Esentri AG and osapiens: Partnership around ESG guidelines

The implementation of ESG guidelines poses major challenges for many medium-sized companies. The Mannheim-based software company osapiens and the Ettlingen-based consulting firm esentri AG have agreed to cooperate in order to provide comprehensive support to SMEs in the seamless implementation and automation of compliance with international and national ESG regulations such as EUDR, CSRD and LkSG.

(from left to right): Dominique Sievers (esentri Swiss AG), Julian Thoma (esentri AG), Jaime Marijuán Castro (osapiens Services GmbH), Sandra Kuppe (esentri AG) and Michael Krebs (esentri AG). (Image: www.esentri.com / www.osapiens.com)

From 2024, large listed companies will be obliged to provide sustainability reporting (ESG reporting). The underlying EU directives are, in particular, the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), the European Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) and the Supply Chain Act (LkSG). From 2025, the criteria will be extended to other companies. According to EU estimates, the number of European companies subject to reporting requirements will increase from 11,600 to 49,000 companies in Germany. The ESG regulations have not yet been fully adopted and are currently undergoing further development. Many SMEs are therefore unsure how they can implement the regulations in a resource-efficient and legally compliant manner while at the same time automatically covering future requirements and developments.

With this cooperation, osapiens and esentri are pooling their expertise to support medium-sized companies in the DACH region both in technical terms and in supporting the upstream and downstream transformation process with regard to ESG reporting.

Legal certainty and transparency thanks to AI-supported technology platform

Osapiens has been using an AI-based software platform - the osapiens HUB - since 2018 to collect and process the large volumes of data required for regulatory compliance and to summarize them for the reporting required by law. Osapiens relies on innovative technologies such as artificial intelligence to help companies seamlessly implement and automate international and national ESG laws and regulations, including CSRD, EUDR and CSDDD, and ensure responsible sustainability reporting.

"We offer the leading ESG technology platform on the market, but many of our clients also need strategic and operational support in implementing ESG regulations. With esentri, we now have a partner on board who has an excellent network in the SME sector, can solve all issues relating to digital and sustainable transformation both strategically and operationally and has already helped many companies to position themselves in a sustainable and responsible manner," says Jaime Marijuán Castro, Head of Global Partnerships & Alliances at osapiens.

Twin Transformation combines digitalization and sustainability

Esentri advises companies on twin transformation, a holistic change process that combines digital and sustainable transformation. The consulting firm has set itself the goal of enabling its clients to develop future-proof, efficient and sustainable business models and thus secure their competitiveness. "We are delighted to have gained a new and strong partner for Twin Transformation in osapiens. The osapiens HUB technical platform enables customers to receive comprehensive support for the current challenges of sustainable transformation. With our many years of expertise, we are making a contribution to a better future together with osapiens," says Robert Szilinski, CEO and co-founder of esentri.

In addition to the implementation and automation of due diligence obligations with regard to the EU Regulation on the Prevention of Deforestation (EUDR) and the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), the services offered by the two cooperation partners also include reporting obligations relating to the German Supply Chain Act (LkSG). The aim of the cooperation is not only to provide SMEs in the DACH region with comprehensive support in fulfilling their reporting obligations in a resource-efficient manner, but also to assist them in driving forward the digital and sustainable transformation of SMEs.

Source: www.esentri.com / www.osapiens.com

Change at the top of Worldline Schweiz AG

From July 1, 2024, Diana Hurni will take over the management of Worldline Schweiz AG, based in Zurich. She succeeds Marc Schluep, who after seven years as Managing Director of Worldline Switzerland will be taking on a new challenge at the Swiss National Bank from fall 2024.

From July 2024, Diana Hurni will take over the management of Worldline Schweiz AG, based in Zurich. (Image: www.worldline.com)

Diana Hurni (51) has been working in the payment industry for around 13 years. At Worldline Switzerland, Hurni continues to manage the merchant services business as Co-Head, for which she was previously responsible as Head Direct Sales Switzerland and Deputy Sales Director Switzerland. Prior to the acquisition of SIX Payment Services Ltd by the French payment service provider Worldline in 2018, Diana Hurni headed the regional sales team in Switzerland.

