Cleantech Switzerland - LIFE Klimastiftung Liechtenstein

Autumn | 2010
Cleantech Switzerland
in cooperation with
and Liechtenstein

Swiss Village – The Swiss zone in Masdar
Switzerland is participating in one of the most daring urban
projects currently under construction. Some 170 companies are
preparing a Swiss Village in Masdar, the ecocity at the outskirts
of Abu Dhabi. Masdar wants to be the first city in the world that
reduces its CO2 emissions to zero, uses renewable energy only,
produces no waste and does not allow fossil fuel-powered cars.
It will host the newly created International Renewable Energy
Agency.
The Swiss Village is to be located between the Masdar Institute
of Science and Technology – which has already been
finished – and the Masdar Headquarters in the heart of Masdar.
The Swiss Village is to offer a balanced mix of uses with
offices, research labs and light manufacturing facilities, restaurants
and shops, a Swiss business hub, a Swiss private
school, and apartments, as well as the Swiss Embassy and
an embassy residence.
T-LINK is specialised in
EXPO SERVICE. TRADE FAIR MARKETING . EXPORT PACKING . INDUSTRIAL and PROJECT FREIGHT FORWARDING
Our EXPO SERVICE contains international exhibition freight forwarding, project management for joint pavilions as eg. «SWISS Pavilions»
and road shows. T-LINK is the Swiss Agent for various shows and the official
representative for “Deutsche Messe Hannover” in Switzerland.
From smaller machines up to heavy-lift cargo our PROJECT TEAM plans and coordinates
your transports of any kind. In our packing facilities next to Zurich Airport and in Maienfeld
we are specialised in EXPORT PACKING including a.o. high tech corrosion protection.
20 years of experience is your guarantee for a suitable handling of your packing and
freight forwarding needs.
We provide our clients with a reliable time and money saving “ONE-STOP-SHOPPING”.
T-LINK MANAGEMENT LTD
Kirchstrasse 42 Contact persons:
CH-8807 Freienbach Carl A. Ziegler
fon +41 (0) 43 288 18 88 Viviane Mor
fax +41 (0) 43 288 18 99
www.t-link.ch
fairspace@t-link.ch
Everything is Made in Switzerland. Masdar has selected Bob Gysin
+ Partner, a Zurich-based firm, for the design of the first Swiss Village
Complex. Gysin designed the Forum Chriesbach, headquarters
of the Swiss Federal Institute for Water Research in addition
to other outstanding projects. The Swiss Village will be built by
Swiss companies to Swiss quality and Minergie standards.
The Swiss Village is supported at the highest political level
in the United Arab Emirates and Switzerland. The opening is
scheduled for 2015.
Swiss Village Abu Dhabi
c/o Wenger & Vieli
Attn. Mr. Daniel Urech
Dufourstrasse 56 . CH-8008 Zurich Switzerland
Member Relations:
member.relations@swiss-village.com . p: +41 58 750 0507
The tip of the iceberg
In the middle of October, a massive drill bored through the
last pieces of rock to create the eastern passage of the new
Gotthard Base Tunnel; at 57 kilometers, it is the longest tunnel
in the world. One month earlier, the new Monte-Rosa Hut
above Zermatt received Minergie certification. This building
proofs that it is possible to build in an energy efficient manner
even at high altitudes. In July, Solar Impulse’s solar plan flew
across Switzerland for the first time, redefining humankind’s
dream of flying in the process.
Switzerland is a country of innovation like no other. Energy efficiency,
resource efficiency, and sustainability are among the
forces behind its innovative spirit.
Gotthard, Monte Rosa, and Solar Impulse are only the tip of
the iceberg. A few dozen kilometers north of the new railway
tunnel, the Zurich main train station – the heart of the Swiss
rail network – is being reinvented. In September, the “Portikon”
office building in Opfikon received Minergie certification and is
the largest Minergie-certified building to date with over 20,000
square meters reference area. Likewise, Oerlikon Solar recently
introduced its new production line for thin-film solar modules.
The Swiss hardly take notice of the majority of innovation in
their country because they are already accustomed to them.
During the previous century, the public transportation system
had become so refined that for all intents and purposes,
Switzerland grew into one large city at least
where mobility is concerned. Public transportation
is comfortable, punctual, and – for
the Swiss – affordable.
And so, too, it has become with buildings:
increasingly more new buildings are being
constructed in accordance with the voluntary
Minergie standard. It has become the
most successful national building standard
for energy efficiency in the world. At the
same time, it has had an immense influence over “normal”,
obligatory building regulations. Since the 1990s, these have
become nearly as rigorous as Minergie.
Innovations can also be found in the financial center, although
these are hardly noticeable from the outside. Zurich is now
a carbon market center, and Liechtenstein’s financial center,
which is joined to the Swiss market in many respects, is also
reinventing itself.
Switzerland’s wealth is a result of numerous large and small innovations.
This wealth cannot be exported – but the underlying
innovations most certainly can.
Steffen Klatt is Editor of www.nachhaltigkeit.org
5

Table of content
3
Editorial:
The tip of the iceberg
5
Highlight:
Minergie as an innovative force
6
People & Society:
Interview with Klaus Tschütscher:
Liechtenstein makes itself fit
8
Nature & Agriculture:
Strong in the niche
10
Success Story:
Energy for the Future
11
Nature & Agriculture:
Interview with Axel Michaelowa:
The unknown giant
12
People & Society:
New momentum on the Alpine
Rhine
14
People & Society:
Interview with Burkhard P. Narnholt:
Steadily better
15
Energy:
Interview with Robert Horbaty:
A Swiss export product
16
Energy:
Growth comes with the sun
18
Building and Urbanism:
Monte Rosa is being brought to
Singapore
20
Building & Urbanism:
Interview with Renzo Simoni:
An achievement of the century
21
Mobility & Logistics:
Interview with Gieri Hinnen:
Swiss hopes for biokerosene
22
Mobility & Logistics:
The future begins below
24
Success Story:
mivune - intuitive and energy
efficient building management
25
Materials & Production:
Interview with Xaver Edelmann:
Resources saved, prosperity
secured
26
Materials & Production:
Cradle to Cradle gets back to its
cradle
28
Cleantech Switzerland
Cleantech Switzerland bundles
export interests
29
Cleantech Switzerland
Successes for Swiss SMEs thanks
to Cleantech Switzerland
30
Cleantech Switzerland
Switzerland is cleantech
Impressum
Concept, text and design:
Café Europe Textagentur GmbH
Neugasse 30
Postfach 445
CH-9004 St. Gallen
www.ce-sg.com
Editor: Steffen Klatt:
steffen.klatt@ce-sg.com
For additional copies, please contact
Café Europe Textagentur GmbH.
Print: Rankwoog Print GmbH Zofingen
neutral
Printed Matter
No. 01-10-218688 – www.myclimate.org
© myclimate – The Climate Protection Partnership
Principal Sponsors:
Cover pictures:
Front: World record on the Gotthard: Final
breakthrough of the longest railway
tunnel in the world (AlpTransit)
Back: Monta Rosa (Image Schweiz)
Pictures: Victorinox (1), Minergie (2),
Liechtenstein Government (3), Sarasin
(1), European Energy Award (1), 3S
Swiss Solar Systems (2), Oerlikon Solar
(1), Sputnik Engineering AG (2), SBB
(2), Giroflex (2), Climatex (1), Empa
(1), Georg Ackermann (1), Chair for
Information Architecture, ETH Zurich
(1), AlpTransit (1), Swiss International
Airlines (1), Shell (1), LGT Bank Liechtenstein
(1), Hochschule Liechtenstein
(1), European Commission - Audiovisual
Service (2), Cleantech Switzerland (5)
All portraits: zvg.
Highlight: Minergie as an innovative force
The Minergie building standard has established itself as a fixture
in the Swiss building trade. Not only do building owners,
occupants, and the environment benefit from Minergie, but so,
too, do the building industry and economy. Minergie has become
an important catalyst, spurring the development of new
building concepts and innovative solutions. In Switzerland
and its neighboring countries, 19,000 buildings with 19 million
square meters have received MINERGIE certification to date.
Trailblazing Projects and Concepts
One example is the Monte-Rosa Hut. Situated 2883 meters
above sea level, it was built in accordance with the Minergie-
P-Standard. The successful combination of outstanding architecture
and groundbreaking technology serves as a milestone
in the field of sustainable building. At present, it is the most
complex wood construction building in Switzerland and is at
least 90% energy self-sufficient.
The new Portikon office building in Opfikon, Zurich, sets new
standards: with an energy reference area of 20,567 square meters,
it is the largest Minergie-P building in Switzerland. The
building concept integrates the following key points: compact
building form, excellent thermal insulation, district heating for
buildings and warm water supply for the restaurant, energy efficient
ventilation technology with heat recovery, energy efficient
cooling technology, and photovoltaic electricity generation.
Innovations in a Variety of Sectors
Minergie, and the opportunities which the standard offers,
enables building owners, planners, and architects to build
to a better standard than required by law. The search for the
best energy efficiency, maximum comfort, and optimal costeffectiveness
leads to innovations in numerous fields. Banks
offer Minergie mortgages; retail and industry develop Minergie
modules such as doors, windows, fans, sun-shading systems
and wood-burning ovens. Minergie also opens up new
The new Portikon office
building in Opfikon, Zurich
marketing opportunities for Minergie-expert
partners: they are able to stand out from
their competition and position themselves
as forward-looking companies, independent
of their size.
The trend towards sustainable building,
which Minergie largely initiated and continues
to promote, has led to the launch of
trade fairs and exhibitions that are gaining a
lot of attention. Minergie is also setting new
standards in the field of branding and trademark protection.
Design, promotion and protection of the trademark are unique
to a building standard, which is why Minergie was awarded
the “Marketing Gold Trophy” in 2007 from the Swiss Marketing
Club. In March 2011, the first Swiss MINERGIE expo will take
place in Lucerne.
Future Visions
The success story continues: Minergie-A will soon be launched.
This standard will promote a technology that should reduce
heat consumption to zero with a minimal seasonal energy
offset. A Minergie-A certified-house should be an exemplary
model with respect to electricity demand for lighting and appliances,
as well as grey energy in the production process. In this
way, the new Minergie standard will enable the evaluation of a
building through its entire life cycle. With this proposed standard,
the Minergie Association completes its range of offerings:
Minergie-A stands for new ideas in building technology.
While each advance of the Minergie standard fosters the development
of products and services, it also sparks the imagination:
What will be possible next? Minergie is instrumental in
turning visions into reality, today and in the future.
Franz Beyeler, CEO MINERGIE
www.minergie.ch

