Anyone who wants to experience an exciting and top-class industry event in late autumn should accept the invitation to the 17th Swiss Finance and Real Estate Congress 2024. Zurich will be the "place to be" for decision-makers from the worlds of business, finance and property.

The EKT Energy Foundation has pledged financial support to four projects in the second funding round. The projects deal with the dual use of agricultural land, energy storage and the fundamentals of geothermal

Researchers from Empa, the University of Bristol and TNO investigated emissions of the extremely climate-damaging gas HFC-23 from Teflon and coolant production. Despite positive developments, their results show that global reduction measures are not yet being implemented across the

The Basel-Stadt government council has presented a comprehensive concept for expanding the district heating network. In addition to the renovation of roads and streetcar tracks, large inner-city areas are to be greened and unsealed in order to improve the urban

The RECIPE consortium was selected as part of the SWEET funding program to strengthen the resilience of the Swiss energy infrastructure. The project aims to analyze the risks posed by climate change and the energy transition and to develop measures for

In collaboration with Marti Construction, the start-up Oxara from Dietikon has realized the interior fit-out of a school building in Confignon using sustainable clay concrete. The material reduces CO2 emissions and creates a unique

With the start of construction of the "FORUM UZH", the University of Zurich is marking a milestone in the further development of Zurich as a university location. The innovative new building will provide urgently needed space for teaching and research from 2030 and expand the university

A recent study by Flinders University in Australia shows that sinks in private households and hospitals harbour dangerous microbes that can lead to serious infections such as pneumonia and Legionnaires' disease. What is particularly alarming is that the diversity of bacteria in private households

Empa researchers are using innovative sensor technology and mathematical models to investigate smart solutions for optimising the indoor climate. The aim is to improve well-being in the workplace and at the same time utilise energy more

Zürcher Kantonalbank (ZKB) wants to reduce emissions in its operations to net zero by 2030. The bank is focussing on sustainability and climate protection with technologies such as CO2 capture, pyrolysis and storage in

The Department of Construction and Environment of the Canton of Glarus has anchored the settlement and extraction areas of the municipality of Glarus North in the cantonal structure plan. These stipulations follow the approval of the communal utilisation plan and provide planning and legal

Plants use the sun's energy to produce sugar, which trees can convert into wood. Wood is an environmentally friendly building material that has been used by people for a long time. Today, the entire wood value chain provides around 80,000 jobs in Switzerland, which corresponds to approximately 2%

In view of the acute housing shortage in the city of Zurich, the idea of adding storeys to existing buildings across the board is gaining in importance. A recently submitted initiative calls for building regulations to be amended to make it easier to add storeys in urban areas - with wood as the

Empa and Eawag have modernised their research campus in Dübendorf with the completion of three new buildings. The extension, known as "co-operate", provides space for innovative research and strengthens collaboration between the institutes.

The latest study by the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems ISE shows that photovoltaic systems with battery storage now produce electricity more cheaply than conventional coal and gas-fired power plants. The cost forecasts for renewable energies up to 2045 are also very promising.

The cantonal government has released the fifth-generation Lucerne agglomeration programme for public consultation. From 3 August to 1 October 2024, experts, municipalities and interested parties can contribute their views. The programme includes extensive measures for sustainable settlement and

Strabag uses a mobile crusher from Gipo at the Bürglen gravel works. It is used to recycle demolition material for road construction and concrete production. The recycling technology is environmentally friendly and space-saving, as there is no need for storage and

In around two months' time, the most important event in the Swiss construction and property industry will take place at the Trafo in Baden. Voting for this year's Real Estate Award is already underway and tickets for the award ceremony can be purchased

The investment required for energy-efficient refurbishments is more than compensated for by increases in value in the case of a pure heating system replacement. Comprehensive energy refurbishments can also be economically worthwhile. This is shown in a study by Wüest

Jerylee Wilkes-Allemann from Bern University of Applied Sciences advocates paying more attention to urban forests in urban planning. These urban forests are central to the future cityscape and contribute to cooling, air purification and

Umwelt Arena presents two new photovoltaic sunshades in front of its restaurant in Spreitenbach. These parasols not only provide shade, but also generate electricity that can be used to charge electronic

Energy supplier Thurplus needs additional roof areas from companies and organisations to further expand photovoltaics (PV). This is the only way to achieve the city's PV expansion targets. Over the past seven years, Thurplus has been able to increase its PV output

A Canadian research team has accidentally developed a super-black wood that absorbs almost 100% of light. This groundbreaking discovery could revolutionize the efficiency of solar cells and the design of luxury

The cantonal government has launched the consultation process for Zurich's fifth-generation agglomeration programmes. These programmes are crucial for the coordinated development of transport and settlements and secure financial support from the federal government for transport infrastructure

From now until 15 September 2024, those interested in the industry and the general public can cast their votes for the Real Estate Award 2024. This year, twelve outstanding companies and projects are up for election, divided into four categories: Digital, Sustainability, Project

On July 12, 2024, the winners of the fourth "Aerogel Architecture Award" were announced on the Empa campus. Six projects in the categories "Realized Solutions" and "Student Projects" showcased impressive applications of aerogel materials in construction and convinced the jury with their efficiency

Tensol Rail SA has commissioned a photovoltaic system with 3082.18 kilowatt peak. The system was installed by the Swiss company Helion and is one of the largest projects in the region. The electricity generated is used for internal

From autumn 2025, Fernwärme Wetzikon AG will purchase heat from the KEZO waste incineration plant in Hinwil. Two contracts regulate the heat supply for the next 50

Cement recycling is a cost-effective and efficient way to reduce emissions by mineralizing CO2 in recycled cement paste. A study shows that this could reduce emissions from cement production by around 15

Punkt Rufer is creating a program for the Bern Civil Engineering Office to strengthen the circular economy in construction projects and existing infrastructure. The focus is on knowledge transfer, innovation and pilot