
Construction of a met mast for wind measurement and environmental monitoring started
CKW has begun constructing a measuring mast on Ruswilerberg to collect wind and weather data for a planned wind farm. The mast also monitors bat activity, temperatures, and humidity. The data aims to ensure the economic viability and environmental compatibility of the wind

Mast measures wind data for Grotwind wind farm
The planning for the Grotwind wind farm in the municipality of Pfäfers is entering the next phase. A measurement mast equipped with wind meters and weather sensors is currently being erected to collect wind and weather data over twelve months. This data will help determine the optimal wind

ETH researchers generate very high temperatures with new technology
Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed a thermal trap that absorbs sunlight and achieves temperatures over one thousand degrees Celsius. This technology could revolutionize the production of cement, metals, and chemicals in energy-intensive processes. The system uses a quartz rod that efficiently

Innovative technology for utilising sunlight for high temperatures
Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed a thermal trap that absorbs sunlight and achieves temperatures over one thousand degrees Celsius. This technology could revolutionize the production of cement, metals, and chemicals in energy-intensive industrial processes. The system uses a quartz rod that

New calculation tool for circularity in construction presented
The Zurich-based consulting firm Conspark has developed a new tool for calculating circularity in the construction industry. This free tool can be downloaded from the company's website and allows users to analyze the circularity of their building products. By entering data from the environmental

Ground-breaking ceremony for carbon-free cement plant in Belgium
The building materials producer has broken ground on a facility in Belgium to produce carbon-free cement. The GO4ZERO plant in Obourg aims to produce 2 million tons of net-zero cement annually by 2029. With an investment of over 500 million euros and support from the European Innovation Fund, the

Pilot project to reduce energy consumption in building technology
Hälg AG is testing the AI-based software technology R8 Digital Operator at its headquarters in St. Gallen to reduce energy consumption in buildings. The pilot project aims to determine the energy-saving potential of building control. The software uses AI algorithms to monitor and automatically

The path to sustainable metropolises
The Urban Land Institute (ULI) and BNP Paribas Real Estate Investment Management (REIM) have presented a groundbreaking discussion paper that sheds light on how cities can strengthen their resilience through innovative approaches to urban planning. "Urban Transformation versus Urban Resilience"

Innovation and networking in the Swiss electrical industry
Ineltec 2024 returns as the leading meeting place for the Swiss electrical industry to present the latest trends and technologies at Messe Zürich on 11 and 12 September. With a newly designed format and an almost fully booked participation, the trade fair will become a centre for inspiration,

A new vision for the Zurich metropolitan area
In November 2023, the cantonal planners from Aargau, Lucerne, Schaffhausen, Schwyz, St. Gallen, Thurgau, Zug and Zurich presented the innovative Metro-ROK 2050 spatial planning concept, which sets the course for the sustainable development of the Zurich metropolitan area in order to effectively

Zug sets standards in global blockchain research
The canton of Zug is investing CHF 39.35 million in a five-year project to promote blockchain research in order to establish the so-called "Crypto Valley" as a leading global centre for blockchain technology. An innovative research institute is being founded in cooperation with the University of

Influential voice in the property industry
After his studies, Stefan Fahrländer worked at renowned institutions and research facilities in the field of economic research and real estate analysis. His career took him from Berlin via Zurich to the Middle East. Today, as a lecturer at universities and with his expertise, he is a significant

The art of interior design – Zurich’s path to the future
In an interview, Katrin Gügler, Director of Spatial Planning for the City of Zurich, provides a comprehensive insight into her diverse tasks. Together with her interdisciplinary team, she works on Zurich's development with the aim of maintaining a high quality of life despite urban growth and

Environment, costs and aesthetics: a comparison of concrete and wood
The choice between concrete and timber as building materials for construction projects is crucial as they have far-reaching effects on the environment, construction costs, longevity of structures and aesthetics. Both materials have their own advantages and disadvantages that need to be considered