8
Pe o P l e & So c i e t y
Liechtenstein makes itself fit
The Principality of Liechtenstein is ushering in a new tax law, introducing a 12.5% flat rate corporate tax, and
creating security for its financial center and companies through numerous double taxation treaties. The country
on the banks of the Alpine Rhine wants to preserve its openness and prosperity in the coming decade, says
the Prime Minister Klaus Tschütscher.
The crisis is almost over. Where does Liechtenstein stand?
Klaus Tschütscher: We have put a great deal behind us. In the
last 3 years we worked hard on our reputation, and we have
once again received a Triple-A rating. As a result of this rating,
we feel validated by the path that we took and we will continue
on this same course.
The G-20 clamped down on banking secrecy during the financial
crisis. Can Liechtenstein’s financial center survive
with these regulations?
We ought to use our energy on what we can make for the future
and not dwell upon the question of what the past brought
us. I believe that with the tax reform, which will come into force
on 1 January, we have one of the most modern tax laws in
Europe. With this we have created an important incentive for
Liechtenstein’s financial center.
What will the tax reform bring?
The new tax law will bring more transparency and attractiveness,
and it complies with European law. In the area of corporate
taxation, we are introducing different innovations. In this
way the unequal treatment of debt and equity can be elimi-
nated. Moreover, with the newly implemented “Flat Rate” of
12.5%, all companies from now on are being taxed the same.
Has Liechtenstein also actively overcome all hurdles for
possible conflict triggers with the G-20?
We are consistently pursuing a three-pillar strategy in the area
of our tax policies. In the last months we could make strong
progress with two of these pillars. One would be international
tax cooperation. In the last one and a half years, we concluded
18 treaties. That was hard work. With respect to the second
pillar, that of fiscal sovereignty, we were able to pass a modern
tax reform, one that makes the economy highly attractive.
But also in the third pillar, the improvement of the quality of
services, we were able to have significant changes in the administration.
What role will the financial center play in the future?
It is one of the cornerstones of our economy. It was in the past
so, and it will continue to be so in the future. The present-day
financial centers worldwide are going through a change, and
the events of the recent past most certainly had something
to do with this. Hereafter, the primary concerns are stability,
quality and reliable cooperation. And with respect to stability,
we did not have to intervene during the crisis to stabilize our
economy.
The Government has been the force behind both the Microfinance
Initiative and the LIFE Climate Foundation. Why?
I am a big supporter of cooperation between the public and
private sectors. With respect to sustainability, it is essential in
these times that the state be involved in this.
As far as content is concerned, these two projects are both
relatively similar to the fund business. Should this become
a new main pillar for Liechtenstein’s financial center?
The fund business has already grown strong in the last years.
And with the project Fund Center Liechtenstein 2011, we want
this area to advance once more.
You are a member of the patronage committee of swisscleantech.
Why?
Firstly, because this theme interests me and secondly, because
I was directly approached. It also surely has something
to do with the fact that, in terms of content, it corresponds to
my personal and political principles.
What potential does Liechtenstein’s industry have in the
area of Cleantech?
Our objective is to encourage the economy to do more in this
regard in the future. In this respect there is certainly so much
more that can be done. We want this, too.
Liechtenstein is an industrial country. How can industry
survive in such a high wage country?
Through very hardworking, diligent people, high work productivity,
high technology, and open markets. These are the central
elements of our country. For instance, our direct investments
in Germany are higher than investments from Poland, Hungary
and the Czech Republic in Germany combined, or also those
from Turkey. This is one of the great trademarks of our industrial
center and a clear argument for its economic strength.
Deputy Prime Minister of Liechtenstein Martin Meyer, Federal President of Switzerland Doris Leuthard,
Prime Minister of Liechtenstein Klaus Tschütscher and Foreign Minister Aurelia Frick (from left)
How important are innovations for Liechtenstein’s industry?
There is an easy answer for that: innovations are vital for economic
success.
Can small Liechtenstein also provide enough Research
and Development work?
We are in a comfortable position because the research activities
from the economy and private persons are being supported
and provided for by themselves, which is also good. That is
well-invested money.
And what role does the Hochschule Liechtenstein play?
It occupies an intermediary role with respect to the transfer of
knowledge and know-how. And therefore the government sees
the direction that the Hochschule has taken very positively.
Are the synergies between the industry and the financial
center being put to use?
I hold a meeting at least once per month with top representatives
from the industry, banking, insurance, trust, and manufacturing
sectors.
Where do you see Liechtenstein in a decade?
For me, it is important that we adopt a broader, larger mosaic
of policies in the near future. And that is Agenda 2020. This is
what we have been thinking about during the legislative period.
Our goal for Liechtenstein and the coming generations is
to preserve what we have today – namely, an open and economically
successful country.
Steffen Klatt
Klaus Tschütscher, 1967, has been the Prime Minister of Liechten-
stein since March 2009. Prior to that, he was Justice Minister and
Deputy Prime Minister for four years. Before he was elected to the
government, he was the Deputy Director of the Liechtenstein Fiscal
Authority and represented the government in international tax negotiations.
Klaus Tschütscher studied law at the University of St. Gallen
and completed post-graduate studies at the University of Zurich in
International Business Law.

10
Nat u r e & ag r i c u lt u r e
Strong in the niche
The carbon market is growing. The largest share of the market is found in the EU, with Switzerland not being part of
it. Yet Zurich is very strong in a small niche: the financing of climate protection measures in developing countries.
In the carbon market politicians have more leverage than others.
And the market has little reason to be satisfied with them.
The carbon market was created while drafting the Kyoto Protocol
in the middle of the 1990s. The USA, above all others,
pressed for market-based instruments. Yet when it came to
implementation, they withdrew.
The EU learned its lesson from this. Prior to the Kyoto Protocol
entering into force in February 2005, the EU initiated its own
Emission Trading System. Thousands of companies were allocated
allowances to emit carbon dioxide in the air. By emitting
less, they could sell these allowances; if they emitted more,
they had to buy more.
An Early Market with Design Flaws
The carbon market was developing wonderfully. Prices rose to
30 Euro per ton. Then suddenly they dropped down to practically
zero. The reason: the first phase of the EU Emission Trading
System was restricted to three years. The emissions allowances
of the first phase could not be carried over into the next.
This was a design flaw, and one that proved to be the undoing
for some companies. The economic crisis struck another blow
to the market. The price is now hovering at around 15 Euro.
Yet the carbon market in the EU lives on. Norway, Iceland, and
Lichtenstein (European Economic Area countries) have also
joined. By now, it amounts to approximately 100 billion Euro
per year in trade. More and more specialized stock exchanges
are embracing this type of trading system. In Germany this is
done by the European Energy Exchange in Leipzig; in Paris, by
the NYSE Euronext. The largest stock exchange of this type is
the European Climate Exchange in London.
Emission Trading Outside of Europe is Stagnating
The market will grow. The EU has decided to press forward
with its carbon market until 2020 regardless of the outcome of
international climate negotiations. From 2012 onwards, aviation
will also be included in it. In addition, companies must now
auction off a portion of their allowances; initially, they were given
freely, but that proved to be too generous a gift.
Yet politics continue to dash hopes. The emission trading system
in the USA, which would have multiplied the market volume,
has stagnated. The US House of Congress approved the
emission trading system, but the Senate scrapped it. Republic
opposition, borne out of the fear of higher energy costs, is too
strong. And Australia, a large producer of coal, has postponed
its emission trading system until 2013 at the earliest, when a
new climate treaty should come into existence.
But it is not at all certain that a new treaty will come about.
The climate summit in Copenhagen in December 2009 result-
Lithuania, Klaipeda: port improvement of oil handling facilities
ed in a stalemate. Countries could only agree that everyone
should do as it pleases. And the upcoming summit at the end
of January 2011 in Cancun, Mexico is not likely to result in a
treaty either. Climate diplomats are putting their hopes in the
South African summit that will take place at the end of 2011.
In the worst case, climate negotiations will sink to the level of
the World Trade Organization: despite promises to reach new
agreements each year, no progress is ever made.
Switzerland is Strong in Clean Development Mechanisms
(CDM)
In such an event, the EU could nevertheless continue with its
Emission Trading System past 2020. But a portion of the CO2
markets would be jeopardized. And that would be exactly the
one in which Switzerland is strong: the “Clean Development
Mechanism” market (known as CDMs).
CDMs were introduced under the Kyoto Protocol to help industrialized
countries meet their reduction targets by financing
climate protection measures in developing countries: wind
parks, solar plants, small hydropower plants, etc. Project participants
are issued Certified Emission Reductions (CERs) for
the duration of the project. In this way, they can “sell” their
CO2 output.
In Switzerland, only the Climate Cent Foundation can buy such
certificates to meet its reduction targets. And yet Switzerland
ranks number two in this submarket. Out of the 2,310 UN Climate
Secretariat recognized CDM Projects (end of September),
20% were traded over Switzerland. The market leader is
Great Britain with 28% of the projects, and in third place is
Japan with 12%.
One reason why Switzerland is so strong in this market is the
Swiss Emission Trading Registry: It was established earlier
than other, similar registries and is organized in a less bureaucratic
manner. For this reason, developers prefer to register
their projects in Switzerland.
Innovative Companies
Another reason is that companies specialized in this market
were established early on in Switzerland. One such pioneer in
the volunteer CO2 compensation market is the foundation myclimate
which sells CDM certificates to private individuals and
companies wishing to compensate their trips, printed materials
(like this magazine), or events. South Pole Carbon, a spinoff
of the Technical University (ETH) Zurich and started by the
founders of myclimate, helped develop WWF’s Gold Standard
for high-quality CDM projects. First Climate established the
first fund for post-2012 CDM projects.
Earlier this year the Zurich Carbon Market Association was
founded. Its president, Axel Michaelowa, estimates the number
of participants in this market in Zurich alone at 500. The large
Zurich financial houses that were against the carbon market
are keeping a low profile though. They have, for the most part,
been burned by the rising and falling CO2 markets. Those financial
houses that still take part in the market are doing so
out of London.
Zurich has a chance to advance into the CO2 core market. The
Swiss Federal Council is looking to partner with the EU Emission
Trading System by 2013. Bruno Oberle, Secretary of State
for the Environment, has already proposed the establishment
of a CO2 Stock Exchange. Others such as Christoph Sutter,
CEO of South Pole Carbon, suggest a stronger role for Zurich
as a supplier of services in the CO2 market. For the time being,
Zurich must protect the niche that it helped to create – despite
political headwinds.
Steffen Klatt

