immo!nvest – Die Plattform für Standorte und Immobilien

Tag: Umweltschutz

  • Climate fund Stadtwerk Winterthur awards grants

    Climate fund Stadtwerk Winterthur awards grants

    The Stadtwerk Winterthur climate fund is awarding 70,000 Swiss francs for environmentally friendly projects this year, according to a press release. The climate fund has been supporting climate protection, energy efficiency and CO2 reduction projects since 2007.

    Next Gas GmbH, based in Kloten, will receive a sum of 30,000 Swiss francs. It develops biogas reactors for small and medium-sized farms. This utilises the potential of liquid manure to generate decentralised heat and electricity. The funding will be channelled into a pilot project in which Next Gas’s fermentation process will be tested during ongoing operations.

    A pilot project organised by the Soily association will be supported with CHF 20,000. Here, a special compost with an ideal mixture of microorganisms is being tested on farms in the Winterthur region. A test field of 50 square metres will initially be set up for this purpose.

    SimpleTrain GmbH, based in Wallisellen, offers an online platform for international train journeys. The expanded platform will also enable bookings for routes that were previously not connected. With the support of Klimafonds Stadtwerk Winterthur, specific routes such as the one from Winterthur to Barcelona via Lyon will be offered. SimpleTrain is also receiving support totalling CHF 20,000 for the project.

    The fund is financed in part by voluntary contributions from electricity customers amounting to 2 centimes per kilowatt hour consumed. For an average household of four, this amounts to CHF 8 per month, according to the press release.

  • A new vision for the Zurich metropolitan area

    A new vision for the Zurich metropolitan area

    The Metro-ROK 2050 initiative emphasises the need to use settlement areas sensibly and sustainably in order to improve the quality of life and maintain the ecological balance. By focussing on four central areas of action – urban landscape, transitional landscape, cultural landscape and natural landscape – the concept aims to promote balanced development. The protection of green spaces and high-quality internal development play a particularly important role. Environmentally friendly urban planning is to be realised by strictly limiting the expansion of settlements until 2040 and promoting transformation projects in existing buildings that take the circular economy principle into account.

    Innovative technologies and energy efficiency
    Another important aspect of the Metro-ROK 2050 is the integration of advanced technologies and ecological construction methods in order to improve the carbon footprint of the metropolitan area. The concept emphasises the importance of renewable energies and increasing energy efficiency in buildings in order to counteract the challenges of climate change. The avoidance of further soil sealing and the use of green spaces to combat heat in urban centres are also priority measures.

    Sustainable mobility as a key component
    The spatial planning concept also places a strong focus on promoting public transport and sustainable mobility solutions. The goal of increasing the share of public transport by 2050 and promoting environmentally friendly means of transport is crucial for reducing environmental pollution and increasing the quality of life in the region. Short journeys and low-emission means of transport should help to minimise the ecological footprint.

    Cooperation and future-oriented planning
    The Metro-ROK 2050 initiative reflects the commitment of the participating cantons and sets new standards in regional spatial planning. The updated concept, which was unanimously adopted by the Metropolitan Council on 3 November, serves as a trend-setting framework for the sustainable and future-proof development of the entire Zurich metropolitan area. By taking an integrated view of ecological, economic and social factors, the concept endeavours to shape the metropolitan area as a liveable and sustainable place.

  • Zurich’s dynamic step into the circular economy

    Zurich’s dynamic step into the circular economy

    The implementation of “Circular Zurich” began in early February with the presentation of a detailed agenda that is specifically tailored to the needs of the city administration. However, the strategy also offers small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) numerous starting points. By adapting individual measures, SMEs can not only act in a more environmentally friendly way, but also benefit financially in the long term.

    Steps for implementation in SMEs
    One fundamental aspect of the circular economy is the efficient recycling and separation of recyclable materials. Sara Graf, project manager at Entsorgung + Recycling Zürich (ERZ), emphasises the importance and simplicity of this measure for companies: recyclable materials such as paper, cardboard, PET bottles, glass and aluminium cans can often be recycled free of charge, which leads directly to savings in disposal costs. But recycling is just the beginning.

