Proven expert in risk management

Ivan Lamorte is a proven expert in risk management and has been Head of Governance, Risk and Compliance (GRC) for Financial Services since 2021. Lamorte holds a Master's degree from the University of Zurich and has more than 15 years of experience in strategic consulting and auditing for banks and insurance companies. His areas of expertise include integrated security, risk management and transformation, the establishment of governance, risk, control and compliance frameworks as well as the design and implementation of target operating models.

Together with his team, Lamorte works closely with local and international financial institutions to deliver customized solutions. He is passionate about leading high-performing teams, developing innovative approaches and successfully implementing large transformation projects.

Licensed auditing expert

Yoann Bois joined Forvis Mazars in Paris in 2009 after completing his master's degree in engineering. He later moved to Forvis Mazars in Geneva in 2017. As a licensed audit professional, Bois brings over 15 years of professional experience in auditing. He has extensive experience in auditing and advising international and medium-sized groups, in particular listed companies from the industrial and services sectors. As the person responsible for Swiss audit training and the PCAOB practice in Switzerland, Bois has been instrumental in the development of the Forvis Mazars team and the audit practice in French-speaking Switzerland.

Source: www.forvismazars.com/ch

This article originally appeared on m-q.ch - https://www.m-q.ch/de/forvis-mazars-ernennt-neue-partner-in-der-schweiz/

Gregory Oswald (44 years old) is taking over the management with immediate effect. To ensure a seamless handover, Irina Leutwyler and Robert Brandon will continue to support the company for a transitional period.

Barbara Borra, CEO of Franke Home Solutions, comments: "Gregory Oswald is ideally suited for this new role. With his many years of experience in management positions and his comprehensive understanding of the DACH market and his expertise in product management and marketing, he will continue the successful path of Wesco and Berbel. We respect the decision of Irina Leutwyler and Robert Brandon and regret their decision. We would like to thank both of them for their support in the Acquisition of Wesco and Berbel by the Franke Group last year. We also appreciate their willingness to assist us with the integration for a while longer. We wish them all the best and every success for the future."

Gregory Oswald, who has been with Franke since 2015 and was most recently Managing Director of the DACH region for Franke Home Solutions, is looking forward to the new challenge: "I am proud to take on responsibility for two such renowned brands and look forward to working with the teams to drive future development."

Irina Leutwyler emphasizes: "I regret that I have to leave the Franke Group for personal reasons and am still looking forward to the coming months in order to be able to set the initial course for the long-term continuation and further development of Wesco and Berbel together with Gregory Oswald and Robert Brandon as part of the integration."

Gregory Oswald's previous responsibilities as Cluster Head DACH will be taken over on an interim basis by Corrado Mura, Vice President Home Solutions EMEA.

Source: www.franke.com

The Xing Future Work Report, compiled by the jobs network Xing in collaboration with Trendbüro München, answers this question. The report takes a look ahead and asks four key questions: What, how, where and with whom will we work in the future? Xing and Trendbüro München have identified the 13 most important trends that will shape the working world of tomorrow: more flexible, more inclusive and, above all, deeply human - despite or precisely because of technological progress.

The report combines well-founded forecasts with a practical look at reality. A survey of Xing members provides additional valuable insights from the perspective of employees and HR managers, and specific best practices give an insight into which companies are already implementing the trends of the future.

Dr. Julian Stahl, Xing labour market expert and co-editor of the Xing Future Work Report, is convinced that it is crucial to actively address these future topics today and to critically question existing assumptions: "The Xing Future Work Report is more than just a forecast for the future - it is a call to action. We want to initiate a dialog for employees, decision-makers and companies, open up spaces for thought and encourage concrete initiatives. Because the future of work starts now, and it belongs to all those who actively shape it," says Dr. Stahl.

From AI as a co-worker to a shift in meaning: these are the 13 trends for the future of work

The world of work is facing far-reaching changes. Driven by demographic change, technological progress and ecological requirements, we can expect upheavals in jobs and the skills required in the future.

Sabine Rogg, Director Trends & Strategy at Trendbüro München and co-editor of the Xing Future Work Report, says: "Technological innovations are meeting a profound change in values and new forms of collaboration - our work culture is in fast-forward mode. That's why we deliberately put people at the center of the Xing Future Work Report instead of simply repeating the discourse on artificial intelligence. Because the real question is: How do we actively shape this change - and for our own good?"