12
Nat u r e & ag r i c u lt u r e
Success Story: Energy for the Future
AVA-CO2, pioneer of hydrothermal
carbonization (HTC), put into operation
the world’s first industrial-size
HTC plant in October. The technology
uses biomass to produce energy,
reduce greenhouse gases, and enable
a neutral CO2 balance.
October 26, 2010, was an important day for
AVA-CO2 – and for tackling climate change.
The largest hydrothermal carbonization (HTC)
plant in the world was put into operation in
Karlsruhe, Germany and AVA-CO2 became
the first company to successfully make the
leap from research into the industrial application
of HTC technology. The plant has a
capacity of 14,400 liters and a processing
capacity of 8,400 tons of biomass per year.
Technology now achieves in a matter of
hours what took nature millions of years: the
production of coal from biomass.
Biomass becomes bio-coal
Under heat and pressure, the HTC process
removes water molecules from the biomass
and converts the residual carbon to high-value
biocoal within a few hours. For that purpose,
the biomass is heated up as an aqueous solution
in a pressurised vessel. Subsequently,
an exothermic process takes place, so that
no further additional energy is
required for the operation of the
plant. Hydrothermal carbonisation
is characterised among
other things by the possibility of
also processing biomass with
high water content.
The HTC process is most robust
and uses all the existing carbon
in the biomass. High-value,
CO2-neutral, AVA blue coal is
produced as the end product.
Thanks to its stability and high
energy density, this biocoal can
be stored without any problem
and transported efficiently. As
an alternative, AVA biochar can
also be produced with the HTC
process. This product is similar
to humus and is used in agriculture for soil
ameliorisation and to capture CO2.
New perspectives on reducing CO2
The process of hydrothermal carbonisation
was researched by Friedrich Bergius in 1913.
In 1931, he was awarded the Nobel Prize in
chemistry. However, it was not until AVA-CO2
that this process was applied on an industrial
scale. The company is making a contribution
towards solving today’s problems: “On
an industrial scale, hydrothermal carbonisation
(HTC) opens completely new perspectives
on the reduction of greenhouse gases
and the production of renewable energy by
processing biomass into CO2-neutral biocoal,”
explains the Chairman of the Board,
Peter Achermann.
Profitable usage of biomass
The process can be applied worldwide.
“Wherever larger quantities of biomass accumulate
continuously, the HTC process can
be used profitably by a large number of industries
and applications,” says Jan Vyskocil,
Co-CEO of AVA-CO2.
In further developing the industrialization of
this process, AVA-CO2 can rely on a strong
scientific partner: the Karlsruhe Institute for
Technology. The company, located in Zug,
Switzerland, therefore established a sister
company in the city on the Rhine, which operates
the HTC plant.
The process can be applied anywhere in the
world, in particular where large amounts of
biomass accrue and where clean energy is
required at the same time. As a pioneer in
hydrothermal carbonisation (HTC), AVA-CO2
plans, implements and operates HTC plants
on behalf of its customers. These facilities
turn plant residues efficiently and profitably
into high grade biocoal or biochar. The process
binds greenhouse gases ensuring CO2
neutrality.
Thomas M. Kläusli
Chief Marketing Officer
AVA-CO2 Schweiz AG
Baarerstrasse 20 . CH-6304 Zug
p: +41 41 727 09 70 . m: +41 78 936 74 81
media@ava-co2.com . www.ava-co2.com
The unknown giant
Zurich is the number two hub of CO2 market service providers, but hardly anyone knows that,
says Axel Michaelowa. So the players of this new market founded the Zurich Carbon Market
Association. Switzerland is particularly strong in services regarding Clean Development
Mechanism projects under the Kyoto Protocol.
In March 2010, a carbon market association was founded
in Zurich. Why?
Axel Michaelowa: Zurich is home to Europe’s second largest
cluster of businesses in the CO2 market. But compared to London,
Zurich is in a better position to deal with CO2 markets and
climate policy due to the numerous research groups in worldclass
institutions such as the University and the ETH Zurich.
What are Zurich’s strengths?
Zurich’s strengths lie in its interplay between business and
research, which is lacking in London. Zurich has very flexible
medium-sized businesses. There is also a high quality of services
by all the participants in this field. When we were writing
our statutes [for the Zurich Carbon Market Association, ed.],
there was no discussion whatsoever that our services would
be of the highest quality and for the benefit of the environment.
This can be contrasted to London where some players strive
for a quick profit above all else.
What services can Zurich offer in the CO2 market?
Zurich is active in all aspects of the CO2 market. It is strong
in developing project documentation for emissions reductions
in developing countries. The firm South Pole is a leader in the
development of programmatic approaches to CDM [climate
protection measures in developing countries, ed.].
My own firm, Perspectives, has a reputation for developing
complex methods for CDM projects that determine how CO2
reductions are calculated.
First Climate established one of the first post-2012 carbon
credit funds. The University of Zurich is working on the development
of market mechanisms for the post-2012 era. The ETH
is known for the analysis of business decision-making in the
use of international market mechanisms.
Will Zurich hold its strong position?
It depends on how various countries deal
with the project-based mechanisms but
also on what the international climate regime
post-2012 will look like. In recent months
there has been mostly bad news. The prospect
of a large American market fades more and more. The bill
now under discussion is concerned only with energy but not
with the emissions trading scheme. In Australia, the new Prime
Minister decided to postpone discussions on a carbon-trading
scheme. The present situation with respect to economic instruments
for climate policy is bleak. The question is: how much
of the expertise can be sustained under such circumstances?
From my perspective, providers of high-quality products will
survive the longest. But it takes political decisions in a market
that is based on regulation to limit greenhouse gas emissions.
Switzerland has always played the role of a bridge builder in
climate negotiations. One must hope that it manages to speed
up the negotiations.
Steffen Klatt
Dr. Axel Michaelowa holds a PhD in Economics and has worked
on international climate policy instruments and the United Nations
Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) process
since 1994, becoming a lead author in the 4th and 5th assessment
reports of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. From
1999 to 2006, he was head of the Research Programme “International
Climate Policy” at the Hamburg Institute of International Economics.
Since 2007 he is leading a research group on climate policy at
the University of Zurich’s Institute of Political Science. He launched
the consulting firm Perspectives with Sonja Butzengeiger in 2003.
www.zurich-cma.ch

