
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

Another stage victory for Quatre Bornes wind farm
The initiators of the Quatre Bornes wind farm have achieved an important victory as the Federal Court rejected the complaint against a new vote. The municipality of Sonvilier will now vote on the district plan on September 22, equivalent to a building permit. The wind farm will include a total of

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

IFJ develops new offer for municipalities with start.swiss
The IFJ Institute for Young Enterprises has launched start.swiss to promote economic development in all Swiss regions. The service targets municipalities, cities, and economic regions, offering up-to-date data, automated processes, and local

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

Progress with slope stabilisation in Bergdietikon
After completing the slope stabilization in Land Rai, the municipality of Bergdietikon is conducting further measurements to ensure the buildability of the area. Due to heavy rainfall during the observation phase, geologists have decided to collect additional data. Six core drillings and six

Importance of the property sector for the Swiss economy
The Federal Office for Housing highlights the high economic significance of the real estate sector in Switzerland. With a share of 11 percent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and 16 percent including rental income and imputed rents, the sector is an important economic factor. Approximately

Innovative climbing protection systems for urban cable cars
UBS and Wincasa have introduced a new advisory solution for owners of investment properties. This service aims to support renovation and energy-efficient upgrades to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The collaboration aims to promote sustainable thinking in the real estate

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

Large-scale project for performing arts and student accommodation in Vernier
The Fondation pour le Développement des Arts et de la Culture has commissioned HRS to build a cultural center and a student residence in Vernier. The project includes an event hall with 492 seats and 920 standing places, as well as 220 apartments for students. The complex is complemented by a

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

IWB leaves the energy crisis behind in terms of profit
The Basel energy provider IWB increased its revenue by 11 percent to 1,265 million Swiss francs in 2023, setting a new record. Higher revenues from electricity supply in the free market, the growing solar business, and increased gas tariffs contributed significantly to this achievement. The profit

Market presence expanded through takeover of a competitor
SFS, a manufacturer based in the St.Gallen-Lake Constance area, has acquired the Madrid-based company Etanco as of May 1, 2024. This acquisition strengthens SFS's market position in Spain and Portugal. Etanco, a specialist distributor of fasteners and fixings, also offers services such as

Test planning for the development of the AEW site in Aarau
In the autumn, AEW Immobilien AG is carrying out a test planning for the development of the AEW site together with the Aarau municipal building authority. The 60-year-old development comprises a high-rise building, the High Court and a restaurant. The aim of the planning is to clarify the framework

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

Prices for residential property move in opposite directions
The Swiss Real Estate Offer Index shows a price increase of 1.2 per cent for single-family homes in April compared to the previous month, as reported by the SMG Swiss Marketplace Group. Despite the widespread demand for owner-occupied homes, buyers have become more selective, which leaves the

New smart antenna optimises construction processes
Leica Geosystems has introduced the new Leica iCON gps 120 smart antenna to precisely control construction processes and machine movements. The antenna is integrated into the Leica MC 1 machine control programme and enables efficient coordination between heavy construction machines. Customers

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,

New partnership in the pipe system market: Brugg Pipes and Rovanco in the USA
Brugg Rohrsystem AG, known as Brugg Pipes, has formed a significant strategic alliance with its US distribution partner Rovanco Piping Systems. The new joint venture will be based in the Chicago metropolitan area and aims to significantly reduce production times for pipe systems. This joint venture

Partnership for the digitalisation of the property market in Zurich
Skribble, a specialist in digital signatures from Zurich, is partnering with the real estate service provider SMG Real Estate. This collaboration aims to digitize the real estate market by introducing electronic signatures for purchase and rental contracts. SMG Real Estate customers can now sign

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