    Minimising material consumption and optimising processes
    Sonja Gehrig, who heads up the city-wide coordination of “Circular Zurich”, points out that it is important to think beyond the boundaries of the company. Analysing one’s own material consumption and optimising production processes are crucial steps. Ecologically sustainable product design that promotes the reparability and durability of products can not only save companies money, but also lead to new business models such as product hire.

    Extending consumption and use phases
    The final step involves maximising product lifetimes through strategies of sharing, reusing, repairing and remanufacturing. This not only allows products to be used for longer, but also helps to conserve resources. Second-hand platforms and company initiatives that internalise the circular economy are playing an increasingly important role in the circular economy.

    The city as an innovation laboratory
    Zurich sees itself as a testing ground for new, circular ideas and products. City experts are ready to support companies that are striving for innovative solutions. This proactive approach not only strengthens the city’s infrastructure, but also promotes the widespread adoption of circular economy principles.

    With “Circular Zurich”, the city of Zurich is positioning itself as a pioneer in the circular economy, demonstrating how a sustainable transformation can be realised in urban areas through concrete measures and cooperative approaches.

  • Chalberhau inert material landfill site in Rümlang to be expanded

    Chalberhau inert material landfill site in Rümlang to be expanded

    The Chalberhau inert material landfill in Rümlang is facing a necessary expansion in order to extend its capacity limits and ensure the disposal of non-recyclable residues within the canton of Zurich. The landfill site has a strategically favourable location near Zurich, which enables short transport routes. The existing site will reach its capacity limit at the beginning of 2024, making it necessary to plan an expansion.

    The draft of the cantonal design plan “Chalberhau landfill expansion” was developed in collaboration with owners, interest organisations, environmental associations, the municipal administration, the operator and cantonal authorities. In addition to the expansion of the landfill site, the plan also takes into account important environmental and landscape protection measures and defines the steps for reprocessing and final design.

    The planning documents will be available for public inspection by all interested parties from 19 April to 21 June 2024. This period allows citizens to express their opinions and concerns, which are then analysed by the relevant specialist departments and recorded in an objection report. The design plan is officially approved by the building authorities once this process has been completed. The broad involvement of the public and the extensive consultations in advance aim to find a balanced solution that takes into account both operational needs and ecological and social requirements.

  • Escalator company receives top score in global environmental rating

    Escalator company receives top score in global environmental rating

    The renowned non-profit environmental organisation Carbon Disclosure Project has awarded the company the top grade of “A” for its commitment to supplier management. This distinction was awarded as part of the Supplier Management Rating Leaderboard for 2023, in which KONE was ranked 55th out of a total of 21,000 audited companies in the Clean200 ranking by Corporate Knights, a Canadian company that specialises in promoting a sustainable economy.

    As the only representative of its industry in the Clean200 list, it emphasises its ambitious commitment to sustainability and the environment. Mikko Korte, emphasises the importance of this recognition and highlights the successful cooperation with suppliers, which contributes to the reduction of CO2 emissions over the entire life cycle of the products.

    The rating, which is regarded as the highest standard for environmental transparency, is based on voluntarily provided company data on CO2 emissions, climate risks and reduction strategies. The “A” grade awarded reflects the company’s comprehensive environmental leadership and understanding of environmental risks.

    In addition to being recognised by the CPD, the company has also demonstrated leadership in implementing its own environmental targets as validated by the Science Based Targets initiative. Through a comprehensive sustainability strategy, it aims to become a carbon neutral company by 2030 and reduce operational emissions by 50% compared to the 2018 baseline.

    These ambitious targets include not only direct greenhouse gas emissions, but also indirect emissions related to energy consumption and the procurement of resources. The company also aims to reduce emissions related to its products and their life cycle by 40 % by focussing on sustainable materials and energy sources.

  • Population calls for accelerated expansion of renewable energies

    Population calls for accelerated expansion of renewable energies

    Switzerland is about to take a decisive step in its energy policy. The government and parliament have set the course for the increased use of solar, wind and hydropower with the so-called “Mantelerlass”. A decisive step in this direction is the “Electricity Act”, which will be put to a popular vote on 9 June 2024. A representative survey conducted by a market research institute reveals that an overwhelming majority of 78% of the population wants to accelerate the expansion of renewable energies.

