
Swiss Climate Foundation supports ten projects
The Swiss Climate Foundation has approved a total of around CHF 1.3 million for ten innovative climate-related projects in its first funding round in 2024. The projects being funded include a mini wind turbine, a robot for geothermal drilling and a lightweight

New wooden apartment blocks with innovative TS3 technology
In Zollikerberg, two apartment buildings in timber construction were recently built, creating a link between Zurich city centre and idyllic nature. Thanks to an innovative connection technology called TS3, the timber construction was also able to bridge larger spans. The decision in favour of

Considerable economic growth. Increasing quality of life
The canton of Zurich shows that economic growth and an increasing quality of life are compatible with a decreasing environmental impact. The latest economic monitoring report from the Office of Economic Affairs illustrates this successful balance and presents a thought experiment on the

Insolight launches first agrivoltaic plant in France
The Lausanne-based company Insolight, specializing in agri-photovoltaic solutions, has launched an innovative agri-photovoltaic plant in France. The facility on a farm in Sames combines strawberry production with semi-transparent photovoltaic panels and generates clean energy for about 50

Inauguration of a photovoltaic system at Limeco
The Limmattal regional utility Limeco has inaugurated a photovoltaic system with 624 solar panels on the roof of the wastewater treatment plant. This generates 252,000 kilowatt-hours of green electricity, primarily for the plant's own use and surpluses for the public

First use of CPC concrete slabs in building construction
The Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW) is using CPC concrete panels in high-rise construction for the first time. These innovative carbon-reinforced concrete panels significantly reduce the carbon footprint and are recyclable. An innovation lab in Winterthur serves as the first

Career prospects in Swiss timber construction
The timber construction industry plays a central role in Switzerland in the field of sustainable construction and energy-efficient building refurbishment. As an environmentally friendly and climate-neutral construction technology, it contributes to reducing energy consumption and shaping the future


Women in timber construction
The world of work is changing, not least due to the generational shift. Traditional job and role models in timber construction are being broken down. The Holz-Bau Plus industry event examined how companies can fulfil the interest of female specialists in a career in timber


Federal Council amends four key ordinances in the renovation and recycling process
On 31 May 2024, the Swiss Federal Council approved significant amendments to four important environmental ordinances in order to strengthen environmental protection and improve the efficiency of remediation and recycling processes. The amendments concern the Contaminated Sites Ordinance, the

Microbes as power stations
A ground-breaking EPFL research project led by Professor Ardemis Boghossian has shown how modified E. coli bacteria can effectively generate electricity. This discovery opens new doors for energy production and could enable far-reaching applications in environmental technology and

Future-oriented heat supply in Zurich’s inner-city neighbourhoods
To achieve its climate targets, the city of Zurich is paving the way for an innovative, fossil-free heat supply in densely built-up neighbourhoods. A new study sheds light on efficient approaches and the infrastructure required to realise the ambitious net-zero target by

Load-bearing capacity and usability of timber buildings
Thanks to findings from research and development as well as many years of experience in timber construction, the fire protection authorities have been able to remove many restrictions for timber constructions. Nowadays, fire protection regulations deal with timber as a building material without any

A natural way to a higher quality of living
Cosiness, indoor air quality and protection from external influences are the three pillars of living quality. The natural properties of wood support various aspects of living quality. Solid wood can be used without chemical additives and combined with other natural insulating materials such as


University of Bern makes Postgasse even greener
Die Universität Bern startete 2023 das Projekt „Die grünste Gasse der Welt“ mit einer Begrünungsaktion in der Postgasse. Ziel ist es, die biologische Vielfalt zu erhöhen, das Stadtklima zu verbessern und die Lebensqualität der Bewohner zu steigern. Am 25. Mai fand ein zweiter Pflanztag

Competition launched to promote circular solutions in building construction
The Innovation Booster Circular Building Industry invites Swiss companies, non-profit organisations and research groups to submit their radical ideas for circular building solutions for the interior of buildings. They are to be realised in the Humanitas Living

Partnership for the development of sustainable earth building materials
ERNE AG and Oxara AG have agreed to collaborate on the development of sustainable clay-based building materials. The goal is to set a new standard for sustainability in the Swiss construction landscape through innovative solutions. Oxara's patented technology aims to significantly reduce CO2

Solar systems are more environmentally friendly than ever
The updated fact sheet from the International Energy Agency shows that photovoltaic systems are becoming increasingly environmentally friendly. The study, involving experts from ZHAW, highlights that greenhouse gas emissions over the lifecycle of PV systems have halved in the past ten

Empa tests hydrogen use for peak loads
Empa is investigating the use of hydrogen and fuel cells to relieve the power grid on cold days on behalf of the Swiss Federal Office of Energy (BFE). The joint project H2 districts is being implemented on the Empa campus in Dübendorf and involves partners such as the Hälg Group, the Osterwalder

Timber as a key building material for the development of urban areas
At a time when urban densification and climate protection are taking centre stage, timber is gaining in importance as the building material of the 21st century. Thanks to its environmentally friendly properties and efficiency in the construction process, timber construction offers an ideal solution

Hybrid construction methods using wood, concrete and steel
Hybrid construction methods, in which different materials such as wood, concrete and steel are combined, are becoming increasingly important in modern architecture and civil engineering. These innovative construction methods not only fulfil today's requirements for sustainability and energy

Focus on sustainability: company achieves Gold status
The construction and property company Implenia AG has further improved its sustainability rating from EcoVadis and has maintained its Gold status. EcoVadis evaluates companies worldwide according to the aspects of environment, labour & human rights, ethics and sustainable

Ein nachhaltiger Holz-Hybrid Bau mit einem «Herz aus Holz»
Im September 2023 wurde der Baustart für den Neubau des kantonalen Verwaltungsgebäudes am Seetalplatz in Emmen (LU) gefeiert. Die Nachhaltigkeit und das Wohlbefinden der Mitarbeitenden, Besucherinnen und Besucher sowie Bewohnerinnen und Bewohner Standen für den Kanton Luzern und Losinger Marazzi

Vaud plans electricity autonomy by 2035
A recent study confirms the enormous potential of solar energy to cover the electricity needs of the Vaud cantonal administration's buildings until 2035. These measures are part of the canton's ambitious climate plan and meet the requirements of the Vaud Energy



