Romande Energie becomes a minority shareholder in H2 Bois. The joint venture between Groupe Corbat and Planair aims to produce hydrogen from wood waste from 2026. Thanks to the simultaneous production of biochar, CO2 will be permanently

Wood is the raw material of the future - sustainable, renewable and climate-friendly. But how much wood is actually available in Switzerland and how can it be optimally utilised? Researchers at Empa and WSL have comprehensively analysed the material flows of wood and show ways in which this

The year 2025 will bring an exciting mix of opportunities and challenges for the Swiss construction industry. The focus will be on topics such as sustainability, digitalisation and urbanisation, while a shortage of skilled workers and rising raw material prices will call for innovative solutions.

With the "AD Net Heat" software, Fraunhofer researchers are developing a solution that makes district heating networks more efficient and climate-friendly. With the help of a digital twin, heat flows can be simulated, peak loads can be forecast and networks can be optimally controlled - an

The canton of Zurich is investing CHF 61 million in energy-efficient and climate-friendly buildings. Adjustments to the 2025 funding programme are intended to provide homeowners with targeted support to reduce energy consumption and promote climate

There is still considerable potential for sustainable wood utilisation in Switzerland. This is the conclusion of a joint analysis by researchers from various

The Smart City Hub Switzerland association has presented its first awards for intelligent and sustainable urban solutions. The Smart Appenzellerland, Generative AI Assistance for Winterthur and Zuri Accessible CiTy (ZuriACT) projects came out on top among 20

Energie Wasser Bern (ewb) is examining the establishment of a heating network in the north-east of Bern. Ewb also wants to utilise the heat from the River Aare as an energy source. Water is to be drawn from the river at Engehalde for this purpose. An application to this effect has already been

The canton of Lucerne wants to strengthen the circular economy in the construction industry. Together with Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts, it has launched the Eco-Design in Building Construction competition. Circular construction projects can apply for funding from mid-January to

The Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL) and Gaznat are expanding their collaboration. They are planning three calls for tenders for research and development projects in the field of clean gas supply. Gaznat is providing CHF 5 million over seven

Burkhalter Holding AG is taking over the employees and business of Etablissements Techniques Fragnière (ETF). Two new companies founded by the Zurich-based building technology specialist will continue ETF's activities in Bulle and Givisiez

Siemens Smart Infrastucture (SI) has exceeded its medium-term targets for 2021. The Zug-based business unit of Siemens is therefore increasing its targets for sales and profit margin. At the same time, investments are being made in global presence and talent

Aeroskin Tech wants to start industrial production of its insulating materials made from aerogel. The spin-off from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich is looking for investors. A pilot plant is planned as a first

NewGreenTec has installed a hybrid wind-solar small power plant on the roof of the Plantahof in Landquart. The aim is to reduce the ecological footprint of the agricultural training centre and create a role model for sustainable energy

The city of Schlieren has decided to shut down the gas grid in stages by 2040 in order to achieve the goal of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions. The first areas are to be taken off the grid as early as 2030. Advisory services support owners in switching to climate-neutral heating

From 2025, the section of the Glatt to the west of Zurich Airport between Opfikon and Rümlang will be ecologically upgraded. The revitalization project will create new habitats for plants and animals and promote local recreation. By 2028, a natural watercourse will be created as an attractive

A study by the Aargau Department of Construction, Transport and Environment shows that forests can make a significant contribution to the CO₂ balance. Through near-natural management and increased cascading use of wood, long-term CO₂ storage can be achieved and emissions reduced by up to 3.7

The Swiss construction industry is facing major challenges in terms of material consumption and emissions. Two Innosuisse-funded projects led by ETH Zurich are demonstrating solutions: Think Earth is developing sustainable building materials such as recycled materials, while Swircular is using

A new report by the Federal Council shows that the retreat of glaciers in the Alps increases the potential for electricity production and seasonal energy storage from hydropower. Despite the additional potential of up to 2430 gigawatt hours, conflicts of interest make it difficult to fully exploit

Zug Estates has celebrated the ground-breaking ceremony for the final new-build project on the Suurstoffi site in Rotkreuz. Two buildings and a central park should be completed by mid-2027. The Central Switzerland Health Education Centre will move into one of the new

Thurplus has put a photovoltaic system into operation on the roof of Signer Elektromotoren. The system has an output of 62 kilowatt peak and is expected to generate 62,000 kilowatt hours per year. The energy supplier financed the system and will operate

The Basel-based energy supplier IWB has received authorisation to build a solar plant on the former landfill site in Liesberg. From spring 2026, solar power for around 1000 households will be generated from

The WOGE project of the OST University of Applied Sciences aims to promote the efficient use of living space. People who want to downsize their living space are supported in moving, renovating or finding a roommate. The pilot project is starting in Aarau and will continue in Köniz BE and

Precise data on CO₂ emissions is needed to achieve the climate targets. As part of the EU project "ICOS Cities", Zurich is one of three pilot cities being precisely measured. Empa researchers are developing innovative measurement and modelling methods in collaboration with city administrations in

A joint study by the University of Freiburg and Fraunhofer ISE shows: The visual integration of photovoltaics (PV) on buildings plays a key role in their acceptance. Particularly in the case of historical buildings, colour-matched modules lead to a significant improvement in

The partial revision 2024 of the cantonal structure plan of the Canton of Zurich is open to the public from December 6, 2024 to March 14, 2025. Citizens and planning authorities are invited to comment on the revision. The focus is on new landfill sites, flood protection and the reduction of light

The DVFA Real Estate Commission has published a comprehensive guide to energy modernization. This offers practical strategies for real estate companies to transform their portfolios sustainably and to meet the regulatory and economic challenges of the

The EPFL campus in Fribourg is growing. Six new chairs focusing on the built environment, energy and climate will be established by 2030. The innovative Smart Living Lab (SLL) and the new Centre for Worldwide Sustainable Construction (CWSC) will position Fribourg as a leading research location for

A new path to green energy is emerging in the Black Forest. Wood waste is turned into biohydrogen. Researchers are developing a biotechnological process that promotes the wood-based circular economy. From 2025, a modular pilot plant will test the innovative process for renewable hydrogen production

According to the first Solar Monitor Switzerland, solar energy could cover around 80% of the country's electricity expansion by 2035 and supply over 28 terawatt hours annually. Turnover in the sector is growing steadily, but skilled workers are in demand to achieve the expansion targets. Solar