Hurni began her career in the payment industry in 2011 at the former Aduno Group, which became SIX Payment Services AG in 2015. There, she was jointly responsible for the development and sale of Viseca's new loyalty program and expanded her expertise in the key account sector as Strategic Key Account Manager and Deputy Head Key Account Management.

Before switching to the payments industry, the qualified tourism expert, who also holds an Executive MBA from the University of Lugano, worked in the tourism industry for over 15 years, most recently as Sales Director, Sales Manager and Managing Director at Kuoni Reisen AG in Zurich.

For her new role, Diana Hurni can draw on her knowledge of the Swiss payment market, her expertise in dealing with a wide range of customer segments and her extensive management experience.

Source: www.worldline.com

Swiss Blockchain Federation wins Excellence Award 2024

The jury of the Swiss Crypto Awards 2024 has honored the Swiss Blockchain Federation with the Jury Excellence Award. The president of the association, Zug's Director of Finance Heinz Tännler, accepted the award at Finance 2.0, the Swiss digital finance conference.

Swiss Blockchain Federation
Heinz Tännler, President of the Swiss Blockchain Federation, accepted the award. (Image: www.blockchainfederation.ch)

This award recognizes the commitment of the Swiss Blockchain Federation (SBF) over the past six years in the area of blockchain, FinTech and crypto and for Switzerland as a business location. Together with its 80 members, the Federation has driven forward the DLT Act, supported the blockchain industry and helped to create a thriving ecosystem in Switzerland that attracts companies and talent.

Heinz Tännler, President of the Swiss Blockchain Federation: "I am delighted to receive this award. It shows that the Swiss Blockchain Federation has successfully supported the industry in recent years and is highly valued as a platform. In addition to our regulatory and economic successes, which we have achieved with a lot of hard work and passion, this award is a great recognition of our efforts. I would like to thank all our members and experts for their outstanding cooperation - as a strong team, we have been able to achieve a great deal for Switzerland as a center of business and innovation in recent years."

A pioneering start and continuous commitment

The SBF was established after a blockchain task force under the patronage of Federal Councillors Johann N. Schneider-Ammann and Ueli Maurer launched the militia project in 2017. Following the official founding of the SBF in October 2018, the association drew up a 10-point plan with regulatory proposals, which it presented to the Federal Council. The Federation also lobbied hard for DLT legislation. With its unanimous adoption in the National Council and the Council of States, Switzerland received one of the most innovation-friendly blockchain regulations in the world. This significant milestone attracted numerous blockchain start-ups and consolidated Switzerland's pioneering role.

The SBF works continuously to promote public acceptance of blockchain and crypto and to draw the attention of politicians to potential problems. A recent success underlines the importance of close cooperation between industry, politics and administration: FINMA recently planned to change its practice regarding staking services, which led to uncertainty and criticism in the industry. The SBF responded with a circular and a joint media release with the Crypto Valley Association to draw attention to the negative consequences of the change in practice. Following intensive discussions with industry representatives and FINMA, a compromise was reached. FINMA then revised its position.

Successful public-private partnership model

The founding of the Swiss Blockchain Federation as a public-private partnership with the four cantons of Neuchâtel, Ticino, Zug and Zurich has proven to be expedient and a successful model. Companies, administration, politics, science and experts were united in an association in order to explore specific issues in working groups, publish highly regarded papers and promote common concerns.

This award confirms that the SER is excellently positioned and a strong platform that contributes significantly to the economic success of the blockchain sector and the Swiss economy. In the future, the SBF would like to continue to actively support the blockchain scene, point out problems and, together with politics, business, science and administration, seek solutions that will continue to position Switzerland as a globally recognized blockchain champion.

