Climate-friendly residential project in Burgdorf sets new standards
The Fischermätteli residential project in Burgdorf was the first entire site to be certified to Minergie standards. The project is characterized by sustainable timber construction, low energy consumption and maximum self-sufficiency with renewable
Parliament restricts the right of associations to lodge complaints about residential construction projects
Parliament has decided to significantly restrict the right to lodge complaints with associations for smaller residential construction projects in the construction area. This decision is intended to relieve single-family home builders in particular from delays caused by complaints. Despite
Emergency management in the property sector
In the property industry, verbal and physical assaults during property viewings are not uncommon. The "SVIT Emergency App", developed by SVIT Young Zurich and e-emergency, offers an innovative solution for emergencies. State-of-the-art technology effectively minimises security risks and strengthens
New professorships in Real Estate Economics & Finance from autumn 2024
CUREM is taking a significant step in its further development. Together with three funding partners, the institute is creating two new professorships in the field of "Real Estate Economics & Finance" from autumn 2024. This expansion will strengthen CUREM's academic expertise and further
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
IneltecSwiss electrical industry celebrates a powerful comeback
After seven years, ineltec returns to Messe Zürich on 11 and 12 September. With a newly focussed concept, the leading electrical trade fair welcomes 162 exhibitors and numerous experts from the electrical trade and planning sector. Innovation, knowledge transfer and personal exchange will take
Expert group ignores referendum and constitutional mandate
A group of experts is proposing savings measures for the Fonds de Roulement for non-profit housing developers in order to ease the burden on the federal budget. This proposal has been heavily criticised as it contradicts both a recent referendum and the constitutional mandate to promote non-profit
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
Expansion of electromobility in Switzerland
Swiss Post and the agricultural cooperative fenaco are planning to set up a fast-charging network for e-cars using renewable electricity with a joint venture. The first 50 should be ready to go by mid-2025. A total of 300 locations with 1500 charging stations are
New battery storage system for Gossau ensures grid stability
Stadtwerke Gossau now has a battery storage facility with a capacity of 2.5 megawatts. It was supplied, installed and commissioned by Axpo. The large storage system is designed to compensate for fluctuations in demand and power peaks. Island operation is also
Energy generation and cooling: façades at the centre of research
Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts (HSLU) has analysed the potential for greenery and solar panels on building facades. According to the corresponding study and statements by researcher Silvia Domingo, the two can be combined well. The reservations of building owners are also taken
Research into resource-efficient construction driven forward at NEST
The STEP2 module in the NEST research and innovation building at Empa was inaugurated on August 29. It provides a platform for testing innovative, resource-saving construction technologies, including a 3D-printed concrete staircase and a sound-insulating filigree
Pilot project launched to monetize climate performance in the construction sector
Timber Finance is introducing a new instrument that enables building owners and investors to monetize their climate performance through CO2 storage certificates. A pilot phase for the process will soon start in Switzerland with around 20 timber construction
ZHAW awards 77 Bachelor’s and 10 Master’s degrees
On 30 August 2024, 77 Bachelor's and 10 Master's graduates in Facility Management and Real Estate & Facility Management were ceremoniously graduated from the ZHAW at Technopark Zurich. The graduates thus embarked on a promising future as sought-after specialists and
Residential construction remains under pressure
In the first half of 2024, turnover in the main construction sector stagnated at CHF 11 billion, while incoming orders declined slightly. Residential construction in particular is struggling with considerable challenges, while public civil engineering is benefiting from rising demand. The industry
How nonsensical regulations are slowing down residential construction
The housing shortage in Swiss cities is worsening, and lengthy building permit procedures and a large number of unnecessary building regulations are contributing significantly to this. Experts from the construction and property industry are sounding the alarm and urgently calling for reforms to
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