Tag: News

Intershop is building the AuPark in Wädenswil

The AuPark is to be built in Wädenswil-Au on Lake Zurich in the next few years. It should be a place to live, work, shop, relax, play and be educated, as it says on the AuPark website . A public park is to be created in the middle of the complex as a connecting element and meeting zone for the population of Au. The apartments in AuPark have a view of the Au peninsula and Lake Zurich.

The project is operated by the real estate company Intershop . According to a media release , this applied for the building permit on November 17th. The private design plan for today's industrial area was approved in July. According to Intershop, 231 apartments are to be built. A total of 54 apartments are reserved for affordable living. It is planned to build the buildings according to the Swiss Sustainable Building Standard (SNBS) and with an energy supply from heat pumps. Work is scheduled to begin in autumn 2021 and the first buildings will be ready for occupancy in winter 2024. The new building of the Zimmerberg Cantonal School is also planned. However, this is carried out by the Canton of Zurich and not by Intershop.

November 2020
Public transport should expand photovoltaics

Photovoltaics offers all public transport companies the opportunity to take a large part of their energy supply into their own hands. A new guide from the Federal Office of Transport refers to this. The authority developed it together with the Swiss Association for Solar Energy, Swissolar .

As Swissolar writes in a summary of this guide, solar energy can make a decisive contribution to replacing non-renewable energies in public transport. The electricity consumption of all transport companies is currently around 2.7 terawatt hours. In addition, there are 120 million liters of diesel. If all public transport is to be operated in a CO2-neutral manner in the future, it will need around 3.5 terawatt hours of electricity. Of this, 2 terawatt hours, or 60 percent, would already be produced by the hydropower plants of the SBB .

The production of the remaining 1.5 terawatt hours with solar energy would require around 1 square meter of photovoltaic module area per inhabitant in Switzerland. The same area per inhabitant provides the energy required to transport a person 2,500 kilometers by train in one year. As the Federal Office of Energy states in its energeia plus magazine, the potential for solar power in the Swiss transport company's building stock is 67 terawatt hours per year. That exceeds the total current Swiss electricity consumption by 10 percent.

The guide advises small and large transport companies on investment opportunities and approval procedures for real estate, rail technology and infrastructure. He also goes into funding opportunities and personal consumption. It also provides specific official recommendations that support public transport in becoming climate-neutral.

November 2020
Quickpac now distributes packages from Dietikon

With the newly opened depot in Dietikon, the parcel delivery company Quickpac intends to serve large parts of the cantons of Aargau, Zug and Zurich in the future. With Dietikon, Quickpac expands the number of its distribution centers to three. Up to 25,000 parcels can be transported daily from the three depots. The subsidiary of Quickmail AG is planning to open further depots in St.Gallen in 2021 and, according to a media release , is currently looking for locations in the regions of Bern, St.Gallen, Upper Lake Zurich, Lucerne and Basel.

55 new parcel deliverers have been hired in Dietikon. The number should double in 2021, it is said. 75 new electric vehicles were purchased for delivery. With 176 Renault Kangoo ZE, Quickpac has the largest electric car fleet in Switzerland. According to the announcement, the head of the Dietikon depot is Matthias Merz (47), previously Head of Operations at Cargo Solution GmbH.

The new parcel center would allow even more recipients in Switzerland to benefit from “the fact that their parcels are delivered quietly and with low emissions,” says Thomas Ulmann, COO of Quickpac, quoted as saying. In addition, there is the rapid delivery. A quarter of the parcels are delivered on the day of delivery. Even between 5 and 9 p.m. when working people are at home. Ulmann: "That saves unnecessary and unecological trips to collection points."

November 2020
Designwerk delivers the first electric garbage truck to Basel

Designwerk Products AG has made the first fully electric garbage truck available to the building and transport department of the canton of Basel-Stadt. In the first phase, Designwerk will deliver one vehicle to Basel “almost a week” according to its media release until the beginning of February. A total of eleven more garbage trucks are to follow.

The first Basel e-truck, a Futuricum Collect 26E, is based on the Volvo FM chassis. It has four electric motors with an output of 680 hp. Its range is 160 kilometers. The batteries are charged overnight. Designwerk is cooperating with Contena-Ochsner AG for the construction of press waste. This is also operated electrically.

The construction and transport department of the canton of Basel-Stadt is playing a pioneering role in electromobility across Switzerland, according to Designwerk. Within the next five years, 85 percent of cantonal vehicles are to be electric.

November 2020
Zühlke modernizes Wincasa's digital presence

IT innovation service provider Zühlke from Schlieren brings the software used at Wincasa up to date, which meets today's market requirements. The real estate service provider from Winterthur has so far worked with the programs developed in-house. According to Zühlke's press release , these programs, which have been developed in the company over the last 15 years, are "extremely functional", but are not sufficient for Wincasa's expansion strategy. So far, data exchange with third-party applications has not been possible, nor is the software cloud-based. But both are necessary in order to use omni-channel marketing – the forwarding of product information to all sales channels and media – and to offer tenants and owners appropriate services.