Appreciations for more trust in the blockchain industry

The Swiss Crypto Awards recognize innovative investment products, first-class crypto solutions and initiatives, as well as individuals or institutions that have made outstanding contributions to Switzerland. Rino Borini, initiator of the Swiss Crypto Awards and founder of Finance 2.0, explains: "We want to strengthen confidence in the Swiss market for blockchain technologies and draw attention to innovative and outstanding achievements. Switzerland is a globally recognized center for these technologies and it is important that we continue to promote and support this by recognizing those initiatives and projects that have made significant contributions."

Source: www.blockchainfederation.ch

This article originally appeared on m-q.ch - https://www.m-q.ch/de/swiss-blockchain-federation-gewinnt-excellence-award-2024/

University CAS in Strategic People & Culture Management

Papilio, a leading company in the field of talent development, innovative assessment & management development services and strategic talent consulting, and the HSSH are launching a new, comprehensive training program in strategic HR management.

The CAS 'Strategic People & Culture Management' is a continuing education program that focuses on all topics related to modern HR management. (Image: www.depositphotos.com)

People are the most important resource in companies. The CAS 'Strategic People & Culture Management' is a continuing education course that focuses on all topics related to modern HR management - from strategy to effective implementation. The CAS ties in with the corporate strategy and derives concrete, implementable measures for attracting, retaining and developing talent in organizations. Scientifically sound concepts and their transfer into professional practice are the guiding principles of this 12-week course.

"We are extremely pleased about this collaboration and are convinced that we will offer real added value in the area of strategic HR management in the region. By applying our talent concept 'Plan & Transform - Assess & Join - Develop & Grow', participants can effectively translate their organization's business strategy into action-oriented talent strategies and initiatives and apply them concretely. In this way, they create the basis for positioning themselves optimally as an 'employer of choice'," says Jost Gloor, CEO of papilio.

The CAS 'Strategic People & Culture Management' provides HR specialists and managers with the necessary knowledge and practical skills to translate their organization's business strategy into a human resources and corporate culture strategy and to implement it successfully. This continuing education program seamlessly combines theory and practice. With a focus on all important topics relating to talent in organizations, it enables participants to make a tangible contribution to the success of their company by applying scientifically sound concepts in real-life scenarios. HR specialists and managers can use this to strategically and convincingly develop the future of their organization while prioritizing the people in their organization.

"By skillfully combining theoretical concepts with proven and innovative practice-oriented 'best practices', participants are enabled to apply their acquired knowledge and skills directly in practice. This impact-oriented approach strengthens the strategic role of HR and is therefore crucial for the sustainable development and success of organizations," explains Prof. Dr. Henning Grossmann, Vice-Rector at Schaffhausen University of Applied Sciences (HSSH).

Source: www.papilio.ch / www.hochschule-schaffhausen.ch

Zühlke strengthens the Board of Directors with new expertise

In line with its strategy of providing even better support to customers at a global level, the Zühlke Group elected three new members to the Board of Directors at the Annual General Meeting on June 20.

Three new members of the Zühlke Group's Board of Directors, Andrea Gisle Joosen, Feiyu Xu and Wolfgang Emmerich. (Image: www.zuehlke.com)

With the election of Andrea Gisle Joosen, Feiyu Xu and Wolfgang Emmerich, the company aims to strengthen its position as a global partner for technology-driven transformation by contributing a wide range of skills and leadership qualities.

Philipp Sutter, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Zühlke, comments: "We are delighted to welcome Andrea, Feiyu and Wolfgang as new members. With their diverse experience and perspectives, they will provide valuable input and strategy as we develop the Group into a global partner for technology-led transformation. Each member brings unique skills and I am convinced that their contributions will further enhance our ability to deliver exceptional value - for our customers, society and the planet."

