
New study analyses chemicals in plastic
A new international study, published in the journal Nature, systematically analyses over 16,000 chemicals in plastics. It reveals how many of them are harmful to human health and the environment and shows concrete ways in which the plastics industry can become safer and more transparent in

Zurich focusses on the future
The latest issue of Zürcher Umweltpraxis und Raumentwicklung clearly shows that the commitment to climate and environmental protection is bearing fruit. The Canton of Zurich takes its responsibility for the climate and environment seriously. With ambitious goals, concrete measures and a clear view

Where electricity will come from in 2050
Switzerland wants to be climate-neutral by 2050 and at the same time phase out nuclear energy. To meet this dual challenge, a massive expansion of photovoltaics and wind power is needed. A new report by the EDGE research consortium shows in several studies how this transition could succeed. What

Swiss PV Circle lays the foundations for the reuse of solar modules
SENS eRecycling and Swissolar from Zurich have completed the Swiss PV Circle project together with the Bern University of Applied Sciences. The aim was to promote the reuse of photovoltaic modules. The partners formulated political recommendations, market analyses and created practical

Think circularly, build together
How can construction be designed in such a way that materials are not consumed but reused? This question is at the centre of the Circular Time Lab at Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts. Architecture students and apprentices from regional timber construction companies are using reusable

Switzerland launches pipe recycling at national level
With the "Swiss Plastic Pipe Recycling" project, VSPR and VKR, together with leading partners, are launching a nationwide system for taking back and recycling plastic pipes. The aim is to create a nationwide material cycle that is ecologically and economically sound and taps into previously

New recommendations for better protection of high-quality floors
The Durabilitas Foundation for Sustainable Development has worked with partners to develop recommendations on how soils can be better taken into account in spatial planning. Applications in other countries and Swiss pilot projects were analysed for this

Digital tool for site development
With a digital guide, the IRAP and IPM institutes of the University of Applied Sciences of Eastern Switzerland and the company GEOINFO Applications AG are developing a platform that can be used throughout Switzerland to support municipalities and planners in site development. The focus is on


Digital concrete analyses for higher quality and sustainability
Sika has acquired a stake in Giatec Scientic Inc. The Canadian company specialises, among other things, in digital solutions for the optimal mixing of concrete. Together with its admixture technologies, Sika aims to achieve significant savings in CO2 emissions and

Building culture in focus, NRP 81 begins
The National Research Program "Baukultur" (NRP 81) was officially launched with an inspiring kick-off meeting in Thun. The participating research teams and practice partners have clearly positioned themselves as a community that wants to tackle the ecological and social challenges of the built

ProKilowatt 2025 tenders set new standards
30 projects that save electricity with innovative efficiency measures have already been approved. Simplified application procedures and a high degree of flexibility provide companies with attractive funding opportunities and make an important contribution to Switzerland's energy

House of wood in Sursee shows the future
The Haus des Holzes in Sursee sets new standards in timber construction. It combines sustainable materials, digital planning and modular construction in one building. It is an exemplary combination of ecological responsibility and technological innovation and opens up new perspectives for the

Historical technology meets modern research
Researchers from the Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (Empa) are participating in the construction of a water wheel in Steffisburg. The aim of the water wheel is to continue to supply the Mühlebach stream with water and protect the ecosystem from drying

SBB continues to develop Basel
A new part of the city is being created on the former Wolf goods station in Basel. SBB is pressing ahead with the development of a mixed-use neighbourhood with around 600 flats and around 1,000 jobs. The first two new buildings have now been finalised and the site is being opened up for interim

Building between town and country
The Swiss construction industry is at a turning point. Rural land, urban densification, a shortage of skilled labour and complex construction processes. Doris Kälin and Gian Nauli, two prominent voices from the cantons of Schwyz and Thurgau, provide insights into the current situation, future

Comparison of differences in life cycle assessments for building products
Conspark GmbH has published a fact sheet on the life cycle assessment of construction products. It compares the different rules in the EU and Switzerland. As they also produce different results, the company, which specialises in the circular economy, advocates



Logistics centre in Bedano is operated completely fossil-free
Ernst Sutter AG's logistics centre in Ticino is operated entirely without fossil fuels. The meat industry company operates the facility in Bedano with electricity from solar and water energy. By dispensing with fossil fuels, the company is further expanding its commitment to

Digital building solutions company receives top marks for climate protection
Carbon Disclosure Project has awarded KONE the top grade A for environmental transparency and climate protection measures. The globally active manufacturer of lifts and escalators with its Swiss headquarters in Brüttisellen can demonstrate measurable success in achieving its climate

Expansion of the district heating network in Ober- and Unterentfelden
Eniwa starts construction of a heating network in Entfelden. Planning permission has been granted for the first stage. The first households are to be supplied with district heating from 2026. Further construction is planned from 2028 to ensure a high level of long-term supply

Winterthur invests in six smart city projects for 2025
How can artificial intelligence make cultural events more accessible? What solutions help to mitigate extreme heat in the city? And how can libraries be used outside of regular opening hours? These and other questions are the focus of six innovative projects that Winterthur 2025 is funding with the