Zühlke helps the Wincasa experts to modernize the existing system. It should not be set up completely from scratch. For this purpose, the three existing areas of corporate planning, property management and construction project management are made cloud-enabled and prepared for use in the Microsoft Azure environment. The data that has been collected over many years now has to be cleaned up and transferred to the new platform. New projects are brought in there directly. Zühlke experts work together with Wincasa IT specialists on this work.

The media release states the goal of the modernization: Wincasa wants to lead the digital revolution in the Swiss real estate market.

November 2020
Andermatt Swiss Alps remains on the road to success

Between January and October 2020, the Andermatt Swiss Alps Group was able to sell properties worth more than 85 million francs, the company responsible for the development, realization and operation of the holiday destination informs in a message . In a year-on-year comparison, this corresponds to growth of 28 percent. The number of visitors to the SkiArena Andermatt-Sedrun and the Andermatt Golf Course during summer operations increased by 12 and 50 percent respectively compared to the previous year. This means that the group has continued its positive business development from the first half of 2020, according to the announcement.

The Hotel The Chedi Andermatt was also able to book significantly more overnight stays in the first ten months of 2020 than in the previous year, the Andermatt Swiss Alps Group continues in the message. Specifically, "the historically highest occupancy rate" of 68 percent was achieved. In the same period of the previous year, the hotel The Chedi Andermatt had an occupancy rate of 53 percent.

As of October 31, skiing on the Gemsstock started due to the pandemic with a corresponding plan of action, is further explained in the communication. The canton of Uri has certified the operators safe operation, writes the Andermatt Swiss Alps Group. On the first two weekends of the winter season, the ski operation on the Gemsstock was sold out with around 1000 guests a day.

November 2020
Climate Foundation Switzerland supports innovative projects

The Swiss Climate Foundation has distributed a total of 1.3 million francs in funding. Small and medium-sized companies that make a contribution to climate protection benefit from this financial support. A total of nine particularly innovative and five major projects for improving the energy efficiency of buildings receive funds from the Climate Foundation. “It is very important to us to promote such innovations more intensively”, their managing director Vincent Eckert is quoted in a press release .

For example, the Ticino company iWin is now being supported with 50,000 francs. It produces windows with integrated photovoltaic blinds. In doing so, it transforms highly glazed buildings into solar power plants. The Zurich-based company Oxara is using the funding for the further development of cement-free concrete from loamy excavated material. FenX , based in Zurich, uses ash and other mineral waste to produce insulating foam for construction that is non-flammable and 100 percent recyclable. FenX receives CHF 200,000 for this.

The supported projects also include the automated insect breeding solution from the Aargau company SmartBreed as well as the Ticino company Ponera . It develops shipping packaging for industrial goods, which is intended to create a circular economy for packaging material. Further funds will go to iWorks AG in Liechtenstein. It shows how public areas can be used to produce solar power.

November 2020
Romande Energie is getting involved in French wind farms

Romande Energie France and the wind farm developer Calycé Développement have entered into a development partnership, according to a press release from the Valais energy supplier. Romande Energie is thus adding 15 wind farms to its portfolio for renewable energies in France. She takes high stakes in them. Most are still in the planning phase.

The contract between the two companies provides for Romande Energie to acquire a 50 percent stake in six early-stage projects. She becomes the one hundred percent owner of seven late-stage projects. She takes on 80 percent of a secured project. Calycé Développement will manage all projects until they are ready for construction. Romande Energie buys 100 percent of a wind farm that is already in operation.

Since 2013 the Romande Energie Group has acquired a number of hydro, solar and wind power plants in France. This added to its hydropower portfolio in western Switzerland. According to the company, these investments served to diversify both their locations and their energy sources. The transaction will be completed in the coming weeks.

November 2020
Repower brings the largest Engadine solar system to the grid

A new wastewater treatment plant is being built in S-chanf. The Upper Engadine ARA is scheduled to start operations in mid-2021. Repower has installed a solar system with an area of 5800 square meters and 3447 solar modules on the roof of the system. The plant has an output of 1.1 megawatts and an expected annual output of 1.45 gigawatt hours. That corresponds to the consumption of 325 households, writes the Graubünden energy supplier in a press release . The system was designed in such a way that it can withstand heavy snowfall. The modules themselves have a total weight of 69 tons.

The system has now been put into operation. Repower has invested 1.7 million francs.

The ARA itself is operated with a combined heat and power unit. This means that electricity consumption on site can be optimized with the aim of using as much solar power as possible on site.