    Patrick Drack, Managing Director of STIEBEL ELTRON Switzerland, emphasises the importance of this law for the country’s energy future: “The Electricity Act is a fundamental building block for reducing greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2050 and aims to make our energy supply more sustainable and secure.” Political efforts are focussing in particular on avoiding energy shortages in winter.

    The survey results also make it clear that the Swiss population is calling for a balanced consideration of nature and landscape conservation alongside electricity production. While 42% are against prioritising electricity production over environmental protection, 58% are in favour of such prioritisation, provided it is carefully weighed up.

    Parallel to the energy transition, an increase in electricity demand is expected, particularly for heating and cooling buildings. Heat pump technology offers an efficient solution here, as it primarily utilises environmental energy. Although a high proportion of new buildings already rely on heat pumps, the heating supply for over half of all residential buildings is still based on fossil fuels. Environmentally friendly alternatives are supported by extensive subsidy programmes to facilitate the financial transition.

    The results of the “Energy Trend Monitor 2024” continue to show a strong 84% of the population in favour of financial support for households in need to convert to environmentally friendly heating systems. Similarly, 79% are in favour of targeted measures to reduce electricity prices for climate-friendly heating systems, such as the heat pump tariff.

  • Accelleron gets electricity from the roof in Baden

    Accelleron gets electricity from the roof in Baden

    According to a press release, Accelleron Industries AG has inaugurated the city’s largest photovoltaic system at its headquarters in Baden in the presence of Mayor Markus Schneider. The system was put into operation in December. It is spread across four roofs of company buildings with 2533 modules and a capacity of 1 megawatt peak output and is expected to produce around 1 gigawatt hour per year. According to the company, this corresponds to the annual energy requirements of 400 households or 150 journeys around the world in an electric car. Accelleron now covers 10 per cent of its annual electricity requirements in Baden with green energy, the statement continues.

    “As a leading company in the turbocharger industry, Accelleron is committed to decarbonisation and is making a positive contribution to sustainability,” said Herbert Müller, President of Accelleron’s High Speed Division and Co-Managing Director of the subsidiary Turbo Systems Switzerland. With this project, Accelleron Switzerland is playing a pioneering role in the use of renewable energies, Müller continued. Markus Schneider was the guest of honour at the inauguration ceremony. “I would like to thank Accelleron as an important Baden-based company for this commitment to renewable energies. This is exactly the kind of project we need on the roofs of companies in Baden,” Schneider is quoted as saying.

    According to the company press release, it took less than eight months from the internal project approval to the commissioning of the plant in December 2023. Although the project is still in an early operating phase, important insights have already been gained, such as the effects of snow conditions on electricity production with solar installations, according to Accelleron.

  • Neues Lehrkonzept für Biodiversität im Bauwesen lanciert

    Neues Lehrkonzept für Biodiversität im Bauwesen lanciert

    Angesichts der zunehmenden Herausforderungen des Artensterbens und des Verlusts an Biodiversität, insbesondere in urbanen Gebieten, hat das Projekt Campus4Biodiversity ein Lehrkonzept entwickelt, das darauf abzielt, zukünftige Fachleute in der Baubranche zu schulen und zu sensibilisieren. Dieses Konzept, das in Zusammenarbeit mit dem Institut für Baustoffe und biobasierte Materialien (IBBM) der Berner Fachhochschule (BFH), dem Netzwerk für Nachhaltigkeitslösungen (SDSN Schweiz) und der Non-Profit-Organisation scaling4good erstellt wurde, ist nun öffentlich zugänglich.

    Das Lehrkonzept stellt eine Reaktion auf den alarmierenden Zustand der Biodiversität in der Schweiz dar, wo fast die Hälfte der Lebensräume und über ein Drittel der Arten bedroht sind. Barbora Starovicova, Leiterin des Projekts, betont die Notwendigkeit, das Bewusstsein und Verständnis der Baufachleute zu schärfen, um effektive Lösungen für diese Umweltprobleme zu finden.

