Concrete as CO₂ storage
The "Mining the Atmosphere" research initiative shows that excess CO₂ from the atmosphere can be permanently stored in building materials such as concrete. With a storage capacity of up to ten billion tonnes of carbon per year, this approach could help to reduce CO₂ levels to a climate-friendly
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
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 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
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
Timber construction as the key to CO2 reduction in the construction sector
TIMBERHAUS is the start of an EU-funded research project aimed at advancing timber construction in Europe. Over the course of four years, innovative technologies will be developed to significantly reduce CO2 emissions in the construction sector and use wood more
Researchers develop commercially viable salt batteries for safe energy storage
Researchers at the Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (Empa) are working on optimising salt batteries. Unlike lithium-ion batteries, these are non-flammable and can therefore be used in hazardous locations in mining or tunnelling as well as on oil and gas
New ultra-thin film for interference-free 5G and 6G
A research team from the Korea Institute of Materials Science (KIMS) has developed an ultra-thin film that absorbs 99% of electromagnetic waves. This technology could significantly improve the efficiency and reliability of modern communication and radar systems and ensure interference-free
Revolutionary building monitoring
A new metamaterial with exceptional sensitivity to tensile and compressive forces could significantly improve the monitoring and stability of structures. Researchers at KIT have developed a technology that enables precise measurements and thus raises structural safety to a new
Innovative drone research
The joint laboratory of Empa and EPFL is creating a pioneering research platform that develops drones for building maintenance and environmental protection. This collaboration is exemplary for the future of robotics, which could have far-reaching effects both in the property industry and in site
Roche opens new centre for pharmaceutical research
With a total investment of 1.2 billion Swiss francs, Roche has opened a state-of-the-art research and development centre in Basel. The new centre brings together researchers from various disciplines and strengthens the global innovative power of the pharmaceutical company. Further investments
Research into earthquake safety for multi-storey buildings
The Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (Empa) uses a so-called shaker to simulate the vibrations of earthquakes on structural models. This should lead to greater safety in buildings. The experiment will be presented at the open day on 14
New findings on the stiffness of timber structures
Multi-storey timber buildings are becoming increasingly important in Switzerland. To ensure that these structures can withstand the challenges posed by wind and earthquakes, Empa researchers are conducting practical experiments with a two-tonne shaker. The aim is to measure the stiffness and
Breakthrough in quantum computing technology
Google researchers have made significant progress in error correction in quantum computers. By generating a stable logical quantum bit from 97 error-prone quantum bits, they have come a big step closer to the goal of a fault-tolerant quantum computer - and are thus opening up new horizons for the
Study shows opportunities for façade greening and solar panels
A recent study by Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts shows how facade greening and solar panels on buildings can be effectively combined to meet the challenges of global warming. The results offer valuable insights and practical recommendations for building owners and
No complex thinking skills with ChatGPT & Co.
A new study led by TU Darmstadt shows the limits of AI models such as ChatGPT. Contrary to previous assumptions, these systems do not develop independent or complex thinking skills, but only follow simple instructions. The results shed new light on the actual capabilities and risks of artificial
Solid-state batteries made of rock
In autumn 2026, the sustainable Greencity district in Zurich South will be completed with the development on construction site B6. This innovative project, developed by Losinger Marazzi AG, comprises 179 age-appropriate flats and represents a significant step forward in urban housing
Intergenerational living as a challenge and an opportunity
Angesichts des demografischen Wandels und der alternden Bevölkerung steht die Gesellschaft vor der Herausforderung, geeignete Wohnformen zu finden. Eine vom Bundesamt für Wohnungswesen unterstützte Studie zeigt, dass gemeinschaftliche Wohnformen wie das Generationenwohnen vielversprechende
Award for innovative circular economy in the construction industry
Forschende der Hochschule Luzern und der Technischen Universität München erzielen mit dem Forschungsprojekt circularWOOD den ersten Platz bei der Sustainability Challenge der Deutschen Gesellschaft für nachhaltiges Bauen (DGNB). Der Preis wurde in der Kategorie Forschung für die Umsetzung
Basel receives multi-billion euro immune research institute
The Botnar Foundation is investing one billion Swiss francs in the establishment of the Botnar Institute of Immune Engineering (BIIE) in Basel. Together with the University of Oxford and ETH Zurich, the institute will develop new immune-based diagnostics and
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
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