November 2020
Agricultural Center Salez wins architecture award

Constructive Alps is awarded to projects that are convincing in terms of sustainable building and renovation in the Alps. Switzerland and Liechtenstein have now awarded this prize for the fifth time, according to a media release . A total of almost 330 projects were submitted. A jury selected ten entries, of which the first three received a total of 50,000 francs. The Salez Agricultural Center took first place.

The Agricultural Center Salez is one of the projects that show that architecture can combine aesthetics and climate protection, as stated in the communication from the Federal Office for Spatial Development (ARE). The building of the center relies on the simplest possible construction and a long lifespan. Canton and architect Andy Senn would have set new standards in terms of climate efficiency. An assembly hall in Vorarlberg and a mountain inn in Glarus made it into second and third place. In addition to seven recognition prizes, an audience award has also been determined for the first time.

The Agricultural Center Salez consists of a conference center, farm, state farm and orchard. It is operated by the Agricultural Center SG (LZSG) together with the practical trial plots in Flawil. This also has advice centers in Kaltbrunn and Sargans.

November 2020
T-Systems and Red Hat cooperate

T-Systems has received accreditation as an official Red Hat partner in Switzerland. According to a media release from T-Systems, the technology group relies on Red Hat solutions in application management. The two companies also want to work together on all cloud solutions and DevOps (Development and IT Operations) -based software development on the T-Systems platform AppAgile. The partners are already working together in the Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) region.

The new cooperation in Switzerland aims at reselling, it says in the announcement. In addition, it should “go in the direction of subscription models and the provision of managed services for Red Hat solutions by T-Systems”. In addition, both partners plan to jointly create new services based on proven Red Hat products. They are to be enriched with integration and managed services expertise from T-Systems.

T-Systems certification as a Red Hat partner brings both companies more competitive strength. It opens up access to interesting tenders for regulated industries such as the public sector or the healthcare sector.

"T-Systems is a well-known and active player in the Swiss IT landscape," Richard Zobrist, Head of Partner & Alliances Switzerland at Red Hat, is quoted in the press release. "We expect a lot from the reputation, the extensive know-how and the solid track record of the digital service provider for the expansion of our business in Switzerland and especially for the advance into new industries and customer segments."

November 2020
Groupe E offers solar systems without investment

Property owners in western Switzerland have the option of having solar systems installed on their roofs without having to invest. With My Sun Contracting, Groupe E is launching a product in which the Freiburg energy supplier takes over all investments as well as the other expenses.

According to a statement from Groupe E, customers only pay for the generation of the solar electricity they use themselves. The electricity price is degressive: the more the customers consume, the lower the tariff. Customers can also buy the system on their roof later, for example if they want to benefit from tax advantages.

November 2020
Thommen Medical lays the foundation stone for a new building

Thommen Medical CEO Livio Marzo laid the foundation stone for his company's new production and customer center on Friday. "With the new building in Grenchen, we are pursuing two basic goals," he explains in a press release from the manufacturer of dental implants. In the modern training center, customers can have direct contact with experts. In addition, the expansion of the production center "leads to a further increase in the efficiency of our production".

The new building with its 2700 square meters of gross floor area enables automation in production and optimization of processes, according to the announcement. In addition, outsourced business areas would also be integrated there and space would be created for the training of customers, partners and employees. In the long term, 20 new jobs are to be created there.

The new building is scheduled to open for Thommen Medical's 20th anniversary in the fourth quarter of 2021. It will be realized by a real estate company that will lease it to the company.

Thommen Medical AG produces in its own factory in Grenchen. It has subsidiaries in Switzerland, Germany and North America. The company is represented by distributors in Europe, Asia and the Middle East.

November 2020
Riehen receives the green light for geothermal expansion

Riehen can continue with its planning for the expansion of another geothermal system. It would increase the number of residents supplied with climate-friendly thermal energy from the current 8,500 to 12,500. The referendum period expired at the end of October. The positive decision from the residents' council is now legally binding. This is now announced by Wärmeverbund Riehen AG ( WVR ).

In the next step, seismic surveys to explore the subsurface for the geo2riehen project are due in summer 2021. A suitable location for the boreholes is thus sought. If the feasibility of the plant is confirmed, drilling could begin in 2023. They should open up more naturally occurring thermal water for heat utilization.

An already existing feasibility study confirms that the project has “good prospects for success”. The drilling to promote the thermal water and the construction of the facility will cost around 20 million francs. The costs are shared between the two shareholders, the municipality of Riehen and the Basel energy supplier IWB . The Swiss Federal Office of Energy has promised a grant of 1.2 million francs and has announced a further 5.1 million francs.

IWB's stake has risen from initially 27 to 50 percent. According to the WVR, this not only makes financing easier. The operation of the systems and the growing supply network can also be better coordinated with IWB: "The gradual and partial shutdown of the gas supply is thus optimally coordinated with the growth of the Riehen heating network."

