construction system have been owned by a real estate fund from Credit Suisse Asset Management.
Ecologically and economically sustainable renovation A good 40 years after moving in, the apartments no longer met today’s standards – neither in terms of appearance nor in terms of comfort. With an analysis of the building structure, the client started planning an extensive partial renovation in 2009, which was implemented in stages between 2012 and 2014. Credit Suisse Asset Management’s portfolio strategy attaches great importance to ecologically and economically sustainable solutions. With the modernization of the Webermühle, one wanted to make the living and green space more attractive for the tenants and to maintain the value of the property. On the other hand, the building technology should be brought up to date and thus the energy consumption should be significantly reduced. Better connections to public transport were also an important goal: Since the construction of a new inclined lift in 2015, Wettingen train station can be reached within a few minutes on foot.
Heat supply: switch to flow heat The core of the energetic renovation is the reorientation of the heat supply. To this end, the client defined a clear goal right from the start: in the future, the heat supply in the Webermühle should be at least 70% CO 2 -free. Due to the size of the facility, Credit Suisse Asset Management wanted to have the heating system replaced by a contractor instead of producing heat itself. The sustainability of the solution proposed by ewz with a river water heat pump convinced the client even after a detailed examination by specialists.
… is hardly recognizable after the gradual renovation.
The covered main entrance with carport.
Flumroc AG has been committed to energy-efficient and professionally implemented modernizations for years and supports the federal government’s energy strategy with various commitments.
With your new information campaign “Yes, I do. Renovation for the future. ” draws your attention to the need for renovations and offers building owners, interested parties and experts an online information platform. Potential builders often shy away from the expense of an energetic renovation. Flumroc shows that with the right support and approach and precise planning, nothing stands in the way of successful implementation.
Stock analysis The free eVALO analysis tool provides initial guidance as to which renovation measures make sense. With a few clicks you can simulate your renovation and receive initial information on the energetic state of your property. It also provides you with initial clues about investments and financing.
In a next step, it is advisable to have a so-called GEAK (building energy certificate of the cantons) issued by a specialist. This evaluates the quality of the building envelope and the energy efficiency of the building technology.
An inventory analysis of your property can also be carried out by other specialists, such as an energy advisor. The planning and implementation of comprehensive renovation measures is complex and should therefore be carried out by a planner with the appropriate professional competence.
In the right order to the goal Decisive for a successful renovation are the coordinated renovation measures in the right order and the choice of the right material.
At the beginning of every renovation there is the insulation of the building envelope.
Energy-efficient windows can be installed to match the insulation. This is followed by the application of modern building technology. The residents benefit in many ways from a well-planned and holistically implemented renovation. You save costs in the long term and at the same time enjoy the most modern living comfort. In addition, renovations are in most cases more resource-efficient than demolitions.
Rely on the right materials in the long term The awareness of the choice of the right materials is also very important. At this point you can make a significant contribution to sustainability and ecology. In addition, important aspects such as heat, noise and fire protection can be included in the decision-making process. Properties that distinguish Flumroc stone wool.
A very well insulated house needs less heating energy in winter and less cooling capacity in summer. The easy-to-process material provides excellent soundproofing and, with a melting point of over 1000 ° C, also provides excellent fire protection. In addition, Flumroc’s products meet the highest ecological standards with regard to the extraction of the raw material, transport, industrial processing, use on the building and recycling during dismantling. Because Flumroc stone wool is 100% recyclable!
With the FUTURO generation, Flumroc also offers insulation products with natural binders. The residents of the renovated buildings can enjoy a pleasant room climate all year round and benefit from an extremely high level of living comfort.
Mobiliar and Raiffeisen founded the Liiva joint venture at the beginning of the year. This is now starting with a digital home ownership platform of the same name. Users should be supported with all homeowner needs, according to a media release .
Specifically, Liiva offers various digital tools. For example, it helps when buying a home by clearly displaying suitable advertisements on the largest real estate marketplaces. The platform also offers homeowners, for example, support in assessing the market value, assessing the current condition of the building and in renovations. Functions related to the sale of real estate are also to be activated soon.
"We want to digitally mirror the customer proximity of our parent companies and make life noticeably easier for both existing and future homeowners," said Phil Lojacono, CEO of Liiva, in the press release. Lojacono is also the founder of the Zurich fintech company Advanon, which was taken over by CreditGate24.
The Mobiliar and Raiffeisen want to stir up the traditional real estate market with Liiva and drive the digitization of the industry, it is said. They each have a 50 percent stake in the Zurich-based joint venture. The Chairman of the Board of Directors is Philipp Ries, who also works as Head of EMEA Assistant Distribution Partnership at Google in Zurich. He is also Chairman of the Board of Directors of the holiday provider Hapimag.
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