The 13 trends at a glance

Chapter 1: Where will we work in the future?

Trend #1 Automation shift: Instead of disappearing or being completely replaced by AI, jobs are shifting. Upskilling is becoming essential - especially in low-wage sectors. New professions such as gamification rehabilitators that motivate us to work are emerging.

Trend #2 Technical know-how: Companies lack expertise when it comes to AI. Smart managers set guidelines at an early stage and give employees security when implementing AI. Chief AI officers guide these processes.

Trend #3 Transitional Skills: Managers no longer manage, they accompany. As coaches, they promote the resilience of their teams and empathically drive positive change. Cultural evolution leads maintain the balance between innovation, culture and daily productivity.

Chapter 2: Who will we work with in the future?

Trend #4 Beyond Diversity: Inclusion is recognized as a competitive advantage and the differences in the way neurodivergent people think and work as an opportunity. Best practice example: The bank JPMorgan Chase is already reaping the rewards of its work with its "Autism at Work" project.

Trend #5 Net-Work-Force: Job sharing, freelancing, working on a project basis or the exchange between generations make it possible to quickly find highly qualified partners for jobs that need to be done.

Trend #6 AI as a co-worker: AI is a permanent team member in 2040. It takes over the classic 9-to-5 office job with repetitive tasks. Resources that are freed up will in turn be used to train people - or tools. AI scouts help to keep an eye on risks and developments.

Chapter 3: Where will we work in the future?

Trend #7 Conscious hybridity: Companies use the factors of flexibility, time sovereignty and the opportunity to lead a healthy lifestyle as employee retention tools.

Trend #8 Form Follows Flow: Adaptations to light, wall color, plants or materials make us more productive and happier. Thanks to neurological interior design, workspaces can be individually adapted to suit the task at hand.

Trend #9 The More-Than-Office: In 2040, the experience-oriented generations no longer want to go back to the conventional office. They will have an attractive Plug & Work including fitness studios, concierge services and exclusive events.

Trend #10 Dislocated Recruiting: International specialists bring specialized knowledge to the company. Optimized AI application processes make it easier for the recruiting department to get to know people from all over the world.

Chapter 4: How will we work in the future?

Trend #11 Holistic Human Relations: Onboarding has become more complex in view of the increasing number of career changers. AI-supported learning platforms help them and the workforce with tailored training opportunities along the career ladder.

Trend #12 Sense shift: Meaningful work is no longer one of the most important factors when looking for a new job. The relevance of purpose is declining. Managers are now relying on a new mix of intrinsic and extrinsic factors.

Trend #13 Fluids Polywork: New forms of collaboration also require new employment relationships and remuneration models. Companies are developing performance-based remuneration, on-demand salaries and new modular systems to meet the needs of their employees in 2040.

"We have to be prepared for the fact that the changing world of work will demand a great deal of adaptability from employees and companies. The era of completed transformations is giving way to constant evolution. This realization is supported by the results of the survey: Almost one in four Xing members believes that their own job will no longer exist in its current form in 15 years' time. This makes it all the more crucial not only to question established processes, but to consciously unlearn them in order to create space for something new," summarizes Dr. Julian Stahl.

More information

The Ecopaper association has been campaigning for the sustainable use of paper for over 40 years. In addition to avoiding paper, this also includes the use of recycled paper. But how great is the ecological benefit if recycled fiber paper is used instead of virgin fiber paper in the printer? Or if recycled toilet paper is used instead of bright white virgin fibers?

Eight years ago, Ecopaper presented its first paper calculator, which allowed users to compare the two types of paper with just a few clicks. The organization has now launched an updated version of the paper calculator. The tool, including explanatory texts, is available in three languages. It now also takes hygiene paper into account. The paper calculator shows: Here too, recycled paper has a clear advantage when it comes to the environment.

Current data as a basis

In addition to the overall environmental impact, the assessment tool shows in detail where each environmental impact comes from. This is because the paper calculator records the areas of fibers, chemicals and auxiliary materials, energy, waste water and waste and combines these into an overall assessment with the help of the so-called environmental impact points.

The service was made possible thanks to the support of various sponsors, in particular the Federal Office for the Environment (FOEN). The FOEN also commissioned the data collection. The basic data was requested from the various paper manufacturers and, where necessary, supplemented with existing inventory data and literature references. The environmental impact was then determined using the ecological scarcity method (eco-factors 2021). Ecopaper's sustainability calculator is based on averaged FOEN inventory data from 2024 and thus corresponds to the current state of knowledge.