November 2020
Westhive attracts digital nomads to the mountains

The Berghuus Radons is located above Savognin at an altitude of 2000 meters. Now it is also becoming a place of work for digital nomads. As Westhive reports , it is setting up a location for flexible workplaces and workshops in the mountain inn with the Westhive Retreat. “We wanted to expand the Westhive ecosystem with locations for undisturbed meetings away from day-to-day business right from the start,” Andreas Widmer, co-founder of the Zurich-based provider of community workplaces, is quoted in a press release.

From Widmer's point of view, the location is particularly suitable for strategy meetings. "Nature is incredibly inspiring, and the rooms in the Berghuus are perfect for seminars and conferences." A total of twelve rooms are available.

According to information on its website, the Berghuus will open again on December 19. However, it is already possible to reserve jobs at Westhive. Members of existing Westhive locations can register using the existing infrastructure and access the same infrastructure as at the previous locations.

Westhive opened its first location in Zurich-West in 2018. Four more have now been added, including one in Basel. Another location at Zurich Airport is to follow in the first quarter of 2021.

November 2020
The area between St.Gallen and Gossau receives the green light

The area between St.Gallen and Gossau is already home to numerous companies. Thanks to the motorway, the S-Bahn and the bus connections, it is already well developed today. Now both cities want to develop the 1.7 million square meter area between St.Gallen and Gossau. It should be upgraded in terms of traffic technology, attract new companies and give existing companies room for further development.

The St.Gallen city parliament gave the green light for the development planning on October 27th, the Gossau city parliament followed on November 3rd, as the association Areal St.Gallen West – Gossau Ost writes in a message .

The decision was made unanimously in both city parliaments. In the debate on October 27th, according to an article in the “Tagblatt”, the green St.Gallen city parliamentarian Andreas Hobi emphasized that the area has a high added value and that public transport should have its own route. Ivo Liechti emphasized on behalf of the CVP / EPP group that the area represents the largest contiguous work zone in the canton.

The cost of development planning is budgeted at CHF 1.734 million. The two cities each contribute 611,200 francs of this. The canton takes on 20 percent of the remaining 30 percent, the neighboring municipality of Gaiserwald SG and the economy 5 percent each. The also adjacent Herisau AR does not contribute to the costs of the development.

November 2020
The old swimming pool has Roman origins

The thermal water pipes are being renewed on the Kurplatz in Baden. The work is accompanied by the canton archeology. At the end of October, the archaeologists uncovered part of the former outdoor pool at the east end of the square, as the canton writes in a message . This public bathing pool was used from the end of the Middle Ages until the 19th century.

The archaeologists were now able to expose the outer walls of a basin made of Roman cast concrete. They also found the remains of a Roman fountain or water play area. They also uncovered a small Roman single bath. They also found an early modern floor covering made of rectangular clay tiles, which is depicted in historical sources.

The work of the archaeologists makes it possible to lay the new lines in such a way that the historical building fabric is not damaged any further. Where interventions are nevertheless necessary, the remains should be excavated and documented.

The archaeologists already partially exposed the Verenabad on the Kurplatz in spring.

November 2020
Airport opens The Circle

The Circle has been the largest building construction site in Switzerland for years. The building complex next to the airport has been open to the public since Thursday, as the airport writes in a message .

The opening takes place gradually. The University Hospital Zurich has been represented in the Circle with a health center since October, and the Victoria Pharmacy has already opened. Stores like Avec and Bayard open in November. The Hyatt Regency Hotel with the Convention Hall for 2500 people opens in December, the Hyatt Place Hotel follows in the spring. Some office tenants have already moved in. Other tenants such as Abraxas, Microsoft, MSD, Novo Nordisk, SAP and Oracle are gradually following suit. A shared office from Westhive will follow in the spring.

Andreas Schmid, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Flughafen Zürich AG, emphasizes that construction costs have been kept under control and The Circle is almost fully let. “The decision to implement was a courageous step by the two co-owners,” he is quoted in the press release. "Today we can reap the benefits."

Rolf Dörig sees it similarly: "The Circle is a future-oriented development in every respect: compact and sustainable construction in the right location and a modern usage concept that is geared to the needs of current and future generations," said the Chairman of the Board of Directors of co-owner Swiss Life quoted.

