
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

Mushroom batteries the energy source
The novel mushroom battery does not need a charging station, but nutrients to generate energy. Developed by Empa researchers, it is based on a microbial fuel cell that combines two types of fungi for the first time. Yeast fungi on the anode release electrons, while the cathode is colonised by the

A success story of balcony power plants in Germany
Balcony power plants are booming in Germany like never before. by 2024, the number of systems will have doubled to over 780,000. New laws, falling prices and strong demand are driving this sustainable trend forward. Germany is thus becoming a pioneer in the use of plug-in solar

Climate Charter Zug : Support for SMEs in the canton of Zug
The Zug Climate Charter actively motivates companies in the canton of Zug to implement concrete measures to reduce CO2 emissions and thereby strengthen their competitiveness. Supported by an alliance of businesses and the canton, the Zug SME initiative offers customised advice and expertise to make

Climate-neutral industry – Vision 2026
The Association for the Decarbonisation of Industry has set itself the goal of reducing industrial emissions through innovative processes such as methane pyrolysis and even generating negative emissions in the long term. The ambitious project is set to go into regular operation by 2026. The members

New company strengthens local power supply in Buttisholz and the surrounding area
The new Dorfstrom AG has been offering services in the field of energy supply since the beginning of the year. It focusses on the promotion of virtual mergers for self-consumption and the development of local electricity

Sette aziende creano un’agenzia comune per la fornitura di calore sostenibile nella Svizzera orientale
Sette aziende della Svizzera orientale uniscono le forze e fondano Wärme Netz Ostschweiz AG (WNO). Questa società realizzerà il finanziamento, lo sviluppo del progetto, la pianificazione, la vendita, la costruzione e la gestione di soluzioni di riscaldamento

New technologies for geothermal utilisation developed in Switzerland
Researchers at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich (ETH) are working on systems for utilising energy from underground. In addition to minimising earthquakes caused by artificial cracks, closed systems for water and CO2 are also being

Council of States wants to facilitate the construction of small wind turbines
The Council of States wants to facilitate the construction of wind turbines with a height of up to 30 metres. These should also be able to be built outside of building zones. In doing so, it is following a state initiative from Appenzell


How wood can be better utilised
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

Swiss construction industry 2025
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.

Innovative control system for district heating networks
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


Appenzellerland, Winterthur and Zurich honoured with awards
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

District heating project in Bern utilises the River Aare as an energy source
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

Lucerne promotes circular construction projects
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

New projects for decarbonisation of the gas industry to start in 2025
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


Increasing value through global presence and technological innovation
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



Schlieren to shut down gas network from 2030
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

Zurich Airport begins with renaturation
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



