An innovative apartment complex in Switzerland operating through renewable energy sources makes headlines, showcasing how future buildings could be carbon neutral.
The new Papieri Cham residential complex on Lake Zug relies on geothermal, hydroelectric, and solar energy. The Cham Group builders sought carbon neutrality by restricting the complex's energy use rather than calculating it.
This strategy supports global ambitions to reach net-zero emissions in the next few decades, proving that individual efforts can make a difference, according to Interesting Engineering.
Promoting Carbon Neutrality
Where possible, the complex's buildings employ timber-concrete composites and recycled concrete. Local construction materials and short travel routes reduced carbon emissions.
Pioneering work has occurred at the facility. In the 1650s, a paper mill transformed into a large paper plant that operated for 360 years until 2015. The location presently has historic buildings, flats, lofts, studios, and workspaces.
The project's energy consultant, Georg Dubacher, described the notion as a "2,000-watt society," intending to cut Switzerland's per capita energy use from 8,000 to 2,000 watts.
Photovoltaic panels provide 50% of Papieri's electricity. Another 40% comes from a Lorze River hydropower facility that is being updated with new turbine blades and features to help fish and beavers navigate. The grid provides the rest, including carbon offsets.
The idea incorporates a rechargeable natural system for heating and cooling. In winter, geothermal probes installed over 1,000 feet deep heat the structure and chill the earth. In summer, the mechanism reverses, removing cold from the soil and releasing building heat to recharge it for winter.
Swiss OKs Law Strengthening Renewable Energy
The design of the Papieri Cham residential complex is in line with the Swiss government's push to achieve carbon neutrality in the future.
Recently, Switzerland passed a measure to accelerate renewable energy production in its efforts to be carbon neutral by 2050. Official results confirmed pre-referendum polls indicating approximately 69% of Swiss voters approved the "secure electricity supply based on renewable energies" legislation, according to a report from The Inquirer.
The new law intends to expand wind and solar power's minimal contribution to Switzerland's energy portfolio and swiftly boost hydro output to reduce its dependence on imported electricity. Moreover, the law encourages the installation of solar panels on roofs and facades and simplifies planning for wind turbines and huge solar installations.
Environment and Energy Minister Albert Rösti called the measure a significant "milestone" to bolster electricity supply in Switzerland, especially during winter.
After the referendum, Greenpeace called on Swiss energy provider Axpo to schedule a deadline for a "definitive" halt of the two Beznau reactors, calling nuclear energy "obsolete." The environment advocacy group also said the old reactors "pose an insoluble security risk."
Switzerland expects to need more electricity for heat pumps and electric vehicles as it moves away from fossil fuels and phases out nuclear power.
(Photo : Robert Hradil/Getty Images)
General view of the solar panels on the East Wing building on November 18, 2022 in Geneva, Switzerland.
Switzerland uses around a third of its electricity from nuclear power plants. However, different situations anticipate varying electrical consumption, making demand estimation difficult.
By 2050, federal officials expect electricity consumption to rise to 76 TWh from 67 TWh. The Association of Swiss Electricity Companies expects 80-90 TWh, whereas EPFL forecasts 110 TWh.
Managing intermittent renewable power generation is vital, according to EPFL professor of public policy and sustainability Michaël Aklin. He stresses the necessity for "power-to-X" and pumped-storage facilities to store renewable energy, per Swissinfo.ch.
Energy specialist Hälg believes that increasing the output of renewable electricity could meet Switzerland's climate targets. However, transitioning from combustion automobiles, and oil and gas heating systems requires extra steps.
Experts recommend adapting cement and concrete manufacturing technology, improving energy efficiency, and developing skills to support these transitions.
Related Article: Assessing the Environmental Footprint of the Construction Industry: Challenges and Mitigation Strategies
