
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

Importance of the property sector for the Swiss economy
The Federal Office for Housing highlights the high economic significance of the real estate sector in Switzerland. With a share of 11 percent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and 16 percent including rental income and imputed rents, the sector is an important economic factor. Approximately

Innovative climbing protection systems for urban cable cars
UBS and Wincasa have introduced a new advisory solution for owners of investment properties. This service aims to support renovation and energy-efficient upgrades to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The collaboration aims to promote sustainable thinking in the real estate

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,

A new vision for the Zurich metropolitan area
In November 2023, the cantonal planners from Aargau, Lucerne, Schaffhausen, Schwyz, St. Gallen, Thurgau, Zug and Zurich presented the innovative Metro-ROK 2050 spatial planning concept, which sets the course for the sustainable development of the Zurich metropolitan area in order to effectively

Council of Europe and Switzerland set standards for AI
On 17 May 2024, the groundbreaking Convention on Artificial Intelligence (AI) was adopted by the Council of Europe with the participation of Switzerland. This event marks a decisive step towards ensuring that AI technologies are developed and used in accordance with the principles of human rights,

Zug sets standards in global blockchain research
The canton of Zug is investing CHF 39.35 million in a five-year project to promote blockchain research in order to establish the so-called "Crypto Valley" as a leading global centre for blockchain technology. An innovative research institute is being founded in cooperation with the University of

Reaction of the Swiss interest rate markets to global and local inflation trends
The latest developments in consumer price data from the USA and Switzerland have a significant impact on the interest rate decisions of the Swiss National Bank (SNB). Despite a rise in inflation rates in Switzerland, market movements are signalling an imminent cut in the key interest

The art of interior design – Zurich’s path to the future
In an interview, Katrin Gügler, Director of Spatial Planning for the City of Zurich, provides a comprehensive insight into her diverse tasks. Together with her interdisciplinary team, she works on Zurich's development with the aim of maintaining a high quality of life despite urban growth and

Evolution of living space design
Since 1950, the space required per resident has increased from 25 m² to 46 m², which has led to larger bathrooms and open-plan kitchen layouts. These changes not only reflect increased demands on building physics and ecology, but also favour a more efficient use of space through denser

Stefan Kölliker, President of the Government of St. Gallen, is a strategic new member of the Board of Directors
After a comprehensive realignment, Admicasa welcomes the former St. Gallen district president Stefan Kölliker as a new board member. Kölliker, who recently retired from active politics, brings extensive experience to the strategic leadership and further development of the

GF tackles expansion of Klostergut Paradies
The Paradies Foundation is planning a comprehensive upgrade of the Paradies Monastery estate in Schlatt, including the construction of a new hotel and the environmentally friendly renovation of the existing restaurant. GF is investing around 10 million Swiss francs in the project, which includes 34

Biogas production attracts interest in Laufental-Thierstein
Erdgas AG Laufenstein-Thierstein (GASAG) is planning to build a biogas plant in the Münchenstein region. In a letter to farmers, the location issue was clarified and financing options were examined. The plant is to be located near a gas pipeline and operated by farmers, while GASAG guarantees the

New design guidelines for Zurich Lengg: a step into the future
With the introduction of the design plan obligation in the Lengg area, the city of Zurich is taking a decisive step towards ensuring high-quality development that is compatible with the neighbourhood. This measure, based on the "Lengg Masterplan" and the cantonal structure plan, reflects the public

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

Market presence expanded through takeover of a competitor
SFS, a manufacturer based in the St.Gallen-Lake Constance area, has acquired the Madrid-based company Etanco as of May 1, 2024. This acquisition strengthens SFS's market position in Spain and Portugal. Etanco, a specialist distributor of fasteners and fixings, also offers services such as

Test planning for the development of the AEW site in Aarau
In the autumn, AEW Immobilien AG is carrying out a test planning for the development of the AEW site together with the Aarau municipal building authority. The 60-year-old development comprises a high-rise building, the High Court and a restaurant. The aim of the planning is to clarify the framework

New concept for the Zurich barracks area
The barracks area in Zurich, an extensive site with an impressive history and central importance, is about to undergo a comprehensive transformation. This development offers a unique opportunity to rethink the use of the site and transform it into a vital public space for the city and its

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

Prices for residential property move in opposite directions
The Swiss Real Estate Offer Index shows a price increase of 1.2 per cent for single-family homes in April compared to the previous month, as reported by the SMG Swiss Marketplace Group. Despite the widespread demand for owner-occupied homes, buyers have become more selective, which leaves the

New smart antenna optimises construction processes
Leica Geosystems has introduced the new Leica iCON gps 120 smart antenna to precisely control construction processes and machine movements. The antenna is integrated into the Leica MC 1 machine control programme and enables efficient coordination between heavy construction machines. Customers

Competition for Zurich district prison decided
The decision in favour of the Berlin team of architects marks a decisive step in the redesign of Zurich District Prison. With the aim of adapting prison operations to contemporary standards and promoting the resocialisation of inmates, the new building will offer a modern infrastructure that meets

Potential for transformation despite development delay in Basel
A new study by the Sotomo research institute, commissioned by the "Basel vorwärts" initiative, shows that Basel is lagging behind other major Swiss cities in terms of housing construction and population and job growth. Nevertheless, the city harbours considerable potential for urban transformation

Foundation stone laid for the modern swimming centre in Tenero
The imminent laying of the foundation stone for the new swimming centre at the Centro Sportivo Tenero marks the start of an important chapter for Swiss swimming. The project, supported by the Federal Office of Sport and the Federal Office for Buildings and Logistics, promises state-of-the-art

New Lucerne Theatre: Forward-looking operating concept confirmed
In the course of the September 2023 session, the Lucerne Cantonal Council requested an external review of the operating concept for the new Lucerne Theatre. The preliminary evaluation by METRUM Managementberatung now confirms that the financial requirements have been met and gives the green light