14
Pe o P l e & So c i e t y
New momentum on the Alpine Rhine
Liechtenstein’s financial center is restructuring itself. As the European country most effected by the clamp down
on banking secrecy, it has opened itself up to new areas: renewable energies, philanthropy, microfinancing, the
carbon market.
In Liechtenstein, the 15th of August is above all else characterized
by traditions. The Catholic holiday is also a national holiday.
But what the Hereditary Prince Alois said on the Assumption
of Mary in 2008 was anything but conservative: “The time
has come to build a new foundation for our system of legal and
administrative assistance in the area of taxation.” Banking secrecy
should no longer enable tax evasion in other countries.
What came as a surprise to outsiders had already been in the
making internally. The Liechtenstein banking industry had begun
to pay attention to new topics and business areas. The
driving forces behind this included the government, which had
established an advisory board to develop the financial center,
and the Bankers Association, which represents the interests of
all the banks.
Responsible Investing
One example is Kaiser Ritter Partner. The group had decided
already in 2006 to part ways with its past. “Black money is an
obsolete model,” says Fritz Kaiser, President of the Board of
Directors. Clients are actively advised to change over to tax
compliant investments. The bank relies on investments which
take into account social and ecological considerations. This
secures assets not only in the long-term, but also provides
above-average returns, says Kaiser. “Responsible investors
earn more money in a long-term, sustainable manner by supporting
sound developments.” In the meantime, competence
in tax legalization can also become good business: in Zurich,
the Kaiser Ritter Partner Financial Advisors AG was established;
it is registered with the US Securities & Exchanges
Commission and provides US clients with a full range of legal
financial advice.
The Princely Family Strengthens Philanthropy
The LGT Bank in Liechtenstein, the financial institution owned
by the Princely House, was one of the first banks in the world
to get involved in the new business area of philanthropy. When
Prince Max, the younger brother of the Hereditary Prince, became
CEO in 2006, he initiated the creation of the LGT Venture
Philanthropy Foundation. It finances projects in developing
countries which the normal financial market does not give the
means to develop. The foundation engages in the fight against
poverty, education, and sustainable living. The money for the
foundation initially came from the Princely Family. Each year,
the foundation brings in an additional CHF 5 to 10 million.
For the past six months, the funds have also been opened to
wealthy clients. “The reactions so far have been very positive,”
says Wolfgang Hafenmayer, Managing Partner of the LGT Venture
Philanthropy Foundation.
Sustainable Funds are Profitable
Other financial institutions in Liechtenstein are also engaging
in new business areas. Already back in 2003, the Neue Bank
established the Primus Ethics investment strategy for qualified
investors. Shares from 30 sustainable companies were chosen
through a specially designed selection process. “We exclude
companies that are involved in the atomic energy, weapons,
and military industries. Companies that sell tobacco products,
genetically-engineered foods, or abuse human and labor
Hochschule Liechtenstein, Vaduz
rights do not find a place in our mandate either,” said Executive
Board Member Pietro Leone in August in an interview with the
Liechtenstein paper “Volksblatt”. The value of the portfolio has
increased 114% since 2003, over 11% each year.
Bank Frick has been involved in renewable energies for the
past seven years. Initially, the funds were issued out of Malta.
In May 2009, the Green Power Eco Fund was established in
accordance with Liechtenstein law. It started with CHF 10.8
million. As of September 2010, its volume had increased to
CHF 28.9 million. A single investment focus does not make a
new financial center. “But the subject of renewable energies
provides an opportunity to put together a slightly different profile,”
says the General Director Jürgen Frick. “This new reputation
has an impact on the entire financial market.”
Bankers Association Strengthens Microfinance
The Bankers Association is one of the driving forces behind
the development of new business areas. In 2006, it initiated
the Microfinance Initiative Liechtenstein (MIL) with the support
of the Office for Foreign Affairs, the Liechtenstein Development
Service, and the Hochschule Liechtenstein – the country’s university
- on the public side, and the Hilti Family Foundation
and the Medicor Foundation on the private side. The Initiative
was proposed by Oliver Oehri, a lecturer at the Hochschule.
Through it, he intends to join Liechtenstein’s strength as a
foundation center with asset management, the strength of the
financial center. “Here, where capital can make an impact, the
investment is of interest to foundations,” he said. Until now,
many foundations were only interested in the good that the
profit of their assets could do. However, they can also do good
with the assets themselves. Microfinance is also suitable to
this. However, it requires more providers. Oehri therefore went
one step further: together with partners, he founded the Center
for Social and Sustainable Products, which advises investors
on socially responsible investments.
Carbon Market as an Opportunity
LGT Bank Liechtenstein, Vaduz
In 2009, the LIFE Climate Foundation Liechtenstein was also
established. The Bankers Association was a driving force here,
too. Also involved are the government, the Association of Professional
Trustees, the Investment Fund Association, and the
Hochschule. The Climate Foundation wants to position Liechtenstein
as a leader in the area of sustainability. Among other
objectives, it wants to foster market-based environmental and
climate protection measures for the financial center. With events,
publications, and workshops, the Climate Foundations wants
the financial center to prepare for new, so-called “Environmental
Commodities”. The interest in the Emission Trading Registry of
Liechtenstein is at any rate large. By now, around 150 companies
from around the world have opened an account. The Office
of Environmental Protection has already authorized four climate
protection projects in industrialized and developing countries as
per UN regulations. Liechtenstein may still be a small player in
the carbon market, but it is nonetheless present.
From the point of view of Henry Schäfer, Professor of Business
Administration at the University of Stuttgart, lecturer at
the Liechtenstein Hochschule, and a partner at the Center for
Social and Sustainable Products, Liechtenstein and its financial
center are open to innovation. “One is more innovative and
market-friendlier”. New developments can be adopted quickly
here thanks to closer relationships with public authorities.
The Hereditary Prince’s announcement in 2008 was followed
by deeds. One year later, on 11 August 2009, the Principality
signed a deal with Great Britain, regulating the legalization of
undeclared financial assets. Black will have to become white
by 2015.
The financial center wants to become an important place in
global finance. Sustainability will play a crucial part in accomplishing
this.
Steffen Klatt

16
Pe o P l e & So c i e t y / eN e r g y
Steadily better
Bank Sarasin is associated with being a pioneer in sustainable investments worldwide and is today
a market leader in Europe. According to Burkhard P. Varnholt, Chief Investment Officer, sustainable
investments achieve clearly better profits over comparable conventional investments.
Bank Sarasin has specialized in sustainable
investments since the early 1990s. Why?
Burkhard P. Varnholt: Responsible investors
invest holistically. And by that I’m not
referring to an ethical-moral component.
Rather we achieve better results with these
investments. There are three dimensions to
assessing the profitability of a company. Firstly, it’s a matter of
how much of a profit will be made at year’s end and, secondly,
has the company succeeded in achieving a good balance between
its immediate economic interests and the interests of its
stakeholders: employees, suppliers, the general public. Thirdly,
we ask the same question in relation to the environment: Has
the company achieved a good balance between nature and
immediate production. In this context, sustainable means that
the company is not allowed to take resources from nature in
the long-term so that it will be available to future generations.
How have clients reacted to your strategy?
When we began in the 1980s this was still new territory for
many of our clients. Then came along the United Nations
Commission on Sustainability, the Brundtland Commission,
Burkhard P. Varnholt is the Chief Investment Officer at Bank Sarasin.
Before joining Bank Sarsasin, he was employed by Credit Suisse
Private Bank from 1998 until 2007 as Global Head of Financial Products
and Investment Advisory. He graduated from the University of
St. Gallen and taught there, as well as at the Massachusetts Institute
of Technology and the Stern School of Business, New York University.
www.sarasin.ch
and there was already a sense that we should not take more
resources from the planet, that we should leave them for future
generations. But nonetheless, for many clients this was new
because we did not have an ideological approach.
Today we can demonstrate that one achieves better performance
through such a holistic approach. MSCI International
has lost around 30% of its value in the past 10 years. In this
same period, our global stock portfolio has increased in value
by around 30%. That is not only a 60% difference; it is a difference
between profit and loss. Our bonds portfolio has also
seen this same kind of performance.
The financial crisis has discredited many innovations in
the financial market in the eyes of investors. How many
innovations can the financial market tolerate?
It is true what you said: much has been discredited. But much
has also been “credited”. One year ago, we already had 6 billion
Swiss Francs in sustainable assets under management.
Today it is over 12 billion Swiss Francs. And especially during
the financial crisis we could see that our sustainable portfolios
kept better than others thanks to their long-term limited risk.
Has it become more difficult to win over clients?
No. As per 30 June 2010 we reported a continuous, high inflow
of assets in the amount of 6.4 billion Swiss France, and the previously
mentioned growth in sustainable invested assets is also
testimony to this. We are in the market for our services, for our
solution orientation and the highest known standards of quality,
and for offering our clients an attractive and credible partner.
Steffen Klatt
A Swiss export product
Since 2002, the European Energy Award has been certifying
municipalities that develop and implement forward-looking
energy and climate policies. It has its origins in the Swiss “Energy
City” concept, co-developed by Robert Horbaty.
Why did you develop the concept of the Energy City?
Robert Horbaty: Many energy concepts were developed in the
1980s and 1990s. But the continuous implementation of them
was quite difficult. We developed a certification scheme for
municipalities based on the Total Quality Management System.
Municipalities were required a comprehensive measurement of
results of existing activities as well as the development of a new
program of activities, yearly audits, and an external audit every
four years. With this we were able to ensure that the subject
remained on the agenda, independent of political trends.
Does the Energy City system work in all municipalities?
The Energy City method has been developed in a manner so
that cities and municipalities are assessed with reference to
their actual capabilities, regardless of their size. We have participating
municipalities whose energy policy efforts can definitely
be measured against those of larger cities. Advisors, like
myself, accompany the municipalities in this process, not as a
warden, but rather as a coach and supplier of ideas. The independent
assessment is conducted by a board of trustees.
When was this concept exported to other European countries?
In 2000, we adapted the Energy City concept in the framework
of an EU project together with partners from Germany, Austria,
and, at the time, Poland. A second EU project followed in 2001.
The European Energy Award emerged from that in 2002.
How did you make the concept compatible for Europe?
Energy City was developed to function in Switzerland with its
three language regions and 26 cantons. This made it easier to
adapt to other countries. The measures and indicators which
are assessed are overall the same, but the respective values and
figures are country-specific. In this way one cannot, for example,
demand that everyone use the same proportion of renewable
energies in municipal buildings; these figures must come from
national agencies, for example as defined by “Best Practices”.
How large an interest is there for this?
The European Energy Award currently exists in Germany, Austria,
France, Italy, and Switzerland. But the label in every country
is different. In Austria, the concept is called E5, in France
it is Cit’ergy. In Holland, the Czech Republic, Lithuania, and
Ireland, there are designated activities. Today, 755 European
municipalities are participating. A project is taking place in
China. The process is easily adapted to other countries: it introduces
a results-oriented management system which makes
it possible to measure, report and verify the
steps taken.
What does the label offer municipalities?
We assess accomplishments. When a municipality
completes the process, it receives
a record of achievement…
… which it can then communicate…
Exactly. But at the same time, concrete
steps that can be implemented are developed
which the municipality can then use to
accomplish its defined objectives – and save on energy costs.
Who benefits?
Measures for efficient use of energy trigger investments, which
benefit local and regional industries. Some examples: Construction
companies, roofers, energy contractors. Wood chip
heating or photovoltaic plants are being built, water is being
saved… When the municipality does not do this, a large portion
of wealth goes to Russia or the Middle East. Municipalities
also play a central role in energy policy. The state often formulates
policies, but they are implemented at the municipal level.
Can municipalities become an Energy City in countries
where the label is not yet established?
It takes some time until the catalogue of measures is adapted
to the conditions of the given country. But one can nevertheless
make pilot projects with particular municipalities. These
municipalities must also be accompanied by people affiliated
with the European Energy Award. We are currently in discussions
with a program for Romanian municipalities.
Steffen Klatt
Robert Horbaty, 1951, is the founder and owner of ENCO Energie-
Consulting AG in Liestal BL. The Energy planner is Managing Director
of the Association Label Energy City and is responsible for the Quality
Control of the European Energy Award. With a team of experts, ENCO
AG provides expertise for the implementation of cleantech services and
products in the field of communal energy and climate policies, energy
supply, renewable energies, and national and international mobility.
www.enco-ag.ch