Andrea Gisle Joosen has a solid background in leadership and advisory roles in various industries, including technology, consumer goods and retail. She is currently Chairman of Bilprovningen AB and Charge Amps AB and a non-executive director of evoke plc, Viaplay AB, Logent AB and Stadium AB. She also serves in an advisory capacity to the Swedish Trade Association and the Women's Leadership Award in Sweden. "I am delighted to join Zühlke's Board of Directors and look forward to using my experience in the digital and technology industry to drive the company's global ambitions," said Joosen.

Feiyu Xu is an award-winning AI researcher and respected expert in the technology industry. She is currently a non-executive director of Airbus Group and Chain IQ Group and a board member of ZF Group. Feiyu Xu has worked at SAP and Lenovo, among others, where she led AI initiatives and contributed significantly to the transformation of the companies. "I am honored to join the Zühlke Board of Directors. I look forward to contributing my expertise in AI to drive technology-enabled transformations for a sustainable future," says Xu.

Wolfgang Emmerich is no stranger to Zühlke. He joined the company back in 1998 and played a key role in establishing its presence in the UK. Wolfgang Emmerich became a partner in the Zühlke Group in December 2000 and has been CEO of Zühlke in the UK since 2009. His extensive international experience at Zühlke and his professional network will be crucial to the successful globalization of Zühlke. Emmerich comments: "It is a privilege to continue to support Zühlke and to help steer the company's global expansion activities."

Source: www.zuehlke.com

Quickline recognized as the Internet provider with the best customer service

In the customer survey conducted by the Swiss Institute for Quality Tests (SIQT), Quickline wins first place in the customer service category among Internet providers for the fourth time in a row. Among TV providers, Quickline's customer service made it into the top 3. The price/performance ratio also received another outstanding rating.

Quickline
(Image: www.quickline.ch)

The online customer survey conducted by the Swiss Institute for Quality Tests (SIQT) in May 2024 confirms Quickline's top performance: In the Swiss Industry Monitor 2024, Quickline takes 1st place for "Customer Service" among Internet providers for the fourth time in a row. The "customer service" among TV providers is in the top 3 and the "price/performance ratio" once again achieved an outstanding score.

"I am delighted that the high quality of our customer service has been confirmed by the independent tests. This award goes above all to our frontline employees for their daily commitment. They advise our customers personally from Nidau or from our regional partners," says Felix Kunz, CEO Quickline a.i., commenting on the results. "It is also pleasing that our products can hold their own in terms of price/performance ratio."

SIQT conducts provider-independent and objective tests of services and products. Every year, the industry monitor determines the best providers in terms of customer satisfaction, customer service and value for money in a cross-industry, nationwide online customer survey.

Source: www.quickline.ch

This article originally appeared on m-q.ch - https://www.m-q.ch/de/quickline-als-internetanbieterin-mit-dem-besten-kundenservice-ausgezeichnet/

AI and work culture: massive change

The majority of professionals expect artificial intelligence to massively change human collaboration. This is the result of the current study "AI and work culture", for which the coaching trainer InKonstellation surveyed 1,051 professionals.

InConstellation study: In general, respondents see more opportunities (55%) than risks (55%) in artificial intelligence. (Image: www.depositphotos.com)

The representative online survey on which the study is based was conducted in May 2024 on behalf of InKonstellation by the market research institute Bilendi. According to the survey, 54% of employees expect AI to significantly change the world of work in the coming years.

Political fakes as the biggest AI risk

Professionals currently see the greatest AI risks in political issues. The "use of fake statements or images in political debates" is seen as an AI risk by 70%, while the "massive loss of jobs" is seen as a risk by 50%. Only 10% see their own job threatened by AI.

Massive changes in the world of work

The biggest change in the world of work is seen in automation and increased productivity (69%). However, a majority see equally strong changes in the work culture - for example through the increase in remote work (57%), the change in work roles and skills (63%) or the increasing need for lifelong learning (52%).