Climate protection through recycled paper

The updated paper calculator shows that switching from virgin fiber to recycled paper is a simple measure to reduce personal or company climate emissions. The Ecopaper association also provides advice on reducing paper consumption and has published a brochure on this subject, for example "Recycled paper: protecting forests and the climate". It is also available online. In addition, several hundred municipalities and parishes have committed to reducing their paper consumption and using recycled paper as part of Ecopaper's urwaldfreundlich.ch campaign.

Source: www.ecopaper.ch

It is becoming increasingly clear that the negative impact of AI on the environment is primarily due to its immense energy requirements. Most of this energy consumption occurs in two phases: training the AI models and using them for inference, i.e. the process of generating answers or predictions, e.g. when waiting for an answer to a question.

Training large AI models such as ChatGPT requires enormous computing resources and can run for weeks or months - with correspondingly high energy consumption. Even after training, the demand remains high, as millions of users access the models every day.

This becomes problematic as almost 70 % of global electricity generation still comes from fossil fuels. Experts warn that AI could increase electricity consumption in Europe by up to 50 % over the next ten years - an additional burden on the already challenging transition to clean energy.

Can artificial intelligence help?

Despite its high energy consumption, AI also has enormous potential to drive sustainability forward - especially in the geosciences. AI models are revolutionizing weather forecasting, for example. Programs such as Google's GenCast are already outperforming established models such as the ENS of the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts.

While conventional models are slow and computationally intensive, AI delivers more accurate weather forecasts with significantly less energy input. This makes hourly forecasts possible, which could help to detect natural disasters at an early stage and minimize damage.

AI also makes it easier to analyze large amounts of data, such as decades-old satellite images. As a result, deforestation, ocean conditions and the consequences of natural disasters can be monitored more efficiently. AI-supported research also promotes the protection of coral reefs and accelerates the energy transition.

By using AI, researchers gain deeper insights into environmental changes and possible countermeasures. In this way, climate change can be better understood, slowed down or at least made adaptable.

Yes, AI can help

Reducing the environmental impact of AI requires a multi-layered approach. One example of this is the recently modernized physics data center at Queen Mary University of London, which uses waste heat from computer servers to heat buildings on campus. This method shows how data centers - including those used for AI - can be made more sustainable through innovative solutions.

Advances in computer hardware and software are also crucial. New technologies such as quantum transistors could significantly reduce energy losses, while optimized software reduces computing costs. In addition, the water consumption of data centers can be further reduced through improved cooling systems and the use of AI for efficient control.

Ultimately, the sustainability of AI depends heavily on the switch to renewable energies. The expansion of solar, wind and nuclear energy is essential to meet the growing demand for electricity in an environmentally friendly way. Initiatives such as multidisciplinary research centers that promote new ideas for green energy technologies make important contributions in this regard.

Global inequalities in access to AI

Positive sustainability applications of AI have so far mainly benefited the Global North, where infrastructure, funding and expertise are available. This imbalance risks exacerbating existing global inequalities and denying communities in the Global South access to important tools that could contribute to climate adaptation.

Equitable access to AI technologies is therefore crucial. Projects such as improving local weather forecasts in Sierra Leone or training for scientists in Indonesia show how AI can be used to specifically address local environmental problems.

Cooperation between governments, universities and the private sector is needed to drive these developments forward. The focus must be on fair partnerships and knowledge sharing so that AI can deliver sustainable solutions worldwide - even in places where it was previously difficult to access.

Because when it comes to AI and the environment, the challenge is great, but so is the opportunity.

Source: Queen Mary, University of London 

1 AI and data management: the basis for innovation

Data is the foundation of any successful implementation of artificial intelligence. In order to exploit the potential of AI, it is important that companies optimize their data infrastructure and prepare their data for the training and use of large language models. In many cases, however, company data is isolated and duplicated on different legacy platforms. In response, companies are beginning to invest in unified data platforms with end-to-end data governance. In other words, in guidelines for the efficient and scalable curation and management of data as well as in data quality and data security.