18
eNergy
Growth comes with the sun
Bertrand Piccard is known worldwide; Sputnik Engineering is known only to a few. Like other Swiss companies,
the inverter manufacturer in Biel is moving into the solar energy sector. Yet outside of this sector, these companies
are not well known.
The best ambassadors for solar energy currently come from
Switzerland. In August, the Zero Race – a race around the
world with four emission-free vehicles – started from Geneva.
It was organized by Louis Palmer from Lucerne, the first person
to drive a solar powered vehicle around the world. In September,
the MS Tûranor PlanetSolar set sail from Monte Carlo.
Although the solar boat was built in Kiel, Germany and was
financed by a German businessman, the project was initiated
by Raphael Domjan from Yverdon, an industrial city in Canton
Vaud where the boat’s owner, PlanetSolar, is located.
The best-known Swiss solar pioneer is unquestionably Betrand
Piccard. Together with his partner André Borschberg,
he has been developing Solar Impulse since 2004. The solar
plane had its first successful flight at the end of 2009, and in
July 2010, it flew for more than 24 hours straight. In 2013, the
team will attempt to circumnavigate the globe.
Rapid growth since mid-2009
The Swiss solar energy sector can only dream of such prestige,
if prestige is what this sector even requires. The largest among
the Swiss solar companies are primarily active as suppliers: as
manufacturers of machines, inverters, electric plugs, or cables.
And with their high-quality equipment and technologies, they
have already established their place in the world market.
One example is Sputnik Engineering. Seven years ago, the
manufacturer of inverters had 17 employees. Today it has 330
employees at three locations in Biel. Daniel Freudiger, Head of
Sales and Marketing, projects that this number will rise to 400
employees by next year. Growth in this sector is occurring rapidly.
Even in 2009, only the results from the first half were poor,
says Freudiger. “The second half did more than compensate.
The company experiences double-digit growth nowadays. The
fifth largest manufacturer of inverters in the solar sector in the
world can afford to restrict itself to Europe. “We prefer to focus.
It makes us strong in our markets,” says Freudiger.
Early public offering, quick merger
In neighboring Lyss, 3S (Swiss Solar Systems) has a similar
success story. Founded in 2000, it has become a global market
leader in the production of equipment for the manufacture
of solar panels. In 2008 it had sales of CHF 108 million, and
it had 323 employees worldwide in mid- 2009. At the end of
2009, 3S merged with Meyer Burger in Baar.
With this merger, Meyer Burger strengthened its position as the
largest independent solar module manufacturer in Switzerland.
Already in 2008, it had sales of CHF 445 million, and it had
over 630 employees worldwide in mid-2009. The company
manufactures machines for cutting and handling crystalline
and other high-grade materials.
The merged company saw an increase in sales by 67% in the
first half of 2010 due to the global upturn in photovoltaics. It
foresees total sales of CHF 730 million by year’s end.
Komax projects significant growth
Komax in Dierikon is also feeling the swift upturn in crystalline
photovoltaics, says Komax CFO Andreas Wolfisberg. In the
first six months of 2010, sales in the solar segment were CHF
28 million, or 18% of the total first-half sales. Komax, which
has been in the solar business since 2000, produces machines
for the assembly of solar cells, solar modules, and thin-film solar
modules. Wolfisberg predicts significant growth in the coming
years. However, the growth in the solar sector will occur in
the USA; the company’s thin-film activities are moving to York,
Pennsylvania where the crystalline segment is located.
Global market leader in Basel
Multi-Contact, to the contrary, still has its focus in the Basel region.
Nearly one third of its global staff work in Allschwil; many
others are employed in Weil-on-the-Rhine on the German side
of the Rhine and in Hésingue in the bordering Alsace region
in France. Komax’s main production activities take place in
the ‘three-country corner’, says Raphael Kosir, Photovoltaics
Engineer Manager and Head of Photovoltaics Production
Development. This family business does not disclose its sales
figures. “But the solar energy segment comprises more than
half our sales. “Multi-Contact is a world leader in the field of
electrical solar connectors. Its connectors are designed for
high voltage, high current-carrying capacity and huge changes
in temperature which solar equipment is exposed to during its
up to 25 year lifespan.
Oerlikon’s hopes for a new plant
Among the large Swiss solar companies, only Oerlikon Solar in
Trübbach is facing difficulties. Oerlikon Solar is the only company
to concentrate solely on the manufacturing of end-to-end
production lines for thin-film solar technologies. As a result,
it has suffered from the commercial difficulties this technology
is facing. In the beginning of September, the company
introduced its newest production line. The so-called ThinFab
manufactures thin-film modules at the lowest module production
cost in the industry and the highest lab cell efficiency compared
to conventional thin-film modules.
In Switzerland, the country of hydroelectric power, a few companies
have sought a spot in the sun. Those that have found it
are mostly basking in the sector’s upturn.
Steffen Klatt

20
Bu i l d iN g & ur B a N iS m
Monte Rosa is being brought to Singapore
The Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) in Zurich is developing a concept for future sustainable cities – in
Asia. ETH Professor Gerhard Schmitt leads the Future Cities Laboratory in Singapore. He sees good market opportunities
for small and middle-sized European companies, provided they join forces as a consortium.
From the first impression, it appears that the whole is a twitching,
living organism. One can recognize the structure of Zurich’s
city center by the green-colored interstratified traffic arteries.
Small white points swarm in a hectic to-and-fro. Professor
Gerhard Schmitt is demonstrating one of the simulations that
the Future Cities Laboratory hopes will some day influence the
future of city planning.
The Problems are Nearing
The new institution opened its doors in the beginning of September
at the National University of Singapore. “Current cities
– those that already exist or have yet to be built – are not
sustainable. They are less so in Europe than in Asia and Africa
where the climate and other factors help,” states Schmitt,
Chair of Information Architecture at the ETH Zurich and the
Singapore-ETH Center, leading to an enormous market potential
in the coming decades. For Schmitt, it is about creating
sustainable, new living spaces, habitats, and working spaces
for around one billion people.
“We began this research years ago in Switzerland, but one
must of course implement these applications where the greatest
challenges exist,” says Schmitt. The interdisciplinary team
is comprised of architects, planners, engineers, and computer
scientists and will function under the organizational umbrella of
the Singapore-ETH Center in conjunction with the National University
of Singapore and the Nanyang Technological University.
From Individual Buildings to Entire Regions
Three different levels are being analyzed. At the smallest scale,
it will look at building technology. The middle level will deal
with urban development. The highest level will analyze territorial
planning. From this, different subjects will emerge, those
that are concerned with availability and circulation. This is also
true for energy. The researchers are asking themselves, what
energy is already available in a city district and what can be
made available with new technologies. In cool climates, solar
radiation from the summer can be saved underground and
extracted in the winter from heat pumps. Such a system is at
the moment being put into practice in the Science City at the
ETH Zurich, initiated by Gerhard Schmitt. Or one can examine
materials. In places like Singapore, it will become increasingly
important to not demolish and discard old buildings as was
previously done, but rather to separate and reuse commodities
and rare raw materials – such as gravel and sand in Singapore.
“In this regard, Switzerland has immense experience and it will
also be a big theme here in Asia.”
Singapore’s Monte Rosa
With the Monte Rosa mountain hut, Zurich scientists have already
proven that it is possible to build a largely self-reliant
building 3000 meters above sea level. The Science City at the
ETH Zurich is also pursuing this same approach.
The Marina Bay Sands Casino is located on
a reclaimed island in the Bay of Singapore.
But apart from the research, there is another practical
component to the code word “Monte Rose Singapore”.
“Obviously,there is an extreme challenge: an energy-plus
building in a tropical climate at sea level”. The differences are
obvious: at 3000 meters, the Monte Rosa hut in Switzerland is
exposed to snow and strong winds, but it stands alone in the
world. This is in contrast to the high temperatures, humidity,
dense settlements, and minimal space in Singapore. “It is a
complete reversal of the problem in many different aspects.
But what remains the same is the research on affordability, security,
and comfort for living and working.”
In Singapore, the principle source of energy must also come
from the sun. How much can be obtained from photovoltaic,
warm water collectors, and other power generation forms must
be demonstrated from the research side. “The design-concept
from the beginning and the subsequent optimization are the
most important steps, ones which must be developed with a
technological concept and with financing. This will take place
in Design-Research-Studies, led by architects and students.
During this process, totally new ideas will emerge and which
will have to be scrutinized by specialists from the region.”
An Open Form
The final form, however, remains open because it, just like the
Monte Rosa hut, will emerge from special circumstances. Alternatives
to high-rise buildings in Singapore are at present being
successfully put into practice. There is a great deal of experience
with underground buildings and installations. One finds
in the city center entire shopping centers under the ground.
Zürich 2110: Sun, wind and water - Switzerland reacted early and integrated the inexhaustible forces
of nature into their cities (computer simulation, Chair for Information Architecture, ETH Zurich).
There is an outstanding transportation infrastructure, the largest
portion of which functions either underground or on light
rail. “One can see how a city with over one million residents
can also give back: space to move around in by foot or for recreation.”
Schmitt is also looking at ventures, parts of which can
be found underwater. These, too, will be a component of the
study. “One must think about this in Singapore because of the
lack of space; many features of buildings and cities, perhaps
more than we can even ponder at this time, can be laid out
underground or even under the sea, and the excavations from
land reclamation can also be used.
Market Opportunities for European Companies
Schmitt sees market opportunities for European companies
first and foremost in cleantech production, particularly in the
field of building technology. “In this regard Europe has immense
experience.” Examples include innovative windows
and ventilation systems to building controls, sensors, building
intelligence, or efficient heat pumps. There is also a large demand
in the area of “Smart Cities”, intelligent transportation
systems and infrastructure, road and rail systems, alternative
small personal transport vehicles, and electric mobility.
A mid-sized company could not provide an entire waste disposal
system in the region. “But I think, small and middle sized
companies could merge into small consortiums, just as our
research consortium has come together, and then offer a collective
solution for a city district. “
George Ackermann