November 2020
LuzernPlus President Michèle Graber resigns

Michèle Graber, who has chaired LuzernPlus since January 1, 2020, has decided to resign. Your resignation as of December 31, 2020 is due to time constraints. Her main job is to lead the inter-company courses for dental assistants in Central Switzerland. She has also been a member of the Lucerne Cantonal Council since 2011. The effort that the Presidium entails, the work as a cantonal councilor and, in particular, the additional workload as a result of Corona were not compatible with each other in the long term.
«I was very happy to support the LuzernPlus community association. The time resources that I can make available to the association under the given conditions, however, cannot be reconciled with my high demands on the quality of my work. That's why I decided to focus on fewer tasks, ”says Michèle Graber. “I got to know a very dynamic association whose goals I was very happy to support. Regional cooperation is one of the strengths of our region and it should definitely be expanded. "
André Bachmann, board member of LuzernPlus, regrets the resignation. «We would like to thank Michèle Graber for her careful work. With her friendly manner she gave the association a face ». Bachmann continues: “In particular, the connection with the Cantonal Council was very important for our association. We appreciate that Michèle Graber will remain connected to our association. We wish Michèle Graber all the best for her professional and private future. "
The search for a successor is ongoing
André Bachmann, previous board member, takes over the presidential duties on an interim basis. In addition, the Board of Management immediately initiated the search for a successor. "We will carefully set up the process for succession planning and inform our delegates about the planned steps by the end of 2020." Bachmann continues: "The replacement election is expected to take place at the delegates' meeting in April 2021."

November 2020
Vorlage «Unterfeld Süd» in Baar an der Urne angenommen

Komitee und Bauherrschaft sind überzeugt, dass Baar mit der Annahme der Vorlage «Unterfeld Süd» gestern einen richtigen und wichtigen Entscheid für die künftige gesunde Entwicklung des Lebens- und Wirtschaftsraums Baar getroffen hat. Die Stimmbürgerinnen und Stimmbürger bekennen sich zu einem Konzept, welches unter Führung der Gemeinde Baar und gemeinsam mit Experten und Baarer Interessenskreisen entwickelt wurde.

Ein Quartier, das neue Massstäbe setzt
Über die nächsten Jahre soll im Unterfeld Süd ein nachhaltiger Lebensraum mit einem zukunftsorientierten, vielfältigen und ergänzenden Angebot entstehen, der in Baar und in der Region Zug neue Massstäbe setzt. Der Bauherrschaft schwebt ein Quartier vor, das Dorf mit Kleinstadt, Tradition mit Zukunft, sowie Arbeiten und Wohnen zu einer Symbiose verbindet und einen vernetzten Raum mit neuen Lebens-, Wohn- und Arbeitsformen bildet.

Das Unterfeld Süd bietet vielfältige Entwicklungs- und Nutzungsmöglichkeiten. Neben den Wohnungen (Miete, Stockwerkeigentum, preisgünstiges Wohnen) sind weitere Nutzungen wie Büros und Dienstleistungen sowie publikumsorientierte Nutzungen in Teilen der Erdgeschosse vorgesehen.

Das Areal ist ein kantonales Verdichtungsgebiet und liegt als eine der letzten unbebauten Bauzonen der Region direkt auf der Gemeindegrenze zwischen Baar und Zug am Bahnhof Baar-Lindenpark und angrenzend an die Erholungszone Lorze.

Etappierte Umsetzung
Die Bauherrschaft geht jetzt umgehend die nächsten Schritte an, um den Willen der Baarer Stimmbürger zeitnah umzusetzen. Anfang 2021 startet ein Architekturwettbewerb für die erste Bauetappe, dem die Richtlinien des Quartiergestaltungsplans zugrunde liegen. Nach der Auswahl des Siegerprojekts im Sommer 2021 wird ein entsprechender Bebauungsplan ausgearbeitet, welcher voraussichtlich im Sommer 2022 der Baarer Gemeindeversammlung vorgelegt werden kann. Anschliessend erfolgt die Baueingabe für die zwei Baufelder der ersten Bauetappe. Die weiteren Bauetappen werden voraussichtlich mit einer leichten zeitlichen Verschiebung parallel bearbeitet. Die ersten Bauarbeiten für die Erstellung der Gebäude auf dem Gelände beginnen frühestens im Sommer 2023. Implenia ist für die gesamte Arealentwicklung zuständig und entwickelt die Baufelder 1A und 4 (im Bild in Gelb markiert) als Eigentümer sowie die Baufelder 1B und 3 (im Bild in Grün markiert) im Auftrag von Ina Invest.

Wir danken der Gemeinde Baar, den aktiven Unterstützern aus Politik und Gesellschaft, sowie den Baarer Stimmbürgerinnen und Stimmbürgern für ihr Vertrauen und das klare Bekenntnis zur Entwicklung Unterfeld Süd.

November 2020
Imomi lanciert Plattform für privaten Immobilienverkauf

Ab sofort offeriert die digitale Plattform imomi.ch Immobilienbesitzerinnen und -besitzern die Möglichkeit, ihr Objekt selbständig und ohne Makler zu verkaufen. „Die Digitalisierung hat bereits viele Bereiche unseres Lebens vereinfacht. Nun wird es Zeit, die generell träge Immobilienbranche zu revolutionieren“, wird CEO und Mitgründer Nicholas J. Arthur in einer Medienmitteilung des Basler Start-ups Imomi zitiert.