Human collaboration and AI

In general, respondents see more opportunities (55%) than risks (55%) in artificial intelligence. However, when it comes to the specific consequences of AI for human collaboration, professionals are much more skeptical. 63%, for example, expect human collaboration to become more difficult rather than easier due to the influence of AI.

Shrinking communication skills

62% expect AI to shrink human communication skills rather than increase them. "People are unlearning how to work together, communicate and develop empathy," writes one participant in a comment on his expectations regarding the impact of AI on human collaboration. Another fears: "Interpersonal communication and the emotional significance of facial expressions and gestures will be completely lost."

Transformation in management practice

The majority of employees also expect drastic changes when it comes to leadership. For example, 55% assume that virtual leadership will increase and 52% expect that decisions on the morally responsible use of AI will become a management task. As many as 45% believe that leadership will change more "in the direction of coaching, cultural work and strategy". Only 21% believe that their own managers are "well" or "very well" prepared for AI changes.

Man-machine advantage

The study shows: The penetration of artificial intelligence into the world of work will be a huge transformation process that people must and can actively shape. "Humans still have a big head start compared to AI because they think and act in a human rather than machine-like, error-free way," says Timo Schlage, founder and CEO of InKonstellation: "Perceiving and understanding the conditions and possibilities of human action in social systems and translating them into joint action is part of this head start. From our point of view, it is a good idea to extend this lead now."

Source: www.in-konstellation.de

Designing digital business models with AI

From August 2024, the HWZ Zurich University of Applied Sciences will launch what it claims is Switzerland's first part-time Certificate of Advanced Studies (CAS) Digital Business Models & Strategy with AI.

The CAS Digital Business Models & Strategy with AI comprehensively covers the current trends and technologies that are revolutionizing digital value creation. (Image: www.depositphotos.com)

This executive education program combines artificial intelligence (AI) with digital business models to equip leaders and professionals from various industries with the latest tools and strategies for designing and implementing digital business models. The CAS Digital Business Models & Strategy with AI comprehensively covers the current trends and technologies that are revolutionizing digital value creation. Participants will be empowered to strategically use technologies such as Generative AI, cloud platforms, digital marketplaces and super apps to drive innovation and create new value for their organizations. "In an era that is heavily influenced by artificial intelligence, companies not only need to understand the technical aspects, but also adapt their business models accordingly," emphasizes Ralph Hutter, Head of the CAS Digital Business Models & Strategy with AI HWZ course.

Practical training with renowned lecturers

The lecturers are well-known personalities and decision-makers from business and science. With their teaching experience in Master's programs, they ensure up-to-date, practical and application-oriented teaching and thus make a decisive contribution to the high quality of the program. The CAS Digital Business Models & Strategy with AI offers practical workshops such as the Business Model Design Bootcamp and the AI-powered Strategy Innovation Lab. These hands-on approaches enable participants to put their theoretical knowledge directly into practice and develop solutions for real business challenges. Renowned lecturers from business and academia, including Dr. Marc Burkhalter, founder of Scrambl.org, and Dr. Mimi Zou, Professor of Commercial Law at the University of Exeter, enrich the course with their practical expertise.

Target audience and recognition

"Digital leaders are characterized by their ability to quickly understand and classify new trends and integrate them pragmatically into their platforms. The CAS is aimed at decision-makers, project managers and specialists who want to drive forward the digital transformation of their companies. With recognition of 15 ECTS credits, the 16-day CAS can be credited as an elective module as part of the Master of Advanced Studies (MAS) in Digital Business," says Sven Ruoss, Head of the MAS Digital Business HWZ program.

The role of AI in digital business

Artificial intelligence is not just a technology issue. Rather, it is an enabler that permeates all levels of the value chain, from customer interfaces and product design to administration and operations. Companies that understand this technology and develop a suitable strategy can already create new digital value and design their business models efficiently.

Outlook and importance for digital leaders

Large technology companies such as Google, Microsoft, Apple, Amazon, Meta and Nvidia are investing massively in AI and expanding their business models by offering AI solutions not only to private customers, but also to business customers. Swiss companies are now facing the challenge of developing their own AI platforms in order to understand the technology, providers and areas of application and develop their own strategy.

