
Resource efficiency through medium voltage in photovoltaics
Fraunhofer ISE is revolutionising photovoltaics through the use of medium voltage in large-scale PV power plants. This innovative technology saves raw materials, reduces installation costs and increases system performance. Pilot projects and a market launch are already being

Easier building in noisy areas
As part of the revision of the Environmental Protection Act, the National Council's Committee for the Environment, Energy and Spatial Planning is advocating pragmatic solutions for building permits in noisy areas. Controlled residential ventilation and private outdoor spaces are being introduced as


Paradigm shift in energy planning
Empa-Forscher Matthias Sulzer und Berkeley-Lab-Forscher Michael Wetter fordern einen radikalen Wandel in der Planung von Gebäude- und Energiesystemen. Sie schlagen einen stärker automatisierten und modellbasierten Planungsprozess vor, der der Komplexität und Flexibilität zukünftiger

New player in the UK recycling market
Holcim has acquired the British company Land Recovery. This supplier of recycled rail ballast and demolition material for the production of ready-mix concrete, precast elements and asphalt brings Holcim closer to its goal of recycling 10 million tonnes of building materials this

Swiss Climate Foundation supports ten projects
The Swiss Climate Foundation has approved a total of around CHF 1.3 million for ten innovative climate-related projects in its first funding round in 2024. The projects being funded include a mini wind turbine, a robot for geothermal drilling and a lightweight

Considerable economic growth. Increasing quality of life
The canton of Zurich shows that economic growth and an increasing quality of life are compatible with a decreasing environmental impact. The latest economic monitoring report from the Office of Economic Affairs illustrates this successful balance and presents a thought experiment on the

Inauguration of a photovoltaic system at Limeco
The Limmattal regional utility Limeco has inaugurated a photovoltaic system with 624 solar panels on the roof of the wastewater treatment plant. This generates 252,000 kilowatt-hours of green electricity, primarily for the plant's own use and surpluses for the public

Career prospects in Swiss timber construction
The timber construction industry plays a central role in Switzerland in the field of sustainable construction and energy-efficient building refurbishment. As an environmentally friendly and climate-neutral construction technology, it contributes to reducing energy consumption and shaping the future

Microbes as power stations
A ground-breaking EPFL research project led by Professor Ardemis Boghossian has shown how modified E. coli bacteria can effectively generate electricity. This discovery opens new doors for energy production and could enable far-reaching applications in environmental technology and

Future-oriented heat supply in Zurich’s inner-city neighbourhoods
To achieve its climate targets, the city of Zurich is paving the way for an innovative, fossil-free heat supply in densely built-up neighbourhoods. A new study sheds light on efficient approaches and the infrastructure required to realise the ambitious net-zero target by


Timber as a key building material for the development of urban areas
At a time when urban densification and climate protection are taking centre stage, timber is gaining in importance as the building material of the 21st century. Thanks to its environmentally friendly properties and efficiency in the construction process, timber construction offers an ideal solution

Hybrid construction methods using wood, concrete and steel
Hybrid construction methods, in which different materials such as wood, concrete and steel are combined, are becoming increasingly important in modern architecture and civil engineering. These innovative construction methods not only fulfil today's requirements for sustainability and energy

Vaud plans electricity autonomy by 2035
A recent study confirms the enormous potential of solar energy to cover the electricity needs of the Vaud cantonal administration's buildings until 2035. These measures are part of the canton's ambitious climate plan and meet the requirements of the Vaud Energy


Innovation and networking in the Swiss electrical industry
Ineltec 2024 returns as the leading meeting place for the Swiss electrical industry to present the latest trends and technologies at Messe Zürich on 11 and 12 September. With a newly designed format and an almost fully booked participation, the trade fair will become a centre for inspiration,

Environment, costs and aesthetics: a comparison of concrete and wood
The choice between concrete and timber as building materials for construction projects is crucial as they have far-reaching effects on the environment, construction costs, longevity of structures and aesthetics. Both materials have their own advantages and disadvantages that need to be considered

IWB leaves the energy crisis behind in terms of profit
The Basel energy provider IWB increased its revenue by 11 percent to 1,265 million Swiss francs in 2023, setting a new record. Higher revenues from electricity supply in the free market, the growing solar business, and increased gas tariffs contributed significantly to this achievement. The profit

Company secures CHF 3 million for compressed air energy storage system
Green-Y Energy AG has successfully completed a financing round of 3 million Swiss francs, led by Swiss Capital Global Impact Fund AG. The company from Hasle near Burgdorf plans to use the funds to optimize and market its innovative compressed air energy storage technology. This technology stores

High-temperature solar power plants for continuous energy supply
An innovative spin-off from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), 247Solar, presents a ground-breaking high-temperature solar power plant that enables continuous electricity and heat production. This system promises a solution to the challenges of renewable energies, particularly those

Partnership for a sustainable energy supply in Volketswil
The energy supplier Energie 360° and Vantage Data Centres are planning an energy network in Volketswil ZH based on waste heat utilisation. From the end of 2028, 70 megawatts are to be produced annually. This will provide 7000 households in four municipalities with a climate-neutral energy

A new home for families and creativity in Leutschenbach
The Leutschenbach housing estate, which was built on the former Heineken site in Zurich, marks a significant step in urban development. With 369 flats, public facilities and creative workplaces, it sets new standards for contemporary, family-friendly living in a lively

Greencity Vergé sets new standards in sustainability
In the Greencity district, south of Zurich's city centre, the Vergé construction project defines the standard for future-oriented, sustainable living. With the aim of completion by mid-2026, this project combines progressive concepts for age-appropriate living with strict sustainability criteria,





