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
Acquisition expands offering in construction and recycling
Holcim acquires the Cand-Landi Group. The French-speaking Swiss holding company is active in recycling and waste management and produces aggregates and ready-mixes. With this acquisition, the building materials trader Holcim aims to drive forward decarbonisation and circular construction in
Switzerland, pioneer of the circular economy in the construction sector
The concept of the circular economy is gaining in importance in the construction sector as a way of tackling climate and resource challenges. A study by the Bern University of Applied Sciences analyses the current state of the sector and highlights the
Resource efficiency through medium voltage in photovoltaics
Fraunhofer ISE is revolutionising photovoltaics through the use of medium voltage in large-scale PV power plants. This innovative technology saves raw materials, reduces installation costs and increases system performance. Pilot projects and a market launch are already being
Easier building in noisy areas
As part of the revision of the Environmental Protection Act, the National Council's Committee for the Environment, Energy and Spatial Planning is advocating pragmatic solutions for building permits in noisy areas. Controlled residential ventilation and private outdoor spaces are being introduced as
A model project for Switzerland Ecological upgrading of the River Sihl
The Canton of Zurich and the Swiss Federal Railways are jointly revitalising a section of the Sihl in the Sihlwald forest. The aim of the project is to ecologically enhance the previously monotonous and obstructed Sihl and transform it into a diverse and more lively river. This will not only create
Davos Baukultur discusses sustainable transformation of the built environment
At its annual meeting in Geneva, the Davos Baukultur Alliance discussed approaches and practical models for a sustainable transformation of the built environment. Founded in 2023 in partnership with the World Economic Forum, the Alliance is made up of countries, organisations and
Paradigm shift in energy planning
Empa-Forscher Matthias Sulzer und Berkeley-Lab-Forscher Michael Wetter fordern einen radikalen Wandel in der Planung von Gebäude- und Energiesystemen. Sie schlagen einen stärker automatisierten und modellbasierten Planungsprozess vor, der der Komplexität und Flexibilität zukünftiger
Cross-border territorial vision 2050
The climatic and social challenges of our time require a rethink in land use planning beyond national borders. The Canton of Geneva, the Nyon region and the Pôle métropolitain du Genevois français have joined forces to develop a common vision for the future development of the greater Geneva
Andreas Bühler manages Zürioberland
The Zürioberland Regional Development has a new president: Andreas Bühler was recently elected as the successor to Ruedi Rüfenacht at the general assembly. The Zürioberland Forum provided exciting insights into the transformation of the Maggi area into a research and service
Cycle and protection of wood as a natural building material
Wood is highly durable by nature. If it is installed dry and kept dry during construction, it can last for many generations. In areas with high humidity, wood can be protected by construction measures or various treatment methods. In addition, wood can be excellently combined with other materials
New player in the UK recycling market
Holcim has acquired the British company Land Recovery. This supplier of recycled rail ballast and demolition material for the production of ready-mix concrete, precast elements and asphalt brings Holcim closer to its goal of recycling 10 million tonnes of building materials this
Swiss Climate Foundation supports ten projects
The Swiss Climate Foundation has approved a total of around CHF 1.3 million for ten innovative climate-related projects in its first funding round in 2024. The projects being funded include a mini wind turbine, a robot for geothermal drilling and a lightweight
New wooden apartment blocks with innovative TS3 technology
In Zollikerberg, two apartment buildings in timber construction were recently built, creating a link between Zurich city centre and idyllic nature. Thanks to an innovative connection technology called TS3, the timber construction was also able to bridge larger spans. The decision in favour of
Considerable economic growth. Increasing quality of life
The canton of Zurich shows that economic growth and an increasing quality of life are compatible with a decreasing environmental impact. The latest economic monitoring report from the Office of Economic Affairs illustrates this successful balance and presents a thought experiment on the
Insolight launches first agrivoltaic plant in France
The Lausanne-based company Insolight, specializing in agri-photovoltaic solutions, has launched an innovative agri-photovoltaic plant in France. The facility on a farm in Sames combines strawberry production with semi-transparent photovoltaic panels and generates clean energy for about 50
Inauguration of a photovoltaic system at Limeco
The Limmattal regional utility Limeco has inaugurated a photovoltaic system with 624 solar panels on the roof of the wastewater treatment plant. This generates 252,000 kilowatt-hours of green electricity, primarily for the plant's own use and surpluses for the public
First use of CPC concrete slabs in building construction
The Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW) is using CPC concrete panels in high-rise construction for the first time. These innovative carbon-reinforced concrete panels significantly reduce the carbon footprint and are recyclable. An innovation lab in Winterthur serves as the first
Career prospects in Swiss timber construction
The timber construction industry plays a central role in Switzerland in the field of sustainable construction and energy-efficient building refurbishment. As an environmentally friendly and climate-neutral construction technology, it contributes to reducing energy consumption and shaping the future
Women in timber construction
The world of work is changing, not least due to the generational shift. Traditional job and role models in timber construction are being broken down. The Holz-Bau Plus industry event examined how companies can fulfil the interest of female specialists in a career in timber