
Buildings as carbon sinks
The construction industry is on the brink of a revolution. In future, buildings could not only be CO2-neutral, but even CO2-negative. The Empa initiative "Mining the Atmosphere" is pursuing precisely this goal. The NEST unit "Beyond Zero" is testing innovative materials that can permanently bind

Findings from the Healthy Buildings Barometer 2024
The Healthy Buildings Barometer 2024 emphasises the urgent need to put health, sustainability and resilience at the heart of construction and renovation projects. The study shows that only a holistic approach can future-proof the building sector - with clear recommendations for policymakers and

Decarbonisation of buildings possible through timber construction
The Zurich-based PropTech start-up Timber Finance enables building owners and investors in the building sector to monetise their climate performance in timber construction through CO₂ storage certificates for the first time. This innovation contributes to decarbonisation and is recognised by

Binding Prize for Biodiversity 2025
The Sophie and Karl Binding Foundation invites applications for the prestigious Binding Prize for Biodiversity 2025. For the fifth time, we are looking for innovative and pioneering projects that set new standards in the context of the annual theme "Biodiversity and Health". Take the opportunity

Innovation Award 2024 goes to company from Schachen with ultra-high-strength building material
Mauderli AG has won this year's Innovation Award from the Central Switzerland Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHZ). The company from Schachen was honoured for its special ultra-high-strength fibre composite building material


Cantonal hospital: New brand identity under the banner of healing architecture
Baden Cantonal Hospital (KSB) will move into its new building, which is based on the principle of healing architecture, at the beginning of 2025. With a new logo and a modern brand identity, the hospital is focusing on positive and healing-oriented

Sustainable processes through pinch analysis and heat storage
With PinCH 4.0, Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts has developed software that makes industrial processes more energy-efficient and cost-saving. The integration of heat storage systems can significantly reduce energy consumption, as an analysis at food manufacturer HACO


Future-oriented urban development in Bern
The visionary Wankdorfcity 3 project is taking shape in Bern, creating new residential and living space. The building permit granted lays the foundation for a lively neighbourhood that will provide around 500 flats and 3,000 jobs by 2029. The mix of living, working and leisure will revitalise the

Swiss cleantech start-ups conquer the South African market
Four Swiss cleantech start-ups successfully took part in the Swiss-South African Cleantech Challenge and presented impressive solutions. Subasol in particular stood out and secured first place in the pitch competition at the SA Innovation Summit. The program promotes market access for Swiss

New era and exciting finalists for the Real Estate Award 2024
The Real Estate Awards ceremony will take place at Trafo Baden on October 24, 2024. With a new concept, fresh categories and a modern focus, the award has been comprehensively revised to meet the changing requirements of the construction and real estate industry. The award provides a platform for


Building authorities conference Appenzell Ausserrhoden
End of September 2024, the building authorities conference took place in Walzenhausen, focusing on the topic of "Diverse habitats in settlements". Around 50 representatives from municipal authorities, building authorities and companies discussed the importance of biodiversity in residential areas

FEDRO promotes electric mobility in Switzerland
The Federal Roads Office (FEDRO) is supporting the further development of electromobility in Switzerland by expanding fast-charging stations along the national roads. Five companies have been awarded the contract for the construction of charging hubs, which should significantly increase the density

Investment in low-CO2 cement promotes market launch
Sublime Systems is also able to build its first commercial production plant for low-CO2 cement in the US state of Massachusetts with the help of an investment from Holcim. The start-up has developed a CO2-free electrochemical process for this purpose. Holcim will purchase the


Perovskia Solar receives investment of 2.4 million dollars
Perovskia Solar AG has received 2.4 million dollars in fresh capital to further develop its flexible solar technology. The solar cells can be integrated into IoT devices and smart systems. With new investors and resources, the company is ready for further

KohlenKraft sponsors Zurich Climathon
KohlenKraft, a young company from the Technopark Winterthur, develops climate-positive building materials. Its innovative products help to reduce CO2 emissions and contribute to the circular economy. CEO Charles Gerike-Roberts and CTO Moritz Keller have already received several awards for their

Renewable energies on the rise: Zurich city plans
The city of Zurich has approved the expansion of renewable energies with a framework credit of CHF 300 million. Investments are planned in hydropower, alpine photovoltaics and wind power, including abroad. This is intended to ensure the competitiveness of the energy supplier


Energy City Association focuses on net zero
Cities and municipalities are working towards the goal of climate neutrality with the Energy City label. Certification and strategies are increasingly being adapted to the net-zero target in order to promote sustainable energy policies. There is a particular focus on supporting smaller

India’s top trade fair for environmental technologies
IFAT India is the leading exhibition in India specialising in water and wastewater management, waste management and recycling. It takes place annually in Mumbai and is part of the IFAT Worldwide Cluster, which is based on the renowned "IFAT" trade fair for environmental technologies in Munich.

Electrified company fleet also for employees
The ETH spin-off Synhelion has opened the first industrial plant for the production of solar fuels. With the help of an innovative high-temperature heat storage system, solar energy is used to produce climate-neutral fuels around the clock. This ground-breaking development could change the energy

Bio-inspired building material revolution for the construction industry
A new cement material, inspired by the structure of human bones, could change the construction industry forever. It offers up to six times more resistance than conventional cement and opens up completely new possibilities for future-orientated construction