
Research project promotes the reuse of concrete in construction
The Haute école du paysage, d'ingénierie et d'architecture de Genève (HEPIA) is investigating the reuse of concrete slabs from demolition work as part of the CUT project. The aim of the project is to validate this reuse and thus promote more circular

Takeover strengthens position in the European energy market
BKW is strengthening its position on the French energy market with the acquisition of Volterres SAS. The transaction serves to strengthen its position on the French energy market, which is a central component of the Solutions 2030 sustainability

Management change in the energy division of a large utility company
Vertina Investment Foundation is investing fresh capital in four new-build projects in the first quarter of 2026. Their completion will increase the total portfolio value of the Vertina Residential investment group from CHF 219 million to CHF 350 million within one

Fuel cells to support power grids
Researchers at the Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology have undertaken a project on hydrogen fuel cells in collaboration with the Hälg Group, the Osterwalder Group and H2 Energy AG. These could relieve the burden on local power grids in district

Canton of Bern plans major construction in the Bernese Seeland
The Road Traffic and Navigation Office of the Canton of Berne has a space problem and a building substance problem. For years, one of the canton's most important administrative authorities has been working in buildings in need of renovation at three different locations. Now the canton is pulling


Electric bus marks a new chapter in regional transport
STI Bus AG has put its first electric bus into service. It is currently operating in Grindelwald. Three more electric buses are set to follow there by the end of the year, with a further two in Thun. By 2036, the entire STI fleet, comprising over 100 regular service vehicles, is set to be

Modernised wastewater treatment plant enhances water protection and energy efficiency
The ARA Basel was officially opened on 17 April 2026. Following the refurbishment and expansion work that began in 2019 and has now been completed, it is one of the most modern wastewater treatment plants in Europe. It will open its doors to the public on 18 and 19


Research project develops global corrosion index for construction applications
Sky-Frame and the Institut für Werkstoffsystemtechnik Thurgau (WITG) want to determine the corrosion risk for materials such as aluminium or stainless steel using a global index. The manufacturer of frameless sliding windows wants to link warranty conditions to

Rethinking building, Freiburg is looking for pioneers
The construction industry is facing a system change and the canton of Fribourg wants to actively shape it. With CHF 290,000 from the new regional policy, the economic development agency WIF is calling on companies to develop circular solutions for the construction of tomorrow. Those who act by

Solar cells that camouflage themselves
A butterfly has given researchers at Fraunhofer ISE the decisive clue. Solar modules that look like brickwork, roof tiles or individually designed façade elements and generate electricity with almost no loss of power. The new "ShadeCut" technology could resolve a long-standing point of contention:

300 apartments are being made fit – no one has to move out
The "Unteres Bühl" housing estate in Oberwinterthur has been part of the cityscape for decades. Now the AXA Investment Foundation is tackling this major project. Around 300 apartments are being renovated and 80 new ones added. The most remarkable aspect is not the volume, but the claim that all

Plane trees cool cities even in extreme heat
Plane trees evaporate water even at over 39 degrees and cool their surroundings. This has been shown in a study by the Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research and the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne. The cooling effect of trees therefore lasts above a

New strategy pays off – more profit and green share of sales increases
Building materials producer Holcim improved its recurring operating profit margin by 90 basis points to 18.3 per cent in the first half of 2025. The construction company's recurring operating profit rose by 10.8 per cent in local currency to CHF 1.440

A lack of clarity in legal requirements is holding back the circular economy
The circular economy is still often held back by a lack of clarity regarding the application of existing regulations. This is shown in a report compiled by ecos in Basel and Rytec in Münsingen (Canton of Bern) for the Zurich Department of Construction. Furthermore, there is a lack of incentives

Innovation project to serve as a starting point for the new construction industry
North America’s first passive house is celebrating its 20th anniversary. The BioHaus on the Waldsee Campus of Concordia Language Villages was built at the time by Stephan Tanner and his team at Intep. It also served as the starting point for the company TANNER Building


Digital platform simplifies analysis and development of building constructions
Researchers at Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW) have developed a digital tool for sustainable construction. On the dkon platform, users can check the impact of individual construction decisions on the environment, costs and construction

Construction and Housing Fair in Wettingen attracts considerable interest
The 19th edition of the Bauen Wohnen trade fair will take place from 16 to 19 April at the Tägi Wettingen Event Centre. The event marks the start of the spring season and offers inspiration for home improvement projects through practical insights into the latest building

Where others park, you soon live
If you're looking for living space in Baden-Dättwil, you'd better look up. Eight modular wooden houses are to be built above a fast food outlet and a supermarket - compact, sustainable and already fully booked. An investor from Aargau proves that unused roofs could be the answer to the housing

Check early, fail low
Developing new products safely and sustainably before damage occurs. This is the aim of the EU's "Safe and Sustainable by Design" concept. Many companies fear that this will mean additional work. However, a new analysis by Empa shows that the concept is already in line with around two thirds of the

Ground-breaking ceremony marks the start of a new residential development in Baden
The symbolic laying of the foundation stone at the Brisgi site in Baden marked the official start of the construction phase. By 2028, around 220 affordable and sustainable homes will be built there for people in various life

Smart building becomes a location factor
Smart buildings are no longer just digitally controlled properties, but operational ESG tools. They measure energy consumption in real time, control lighting, climate and shading automatically and provide reliable data for taxonomy, ratings and regulation. Lighthouses such as The Edge in Amsterdam,

Smart plant care is making its way into high street shops
The Bern-based Ecotech start-up Boum and the DIY and garden centre chain Hornbach have entered into a partnership. Under the agreement, the Boum Core plant care system will be available in selected Swiss Hornbach branches in future, making it accessible to a wide

New open space concept enhances quality of life and biodiversity
The local council has adopted the Spreitenbach Open Space Concept as a binding framework for future development. Through this concept, it aims to strengthen the identity of the neighbourhoods, promote biodiversity and make the urban environment