22
Bu i l d iN g & ur B a N iS m / mo B i lt y & lo g iS t i cS
An achievement of the century
On October 15, boring equipment broke through the tunnel for the new Gotthard Base Tunnel.
At 57 kilometers long, it is the longest tunnel in the world – and the best, according to Renzo
Simoni, CEO of AlpTransit Gotthard AG and thus head of the largest construction site in Switzerland.
The base tunnel is designed to last a hundred years, but it is expected to last even longer.
The Gotthard Base Tunnel has been broken
through. Why will it take six more
years until the tunnel is finished?
Renzo Simoni: When you build a house, you
place a sapling on top to celebrate the completion
of the roof. You don’t move in the following
day. It is similar with the tunnel. We have already begun
to install the preliminary equipment in the galleries, which connect
the two single-track tunnels every 325 meters. Then we
have to install the railway infrastructure. It will take four to five
years to install the entire railway infrastructure. This will be followed
by an intensive commissioning phase. All systems must
be tested and standardized, starting first with the single elements,
then the subsystems, and eventually the entire system.
This will involve intensive test runs. This procedure will take one
to one and a half years. So we are looking at 2016 or 2017.
So will you be ready one year earlier than planned?
In the beginning, we had a number of operational delays and
had to delay the commissioning date from 2016 to 2017. But
we have had a very good rate of advance in the past few years,
particularly from Erstfeld in the direction of Amsteg. We were
also able to master the Piora syncline without incident. These
breakthroughs occurred earlier than we could have predicted
three years ago. In the meantime, we awarded the general
contract for the railway infrastructure.
Renzo Simoni, 1961, was appointed CEO of AlpTransit Gotthard AG in
2007. He studied civil engineering at the ETH Zurich and subsequently
worked for the consulting firm Ernst Basler + Partner and for Hebling
Beratung + Bauplanung. AlpTransit Gotthard Ltd. is a subsidiary of
the Swiss Federal Railways and is the constructer of the base tunnels
through the Gotthard and Ceneri.
www.alptransit.ch
To whom?
It is an international consortium comprised of Alpiq, Alcatel-
Lucent/Thales RSS, Balfour Beatty Rail, and Alpine Bau. We
have discussed with them whether it will be possible to move
the commission date forward by one year.
What are the uncertainties?
A railway project of this scale has never been done before.
And new systems will also be deployed. This must be closely
coordinated with the Swiss Federal Railways’ network.
Will the longest tunnel also be the best in the world?
We definitely hope so. It will have the latest equipment. It will
also have the best safety systems. In the 1990s, various systems
were tested: double-track tunnel, two single-track tunnels,
two single-track tunnels with safety shafts, three single-track
tunnels. The system chosen was the best. Passenger safety will
be better in the tunnel than on existing above ground rail lines.
Can one guarantee that this quality will be preserved?
This work has been designed to have a life span of a hundred
years. Everything has been aimed towards this. It will require
a certain amount of maintenance. Not all the elements will last
a hundred years. But we assume that the basic elements will
last more than one hundred years. The existing Gotthard line is
already 130 years old and is still in perfect condition.
How large is foreign interest in the base tunnel?
It is very large. It manifests itself in visits to our information
center, participation in our open construction days, and visits
from transport politicians from across Europe.
Steffen Klatt
Swiss hopes for biokerosene
Oil is a limited resource. That’s why kerosene will be scarcer and more expensive in the future.
According to Gieri Hinnen, who works in the field of climate change and aviation at Swiss
International Air Lines, biofuels are our greatest hope.
Is Betrand Piccard’s solar airplane the future of aviation?
Gieri Hinnen: Solar Impulse demonstrates an impressive vision;
CO2-neutral aviation is possible. However, I do not think
that the future of aviation lies in solar airplanes. But it is conceivable
that solar technology in combination with other innovations
can greatly influence the future of civil aviation.
What is Swiss doing to reduce its CO2 emissions?
We are pursuing a four-pillar strategy to reduce our CO2 emissions.
Firstly, there are technical measures such as replacing
our fleet with modern, environmentally friendly aircraft. Beginning
in 2014, we will replace a part of our European fleet with
the Bombardier CSeries, which uses up to 25% less kerosene
per passenger than present airplanes. Secondly, we are optimizing
our operational processes. For example, a modern
flight management system that will allow a better use of high
winds. Thirdly, we are engaged at a political level for a more
efficient use of the infrastructure; above all we are pleading for
a less fragmented airspace. When an airplane can fly directly
from A to B, it will produce less CO2 emissions. The fourth pillar
of our strategy to reduce emissions consists of economic
instruments. Our customers have the possibility to offset the
CO2 emissions generated by their flight through our partnership
with myclimate.
What can airlines do to reduce their dependency on oil?
Asides from the previously mentioned technical and operational
measures, we are supporting alternative energies, for
example the production of sustainable biofuels that will make
us less dependent on traditional oil production. In contrast to
land transportation, where electric vehicles are an option, aviation
does not yet have an alternative to kerosene.
How quickly can biofuels play a meaningful role in aviation?
An optimistic estimate is that by 2020 the aviation sector will
replace 10% of its kerosene demands with alternative fuels. At
present, there is already a fuel that is comprised of 50% kerosene
and 50% biofuel. However, it still needs to be certified.
Is biokerosene less efficient than kerosene
made from oil?
No, it is just as efficient as kerosene from oil.
And depending on which raw material is used,
the energy density is higher. For technical reasons,
at present there is no 100% biokerosene
available yet. Besides, at this time there are not enough
raw materials available to produce 100% biokerosene.
When can aviation be completely converted to biofuels?
This question cannot be answered today. Furthermore, the question
needs to be raised if this actually should be the aim. Biofuels
are one way to minimize our dependency on oil. Equally important
is the long-term development of new, fuel-efficient aircraft.
Are biofuels more environmentally friendly than fossil fuels?
Yes. The second generation of biofuels is indisputably more
environmentally friendly than kerosene. However, what is crucial
for CO2 reduction is how and from which materials the
biofuels are produced. That’s why the entire production chain
must be assessed for the environmental impact. To replace
food production with the production of biofuels is not a good
strategy because it would lead to a rise in the cost of food.
In aviation is there any alternative to biofuels?
In the short to mid term it is not an alternative. Biofuels are our
greatest hope. In the long-term, however, we are hoping for
new aircraft with completely new technologies – Solar Impulse
has already demonstrated that flying without combustible fuels
is, in principle, possible.
Yildiz Asan
Gieri Hinnen has been employed by Swiss International Airlines in the
area of environmental affairs since 2009. An economist by training,
he is primarily involved in CO2 reduction measures as well as environmental
policy issues.
www.swiss.com

24
moBility & lo g iS t i cS
The future begins below
The heart of the Swiss railway system is reinventing itself – and hardly anyone is noticing. In Zurich’s main train
station, while the commuters flow as always, the underground infrastructure is being prepared for the future.
What happens early Monday morning in Zurich’s main train
station – the Hauptbahnhof (HB) – is not for the faint of heart.
Switzerland goes to work in an acoustic sea of braking trains
and loudspeaker announcements. The commuters move
around like a school of fish: mute, determined, and, above
all else, in masses. Over 300,000 people – 4% of the Swiss
population – pass through the HB on a daily basis. Whether
from the east of Switzerland to the capital city or across the
most important economic region of the country: almost no one
fails to pass through the heart of the local public transportation
system.
The Construction Site Below Us
Yet hardly anyone notices that the heart is currently undergoing
a large operation. Throughout the HB and in particular underneath
it, the Swiss Federal Railways – Schweizerische Bundesbahnen
(SBB) – and its partners from the building industry
have been converting vast sums of money into concrete for
the so-called “cross-city link” over the past three years.
In 2013, the SBB wants to open the Weinberg Tunnel which
will bypass the northern end of the city and connect the eastern
part of Switzerland directly with the new right ventricle of
the HB: the through station at Löwenstrasse which is currently
being built 16 meters below platforms 4 to 9. The dimensions
are massive. 130,000 cubic meters of construction concrete,
around 30,000 tons of steel, 50,000 square meters of sealing
material, and nearly 80 workers on the construction site for the
new Löwenstrasse station under the HB.
Half a Million Travelers per Day
By 2015, two new bridges will be required for the trains arriving
and departing from the underground Löwenstrasse station to
traverse the unending tracks to the west of the HB. One of the
bridges will extend over 1.2 kilometers and will be the longest
railway bridge in Switzerland, the country of railways. The cost
of the overall project for the cross-city link amounts to CHF 2
billion (1.5 billion Euro). The HB is expected to see more than
half a million commuters daily by 2020.
A River gets a Basement
The operation is being performed on a beating heart. The
bloodstream of the Swiss commuter and freight flows must
continue even when the central organ of the future is being
prepared. In order that the flow of people and goods is not
obstructed, the Löwenstrasse through station is being built in
six stages. “This requires painstaking planning of the phases
and construction removal. This is more important here than in
other projects,” emphasizes Max Bösch, who is responsible
for managing the Löwenstrasse station project on behalf of the
SBB.
Because of the literal depth of the project, the different construction
companies who make up the consortium working on
this project also have to manage tasks of a “wet” type; the
ground water table must be gradually lowered in the basement
of the HB. And then there is yet another river to contend with:
the Sihl river flows from the Swiss Alps and joins Zurich’s principal
river, the Limmat, in the middle of the city – but not before
it first curves behind the HB. While the HB’s hall is located
above the river, the Löwenstrasse station will cross under it. A
seal must therefore be put over part of the riverbed.
No Accidents and Disruptions Until Now
Nevertheless, there is always something to regulate in the large
monthly meeting and the numerous small meetings. Painstaking
planning here, detailed guidelines there in everyday life, the
devil is in the detail. Much can be cleared up through mutual
agreement, says Bösch. Sometimes they part ways over the
width of the passenger thoroughfares. Or they discuss where
to place signs. “It’s a bit like politics,” laughs Max Bösch, when
asked about the coordination and communication skills. “We
must quickly agree each time on a practical solution.” Until
now, it would seem that it has worked each time. The project
is a perfect example of typical Swiss precision: the work is on
time, the finances are going according to plan, and there have
been no accidents or disruptions to the rail service.
Collegiality in Construction
While upstairs in the main hall the long-distance and intercity
trains depart nearly every minute, underground one is using a
tried-and-tested method of tunnel construction and excava-
tion. “The classic dig-and-cover construction method was an
ideal solution for this job,” says Urs Lappert. He is the project
manager for the construction company Marti AG, which was
commissioned for this project. In the so-called dig-and-cover
construction method, four platforms above the future through
station are being progressively shortened by 100 meters. “We
had to organize this by closing only two tracks at a time,” says
Lappert. “Schlitzbagger” – or cable excavators – are used to
dig shafts one meter wide and up to 30 meters deep. These
shafts will form the future external walls of the new heart ventricle.
After this, a cover will be added. “While trains are running,
we can work underneath fully concentrated and without
disturbances,” says Lappert.
“Without detailed planning and clear guidelines, the proper
functioning of construction workers and rail operations sideby-side
would naturally not have been possible,” says Lappert
in praise of the preparations. A rigorous rhythm now dominates
the daily construction. Thus the five participating construction
firms must think collectively. “There is no Implenia, Marti, or
Toneatti. There is only collaborative work, and this is how we
think, communicate, and act.”
Broad Support
With respect to the costs of the cross-city link, the Canton of
Zürich is financing one third and the federal state and the SBB
(as a public corporation owned by the federal government) are
together assuming two-thirds. When the public sector in the direct
democracy of Switzerland has to distribute such amounts,
there is no other way other to do so than through a referendum.
But the supporters of the cross-city line did not have to fear
a 2001 public vote. The citizens of Canton Zurich decided to
give CHF 580 million as state-funded contributions. But even
those who were strongly in favour of the project, could never
have dreamed of getting a yes-vote of over 80%.
Amir Ali