Oft fehle es an Erfahrung und Zeit, sich selbst um den Verkauf zu kümmern. So sähen sich Verkaufswillige häufig gezwungen, Maklerkommissionen bis 3 Prozent in Kauf zu nehmen, heisst es dort weiter. Bei der Eigenvermarktung über imomi.ch zahle der Kunde erst bei erfolgreichem Abschluss 0,9 Prozent des Verkaufspreises.

Für die sichere und effiziente Abwicklung des Verkaufsprozesses bietet Imomi eine unabhängige und kostenlose Schätzung des Werts einer Immobilie und eine professionelle Dokumentation. Diese beinhaltet das Erstellen eines virtuellen Hauses mit 3D-Rundgängen sowie professionelle Fotos und Drohnenaufnahmen. Eine entsprechende Annonce wird schweizweit in die relevantesten Immobilienplattformen eingestellt. Die Sicherheit eines professionellen Vertragswerks sei durch fachkundige Notare gewährt.

October 2020
E-buses connect Zurich's ETH locations

The transport company Eurobus , based in Bassersdorf ZH, is now using three fully electric articulated buses from Mercedes-Benz . The vehicles from the eCitaro G model series, which were presented just a few weeks ago, are used on the so-called ETH link between the two locations of the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich. They are the first to run in regular service.

The 18.13 meter long, fully electric articulated buses run 100 percent on green Swiss water. Their capacity is 38 seated, 93 standing and two wheelchair places. They also offer public WiFi, USB charging sockets and air conditioning. With immediate effect, they will replace the previous diesel-powered shuttle buses between the center of Zurich and Hönggerberg. They fill up with new electricity at the Hönggerberg stop.

“In addition to their environmental friendliness, the new electric buses are characterized above all by their quiet driving style, comfortable low-floor entry and attractive interior and exterior design,” said the managing director of Eurobus welti-furrer AG, Patrick Nussbaumer, in a media release from Daimler. "With this, the ETH is sending a clear signal and strengthening its position as a future-oriented educational institute."

Armin Krieg, Head of Sales for City Buses at the Winterthur Daimler subsidiary EvoBus (Schweiz) AG , is satisfied “that with the introduction of the eCitaro G we are consistently continuing our announced timetable for e-mobility in city buses and Daimler Buses is the innovation and technology leader in the epicenter of technical and scientific research and teaching, of all places. "

October 2020
The federal government supports renovations in non-profit housing construction

The non-profit housing developers in Switzerland have a portfolio of almost 170,000 apartments, the Federal Council informed in a message . Many of these apartments, which are mainly located in cities and agglomerations, are more than 30 years old and no longer meet today's energy requirements. A special federal program is intended to motivate non-profit housing developers to renovate their buildings sustainably.

The program drawn up by the Federal Council provides for loans of up to CHF 50,000 per apartment to be renovated. With a term of 25 years, no interest is charged for the first ten years. The prerequisite is that the renovation work improves the condition of the building envelope to level B of the building energy certificate of the cantons ( GEAK ) or meets the Minergie standard.

A similar program for rural areas is being launched by the Foundation for the Promotion of Home Ownership ( SFWE ), the Federal Council informs in the announcement. Here you can apply for CHF 90,000 per apartment for a maximum of three apartments. Applications for both programs can be submitted to the umbrella organizations for non-profit housing construction or the SFWE by mid-October 2023.

October 2020
Commercial real estate is likely to become cheaper

KPMG 's Swiss Real Estate Sentiment Index is an indicator of expected developments in the real estate investment market. Last year the index reached an all-time high. This year it has fallen to its lowest level since measurements began in 2012. According to a statement from the consulting company, it is -13.1 points.

Market participants' assessment of economic development contributes 20 percent to the overall index. The corresponding value fell by 60.9 points to -73.8 points. The second component is the expectation of price developments. After 43.5 points in the previous year, the value here is just above the stability axis at 2.1 points.

In the case of residential real estate, price expectations remain positive and are close to the 2015 high. Contrary to expectations, actors in the real estate investment market are also not assuming falling prices for real estate in peripheral locations. However, the prices of commercial real estate are likely to fall. A total of 76 percent of those surveyed assume that the demand for office space in the extended business belt will decrease as a result of the Corona crisis. Sales areas are also likely to be used far less in the future. The respondents see less need for shopping centers in particular. However, experts see more demand for real estate in the healthcare sector and for logistics space.

