EWZ and EKZ join forces to combat skills shortage
The two electricity supply companies EWZ and EKZ in Zurich have launched a joint training and communication campaign to combat the shortage of skilled electricians. The focus is on the targeted training of lateral entrants in order to ensure security of supply in the city and
Investment in low-CO2 cement promotes market launch
Sublime Systems is also able to build its first commercial production plant for low-CO2 cement in the US state of Massachusetts with the help of an investment from Holcim. The start-up has developed a CO2-free electrochemical process for this purpose. Holcim will purchase the
KohlenKraft sponsors Zurich Climathon
KohlenKraft, a young company from the Technopark Winterthur, develops climate-positive building materials. Its innovative products help to reduce CO2 emissions and contribute to the circular economy. CEO Charles Gerike-Roberts and CTO Moritz Keller have already received several awards for their
Strategies to combat urban sprawl and improve quality of life
In a study, Sascha Nick from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne recommends reducing the amount of living space available for each person, tighter neighbourhoods and renovating existing buildings instead of building new ones. This should improve the quality of
Schaffhausen – an economic success story
Economic crisis, negative mood, lack of prospects: In the 1990s, the canton of Schaffhausen was caught in a negative spiral with high unemployment, emigration and falling tax revenues. Thanks to an active location policy, the story took a different course and today Schaffhausen can look back on an
Two Swiss property giants about to merge
A merger that could revolutionise the Swiss property market: Cham Group and Ina Invest are currently looking into merging to form one of the country's leading property companies. The decision on the merger could be made in 2025 and would have far-reaching effects on the property
Relaxation of noise protection regulations in residential construction
Parliament agrees on a reform of noise protection requirements in residential construction and promotes the renovation of polluted children's playgrounds. The revision of the Environmental Protection Act brings compromises on noise limits and remediation
Bio-inspired building material revolution for the construction industry
A new cement material, inspired by the structure of human bones, could change the construction industry forever. It offers up to six times more resistance than conventional cement and opens up completely new possibilities for future-orientated construction
Mobimo expands Aeschbach neighbourhood in Aarau
Mobimo has laid the foundation stone for two further buildings in Aarau's Aeschbachquartier with project partners and members of the authorities. The property company will realise the courtyard and hall building with 126 rental flats on the southern part of the Rockwell site by
Schlieren launches complete revision of building and zoning regulations
Schlieren City Council is requesting a loan of CHF 1,063,000 from the municipal parliament for the overall revision of the building and zoning regulations. The aim is to increase the quality of life and work and to further promote the attractiveness of the location for
Start of construction for the ZHAW School of Engineering extension
With the official start of construction work on two new laboratory buildings and a public park, the Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW) in Winterthur is entering a new era. This expansion strengthens the university location and promotes innovative teaching and research facilities on
Parliament extends deadline for reporting construction defects
Home buyers and builders should have more time to report construction defects in future. Parliament has agreed on a revision of the law on sales and contracts for work and labour, which in particular extends the deadlines for reporting defects and improves the protection of building
Research into earthquake safety for multi-storey buildings
The Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (Empa) uses a so-called shaker to simulate the vibrations of earthquakes on structural models. This should lead to greater safety in buildings. The experiment will be presented at the open day on 14
Climate-friendly residential project in Burgdorf sets new standards
The Fischermätteli residential project in Burgdorf was the first entire site to be certified to Minergie standards. The project is characterized by sustainable timber construction, low energy consumption and maximum self-sufficiency with renewable
Parliament restricts the right of associations to lodge complaints about residential construction projects
Parliament has decided to significantly restrict the right to lodge complaints with associations for smaller residential construction projects in the construction area. This decision is intended to relieve single-family home builders in particular from delays caused by complaints. Despite
New professorships in Real Estate Economics & Finance from autumn 2024
CUREM is taking a significant step in its further development. Together with three funding partners, the institute is creating two new professorships in the field of "Real Estate Economics & Finance" from autumn 2024. This expansion will strengthen CUREM's academic expertise and further
New findings on the stiffness of timber structures
Multi-storey timber buildings are becoming increasingly important in Switzerland. To ensure that these structures can withstand the challenges posed by wind and earthquakes, Empa researchers are conducting practical experiments with a two-tonne shaker. The aim is to measure the stiffness and
Expert group ignores referendum and constitutional mandate
A group of experts is proposing savings measures for the Fonds de Roulement for non-profit housing developers in order to ease the burden on the federal budget. This proposal has been heavily criticised as it contradicts both a recent referendum and the constitutional mandate to promote non-profit
Research into resource-efficient construction driven forward at NEST
The STEP2 module in the NEST research and innovation building at Empa was inaugurated on August 29. It provides a platform for testing innovative, resource-saving construction technologies, including a 3D-printed concrete staircase and a sound-insulating filigree