
New study analyses chemicals in plastic
A new international study, published in the journal Nature, systematically analyses over 16,000 chemicals in plastics. It reveals how many of them are harmful to human health and the environment and shows concrete ways in which the plastics industry can become safer and more transparent in

The Möbeliareal Glarus is taking shape
The Möbeliareal area between Kirchweg South and Abläschstrasse in Glarus is set to remain a vibrant part of the cantonal capital. Since its acquisition by möbeliareal ag in 2016, a gradual transformation process has been underway that deliberately references the site's industrial

Price development with a split picture
In the second quarter of 2025, prices for condominiums in Switzerland will continue to rise, while single-family homes will move sideways. High demand continues to be met by a shortage of supply, which is driving up prices, particularly in the mid-range segment. A further increase is expected over

1.47 billion in venture capital invested in Swiss start-ups in the first half of the year
With CHF 1.47 billion in venture capital, the Swiss start-up scene has recorded one of the best half-year results in its history. However, the success is not universal: individual high-flyers characterise the picture, while the majority of young companies continue to struggle with financing

From a peripheral area to an urban neighbourhood with a vision
On the northern edge of Glarus, the Buchholz neighbourhood is a pioneering district. Once a fragmented commercial area, it is now developing into a mixed neighbourhood with a green heart, clear design intent and urban quality. The planning emphasises architectural independence, functional diversity

Chur West the gateway to the future
Chur is preparing for a new chapter in its urban development. The Chur West area, strategically located to the south of the railway station currently under construction, will become the city's second urban centre in the coming decades. The so-called sub-area E, designed as a future gateway, will

How AI really learns to read
Artificial intelligence has made remarkable progress in understanding language. But how does a model actually learn to understand language? New studies show that the position of the words is what counts in the beginning. But as knowledge grows, there is an abrupt shift towards meaning. This phase

Zurich focusses on the future
The latest issue of Zürcher Umweltpraxis und Raumentwicklung clearly shows that the commitment to climate and environmental protection is bearing fruit. The Canton of Zurich takes its responsibility for the climate and environment seriously. With ambitious goals, concrete measures and a clear view

Where electricity will come from in 2050
Switzerland wants to be climate-neutral by 2050 and at the same time phase out nuclear energy. To meet this dual challenge, a massive expansion of photovoltaics and wind power is needed. A new report by the EDGE research consortium shows in several studies how this transition could succeed. What

Densification changes cities
Building densification is progressing in the five largest Swiss urban centres. New flats are being built on brownfield sites and through replacement construction, often at the expense of lower-income households. A recent ETH study shows how the housing market in Basel, Bern, Geneva, Lausanne and

Building the future means taking responsibility
Andreas Binkert is rethinking urban development - for him, property development is social responsibility. In this interview, the President of the 2000-Watt Smart Cities Association explains his vision of sustainable neighbourhoods, talks about Greencity, global challenges and the potential of

Green light for cargo sous terrain
On 25 June 2025, the Federal Council took a decisive step for the future of Swiss freight transport. It approved the Sectoral Transport Plan, Part Underground Freight Transport (SUG). This creates the spatial planning basis for the ambitious Cargo sous terrain (CST) project, which could

Trèfle-Blanc the 400 million euro project gets underway
The major Trèfle-Blanc project in Geneva, which is one of the most ambitious projects in the region with an investment volume of CHF 400 million, is taking shape. After initial confusion about the exact costs, the government is now presenting a transparent investment law that breaks down the

Swiss PV Circle lays the foundations for the reuse of solar modules
SENS eRecycling and Swissolar from Zurich have completed the Swiss PV Circle project together with the Bern University of Applied Sciences. The aim was to promote the reuse of photovoltaic modules. The partners formulated political recommendations, market analyses and created practical

New recycling centre to become a pioneering project in the circular economy
The city of Zurich is planning to replace the disused Hagenholz recycling centre with a new recycling centre. The building is designed as a pilot project for circular construction. The city intends to invest 33.1 million Swiss francs in the project. The voters will decide on the

Change of management at property company from Schlieren
Ladina Esslinger took over the management of Geistlich Immobilia AG at the beginning of July. She follows in the footsteps of Martin Geistlich, who will remain with the company as Chairman of the Board of Directors. Geistlich Immobilia AG is part of the Geistlich Group based in

AirBattery and CAES as the key to the energy transition
Compressed Air Energy Storage (CAES) is a new generation of long-term storage systems. Underground compressed air systems such as the AirBattery could secure the power supply efficiently, economically and in an environmentally friendly manner, even during dark doldrums. Thanks to technical

Zurich military barracks become an education centre
The official start of construction marks the beginning of the transformation of a Zurich landmark: the former military barracks on the Sihl will be converted into a modern education centre for adults by 2029. This will not only create learning spaces for around 1,600 students, but also publicly

CH Media joins property portal
CH Media has acquired a 20 per cent stake in the property platform Newhome, thereby contributing media reach and strategic expertise to the further development of the portal. The partnership is aimed at growth in the digital property market, with a clear commitment to transparency, regionality and

Think circularly, build together
How can construction be designed in such a way that materials are not consumed but reused? This question is at the centre of the Circular Time Lab at Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts. Architecture students and apprentices from regional timber construction companies are using reusable

Fribourg.swiss brand strengthens international position
With the introduction of the fribourg.swiss brand, the Economic Development Agency of the Canton of Fribourg (WIF) is launching a modern, targeted communication platform to strengthen economic visibility on a national and international level. The new identity replaces "Fribourg Network Fribourg"

Europe’s electricity mix is changing
In the first half of 2025, solar power generation reached new highs across Europe, especially in Germany. At the same time, a windless spring led to a decline in wind power figures. Despite growing photovoltaic output, the share of renewable energies in German net electricity generation fell

Alpine solar plant for Central Switzerland being built in Spiringen
Aventron AG and energieUri AG have started construction of the first alpine solar plant in Central Switzerland. The photovoltaic plant in Spiringen will produce around 12.5 gigawatt hours of solar power per year from 2029. This year, 10 per cent of the plant is to be put into

Apply now for the Digital Journey Challenge 2025
The CSEM's Digital Journey Challenge 2025 supports Swiss companies in the realisation of innovative digital projects. With funding of up to CHF 100,000, technological expertise and international visibility, the initiative offers a unique opportunity, especially for SMEs. The application deadline is

Barrier-free modernisation of the education centre in Limmattal begins
The Canton of Zurich will comprehensively renovate the Limmattal Education Centre (BZLT) from the start of the summer holidays. The aim is to create a modern, sustainable and barrier-free infrastructure that offers students an inspiring learning