The results show that the Corona year has clouded the mood on the real estate investment market. "Because of the expected effects on future demand, the market participants also see opportunities that new user segments will move into the investment focus," Beat Seger, partner and real estate expert at KPMG, is quoted as saying. In addition, residential real estate would contribute to the stability of the asset class.

October 2020
Implenia is building a large development near Geneva

A new urban center is to be built around the Lancy-Pont-Rouge train station. Implenia has already constructed three buildings here as a general contractor for Swiss Prime Site , the construction and real estate company from Dietlikon informs in a message . Implenia is now to build another building for the Solothurn real estate company. The order has a volume of around 132 million francs.

Specifically, Implenia has been awarded the contract for the Alto Pont-Rouge development. It is designed as a 15-storey building plus three underground parking levels with a total floor space of 35,000 square meters. The areas are mainly intended for offices, while smaller areas are to be used as grocery stores and restaurants. The core of the building complex is a central atrium with glass facades.

The development will "meet the highest sustainability standards and be certified at least in accordance with SNBS Gold," explains Implenia in the press release. The start of construction work is scheduled for this November, and the work should be completed in June 2023. For Jens Vollmar, Head Division Buildings, the new order "came about on the basis of a long-term and trusting relationship between Swiss Prime Site and Implenia".

October 2020
Bellinzona gets innovative quarters

In Bellinzona, a new model district will be built right in the center. From the five proposals submitted, a jury of experts from the city has now decided on the Porta del Ticino (Gateway to Ticino) project. It pays a lot of attention to the topics of sustainability, intergenerationality and slow mobility. In particular, an innovation park is planned there, writes the city in a media release .

In addition, living space for 2500 people is planned, writes the Ticino newspaper “La Regione”. The urban development project described by the city in its communication as "epochal" and "profound" has now been presented to the public by the partners Bellinzona, SBB and Canton Ticino. All designs are on display in Piazza del Sole until November 7th.

The project convinced with "its courageous urban development and landscape design approach to leave the central area of the area undeveloped in order to provide the entire population with free green space and to open up the new district as a natural and attractive addition to the city", it says on the part of the city.

The 120,000 square meter area that is intended for the new quarter is currently still occupied by the historic SBB workshops. Once they have been relocated, they will start operating in Arbedo-Castione in 2026. Then the realization of the model quarter should be tackled. The vision for this should become reality in 20 years at the earliest, reports the online newspaper ticinonews.ch. Further development steps are planned in 30 and 40 years.

As a video of the development project published on YouTube shows, the district is to be built around the 101-year-old so-called cathedral, the listed heart of the SBB workshops. 500 old and new locomotives are serviced there every year to this day. It is considered to be one of the most important industrial buildings in Ticino.

This urban development project was developed by a team made up of sa_partners from Zurich, TAM associati from Venice and the Milanese landscape architect Franco Giorgetta.

Susanne Zenker, member of the management board of SSB Immobilien , reminded “La Regione” that the workshops were “always closed to the outside”. In the future, however, this area will “open up to its population and become an attractive space. With regard to the rapprochement between private and public actors, which is particularly targeted in the technological area, the new area will be “a calling card for the Bellinzona of the future”.

October 2020
Clean charging current can also cost a little more

The research and development department of Juice Technology AG in Cham has published a current study on charging behavior and energy use in e-cars. A survey of 5154 e-car drivers was supposed to clarify how the behavior at the charging station is and what role the origin of the charging current plays.

Almost 50 percent of the kilometers driven are charged at home, according to the press release , and around 22 percent at work. Only 17 percent of the charging processes are carried out at so-called super chargers or quick charging stations. For 85 percent of e-car drivers, the use of clean energy is very important or important, according to the report in the study.

They also asked about their willingness to pay a higher amount for clean energy that would be produced in real time. 87 percent answered “yes”. There were differences in the amount: 60 percent would pay up to 4.89 cents per kilowatt hour more, 27 percent up to 3.01 cents per kilowatt hour.

The survey took place online from October 12-14, 2020 in Switzerland, Germany and Austria. A total of 5154 people were interviewed. The response was 576 responses, of which 82 percent came from Germany, 12 percent from Switzerland and 6 percent from Austria.

October 2020
Switzerland has the best energy system

Taking into account the three criteria of energy security, equity and ecological sustainability, Switzerland has the most exemplary energy system in the world. As in the previous year, it thus achieved the top spot. That comes from the World Energy Trilemma Index 2020 of the World Energy Council. He created this together with the global strategy consulting firm Oliver Wyman .

As the World Energy Council writes in a press release , this index analyzes historical trends. They are designed to enable energy policy makers and stakeholders to track their performance over time and compare it with others.

