Key topics in the construction and real estate industry

Several hot and dry summers in a row as well as the demands of the Fridays for Future movement - in particular for compliance with the Paris Climate Agreement and the 1.5 degree target - have brought the topic of climate protection onto the political agenda in a very short space of time. The discussion about effective measures is being held in all parts of society, with the focus on Europe-wide and national steps in addition to global ones.

The Cradle to Cradle® concept developed by the German chemist Prof Dr Michael Braungart and the American architect William McDonough describes the principle of two continuous cycles: consumer goods are biodegradable and enter the natural nutrient cycle. After use, consumer goods are broken down into unmixed raw materials and fed into the technical cycle.

Building Information Modelling (BIM) is to the property sector what Industry 4.0 is to mechanical engineering: the digital networking of all processes, products and stakeholders. Building Information Modelling bundles all relevant data of a construction project. Whereas previously architects or engineers had to create their own plans and obtain information about every change, no matter how small, separately, with BIM all information is stored in a digital model. This creates a digital twin of the future building with a great depth of detail.

At Drees & Sommer Switzerland, we do not see digital technologies as an end in themselves: it is much more about improving processes and the user experience, ensuring the sustainable operation of the property and enabling new business models. A customised smart building is therefore tailored precisely to the needs of the user.

Advancing digitalisation is changing the requirements placed on properties - and the valuation criteria applied to them. In the future, building connectivity, building connectivity, the entire digital, networked building IT infrastructure, cybersecurity, GDPR and the sustainability of properties will increasingly become the focus of attention in terms of return on investment.

Objects are lying around. Contractors from different trades get in each other's way. In some rooms, nothing progresses for weeks ... Waste of materials, time and labour is a major issue in construction projects. Rework delays the construction process and drives up costs. The planned completion date can often only be achieved at great financial expense due to so-called fire brigade interventions or by compromising on quality.

Customised space concepts that promote communication, knowledge sharing and innovation. And with the user at the centre. This is how we understand the working world of the future.

The performance of our economy has so far been based on fossil fuels such as coal and oil - with the familiar consequences. In contrast, "green" hydrogen (H2) is seen as the energy source of the future.

Smart meters are finding their way into households in Switzerland. In addition to the benefits and opportunities that the nationwide smart meter rollout will bring for energy suppliers and end customers, this project also harbours many challenges when it comes to implementation. This is because the smart meter rollout process is highly complex and contains many interdependencies.

The mobility, drive and energy transition is placing new demands on buildings, companies, property companies, neighbourhoods and cities. In view of the increasing demand for electromobility and the many current subsidy programmes, we offer you optimum solutions for all aspects of this topic.

We need new, interdisciplinary approaches to urban development in order to master the tasks ahead. With Integrated Urban Solutions, Drees & Sommer Switzerland is pooling its comprehensive urban development expertise and developing concrete solutions for the future.

With our General Construction Management (GCM), our customers receive security from a single source. We take on the complete handling of a construction project and combine project management, planning services and construction management, including site management, into a complete package - without interfaces.

Reduce emissions, remain competitive: The economy and society are faced with the task of reducing CO2 emissions in all areas to as close to zero as possible. Drees & Sommer Switzerland supports organisations, companies, municipalities and cities in their transformation towards zero carbon.