2. diversification of the cloud market

While public clouds continue to grow rapidly in importance, attention is increasingly turning to specialized cloud deployment models based on private, dedicated and sovereign clouds. This reflects the evolving legal requirements for the location and security of data in regions such as the EU. It also shows the greater diversity of workloads being moved to the cloud in key industries. These range from public sector applications, which are subject to strict data management regulations, to low latency workloads in industries such as financial services or telecommunications, which have performance requirements that are more difficult or expensive to meet with traditional public sector cloud resources.

3. edge cloud transformation

With increasing digitalization and automation in sectors such as manufacturing and logistics, edge computing is crucial. Edge services enable data processing closer to the source of data generation, such as sensors and machines in factories. This enables shorter latency times, faster insight into the data and improvements in efficiency and security. By minimizing data transfer to the cloud, edge computing also lowers bandwidth costs and increases data security, which is critical for industries working with sensitive information. It also ensures that operations continue even if the connection to the central servers is interrupted. This model is suitable for data-intensive processes and workloads, for example in the automotive and retail industries.

4. platform compliance

With additional regulatory requirements, particularly in the areas of AI and cloud usage, companies need to ensure that their cloud platforms are not only efficient but also legally compliant. It is no longer sufficient to make decisions based on individual implementations or use cases. Instead, it is advisable to align the choice of the entire platform and the cloud solutions used with long-term regulatory requirements such as C5 (Cloud Computing Compliance Criteria Catalogue) or the EU Cloud Code of Conduct. This enables a higher pace of innovation without being slowed down by individual compliance requirements.

5th compatibility: Multicloud becomes reality

Companies' approach of choosing different cloud providers for different workloads is an indication of the cloud of the future. Companies are increasingly turning to multi-cloud strategies to make their IT landscape more flexible and avoid vendor lock-in. Some hyperscalers now support this multicloud approach and allow their users to combine the offerings of multiple providers to create more efficient solutions. The development of secure connections between different cloud infrastructures and services that provide databases directly in the data centers of other cloud providers illustrates this approach.

One example of this approach is the provision of secure connections between different cloud infrastructures and services that provide databases directly in the data centers of other cloud providers.

Overall, the trends for 2025 show a clear direction. Cloud strategies will be more diverse, more technologically sophisticated and more strongly driven by regulation. Companies that respond to these changes at an early stage will secure a clear competitive advantage in a dynamic and challenging market.

Source: www.oracle.com

This article originally appeared on m-q.ch - https://www.m-q.ch/de/fuenf-cloud-trends-fuer-2025-zwischen-innovation-und-compliance/

The Rhine Valley Economic Forum will take place on Friday, January 17, 2025, on the topic of "Location, Strategy, Handover of Staff", addressing three key success factors for the future of companies. High-profile representatives from business and politics will explore the topics in depth in exciting keynote speeches and discussions. They include Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin, Hilti CEO Jahangir Doongaji and Vaude CEO Antje von Dewitz. At the end of the event, Dominic Deville will provide a special counterpoint with his unmistakable humor and round off the anniversary edition in a fitting manner.

Waiting list for interested parties

Although the forum is sold out, it is not uncommon for participants to cancel at short notice. In such cases, registrations from people on the waiting list will be considered. Interested parties can register for the waiting list by sending a message to info@wifo.ch.

Live stream with replay mode

The event can also be followed via the live stream. The presentations can also be watched at a later date in replay mode. Registrations for the live stream are still possible via the website www.wifo.ch/anmeldung possible.

More information

In 2024, 2 new branches were opened. The Chicorée Group now has 182 locations in all parts of Switzerland and employs over 950 people.

"We are pleased that, after a strong 2023 with a record result, we were able to maintain a similarly high level of sales in 2024 despite the difficult market environment in the retail sector. Last year was characterized by a cool and rainy start to the summer. As a result, the summer collection sold very poorly, particularly during the important month of June. By contrast, the start of fall was ideal due to the very rapid change in temperature and weather. Christmas business was in line with the previous year. For the year 2025, which has now begun, we are aiming for a clear increase in total sales. The recovery in commodity prices, the normalization of the supply chain and a strong Swiss franc will also have a positive impact on the annual result," says Thomas Ullmann, CEO of the Chicorée Group.

City center locations under pressure, conurbation and specialist store locations gaining ground

City center locations also came under further pressure during 2024.

Conurbation and specialist store locations, on the other hand, have increased. The highest sales per square metre continue to be achieved at railroad stations.

