Circular construction materials on the JED site in Schlieren

As a pioneer and investor in the field of sustainable construction, Swiss Prime Site Immobilien will be using zirkulit, a circular construction material from Eberhard, for the first time in its new construction project on the JED site in Schlieren. The formula for Switzerland’s first circular concrete product is based on the knowledge of secondary raw materials. This greatly reduces reliance on sand and grit as primary resources. The latest technology means that the concrete can even store CO₂, thus actively reducing carbon dioxide emissions. Gianfranco Basso, Head of Construction at Swiss Prime Site Immobilien, says: «We have been a member of Madaster Switzerland, a platform that advocates the use of circular construction materials, since 2019. Eberhard’s innovative construction material zirkulit gives us the chance to align our new building on the JED site, which is already geared towards sustainability, even more closely with the increasingly important circular economy.» Patrick Eberhard, Head of Construction Materials at Eberhard Unternehmungen, adds: «We are delighted that Swiss Prime Site Immobilien is taking the step towards circular construction with us and will be the first building contractor in Switzerland to use our innovative product.»

Sustainability – a key driver of innovation

Sustainability has been an integral part of the corporate strategy and business activities of the Swiss Prime Site Group for years. Its sustainability goals are aligned with the United Nations guidelines, the Paris Agreement on climate change and the Swiss Energy Strategy 2050 and centred on the issue of how the company can create sustainable value for its stakeholders. Innovation is one of the most important pillars in this endeavour. The Group employs a clear strategy to track scientific, societal and ecological developments across all business areas, analyses trends in depth and defines thematic areas of focus. It applies this knowledge to existing properties and its various development projects.

Attractive and sustainable spaces for diverse tenant profiles

One of Swiss Prime Site Immobilien’s current projects is the JED site in Schlieren. The refurbishment and repurposing of the former printing plant is continuing apace, with the aim of developing a hub of innovation, entrepreneurship and knowledge transfer that offers appealing work environments. Some 75% of the currently available space (24 000 m²) has already been let. A unique new building will be added to the site from 2023 – a solid construction that requires no heating, ventilation, cooling or external energy supply. The maintenance and operating costs are only 50% compared to conventional properties. Another 15 000 m² of attractive floorspace over five floors will eventually be added to the site. Gianfranco Basso, Head of Construction at Swiss Prime Site Immobilien: «We can further heighten the unique quality of the new building by using circular construction materials to optimise it for our target groups of tenants, including service companies of all sizes as well as schools and universities.»