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

The IT rockt! association and collektiv AG have signed a cooperation agreement. Both organisations want to strengthen regional

In 2023, the expansion of photovoltaics in Switzerland grew by over 40% for the fourth year in a row, reaching a record figure of 1641 megawatts. Growth was particularly strong in industry, commerce and apartment

BAU 2025, which will take place in Munich from 13 to 17 January 2025, will present innovative solutions and new ways of tackling the social, economic and environmental challenges posed by increasing urbanisation. By 2050, 70% of the world's population is expected to live in cities, which will

The University of St. Gallen will install another photovoltaic system on the roofs of the Alumni House and the Hans-Ulrich Auditorium. This supports the HSG's goal of achieving net-zero carbon neutrality by

Switzerland is experiencing a sharp decline in birth rates. This demographic change has far-reaching economic and social consequences. In this article, we shed light on the causes and possible consequences of this

Fabian Maag and Marc Willi win the regional Siemens Excellence Award 2024 for their innovative bachelor thesis on maximising winter electricity through snow-free PVT modules. Their findings show considerable potential for increasing the electricity yield by melting

The cantons of St.Gallen, Appenzell Ausserrhoden, Appenzell Innerrhoden and Thurgau have signed a joint declaration on closer strategic cooperation. The aim is to strengthen Eastern Switzerland by joining forces and finding joint