

Partnership for the development of sustainable earth building materials
ERNE AG and Oxara AG have agreed to collaborate on the development of sustainable clay-based building materials. The goal is to set a new standard for sustainability in the Swiss construction landscape through innovative solutions. Oxara's patented technology aims to significantly reduce CO2

Opening of the liug.innovation centre in Chur
The liug.Innovation Center in Chur was officially opened, offering 11,200 square meters of space for work, research, and meetings. Planned and operated by ITW Ingenieurunternehmung AG, the center is expected to create up to 300 jobs and serves as a new landmark for

Solar systems are more environmentally friendly than ever
The updated fact sheet from the International Energy Agency shows that photovoltaic systems are becoming increasingly environmentally friendly. The study, involving experts from ZHAW, highlights that greenhouse gas emissions over the lifecycle of PV systems have halved in the past ten

Empa tests hydrogen use for peak loads
Empa is investigating the use of hydrogen and fuel cells to relieve the power grid on cold days on behalf of the Swiss Federal Office of Energy (BFE). The joint project H2 districts is being implemented on the Empa campus in Dübendorf and involves partners such as the Hälg Group, the Osterwalder

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

From ancient origins to modern architecture
The development of timber construction ranges from the simple pile dwellings of early history to the modern hybrid constructions of today. It shows the continuing importance of timber as a versatile and adaptable building material that is constantly being redefined by technical innovations and

Building licence granted: Ground-breaking ceremony draws closer
The Aargau Chamber of Industry and Commerce (AIHK) has received planning permission from the city of Aarau for the planned new Haus der Wirtschaft. The demolition of the existing building will begin in mid-August. The new building should be ready for occupation in spring


Ein nachhaltiger Holz-Hybrid Bau mit einem «Herz aus Holz»
Im September 2023 wurde der Baustart für den Neubau des kantonalen Verwaltungsgebäudes am Seetalplatz in Emmen (LU) gefeiert. Die Nachhaltigkeit und das Wohlbefinden der Mitarbeitenden, Besucherinnen und Besucher sowie Bewohnerinnen und Bewohner Standen für den Kanton Luzern und Losinger Marazzi

Further development of the YOND Campus on the Albis site
The Albis site, with its future-orientated use by production companies and creative industries, is about to be expanded. The new YOND.02/03 buildings and the renovation of the historic YOND.04 buildings will create a future-orientated campus that combines flexible working space and a lively sense

Impulses for Zurich’s future: The first day of the location
With the first "Location Day", the canton of Zurich has taken an important step towards discussing and promoting the development of the business location. Under the patronage of the Department of Economic Affairs, representatives from business, science and administration met to jointly forge

What will be built in the university area over the next few years
The Zurich University Centre (HGZZ) is about to undergo a major transformation. In a joint project between the canton and city of Zurich, the University of Zurich (UZH), the University Hospital Zurich (USZ) and ETH Zurich, investments totalling over CHF 4 billion will be made over the next few

Another stage victory for Quatre Bornes wind farm
The initiators of the Quatre Bornes wind farm have achieved an important victory as the Federal Court rejected the complaint against a new vote. The municipality of Sonvilier will now vote on the district plan on September 22, equivalent to a building permit. The wind farm will include a total of

Forward-looking integration of the Luchswiese housing estate and school extension
The innovative project to extend the Luchswiese housing estate and the Luchswiesen school complex in Zurich sets new standards in urban spatial planning. The skilful combination of living space and educational infrastructure meets the need for both non-profit housing and modern learning

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


Construction of a met mast for wind measurement and environmental monitoring started
CKW has begun constructing a measuring mast on Ruswilerberg to collect wind and weather data for a planned wind farm. The mast also monitors bat activity, temperatures, and humidity. The data aims to ensure the economic viability and environmental compatibility of the wind

Zug uses OECD minimum tax for location promotion
The canton of Zug, an internationally recognised business location, is facing up to the challenges of the global minimum tax introduced by the OECD. Through targeted investments in social projects and sustainable innovations, the canton plans to offset potential disadvantages and ensure its

IFJ develops new offer for municipalities with start.swiss
The IFJ Institute for Young Enterprises has launched start.swiss to promote economic development in all Swiss regions. The service targets municipalities, cities, and economic regions, offering up-to-date data, automated processes, and local

ETH researchers generate very high temperatures with new technology
Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed a thermal trap that absorbs sunlight and achieves temperatures over one thousand degrees Celsius. This technology could revolutionize the production of cement, metals, and chemicals in energy-intensive processes. The system uses a quartz rod that efficiently

Innovative technology for utilising sunlight for high temperatures
Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed a thermal trap that absorbs sunlight and achieves temperatures over one thousand degrees Celsius. This technology could revolutionize the production of cement, metals, and chemicals in energy-intensive industrial processes. The system uses a quartz rod that

New calculation tool for circularity in construction presented
The Zurich-based consulting firm Conspark has developed a new tool for calculating circularity in the construction industry. This free tool can be downloaded from the company's website and allows users to analyze the circularity of their building products. By entering data from the environmental

Building rights create affordable living space in Zurich
In Zurich-Wiedikon, the housing project of the Im Gut building co-operative is taking shape, enabling the creation of 44 additional affordable flats through the early renewal of municipal building rights. This initiative marks a decisive step in the city's housing policy and represents a model for

Ground-breaking ceremony for carbon-free cement plant in Belgium
The building materials producer has broken ground on a facility in Belgium to produce carbon-free cement. The GO4ZERO plant in Obourg aims to produce 2 million tons of net-zero cement annually by 2029. With an investment of over 500 million euros and support from the European Innovation Fund, the

Progress with slope stabilisation in Bergdietikon
After completing the slope stabilization in Land Rai, the municipality of Bergdietikon is conducting further measurements to ensure the buildability of the area. Due to heavy rainfall during the observation phase, geologists have decided to collect additional data. Six core drillings and six