New generation on course for growth

In 2020, Jörg Weber, owner and founder of the Swiss fashion chain Chicorée, stepped down from the Board of Directors after more than 38 years of operational activity and handed over the management of the company to the new CEO Thomas Ullmann and his two sons Pascal Weber and Mathias Weber, who joined the management team in their new roles as Co-CEOs.

Chicorée's fourth financial year under the new management team is also proving successful. "Innovations in all departments and a concentrated focus on the product and the customer will once again drive Chicorée's growth in the coming year," says Thomas Ullmann.

Focus on the customer program and new online store

In 2025, there will again be a strong focus on the customer programme and the personalization of customer communication. The online store will be expanded to cover the majority of the product range and new omnichannel services such as Click & Collect are planned (reserve products online and pay or collect them in store). The investments in technology and the omnichannel strategy are bearing fruit through stronger customer loyalty and more efficient processes.

Further expansion with a focus on French-speaking Switzerland and Ticino

Chicorée is still aiming for a fast pace and further growth in 2025. Between 5 and 10 new locations are planned. The Chicorée store network already covers most of Switzerland.

As in the previous year, expansion will continue, particularly in the French-speaking part of Switzerland and Ticino

Source: www.chicoree.ch

solutions are increasingly attracting customers from the large system integrators. The main reasons for this are lower prices, greater agility and innovative strength as well as a more personalized service. This was observed in the new comparative study "ISG Provider Lens Private/Hybrid Cloud - Data Center Services Switzerland 2024", published by the market research and consulting company Information Services Group (ISG).

The study also shows that managed hybrid cloud solutions are becoming increasingly important, as collaboration with various hyperscalers and the integration of existing applications have become complex challenges for many companies. In the study, ISG examined the portfolio and competitive strength of 67 IT service providers and product providers that are represented in the Swiss private/hybrid cloud market with services and solutions.

According to the ISG study, Switzerland is an important European market for managed hybrid/cloud services. In addition, the number of service contracts on the Swiss market is currently growing faster than in Europe as a whole. More than ever, SMEs are also increasingly in need of service providers with extensive management capabilities, automated orchestration and industry-specific platforms. According to ISG, midmarket service providers are increasingly coming into their own as they react more quickly and flexibly to this demand than the traditional large providers.

"Medium-sized providers in Switzerland are also better able to act and communicate with their customers on an equal footing," says Heiko Henkes, Managing Director and Principal Analyst at ISG. "In addition, they currently score points because they can respond more flexibly to the individual needs of their customers and offer more personalized support," says Heikes. Several takeovers and mergers have recently caused additional movement in the Swiss provider market.

Market trends

The growing demand for outsourced IT infrastructure solutions is driving the expansion not only of managed services, but also of colocation services, according to the ISG study. In Switzerland, banks, insurance companies, the healthcare sector and public administrations are increasingly relying on the services of colocation providers and moving their infrastructure to their data centers. There are many reasons for this, above all the improvement of operational security, adherence to compliance requirements and the rapid provision of secure network connections all over the world.

ISG therefore predicts that competition between providers of hybrid IT and colocation services in Switzerland will intensify as companies increasingly look for flexible and secure solutions.

According to the ISG analysts, hybrid cloud solutions are also gaining momentum in Switzerland because companies have now recognized that existing applications usually do not run smoothly in a public cloud environment. This is why they often decide either to operate in colocation data centers or to migrate to a managed hosting model. With the current state of technology, service providers have the option of managing colocation, hosting and cloud via a central AIOps platform.

"Last but not least, the particularly high demand for so-called sovereign clouds in Switzerland has further fueled the private/hybrid cloud market in the country," says ISG analyst Henkes. "As more and more AI services find their way into companies, the volume and quality of data stored in the cloud is also increasing exponentially." This further enhances the role of the private cloud, as it is better protected from access as an encapsulated unit than public cloud models.

From the multi-cloud to the polycloud

According to the ISG study, hybrid and multi-cloud variants are now the most common approaches when choosing cloud models. They are also developing more and more in the direction of "polycloud", where the focus is on individual concrete services instead of comprehensive systems. The aim is for applications and services to have access to the best available services - be it an industry-specific cloud solution, a specialized database or a specific AI or ML service. "The polycloud is usually based on several public cloud providers that are combined with the private cloud," says Heiko Henkes. "This transformation is significantly driving the current modernization of the IT infrastructure."

