
Photovoltaic system on the roof of the kybunpark stadium to be enlarged
St.Galler Stadtwerke has expanded its photovoltaic system on the roof of the kybunpark stadium. From February 2025, more than 1 million kilowatt hours of solar power will be produced annually, which is equivalent to the annual consumption of 288 four-person

New data centre in Geneva feeds waste heat into the district heating network
Cloud provider INFOMANIAK has put a new data centre into operation in Geneva. It converts 100 per cent of waste heat into heating energy. The facility thus sets new standards in energy recovery. Due to its underground location, there is no negative impact on the cityscape or the

Innovative measurement technology facilitates structural inspection of reinforced concrete
Researchers at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich have developed a method based on electrochemical measurements to detect corrosion in the steel of reinforced concrete. The spin-off Talpa is to bring the concept to market

Potentials and challenges of repurposing
The housing shortage in Switzerland continues to worsen, while office and industrial space is becoming increasingly vacant. The conversion of such buildings into residential space offers a sustainable solution for efficiently utilising existing structures and promoting internal densification.

Efficient cooling for data centres and more
Empa spin-off Ionic Wind Technologies is revolutionising the cooling of high-performance electronics with its patented airflow amplifier for ionic wind. The technology utilises electrostatic fields to set air in motion without mechanical components. With this method, data centres could reduce their

Online tool for climate-neutral industrial processes
The Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE has developed an interactive online tool to help companies select the optimum high-temperature heat pump for their industrial processes. The platform offers a technology map that links heat pump systems with the specific requirements of

The increasing billion-euro burden for reinsurers
The economic consequences of natural disasters once again reached record levels in 2024. According to Munich Re, total global losses amounted to 320 billion dollars, 140 billion of which were insured. Hurricanes, floods and forest fires in particular caused immense costs. The losses are therefore

Innovation competition for construction start-ups in the third round
Swissbau and the Basel Startup Academy are once again supporting young companies from the construction and property sector with the third Swissbau Startup Challenge. This time, the focus is on the circular economy. For the first time, the Circular Award for innovative approaches will be presented

AI offers companies opportunities in climate protection
Artificial intelligence (AI) offers companies tools for climate protection. This is shown in a white paper from swisscleantech. It is based on the experience of companies operating in Switzerland, such as Swisscom and Siemens. It also describes ways to increase the energy efficiency of data

New standard at JVA Bostadel
The Bostadel prison in Menzingen is about to be renovated and extended. This project is not only necessary in order to fulfil the structural and operational requirements, but is also intended to improve the quality of the prison conditions for older prisoners and those in long-term custody.

Digital solution makes building renovations easier for owners
The Zurich Homeowners' Association (HEV) is adding Scandens' digital renovation planning to its advisory services. Based on a digital twin, the Zurich-based start-up offers over 500 combinations for the energy-efficient modernisation of your own

Renewables hold a high share of electricity and heat
The expansion of renewables is progressing slowly. A study by the Swiss Federal Office of Energy shows that Bern, Geneva, Aarau and Zurich are leading the way. 65 energy suppliers supply more than 80 per cent renewable electricity. Renewables also supply 80 per cent heat. The majority of gas


Lighthouse Papieri Cham
Papieri in Cham is a beacon for a modern commercial and residential neighbourhood. A successful mix of historical substance and industrial heritage, architecturally high-quality new buildings and carefully designed, green outdoor spaces creates a unique neighbourhood atmosphere. The Papieri site,

Foldable and reusable formwork revolutionises concrete construction
Architecture doctoral student Lotte Scheder-Bieschin has produced a lightweight, foldable and reusable formwork for concrete vaults at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich (ETH). This allows up to 60 per cent of concrete and up to 90 per cent of steel to be




Sustainable wall elements dehumidify interiors
Researchers at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich (ETH) have developed a moisture-retaining and climate-friendly covering for walls and ceilings. This could replace indoor air conditioning systems in the future. The construction elements are made from reusable

Concrete as CO₂ storage
The "Mining the Atmosphere" research initiative shows that excess CO₂ from the atmosphere can be permanently stored in building materials such as concrete. With a storage capacity of up to ten billion tonnes of carbon per year, this approach could help to reduce CO₂ levels to a climate-friendly

Innovative wind turbine enters test phase
VentoStream is about to start trial operation of its compact, efficient and quiet wind turbines. They combine modern aerodynamics with flow and turbine technology. The beta version of the prototype will be tested in 2025 in the Basel region and at a high alpine


Bio-inspired “Solar Gate” regulates buildings in a climate-neutral way
A research team from the universities of Freiburg and Stuttgart has developed an innovative façade system that adapts automatically to changes in the weather without the need for energy. Inspired by pine cones, the "Solar Gate" offers a resource-saving solution for sustainable building

Expansion of the power supply in Graubünden
Graubünden-based Repower AG will be supplying additional municipalities with electricity from 2027. It wants to reduce the particularly high costs in the Moesa region before the energy supply contracts expire. From 2026, electricity purchases should become noticeably

AI solution optimises solar systems
SmartHelio's Autopilot analysis software, which was launched at the beginning of 2024, has optimised the performance of more than 200 solar systems over the course of the year. It is designed to extend their service life by eight years, increase production by 10 per cent and predict faults and