Evolution of living space design
Since 1950, the space required per resident has increased from 25 m² to 46 m², which has led to larger bathrooms and open-plan kitchen layouts. These changes not only reflect increased demands on building physics and ecology, but also favour a more efficient use of space through denser

GF tackles expansion of Klostergut Paradies
The Paradies Foundation is planning a comprehensive upgrade of the Paradies Monastery estate in Schlatt, including the construction of a new hotel and the environmentally friendly renovation of the existing restaurant. GF is investing around 10 million Swiss francs in the project, which includes 34

Biogas production attracts interest in Laufental-Thierstein
Erdgas AG Laufenstein-Thierstein (GASAG) is planning to build a biogas plant in the Münchenstein region. In a letter to farmers, the location issue was clarified and financing options were examined. The plant is to be located near a gas pipeline and operated by farmers, while GASAG guarantees the

Company secures CHF 3 million for compressed air energy storage system
Green-Y Energy AG has successfully completed a financing round of 3 million Swiss francs, led by Swiss Capital Global Impact Fund AG. The company from Hasle near Burgdorf plans to use the funds to optimize and market its innovative compressed air energy storage technology. This technology stores

Losinger Marazzi implements climate strategy in its projects
Property developer and total contractor Losinger Marazzi has been positioning itself as a pioneer in sustainability in the property and construction industry for almost 20 years. In 2021, the company created the position of Chief Climate Officer. Losinger Marazzi is systematically implementing its

Potential for transformation despite development delay in Basel
A new study by the Sotomo research institute, commissioned by the "Basel vorwärts" initiative, shows that Basel is lagging behind other major Swiss cities in terms of housing construction and population and job growth. Nevertheless, the city harbours considerable potential for urban transformation

High-temperature solar power plants for continuous energy supply
An innovative spin-off from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), 247Solar, presents a ground-breaking high-temperature solar power plant that enables continuous electricity and heat production. This system promises a solution to the challenges of renewable energies, particularly those

Zurich’s dynamic step into the circular economy
With its innovative "Circular Zurich" strategy, the City of Zurich is taking decisive steps towards a circular economy in order to promote the sustainable use of resources and minimise environmental impact. This initiative comprises 79 targeted measures that directly address not only municipal

Partnership for a sustainable energy supply in Volketswil
The energy supplier Energie 360° and Vantage Data Centres are planning an energy network in Volketswil ZH based on waste heat utilisation. From the end of 2028, 70 megawatts are to be produced annually. This will provide 7000 households in four municipalities with a climate-neutral energy

The “ALTO” construction project
The alto building project at Freihofstrasse 23 in Zurich Altstetten is an architectural highlight: an 80 metre high residential building that combines living space, public areas and green oases in an innovative way. This project, on the former site of the Fiat garage, represents a milestone in the

A new home for families and creativity in Leutschenbach
The Leutschenbach housing estate, which was built on the former Heineken site in Zurich, marks a significant step in urban development. With 369 flats, public facilities and creative workplaces, it sets new standards for contemporary, family-friendly living in a lively

Award for sustainable new build in Central Switzerland
The Association of the Timber Industry, Lignum, has awarded the new event hall at Campus Sursee the "Swiss Wood" label. This label identifies wood that has grown in Swiss or Liechtenstein forests and is locally processed. The use of wood in construction is appreciated for its lightweight,

Historic election at the Swiss Association of Engineers and Architects
Susanne Zenker has been elected as the first female president of the Swiss Society of Engineers and Architects (SIA). This marks a historic moment in the nearly two-hundred-year history of the association. Zenker, a trained architect from EPFL and currently a manager at SBB Immobilien, will assume

Greencity Vergé sets new standards in sustainability
In the Greencity district, south of Zurich's city centre, the Vergé construction project defines the standard for future-oriented, sustainable living. With the aim of completion by mid-2026, this project combines progressive concepts for age-appropriate living with strict sustainability criteria,