At the same time, cost optimization in the cloud is currently a top priority. According to the ISG analysts, Swiss companies have clearly aligned their goals towards cost reduction and efficiency. As a result of the rapid expansion of cloud usage in recent years, cloud spending has become one of the most important areas when it comes to reducing costs. In recent years, companies have achieved cost savings primarily through simple FinOps cloud management. Now, however, more fundamental structural reforms are on the agenda, for example using cheaper cloud-native technologies such as "serverless", in which servers are treated separately from app development.

Classifications

The study "ISG Provider Lens Private/Hybrid Cloud - Data Center Services Switzerland 2024" evaluates the capabilities of a total of 67 providers in five market segments (quadrants): "Managed Services - Large Accounts", "Managed Services - Midmarket", "Managed Hosting - Large Accounts", "Managed Hosting - Midmarket" and "Colocation Services".

The study classifies Swisscom as a "Leader" in all five market segments, while Atos, Aveniq, Bechtle, Convotis, ELCA/EveryWare, Green, Kyndryl, MTF and ti&m are described as "Leaders" in two quadrants each. Accenture, Axians, BitHawk, Capgemini, Digital Realty, Equinix, Netcloud, NTS Workspace, NTT GDC, Stack Infrastructure, TCS, T-Systems, UMB and Wipro are "Leaders" in one segment each.

In addition, Cancom, HCLTech and Rackspace Technology are each designated as "Rising Stars" in one quadrant. According to ISG's definition, these are companies with a promising portfolio and high future potential.

In the "Customer Experience" category, Green was named a global "ISG CX Star Performer 2024" among service providers of Private/Hybrid Cloud - Data Center Services. Green achieved the highest scores in the ISG "Voice of the Customer" survey in terms of customer satisfaction. The survey is part of the ISG Star of Excellence-program, a leading quality competition for the technology and business services industry.

Source: www.isg-one.com

This article originally appeared on m-q.ch - https://www.m-q.ch/de/private-hybrid-cloud-mittelstaendische-anbieter-in-der-schweiz-gewinnen-marktanteile/

JobCloud, the leading digital company in the Swiss job market, has analyzed which employers were most frequently searched for on jobs.ch in 2024 - and compiled a ranking of the ten most sought-after employers.

Once again, first place goes to Zurich Airport, which demonstrates its appeal as an attractive place to work. Right behind it, Coop and Migros take the other places on the podium. Aldi in fifth place is another retailer. Lidl no longer makes it into the top 10 in 2024. "Large companies are attractive because they offer a wide range of career opportunities and are represented throughout Switzerland," says Davide Villa, CEO of JobCloud.

The security company Securitas has moved up three places and can look forward to fourth place in 2024. SBB (7th place) and Swiss Post (8th place) have lost some of their popularity. The facility management service provider ISS (9th) is new to the list. With BMW in 10th place, this is the first time a car company has been included in the ranking of the most popular companies for job seekers.

"Even if renowned brands and large corporations with a wide range of vacancies are usually among the most sought-after employers, SMEs can also assert themselves strongly on the job market. It is crucial that they communicate their Employee Value Proposition, i.e. their unique selling points, clearly, authentically and transparently. JobCloud is the ideal companion for this in order to reach the desired talents according to their needs," concludes Villa.

Source: www.jobcloud.ch

The golden winners of the year 2025 are Matica AG from Kaltenbach (TG) together with Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts HSLU (Energy Technologies category), Ewb together with Lubera AG from Buchs/SG (Renewable Energies category), Galliker Transport AG from Altishofen (LU) (Energy-efficient Mobility category), and IWB from Basel (Buildings and Space category). The jury's special prize was also awarded to Genossenschaft Elektra, Jegenstorf (BE) together with Groupe E (FR), Azienda Elettrica di Massagno AEM (TI) and EKZ with ETH Zurich (ZH).

The Watt d'Or trophy - a snow globe - was presented to the winners by the prominent jury chaired by National Councillor Susanne Vincenz-Stauffacher at the Kursaal Congress Center in Bern. Hundreds of representatives of the Swiss energy scene from politics, business and research were present.

Watt d'Or - the seal of quality for energy excellence

Innovative Swiss companies and universities are successfully and courageously putting the future of energy into practice. In their honor, the Swiss Federal Office of Energy has created the Watt d'Or, the seal of quality for energy excellence. The Watt d'Or was awarded for the first time in 2007. Its aim is to publicize exceptional achievements in the energy sector. They are intended to motivate business, politics and the general public to discover the advantages of innovative energy technologies for themselves.