    Das Konzept richtet sich an Dozierende und Leitende von Baukursen an Universitäten und Fachhochschulen. Es soll den Studierenden nicht nur das notwendige Wissen vermitteln, sondern auch praktische Ansätze bieten, um biodiversitätsfördernde Maßnahmen in und um Gebäude herum zu entwickeln und umzusetzen.

    Die Bereitstellung des Lehrkonzepts als frei zugängliche Ressource ist ein entscheidender Schritt, um eine breite Wirkung zu erzielen und die Bauindustrie in Richtung einer nachhaltigeren Praxis zu führen. Dieses Konzept könnte sich als wesentlicher Beitrag zur Bekämpfung des Artensterbens und zur Förderung der Biodiversität in städtischen Umgebungen erweisen.

  • Solar powered RV charges towing vehicle

    Solar powered RV charges towing vehicle

    The Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts ( HSLU ) has designed a practical example of sustainable living without CO2 emissions: a mobile home. The electricity that the Solar Butterfly needs inside is produced by fold-out solar wings. This also charges the electric towing vehicle. According to a press release , students led by Stephen Wittkopf are significantly involved in the implementation of the project. He heads the knowledge and innovation transfer at the Department of Technology & Architecture at the HSLU.

    The Solar Butterfly is currently being built near Lucerne in central Switzerland. Its construction material consists largely of plastic waste that is collected from the sea and then transformed. The motorhome is 10 meters long and 13 meters wide with the sun panel wings up. They offer a total of 80 square meters of space for generating solar power.

    The project was initiated by Swiss environmental pioneer Louis Palmer. 15 years ago he was the first person to circumnavigate the world in a solar-powered car. From May 2022, the Solar Butterfly will travel around the world together with its passengers. On this trip around the world they want to identify 1000 inspiring projects against global warming, record them and then publish them.

  • Lidl halves footprint

    Lidl halves footprint

    Lidl has exceeded a self-imposed environmental target. By 2020, the company wanted to reduce its relative CO2 emissions by 35 percent compared to 2013, Lidl Switzerland explains in a press release . Ultimately, however, the CO2 emissions were reduced by 53 percent. Lidl emphasizes a change in its own transport area as a particularly effective measure. Here, the company plans to only use trucks powered by bio-liquefied petroleum gas by 2030.

    Lidl Switzerland has introduced a CO2 management system in which the company’s annual CO2 emissions are recorded, the communication further explains. Building on this, the company derives measures to reduce emissions. The remaining emissions are offset.

    This is the fifth time that Lidl Switzerland has met the conditions for certification with the Swiss Climate Label CO2-neutral, according to the announcement. According to her, Lidl Switzerland is the first company of its kind in Switzerland whose branches and goods distribution centers are all certified according to the ISO 50001 energy efficiency standard.

  • Switzerland signs international declaration for e-mobility

    Switzerland signs international declaration for e-mobility

    According to a press release by the Federal Office of Energy ( SFOE ), Switzerland signed an international declaration for the zero-emissions target in transport on Thursday as part of the Global e-Mobility Forum 2020 . This declaration is entitled " Katowice Partnership for E-Mobility ". She was born in December 2018 at the World Climate Conference in Katowice, Poland. Today it consists of 44 states and around three dozen sub-national administrative units, city associations and non-governmental organizations.

    According to the organizers, 38 countries from five continents as well as organizations and alliances had already joined this declaration, as well as 1,500 cities and regions and 1,200 companies. Overall, they represented over a third of the world's population. Switzerland did not sign the declaration at the time because of the “pending legislative and political work”, according to the SFOE in the communication.

    However, in December 2018, the Federal Department of the Environment, Transport, Energy and Communications ( DETEC ) and “numerous Swiss players” launched the Electromobility Roadmap 2022 “very successfully”. The aim of this roadmap is to increase the share of electric vehicles in new registrations to 15 percent by 2022. "Nothing stands in the way of signing the 'Katowice Partnership for E-Mobility'."

    It brings "no rights and obligations" with it. But the undersigned countries and organizations should promote zero-emission vehicles, set fleet targets and work together internationally. Further goals are the promotion of green public transport, the expansion of an intelligent infrastructure, the improvement of air quality as well as research and development in these areas.