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
Federal Council amends four key ordinances in the renovation and recycling process
On 31 May 2024, the Swiss Federal Council approved significant amendments to four important environmental ordinances in order to strengthen environmental protection and improve the efficiency of remediation and recycling processes. The amendments concern the Contaminated Sites Ordinance, the
Microbes as power stations
A ground-breaking EPFL research project led by Professor Ardemis Boghossian has shown how modified E. coli bacteria can effectively generate electricity. This discovery opens new doors for energy production and could enable far-reaching applications in environmental technology and
Future-oriented heat supply in Zurich’s inner-city neighbourhoods
To achieve its climate targets, the city of Zurich is paving the way for an innovative, fossil-free heat supply in densely built-up neighbourhoods. A new study sheds light on efficient approaches and the infrastructure required to realise the ambitious net-zero target by
Load-bearing capacity and usability of timber buildings
Thanks to findings from research and development as well as many years of experience in timber construction, the fire protection authorities have been able to remove many restrictions for timber constructions. Nowadays, fire protection regulations deal with timber as a building material without any
A natural way to a higher quality of living
Cosiness, indoor air quality and protection from external influences are the three pillars of living quality. The natural properties of wood support various aspects of living quality. Solid wood can be used without chemical additives and combined with other natural insulating materials such as
University of Bern makes Postgasse even greener
Die Universität Bern startete 2023 das Projekt „Die grünste Gasse der Welt“ mit einer Begrünungsaktion in der Postgasse. Ziel ist es, die biologische Vielfalt zu erhöhen, das Stadtklima zu verbessern und die Lebensqualität der Bewohner zu steigern. Am 25. Mai fand ein zweiter Pflanztag
Competition launched to promote circular solutions in building construction
The Innovation Booster Circular Building Industry invites Swiss companies, non-profit organisations and research groups to submit their radical ideas for circular building solutions for the interior of buildings. They are to be realised in the Humanitas Living
Partnership for the development of sustainable earth building materials
ERNE AG and Oxara AG have agreed to collaborate on the development of sustainable clay-based building materials. The goal is to set a new standard for sustainability in the Swiss construction landscape through innovative solutions. Oxara's patented technology aims to significantly reduce CO2
Solar systems are more environmentally friendly than ever
The updated fact sheet from the International Energy Agency shows that photovoltaic systems are becoming increasingly environmentally friendly. The study, involving experts from ZHAW, highlights that greenhouse gas emissions over the lifecycle of PV systems have halved in the past ten
Empa tests hydrogen use for peak loads
Empa is investigating the use of hydrogen and fuel cells to relieve the power grid on cold days on behalf of the Swiss Federal Office of Energy (BFE). The joint project H2 districts is being implemented on the Empa campus in Dübendorf and involves partners such as the Hälg Group, the Osterwalder
Timber as a key building material for the development of urban areas
At a time when urban densification and climate protection are taking centre stage, timber is gaining in importance as the building material of the 21st century. Thanks to its environmentally friendly properties and efficiency in the construction process, timber construction offers an ideal solution
Hybrid construction methods using wood, concrete and steel
Hybrid construction methods, in which different materials such as wood, concrete and steel are combined, are becoming increasingly important in modern architecture and civil engineering. These innovative construction methods not only fulfil today's requirements for sustainability and energy
Focus on sustainability: company achieves Gold status
The construction and property company Implenia AG has further improved its sustainability rating from EcoVadis and has maintained its Gold status. EcoVadis evaluates companies worldwide according to the aspects of environment, labour & human rights, ethics and sustainable
Ein nachhaltiger Holz-Hybrid Bau mit einem «Herz aus Holz»
Im September 2023 wurde der Baustart für den Neubau des kantonalen Verwaltungsgebäudes am Seetalplatz in Emmen (LU) gefeiert. Die Nachhaltigkeit und das Wohlbefinden der Mitarbeitenden, Besucherinnen und Besucher sowie Bewohnerinnen und Bewohner Standen für den Kanton Luzern und Losinger Marazzi
Vaud plans electricity autonomy by 2035
A recent study confirms the enormous potential of solar energy to cover the electricity needs of the Vaud cantonal administration's buildings until 2035. These measures are part of the canton's ambitious climate plan and meet the requirements of the Vaud Energy
Construction of a met mast for wind measurement and environmental monitoring started
CKW has begun constructing a measuring mast on Ruswilerberg to collect wind and weather data for a planned wind farm. The mast also monitors bat activity, temperatures, and humidity. The data aims to ensure the economic viability and environmental compatibility of the wind
Mast measures wind data for Grotwind wind farm
The planning for the Grotwind wind farm in the municipality of Pfäfers is entering the next phase. A measurement mast equipped with wind meters and weather sensors is currently being erected to collect wind and weather data over twelve months. This data will help determine the optimal wind
ETH researchers generate very high temperatures with new technology
Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed a thermal trap that absorbs sunlight and achieves temperatures over one thousand degrees Celsius. This technology could revolutionize the production of cement, metals, and chemicals in energy-intensive processes. The system uses a quartz rod that efficiently
Innovative technology for utilising sunlight for high temperatures
Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed a thermal trap that absorbs sunlight and achieves temperatures over one thousand degrees Celsius. This technology could revolutionize the production of cement, metals, and chemicals in energy-intensive industrial processes. The system uses a quartz rod that
New calculation tool for circularity in construction presented
The Zurich-based consulting firm Conspark has developed a new tool for calculating circularity in the construction industry. This free tool can be downloaded from the company's website and allows users to analyze the circularity of their building products. By entering data from the environmental
Ground-breaking ceremony for carbon-free cement plant in Belgium
The building materials producer has broken ground on a facility in Belgium to produce carbon-free cement. The GO4ZERO plant in Obourg aims to produce 2 million tons of net-zero cement annually by 2029. With an investment of over 500 million euros and support from the European Innovation Fund, the
Pilot project to reduce energy consumption in building technology
Hälg AG is testing the AI-based software technology R8 Digital Operator at its headquarters in St. Gallen to reduce energy consumption in buildings. The pilot project aims to determine the energy-saving potential of building control. The software uses AI algorithms to monitor and automatically