Above all, its high share of hydropower gives Switzerland the top spot in this ranking of a total of 130 countries. It is also in the top 10 for affordability. This is thanks to the overall high level of prosperity. Only when it comes to security of supply does the country not make it into the top ten. The Swiss energy mix is not diversified enough for that. Canada holds this top position, followed by Finland and Romania. All three countries have large hydropower resources and invest heavily in solar and wind energy.

The three countries with the biggest leap up in the overall rating are Cambodia, Myanmar and Kenya. This is primarily due to their performance in providing universal access to energy. This criterion, which the World Energy Council calls energy justice, has seen the most significant improvements since 2000, especially in developing countries.

Instruments such as the World Energy Trilemma Index are more important than ever, according to the Secretary General of the World Energy Council, Dr. Angela Wilkinson: "The index enables individual countries to learn from each other what works and what doesn't when connecting the dots between people, planet and prosperity."

One thing is certain, says François Austin, Partner and Global Head of Energy at Oliver Wyman: "The top performing nations achieve their energy goals by balancing politics, entrepreneurship, national resource use and changes in individual behavior with environmental issues." Giving political decision-makers and business leaders the direction for shaping the future of energy ”.

October 2020
Zug is the most attractive canton for companies

The major bank Credit Suisse has published its location quality indicator for this year. This measures the attractiveness of the cantons from the point of view of companies. The canton of Zug moved up to first place this year and was able to overtake the canton of Basel-Stadt. Credit Suisse explains this with the reduction in corporate income taxes that came into effect at the beginning of 2020. The effective maximum corporate income tax rate in Zug is now 11.91 percent – in the previous year it was 14.35 percent.

Behind Zug and Basel-Stadt, the canton of Zurich follows in the ranking, followed by the canton of Geneva, which has moved up ten places. The fifth place is occupied by the canton of Aargau, the sixth by the canton of Schwyz.

In addition to the tax policy of the cantons, Credit Suisse also includes the availability of highly qualified and skilled workers in its analysis. According to the economists of the big bank, the level of education of the Swiss workforce has risen sharply in recent decades. However, there is a gap between urban and rural areas when it comes to the availability of highly qualified workers. In urban regions as well as in the closer agglomeration areas, over 40 percent of potential employees have a higher education. In the city of Zurich this proportion is even 57 percent.

Credit Suisse not only scrutinized the cantons, but also economic regions. This is because she is of the opinion that consideration at the canton level falls short of the mark, especially in larger, heterogeneous cantons. According to the results, metropolitan areas such as Zurich, Zug, Basel, Baden and Geneva and their agglomerations are among the most attractive regions for companies.

October 2020
Coronavirus: Federal Council presents a monitoring report on the business rents situation
The report Monitoring commercial rents comes to the following results:
- Based on a structural analysis by Wüest Partner, there are around 390,000 business leases in Switzerland with a rental volume of an estimated two billion francs per month. Around CHF 900 million of this is for office space, CHF 500 million for trade and industry, CHF 400 million for retail space and CHF 200 million for hotel and restaurant use. In addition to the 390,000 leases, around 60 percent of the companies run their business in their own property. During the period of maximum restrictions between March 17 and April 26, 2020, around 113,000 tenancies were affected by the closings by the Federal Council. The cumulative rent of the commercial properties affected by closings amounts to 530 million francs per month. This corresponds to 27 percent of the rental volume.
- A representative survey by gfs.bern came to the conclusion that the proportion of tenants who have difficulties paying their rent in connection with the mandatory closings has risen from 6 to 33 percent in the weeks of the lockdown. This is particularly true of western Switzerland and Ticino. The survey also showed that the majority of tenants (around 60%) sought relief solutions – and the majority have found them. Agreements were reached far more often than disagreements; for the tenant side the ratio of agreements to non-agreements is 3 to 2, for the landlord 9 to 1. The vast majority of the agreements came before the parliamentary decisions of June 2020. In almost three out of four cases, the agreements involved rent reductions.
- The economic development so far points to a rapid and strong economic recovery. The number of company bankruptcies and the number of new requests in the statistics of the arbitration authorities are currently within the usual range or below the previous year's level.
- An international comparison shows that most European countries – like Switzerland – rely on support measures to secure the liquidity of the businesses affected by closings. There were seldom interventions in terms of tenancy law, and if so, it was an extension of payment or notice periods. There are no statutory rent reductions in the eleven European countries examined.
On the basis of these results, the Federal Council comes to the conclusion that there is currently little evidence of comprehensive and area-wide difficulties in the area of commercial rents. However, this does not rule out the possibility that there may be unsatisfactory constellations in individual cases. Depending on how the pandemic develops, the situation can quickly worsen.
For this reason, the Federal Council is currently refraining from taking any measures (e.g. in the legislative area). However, it instructs the Federal Housing Office to continue the commercial rents working group and to discuss any support in the area of advice and information with the cantons. Because experience has shown that regional solutions are best suited to the local situation.
October 2020