About the MAS Digital Business HWZ - Major in Digital Value Creation

The part-time Master of Advanced Studies (MAS) in Digital Business at the HWZ offers exclusive specializations such as Digital Value Creation. It combines the strategic flight level and business model level with operational implementation in Digital Product Management. This MAS provides practice-oriented knowledge on how to operate successfully in a digital world and create digital value yourself.

Source: www.fh-hwz.ch

Bühler launches pioneering mobility concept for employees

Bühler AG in Uzwil is launching the Mobility Alliance of Eastern Switzerland together with the canton of St. Gallen, the municipality of Uzwil and the OSTWIND fare association. Together, they are launching a unique flagship project for employee mobility. As an important employer in the Uzwil region, the company is also aware of its role in terms of emissions.

The new mobility concept of Bühler AG in Uzwil is the first pioneering lighthouse project of the Mobility Alliance. (Image: www.bühlergroup.com)

Bühler's goal is to reduce commuter mobility emissions by 30% by 2025 and to join forces to create incentives for employees to adapt their mobility behavior in a forward-looking way.

Mobility Alliance Eastern Switzerland - cooperation between employers, politics and public transport 

Employers contribute significantly to regional traffic and therefore also to congestion and emissions. New approaches are needed to achieve the climate and transport goals of the cantons and companies. One measure is to shift the majority of commuter traffic to buses, trains and bicycles. However, employers can only significantly reduce car traffic if employees have a good alternative to the car. Targeted cooperation between the public sector, mobility providers and employers is needed to promote these alternatives. The new Eastern Switzerland Mobility Alliance brings together politicians, public transport providers and leading employers to shape corporate mobility together, quickly and sustainably. The first pioneering flagship project of the Mobility Alliance is the new mobility concept of Bühler AG in Uzwil.

Initial situation at Bühler 

As a family-owned company, Bühler has always been aware of its social responsibility and ensures education, good working conditions, healthy nutrition and health. As an important employer in the Uzwil region, the company is aware of its role. It is not only about creating jobs, but also about maintaining the quality of life in the community. Bühler has committed to reducing the CO₂ footprint of the Uzwil site by 60% by 2030. The company estimates that around 5,000 tons of CO₂ are caused each year by journeys to and from work. The declared goal is to reduce this figure by at least 30% by the end of 2025. This corresponds to around 1,500 tons of CO₂ or the equivalent of 5,600 Mallorca flights. Through its cooperation in the Mobility Alliance of Eastern Switzerland, Bühler has succeeded in applying its commitment to sustainable innovation to its own corporate mobility. After the preliminary work in 2023, Bühler will launch its new mobility concept on September 1, 2024.

New mobility concept - better public transport connections for 80% employees

The completely new mobility concept is based on an AI-supported data analysis of the commuter traffic generated by Bühler, carried out by the climate innovation company 42hacks. The data shows how good the public transport connections are for each individual commute. The survey revealed that currently only around 30% of the approximately 3,000 Bühler employees in Uzwil can travel by public transport without having to make many changes and at roughly the same speed as by car. In several workshops with 42hacks, Bühler employees and partners from politics and the OSTWIND fare association, measures were developed to offer almost 80% of employees a good public transport alternative to traveling by car.

Concrete measures - attractive public transport package, TIER, bicycles and shuttle bus 

To make the use of public transport for commuting to work even more attractive for employees, Bühler is financing the realization of a pioneering offer with a lump sum to the OSTWIND fare association. Employees receive an exclusive public transport package for CHF 365 per year, in return forgoing a free parking space at their workplace. The public transport package includes the following products:  

  • a half-fare travelcard
  • an annual season ticket for all zones of the respective local fare network (OSTWIND or Z-Pass)
  • Additional credit for public transport journeys that go beyond the regular area of validity of the travelcard
(Image: www.bühlergroup.com)

Uzwil is well connected to the surrounding towns by rail. However, the train station is about one kilometer away from the Bühler company. From June, the municipality of Uzwil will be introducing ten stations with scooters and bikes from the shared mobility provider Tier. Thanks to the collaboration in the mobility alliance, two of these will be located directly at the train station and at the Bühler Campus. This will enable employees to get from the train station to the Uzwil site quickly by bike or scooter.   