26
mat e r i a l S & Pr o d u c t i o N
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Modern buildings consist of various systems
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MIVU_Inserat_225x150_100816.indd 1 16.08.10 10:41
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Resources saved, prosperity secured
Not only is oil scarce, but peak production of other natural resources has been reached. The
World Resources Forum (WRF) wants to bring to your attention the necessity of managing the
scarcity of resources, says the founder of the WRF, Xaver Edelmann, Member of the Board of
Directors of Empa.
China withheld rare earth elements important for electronic
products - an early sign of a coming war over resources?
Xaver Edelmann: I can easily imagine that we could go in this
direction. But one must also understand China. China wants
to quadruple its population’s wealth between 2005 and 2020.
This is only possible through the manufacturing of products.
And these products require natural resources. But they are
limited. China is most certainly aware of how many additional
natural resources it needs. It is understandable that it wants to
secure these natural resources for its own use, or rather limit
their export.
What does this mean for the rest of the world?
We in the West have a high level of wealth. We can afford alternatives.
But there are other countries and regions such as India
and Africa where the level of wealth must still catch up. And for
them it can become more diffi cult.
Where can we expect bottlenecks?
Amongst other goals, our initiative is about natural resources,
to secure the long-term availability of those required for energy
technology and electronics. Indium is an example, and lithium
another. One can extract lithium from seawater, but only with a
great expenditure of energy. One speaks already of “Peak Resources”
as an analogy to Peak Oil, when the peak of oil production
is reached. There are substitute resources. But their
production will be costly.
Will the world experience the same problems with natural
resources in general, as is already obvious with oil?
That’s the way things are. There are resources that are still
available in abundance. But there are others where shortage
is not out of the question. This will have consequences in price
and in an increase in the energy needed for production.
Can science fi nd substitutes for scarce resources?
It can for certain resources. But it can also discover solutions
that allow us to get by with less resources. It is about moving
in the direction of dematerialization. Certain
products could be replaced by services.
World Resources Forum (WRF) 2009
Which ones?
A common example is mobility: not everyone
needs a car. The “Mobility” cooperative demonstrates that
one can obtain individual mobility through a service. Cars can
also be lighter. We do not have to drive around in steel bodies
weighing two tons. Science can, in any case, make a contribution.
But whether that suits the existing business model or not
is an entirely different question.
You co-founded the World Resources Forum. Why?
The WRF strives to raise awareness for problems, point out
paths to solutions and ensure communication between the
economy and the experts, but also to infl uence management
and governments. We work in a large international network.
The EU, OECD and the United Nations Environment Programme
are here too. Academies from Japan as well as China
are also involved.
Is the Forum based out of Davos?
The Forum will take place in Davos every two years. Regional
forums are expected to take place in the in-between years.
Steffen Klatt
Dr. Xaver Edelmann, 1948, is one of the founders of the World Re-
sources Forum which fi rst took place in Davos in September 2009
and which deals with the future management of global resources.
After his work in the central research department of Sulzer, he be-
came a member of the Board of Directors of Empa, the Swiss Federal
Institute for Materials Science and Technology. He graduated
from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) in Zurich.
www.empa.ch

28
mat e r i a lS & Pr o d u c t i oN
Cradle to Cradle gets
back to its cradle
Raw materials are increasingly becoming more expensive.
Highly toxic substances pose an environmental
burden on a global scale. The concept “Cradle to Cradle”
is looking to solve both problems at the same time.
Now it’s coming to Switzerland – back to its own cradle.
Michael Wilhelm is an unusual chair manufacturer. “We want
to get our chairs back,” says the Director of Logistics and Production
of Giroflex, an office furniture producer in Koblenz, Argau.
Giroflex has developed a chair that can be, and is meant
to be, fully recyclable.
The chair’s synthetic materials, as was presented at the Or-
gatec Trade Show in Köln, Germany, can be granulated and
injection-molded, and the aluminum parts can be reassembled.
“Aluminum is a very experience raw material,” says Wilhelm.
Recycling materials such as plastics and aluminum will
become more relevant in view of rising commodity prices. Wilhelm
calculates that the reclaimed material amounts to CHF
35 to 38 CHF per chair. “We are not interested in leaving that
to the waste industry.”
giroflex 656 Conference chair
Ciba-Geigy as Godfather
The Giroflex office chair is the newest member in the Cradleto-Cradle
family of products. The concept was developed by
the German chemist and process engineer Michael Braungart.
A commission by Ciby-Geigy made it possible. The Baselbased
chemical company asked Braungart in the early 1990s
to review the world’s food management. Braungart’s conclusion:
resource management has to be flipped around from
head to toe. Up until then, natural resources were being transformed
into raw materials and discarded after their use. In the
best-case scenario, they were being reused in a downgraded
form only to be incinerated after a couple of cycles. In the future,
raw materials should be reused indefinitely. All products
should be engineered so they can be disassembled and their
materials be reused at the end of their life cycles. “Whatever
gets worn out or broken, such as shoe soles, brake pads or
food, should be made in a manner so as to become biologically
useful,” says Braungart. “Everything that can only been
used, such as washing machines or television sets, should be
built to be technically useful.” This implies that products must
be simplified and completely toxin-free.
From the Rhine Valley to the Netherlands
giroflex 656 Swivel chair
The first Cradle-to-Cradle product was developed in Switzer-
land. The textile firm Rohner in Balgach in the St. Gallen Rhine
Valley manufactured a fabric based on Braungart’s principles:
entirely non-toxic, the origins of all raw materials including the
dyes were known, the fabrics fully re-useable after their use.
Climatex was a success, but it did not become a model – at
least not in Switzerland. The family-owned business was sold.
Albin Kälin, director of Rohner, moved to Hamburg to join
Braungart’s Environmental Protection Encouragement Agency
(EPEA) and became responsible for implementing Cradle to
Cradle in the Netherlands. And with success: the country is
the first worldwide to commit to fully implementing the concept.
As of 2013, the public sector shall be allowed to purchase
only “Cradle to Cradle” certified products.
Stable Sales During the Crisis
As of mid-2008, Climatex is being further developed, produced,
and sold by Gessner, a firm in Wädenswil. A lucky turn
of events for the family business. In the financial crisis of 2009,
where sales of conventional products collapsed by between
25 and 40 percent depending on the market and product sector,
Climatex’s sales have been steady, according to Fredy
Baumeler, CEO of Gessner AG. In comparison to other seat
coverings, Climatex has very good climatic properties: the
fabric absorbs humidity and prevents thermal accumulation.
Seating comfort is equally important for airplane manufacturers
as it is for office furniture manufacturers. Giroflex gets the
fabric for their new office chair from Gessner. The automobile
industry is also interested in intelligent seating solutions.
According to Fredy Baumeler, clients come not only from the
USA but increasingly again from Central Europe, and in the future
presumably from Asia. Climatex pricing is comparable to
other high quality products. “We are no more expensive than
good cotton products.”
Switzerland as a Steppingstone
In order to verify the origin and quality of raw materials, Gessner
applies only 16 dyes out of the 1,600 available on the market.
Radically simplifying the supply side is a key characteristic
of Cradle to Cradle. Likewise, Giroflex uses only 30 suppliers
for its chair. A standard chair would use double that amount.
Yet Cradle to Cradle remains of minor interest in Switzerland.
Albin Kälin and Michael Braungart intend to change this. Kälin
has since returned to Switzerland and founded EPEA Switzerland,
responsible for the Alpine region and the textile industry
worldwide. Switzerland should serve as a steppingstone to the
world. “I’m optimistic that I will see the Swiss “Cradle to Cradle”
some day in China,” says Mr. Braungart.
Steffen Klatt
EPEA SWITZERLAND GMBH
www.epeaswitzerland.com
Climatex textiles

