Schlieren to shut down gas network from 2030
The city of Schlieren has decided to shut down the gas grid in stages by 2040 in order to achieve the goal of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions. The first areas are to be taken off the grid as early as 2030. Advisory services support owners in switching to climate-neutral heating
Zurich Airport begins with renaturation
From 2025, the section of the Glatt to the west of Zurich Airport between Opfikon and Rümlang will be ecologically upgraded. The revitalization project will create new habitats for plants and animals and promote local recreation. By 2028, a natural watercourse will be created as an attractive
Aargau forest currently stores 40 million tons of CO2
A study by the Aargau Department of Construction, Transport and Environment shows that forests can make a significant contribution to the CO₂ balance. Through near-natural management and increased cascading use of wood, long-term CO₂ storage can be achieved and emissions reduced by up to 3.7
Circular economy: sustainable solutions for the construction industry
The Swiss construction industry is facing major challenges in terms of material consumption and emissions. Two Innosuisse-funded projects led by ETH Zurich are demonstrating solutions: Think Earth is developing sustainable building materials such as recycled materials, while Swircular is using
Melting glaciers make room for water reservoirs
A new report by the Federal Council shows that the retreat of glaciers in the Alps increases the potential for electricity production and seasonal energy storage from hydropower. Despite the additional potential of up to 2430 gigawatt hours, conflicts of interest make it difficult to fully exploit
Final construction phase for sustainable development in Rotkreuz
Zug Estates has celebrated the ground-breaking ceremony for the final new-build project on the Suurstoffi site in Rotkreuz. Two buildings and a central park should be completed by mid-2027. The Central Switzerland Health Education Centre will move into one of the new
Using living space more efficiently through innovative collaboration
The WOGE project of the OST University of Applied Sciences aims to promote the efficient use of living space. People who want to downsize their living space are supported in moving, renovating or finding a roommate. The pilot project is starting in Aarau and will continue in Köniz BE and
Zurich as a pilot city for CO₂ measurements
Precise data on CO₂ emissions is needed to achieve the climate targets. As part of the EU project "ICOS Cities", Zurich is one of three pilot cities being precisely measured. Empa researchers are developing innovative measurement and modelling methods in collaboration with city administrations in
Optical adaptation of photovoltaics is convincing
A joint study by the University of Freiburg and Fraunhofer ISE shows: The visual integration of photovoltaics (PV) on buildings plays a key role in their acceptance. Particularly in the case of historical buildings, colour-matched modules lead to a significant improvement in
Setting the course for the future in partial revision 2024
The partial revision 2024 of the cantonal structure plan of the Canton of Zurich is open to the public from December 6, 2024 to March 14, 2025. Citizens and planning authorities are invited to comment on the revision. The focus is on new landfill sites, flood protection and the reduction of light
EPFL Fribourg campus grows
The EPFL campus in Fribourg is growing. Six new chairs focusing on the built environment, energy and climate will be established by 2030. The innovative Smart Living Lab (SLL) and the new Centre for Worldwide Sustainable Construction (CWSC) will position Fribourg as a leading research location for
Biohydrogen from wood waste
A new path to green energy is emerging in the Black Forest. Wood waste is turned into biohydrogen. Researchers are developing a biotechnological process that promotes the wood-based circular economy. From 2025, a modular pilot plant will test the innovative process for renewable hydrogen production
Solar energy as the driving force behind the power supply
According to the first Solar Monitor Switzerland, solar energy could cover around 80% of the country's electricity expansion by 2035 and supply over 28 terawatt hours annually. Turnover in the sector is growing steadily, but skilled workers are in demand to achieve the expansion targets. Solar
Scaling solutions for innovative cell products
The Cultured Hub was opened in Kemptthal - a state-of-the-art facility for the development and scaling of sustainable food and cell products. Companies are given access to laboratories, production capacities and networks to accelerate their market launch. The Hub enables pilot projects of up to
Revolutionary technology for the computer world
Researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) have developed a photonic processor that performs AI calculations using light instead of electrons. The system enables ultra-fast data processing with minimal energy consumption and could revolutionise computer technology in the long
Switzerland on course for net zero
UBS presents its "Downhill Climb" study at the Building Bridges Conference 2024. The analysis shows that Switzerland has a strong starting position for the transition to net zero, but challenges such as electricity capacity, energy storage and negative emissions must be
Into the future with wood and clay
The "Think Earth - Regenerative Building" flagship project, which is funded by Innosuisse, is researching innovative construction methods using wood and clay. The aim is to develop efficient, scalable methods for climate-neutral construction and to strengthen the circular
Thermochemical storage optimises solar energy use
Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts and industrial partner Matica have commissioned a pilot plant for a sorption storage heat pump in Frauenfeld. Here, solar energy is stored thermochemically without loss in summer and utilised for heating in
Advanced logistics solution: opening of the new centre in Möhlin
Rhenus Logistics AG is opening its Swiss logistics centre in Möhlin in January 2025. Around 80 employees will be supported there by 30 robots and seven RoboShuttles. The photovoltaic system on the roof will generate 1 million kilowatt hours of electricity per
Winterthur adapts building and zoning regulations
The city of Winterthur is introducing the harmonised building terms of the "Intercantonal Agreement on the Harmonisation of Building Terms" (IVHB) with a partial revision of the building and zoning regulations (BZO). In doing so, it is implementing cantonal requirements and creating a more