Employees who live within a five-kilometer radius of the plant can travel to work by bike. To promote cycling, Bühler provides rental bikes from the Urban Connect multimodal mobility platform as well as secure parking and service stations for bicycles on the company campus in addition to the Tier offers. Employees will also receive discounts on the purchase of new and used bicycles and e-bikes on Bühler Mobility Day on June 24, 2024.  

In collaboration with the municipality of Uzwil and the canton of St. Gallen, Bühler is also planning to test a Bühler shuttle bus in a pilot phase. Employees from the surrounding area up to 8 km away can book the shuttle via an app and are then picked up at home by one of the two small buses and brought back at the end of the working day.

Flexibility despite commuting by public transport 

The workshops have shown that employees are concerned about their flexibility when they travel by public transport. Employees who opt for the attractive public transport package still have the option of traveling by car. In this case, however, they pay for the parking space. To ensure flexibility when traveling by public transport, even in emergencies, Bühler provides additional electric cars on the company premises.  

By implementing the mobility concept, Bühler is the first company in the Eastern Switzerland Mobility Alliance to demonstrate what can be achieved when employers, politicians and tariff associations pull together to make corporate mobility more sustainable. 

Source: www.bühlergroup.com

28th Thurgau Economic Forum: Rethinking the economy

The 28th Thurgau Economic Forum, which will take place in Weinfelden on November 7, 2024, is dedicated to the topic of "Rethinking the economy: sustainability and the circular economy as the key to success". The event promises a first-class program and numerous opportunities to network with representatives of the Thurgau economy.

The 28th Thurgau Economic Forum will take place in Weinfelden on November 7, 2024. (Image: www.wft.ch)

Transformation of the economy

The economy is changing. Companies need to rethink traditional business models and pursue innovative approaches that combine economic success with ecological and social responsibility. The circular economy offers a promising solution for this. In contrast to the linear model, in which products are manufactured, used and disposed of, the circular economy aims to keep resources in a closed cycle. Products and materials are designed and used in such a way that they can be reused, repaired, recycled or composted. This opens up extraordinary opportunities for SMEs in particular due to their agility and short decision-making processes.

High-caliber speakers

On November 7, Christian Vögtlin from the ZHAW will shed light on the challenges and opportunities of sustainability for Swiss companies. Albin Kälin, CEO of epeaswitzerlang gmbh, will provide practical insights into the circular economy. After the break, Melanie Diem will provide a practical overview of the 1×1 for a successful sustainability strategy. Futurologist Tristan Horx will conclude with a look at the sustainability of the future.

Thurgau in focus

The Economic Forum in Weinfelden always focuses on the canton of Thurgau. Daniel Wessner, Head of the Thurgau Office of Economic Affairs, will take the pulse of the Thurgau economy. In addition, the newly crowned Thurgau Personality of the Year will once again make an appearance on stage. The forum will be hosted by SRF presenter Mona Vetsch from Thurgau.

Free travel in 1st class

The mobility partner Thurbo AG is a new addition. Thanks to the new partner, 1st class public transport travel from the entire OSTWIND region is included in the ticket price.

Registration now possible

Registrations for the Thurgau Economic Forum are now open on the website www.wft.ch possible. There is an early bird discount until July 31. The 28th Thurgau Economic Forum will take place on Thursday afternoon, 7 November 2024, at the Thurgauerhof Congress Center in Weinfelden. Afterwards, a Thurgau business aperitif will be served and there will be an opportunity for extensive networking.  

