On 21 and 22 November 2024, the EFTA/EU delegation from Switzerland will take part in the 62nd meeting of the Joint Parliamentary Committee of the European Economic Area (EEA) in Oslo. The focus will be on European competitiveness, the EEA Agreement and relations between Switzerland and the

Neustark has realised a second plant for the permanent storage of CO2 in demolition concrete in Kirchheim unter Teck near Stuttgart. Construction waste recycler Heinrich Feess GmbH & Co. KG can now mineralise 1000 tonnes of CO2 per

With the StEnSea project, the Fraunhofer Institute IEE has developed an innovative technology that transfers the principle of pumped-storage power plants to the seabed. Following successful tests in Lake Constance, a test run off the Californian coast at a depth of 500 metres will follow. A

Our cities and homes are often designed in such a way that they push people into dependencies and create barriers. A new perspective in architecture shows how spaces can be designed to be inclusive, supportive and socially

Sika has acquired the mortar company Chema in Peru. With this acquisition, Sika is aiming for growth in the dynamic market for mortar products and is creating new opportunities for cross-selling with related products from its

With the European Space Deep-Tech Innovation Centre (ESDI), the European Space Agency (ESA) is opening a new centre for space innovation in Switzerland. In close collaboration with the Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI), disruptive technologies in the fields of quantum research, materials research and

Dimanor adds Leica Geosystems' machine control and construction surveying solutions to its portfolio. This gives customers in the heavy industry from numerous states in Mexico access to the latest construction

Holcim's CO2 capture and storage project at its French site in Martres-Tolosane has been selected for a grant from the EU Innovation Fund. With this seventh major project subsidised by the EU, the building materials manufacturer wants to drive forward the Green

The Mukaab, a monumental building 400 metres high and wide, is being built in Riyadh and is planned to be the largest building in the world. The project is part of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's Vision 2030 to prepare Saudi Arabia for the post-oil era. However, the history of other mega

A research team from the Korea Institute of Materials Science (KIMS) has developed an ultra-thin film that absorbs 99% of electromagnetic waves. This technology could significantly improve the efficiency and reliability of modern communication and radar systems and ensure interference-free

A new metamaterial with exceptional sensitivity to tensile and compressive forces could significantly improve the monitoring and stability of structures. Researchers at KIT have developed a technology that enables precise measurements and thus raises structural safety to a new

A centuries-old Japanese technique could revolutionise wireless communication. The combination of Kirigami and MXene nanomaterials enables the development of flexible, reconfigurable antennas - a major step for the future of telecommunications and numerous innovative

Building materials producer Holcim acquires OX Engineered Products in the USA, a company specialising in insulation systems. Its annual net sales total 136 million

The SFS Group has acquired EPRO D.O.O. in Slovenia. The distribution partner in the construction industry specialises in components for flat roofs, lightweight construction and facades. The acquisition is intended to strengthen the Group's presence for fastening technology in the

Axpo subsidiary Urbasolar has commissioned the country's largest rooftop solar plant in France. With an output of 12.8 megawatts, the plant supports the energy transition and demonstrates Axpo's expertise in the expansion of solar energy in

IFAT India is the leading exhibition in India specialising in water and wastewater management, waste management and recycling. It takes place annually in Mumbai and is part of the IFAT Worldwide Cluster, which is based on the renowned "IFAT" trade fair for environmental technologies in Munich.

A survey conducted as part of EXPO REAL 2024 shows that digitalisation and transformation are among the key challenges facing the real estate industry. The industry is facing up to the new realities with an expanded focus on forward-looking

Das US-Startup Sublime Systems hat einen CO2-neutralen Zement entwickelt, der von den Techniken der Römer inspiriert ist und Elektrochemie statt Hochtemperaturverfahren nutzt. Diese Innovation könnte die Zementherstellung nachhaltig verändern und erheblich zur Reduzierung von

In Milwaukee, USA, a timber skyscraper with a height of 190 metres and 55 storeys is to be built. The project is considered a milestone for sustainable architecture and shows that wood can also play a key role as a building material in high-rise construction. With an investment volume of 700

Researchers at the Paul Scherrer Institute (PSI) have investigated the areas in which hydrogen can be produced effectively and cost-effectively. Hydrogen is seen as an important future energy supplier for the aviation, agriculture and steel

Schindler hat einen Großauftrag für The Avenues – Riyadh gewonnen. Insgesamt 293 Aufzüge, Fahrtreppen und Fahrsteige werden für das riesige Mehrzweckprojekt geliefert und installiert, das ein Einkaufszentrum, Hotels, Wohnungen und Büros

46 Swiss architecture firms were honored at the best architects awards 2025, including four with gold. The annual awards honor the best architectural projects in Europe and are presented by an international

Pforzheim-based ease GmbH has acquired the Munich-based subsidiary of Helvengo AG. The acquisition of the Zurich-based insurance company's German business is intended to complement ease's range of services. The two companies have already worked together in the

Sika has acquired the construction chemicals manufacturer Vinaldom in the Dominican Republic. This acquisition strengthens Sika's position in the fast-growing market and opens up new cross-selling opportunities through expanded production capacity and a wider product

A new study led by TU Darmstadt shows the limits of AI models such as ChatGPT. Contrary to previous assumptions, these systems do not develop independent or complex thinking skills, but only follow simple instructions. The results shed new light on the actual capabilities and risks of artificial

The largest 3D-printed housing estate in the world is currently being built in Georgetown, Texas. With 100 houses, this innovative project is setting new standards in the construction industry. The use of state-of-the-art 3D printing technology not only promises efficiency and resilience, but also

The latest study by the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE shows that photovoltaic systems with battery storage now produce electricity more cheaply than conventional coal and gas-fired power plants. The cost forecasts for renewable energies up to 2045 are also very promising.

Bartholet has completed work on the first station of an urban cable car in Varanasis. Once completed, India's first urban cable car will transport up to 3000 people per hour. For this purpose, 150 gondolas will be used over a total length of 3660

The KOF Economic Barometer is approaching its medium-term average value in July and shows a decline of 1.7 points to 101.0 points. This indicates that economic development in Switzerland remains moderate. The decline particularly affects foreign and consumer demand as well as the hospitality,

A Canadian research team has accidentally developed a super-black wood that absorbs almost 100% of light. This groundbreaking discovery could revolutionize the efficiency of solar cells and the design of luxury