30 31
cl e a N t e c h SwitzerlaNd
Doris Leuthard, Federal President, together with speakers and
guests at Clenteach Switzerland Day at Expo 2010 in Shanghai Doris Leuthard with Bertrand Piccard
Cleantech Switzerland bundles
export interests
The export platform “Cleantech Switzerland” supports Swiss firms in generating overseas orders by means of
networking, brokerage and marketing.
The heterogeneous Cleantech sector in Switzerland has had
only a limited international presence to date. Therefore, the export
platform provides small and medium sized Swiss Cleantech
businesses with information, services, and contacts with
the stated aim of generating orders for Swiss Cleantech companies.
A central component is the web portal www.cleantech-switzer-
land.com with a company database where Cleantech companies
register for free and can present themselves in the export
markets. Members of Cleantech Switzerland are associations
with access to Cleantech companies. Cleantech Switzerland
was developed by Osec, Switzerland’s trade promotion organization,
on behalf of the Federal Government and has been
active since July 2010.
Future industries with huge potential
The global market for Cleantech applications in 2020 is predicted
to total CHF 3,352 billion. That equates to between 5.5%
and 6% of all global output. At present, the figure is 3.2%.
Market analysis has led Cleantech Switzerland to identify North
America, China, India and selected countries in the EU (Great
Britain and Poland) as strategic target markets. Other markets
will also be selected for targeting, for example Hungary, Turkey,
the Gulf States or Mexico.
North America: In the world’s most important economy, the
Cleantech market will grow to USD 360 billion (CHF 380 billion)
in 2010. The US government’s economic stimulus plan will direct
USD 11 billion into Cleantech. President Obama consid-
ers environmental technologies and renewable energy will be
increasingly important in the US economy.
China: In the coming 3 years, the Chinese government has
pledged CHF 150 billion (USD 140 billion) of development support
for the Cleantech sector. Environmental protection is a key
strategic element in the eleventh Five Year Plan. The Chinese
market is very important for Swiss businesses due to its strong
growth, not least because China faces considerable challenges
regarding the environment, society and the economy.
Furthermore, state investment programs are creating demand
for Cleantech solutions.
India: Experts are predicting a total market value for Cleantech
of USD 8 billion by 2010. Growth in the Cleantech sector has
been 15% so far; in the future this is expected to rise to 20%.
India suffers from underdeveloped infrastructure, above all in
the energy sector. It provides a base of solid growth and is
particularly attractive to Swiss businesses because 25% of all
projects to reduce emissions are taking place here.
EU: EU countries offer considerable potential for Swiss companies:
Stimulus programs are channeling CHF 15 billion into
Cleantech. Leading countries, such as Great Britain, are being
forced by EU legislation to invest heavily, whilst others, such
as Turkey, are investing in order to align with EU standards.
Eastern Europe, where Poland stands out as the largest market,
needs to address historic underinvestment. EU countries
are attractive for Swiss companies due to their proximity. Market
entry is also easier because Switzerland has adopted EU
norms and standards.
With success: Due to the export platform, Swiss firms in the
areas of energy efficiency, solar technology, and building technology
have their first orders from China in sight. Cleantech
Switzerland has also initiated activities in North America, India,
and South Africa.
During “Cleantech Switzerland Day” at the 2010 Expo in
Shanghai, on the occasion of Swiss Confederation President
Doris Leuthard’s visit to China, the export platform Cleantech
Switzerland was officially launched. Dr. Uwe Krüger, President
of Cleantech Switzerland, presented the platform to select
Chinese and Swiss business leaders and companies. The objective
of the platform is to promote exports of Swiss technologies
in the Cleantech sector, in particular from small and
middle-sized companies. China constitutes a key market, as
the demand for Cleantech solutions and services is likely to
increase dramatically.
Parallel to the platform, three separate, independent Swiss
projects were presented: Zero Emission Race, Planet Solar,
and Solar Impulse. All three projects seek to circumnavigate
the globe – by land, by sea and by air – by exploring technological
frontiers and setting world records. Due to their uniqueness,
these projects are receiving international attention and,
at the same time, represent the innovative, reliable, and precise
Cleantech companies in Switzerland.
In connection with Cleantech Switzerland Day, three agreements
were signed. Using Swiss know-how, a recreation center
west of Beijing shall be built; east of Beijing, a Swiss project
partner is planning a modern retirement home with the latest
building and energy technology; and OC Oerlikon Solar suc-
Joint Economic Commission/Indian
delegation visits Kompogas AG
Successes for Swiss SMEs thanks to
Cleantech Switzerland
Cleantech Switzerland, the export platform for the Swiss Cleantech sector, was officially launched on the occasion
of Swiss Confederation President Doris Leuthard’s visit to China.
cessfully completed negotiations to supply a thin-film silicon
production line.
Swiss Cleantech Experts are in demand overseas
South Africa’s energy demands increase continuously. To
meet this demand, Cleantech professionals are needed.
Cleantech Switzerland therefore organized a fact-finding mission
for South African business representatives at the end of
September. The five-day visit focused on the issues of water
treatment and energy efficiency. The delegation visited Swiss
companies, research institutes, universities, associations, and
government agencies. For a second project, experts for wind
and solar technology are being sought out to bring technical,
financial, and legal know-how to South Africa.
In the US, Canada, China, and India, the export platform set
up a scouting network. The scouting activities include deploying
skilled experts to identify potential, interesting projects for
Swiss SMEs, which are then brought to the attention of Senior
Industry Advisors in Switzerland for further assessment. In
this way, local knowledge of the needs in the target markets is
made directly available to Swiss companies. With respect to
North America, relevant business contacts have been made to
develop the market. Interesting projects in the field of biogas
have already been identified for Swiss SMEs.
Cleantech was also high on the agenda of the 12th “Joint Economic
Commission”, an Indo-Swiss joint economic commission.
An official delegation of Indian government representatives
visited Switzerland in the beginning of October.

32
c l e a N t e c h SwitzerlaNd
Switzerland is Cleantech
The swisscleantech association has, in the fi rst year of its existence, presented a Cleantech Strategy for Switzerland.
It aims to help resource effi ciency and in doing so, increase the security of supply, generate new jobs,
and exploit export opportunities.
Global trends such as population growth, a rising standard of tions where the costs of the expense of the environment can be
living, scarcity of resources, and climate change means that internalized, sustainability be rewarded, and innovative willing-
resource-effi cient and emission-free economies will become ness and planning security be encouraged.
more important for competitiveness. Cleantech (i.e., the
“There is no other choice for cleantech. We have to re-
sustainable economy as a whole) will become an imduce
our resource needs. We have to establish promising
portant factor in increasing economic viability.
methods of production. We have to develop new energy
sources. Switzerland must seize these opportunities.”
Switzerland has the best prerequisites to provide crucial
solutions – allowing the country to profi t from it. Clean-
Doris Leuthard, Federal President
tech is the key for success. For this reason, swisscleantech, The Strategy proposes ten focus areas and 30 concrete action
together with the Foundation for Global Sustainability, devel- points for implementation. These build on existing efforts by
oped the Swiss Cleantech Strategy. It contains background the economy and the government, but also propose new solu-
considerations, goals, and action points from the perspective
of sustainable thinking while acting together with Swiss fi rms.
tions such as the creation of cleantech innovation parks.
The Swiss Cleantech Strategy complements the government’s
The Cleantech Strategy adopts a holistic approach in which
the climate, resources, and economic policies are intertwined,
measures, as seen in the government’s Cleantech Masterplan for example where it affects emissions reductions, develop-
“Swisscleantech means perceiving sustainability-related problems
ment cooperation, and export promotion.
as opportunities. Our main objective is to position Switzerland as
an international cleantech leader - for the benefi t of our economy
and as a contribution to sustainable development at a global level.“
In order for the Strategy to succeed, Swiss
Cleantech has to become a global brand.
Nick Beglinger, President swisscleantech
Switzerland should identify strongly with
cleantech just as it has with tourism, watches,
and other national and regional activities, and has as its objec- or chocolate. Existing Swiss attributes such as cleanliness, intive
to position Swiss research and work activities as international
leaders in the area of cleantech.
novation, precision, and functioning systems fi t well.
For successful implementation, coordination and partnership
The Cleantech Strategy includes several objectives. The secu- between the economy and the state play important roles, in
rity of supply ought to be strengthened. Attractive jobs should particular in the areas of information, communication, and net-
be created, so as to protect the high standard of living. In both working. The Strategy will have to ensure that regulations, edu-
the short and long-term, Switzerland should profi t from the cation, and research will be aligned; problems will have to be
strong, growing, global cleantech markets and
at the same time contribute to sustainable development
at global levels.
“The central challenge of the 21st century is to situate our society
on a sustainable foundation. Cleantech is a crucial element
in bringing about this transformation and reducing our footprint.”
André Hoffmann, Vice President, Board of Directors,
A comprehensive approach with three strategic
driving forces is needed. First, a goal-oriented
Roche Holding AG
focus of cleantech as a central success factor for the Swiss solved effi ciently; international positioning should be realistic
economy must be addressed, one in which the economy and and implementable. Trade associations and science will have
politics are aligned. Additionally, it needs clear and quantifi able
goals with respect to CO2 emissions, the proportion of renew-
to act as a bridge between various stakeholders.
able energies, and other resource dependencies and emissions By implementing the Cleantech Strategy, Switzerland will open
levels. Thirdly, it needs transparent, national framework condi- up signifi cant opportunities as a center of work and creativity.
... for a sustainable and dynamic economy
become a member
www.swisscleantech.ch
Bern +41 58 580 08 08 | Zürich +41 58 580 08 09 | Genf +41 58 580 08 10 | Basel +41 58 580 08 11 | Vaduz +423 230 13 26

www.swisscleantech.ch www.cleantech-switzerland.com