Source: www.wft.ch

International summer school on renewable energies

Around 30 students, professionals and professors from universities and universities of applied sciences in Switzerland, Canada and France will meet at Mont-Soleil from 29 June to 6 July 2024 for the International Summer School on Renewable Energies (EIE-ENR), organized by the Department of Engineering and Architecture at the HES-SO University of Applied Sciences Western Switzerland.

In addition to the group work and workshops, visits to the photovoltaic and wind power plants are also planned. (Image: BKW)

The International Summer School on Renewable Energies (EIE-ENR) is a French-language competence center for renewable energies focusing on applied research and development and involving the HES-SO, the Université de Savoie Mont Blanc (USMB) and the Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières (UQTR). Since 2015, a special theme week has been organized every summer by one of the academic partners on a rotating basis.

The annual meeting promotes exchange and international cooperation. It enables professors to share the status of their research and students to work on realistic and viable projects that incorporate social and solidarity dimensions. In addition, all participants will be sensitized to the specific approaches, priorities and conditions associated with the development of renewable energies in the different countries and can then bring this knowledge back home. The week will be filled with lectures, workshops, coaching sessions and group work, all taking place at the Espace découverte Energie on Mont-Soleil. Visits to the photovoltaic and wind power plants on Mont-Soleil and the La Goule dam on the Doubs are also planned.

This year, students will develop projects for the expansion of renewable energy production facilities that include energy storage. They will take into account the geographical, climatic, socio-economic and cultural characteristics of Mont-Soleil as well as the extension of the photovoltaic park recently approved by the voters of Saint-Imier. The results of the work will be presented to a jury of experts and politicians on Mont-Soleil on Friday evening.

Source and further information: www.hes-so.ch

Sustainability award for the circularWOOD project by HSLU and TU Munich

Researchers at Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts win the Sustainability Challenge of the German Sustainable Building Council with the circularWOOD research project. In it
In cooperation with the Technical University of Munich, they are investigating the implementation of circular principles in timber construction.

The winners of the Sustainability Challenge 2024 in the Research category: Dr. Sonja Geier, HSLU, and Dr. Sandra Schuster, TUM. (Image: www.hslu.ch)

Wood is gaining ground as an ecologically high-quality building material. Because building with wood protects the climate and avoids CO2. The raw material therefore has great potential for the circular economy. But: "Today, wood does not remain part of the material cycle for long enough," says Sonja Geier, Deputy Head of the Competence Center Typology & Planning in Architecture (CCTP) at Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts (HSLU). So what does it take to ensure that wood can not only be used once, but also reused when a timber construction is demolished? How is a circular economy possible for timber construction?

Laying the foundations, developing solutions

Until now, planners and builders have lacked the necessary basis for transferring the principles of the circular economy to modern timber construction. Sonja Geier and her team have therefore joined forces with the Chair of Architecture and Timber Construction at the Technical University of Munich (TUM) to investigate the barriers and obstacles, but also the opportunities and potential. To do this, the researchers took a close look at the entire process chain, from planning and construction through to use. It was only thanks to this analysis that they were able to develop solution strategies and recommendations for action for a circular timber construction industry.

The circularWOOD project thus lays the foundation for technical innovations and sustainable practices along the entire timber construction value chain. "The potential of wood as a recyclable building material has not yet been exhausted. With circularWOOD, we want to prepare the paradigm shift in timber construction," says Sonja Geier.

With their work, HSLU and TUM won the Sustainability Challenge 2024 in the Research category. The prize is awarded by a jury of experts from the German Sustainable Building Council (DGNB). The DGNB Sustainability Challenge is looking for "innovations that question the status quo, initiate new ideas and bring about change". Since 2019, the non-profit association has been awarding this innovation prize in three categories: innovation, start-up and research. This year, the expert jury received a record number of 145 submissions.

Source and more information about the project: www.hslu.ch

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