For People
and Climate
Planning today for tomorrow: With locally generated electricity, geothermal probes, and district heating, we create sustainable living spaces.
Sustainable heating and cooling
The geothermal probe fields are the most important energy source in CHAMA. They are used as a seasonal storage system: in winter, they provide heat for residential and commercial spaces, while in summer, they are used for cooling. The district heating system works like a giant central heating system: instead of generating heat individually in each building, it is produced centrally. For CHAMA, the waste heat from waste incineration is utilised and transported to the site via geothermal probes. The area is expected to be fully developed from 2030.
Electricity from renewable energy sources
The electricity in the CHAMA district comes directly from the rooftops. About 20 percent of the electricity demand is generated on-site, thanks to approximately 800 square meters of photovoltaic panels on the roofs of the first construction phase. This benefits the users of CHAMA as well: part of their electricity needs are covered at a low cost with locally produced electricity. If the self-production is not sufficient, Swiss electricity from renewable sources is supplied.
Green roofs
All the roofs of the CHAMA buildings are green and make an important contribution to biodiversity. The green roofs improve the microclimate, reduce air pollutants, decrease noise emissions, and promote a diverse range of flora and fauna, also in the surrounding area.
A good feeling of life
The Columbus building, with its 52 owner-occupied apartments, will be Minergie certified. Minergie certification ensures that the building has low energy consumption and a high proportion of renewable operational energy. Systematic air renewal in the interior spaces ensures high air quality and a good indoor climate.
Some financial institutions recognise the high value of Minergie properties with better terms on mortgage loans.
The buildings of the first construction phase will be certified according to the SNBS (Swiss Sustainable Building Standard) for new buildings.
This certification includes:
- Good energy efficiency during operation
- High comfort for users and residents
- Environmental factors such as mobility, building structure and ecological assessment
- Social aspects such as quality of use and diversity of use
In addition, economic factors such as regional value creation and a holistic view of life cycle costs—from planning, construction, marketing and operation, to potential future reuse, renovation, or replacement—are also considered.