The Watt d'Or is not endowed, so no prize money is paid out. 40 applications were submitted for the Watt d'Or 2025 by mid-July 2024 and evaluated by a team of experts. In the end, 18 entries were nominated for the final round. From these, the jury, chaired by jury president Susanne Vincenz-Stauffacher, selected the winning projects in the four Watt d'Or categories. This year, the jury also awarded a special prize.

Winner of the Watt d'Or 2025

Energy technologies category

SeasON: Today's energy - tomorrow's warmth. A unique energy innovation has been in operation in Frauenfeld (TG) since fall 2024: the SeasON sorption storage heat pump, developed by Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts HSLU and Matica AG from Kaltenbach (TG). SeasON's catchy claim "today's energy - tomorrow's warmth" describes what it is all about. Surplus renewable energy is stored in summer for the winter using a thermochemical process. Caustic soda is used for this purpose. In summer, this is concentrated with renewable electricity or heat by extracting water from it.

Caustic soda and water can thus be stored at room temperature until winter without any losses. If the caustic solution is then diluted again by evaporating and absorbing water, heat is generated which the sorption storage heat pump can use to heat the building with almost no additional electrical energy. The first pilot plant in Frauenfeld shows how well this works. Two further, larger pilot plants in Switzerland and Germany will follow in the coming months.

Renewable energies category

Agri-PV in Buchs: The sun brings a double harvest. Plants need sunlight to grow. And photovoltaic modules are needed to produce electricity. Thanks to the Agri photovoltaic system on the roofs of Lubera AG's new greenhouses in Buchs (SG), sunlight can be used for both purposes at the same time. The system, which was built by the municipal energy supply company Ewb, covers 10,700 square meters and generates around 750,000 kWh of solar power annually for the Ewb grid. The more than 6,600 photovoltaic modules with an installed capacity of 812 kWp were developed by the company Insolight from Renens (VD) and the Bünder company Reech from Landquart. They are optimally integrated into the roof and translucent, so that 20% of sunlight can be used for electricity production and 80% for the plants in the greenhouse. A double "harvest" is therefore guaranteed.

Energy-efficient mobility category

Electropower tunnel: Charging infrastructure for sustainable transport logistics. "We think in generations". This is not just a slogan at Galliker Transport AG, but has been a recipe for success for over a hundred years. The family business, now in its third generation, knows that long-term visions and sustainable goals are needed so that the next generation can successfully carry on a strong brand. In its mission statement "Green Logistics by Galliker", the family is therefore committed to sustainable business practices and treating people, the environment and nature with respect.

It has set itself the goal of becoming CO2-neutral by 2050. This vision is being consistently implemented. Around 10% of the vehicle fleet is already on the road with alternative drive systems. Now it is time to upgrade the charging infrastructure. This has been achieved with the innovative, underground electric power tunnel at the headquarters in Altishofen (LU). 28 electric trucks can charge there with up to 200 kW of power. Such tunnels are soon to be built at other Galliker locations. Galliker Transport AG realized this project together with Fent AG from Seon (AG), Thomas Lüem Partner AG from Baar (ZG) and CKW AG from Lucerne.

Category building and space

Nanocomposite: cleverly sharing heat with neighbors. Electricity from the PV system on the roof can now be shared with neighbors in a group for self-consumption. The same principle also makes sense for heating: many heating systems in residential buildings are oversized and are therefore not used to capacity. Sharing the heat from your own heating system with your neighbors saves on maintenance and heating costs. The energy company IWB (Industrielle Werke Basel) has demonstrated how well this works in a Basel district.

Since autumn 2023, three terraced single-family homes have been connected with a geothermal probe heat pump and two gas heating systems to form a nano-network - a mini heat network. In the first winter, they were heated to over 90% with renewable heat from the heat pump and at 15% lower costs than before. The nano-network can be a solution for around 300,000 buildings in Switzerland that are adjacent to at least one other building and need a solution. Technically, the nanocomposite is easy to implement. The Basel idea therefore has the potential to gain a foothold throughout Switzerland.

Special prize of the jury

Grid tariffs contribute to an efficient and secure electricity grid. In Switzerland, more and more electricity is being produced decentrally and fed into the electricity distribution grid, for example from photovoltaic systems on buildings. And there are more and more consumers drawing electricity from the distribution grid, such as electric vehicles and heat pumps. This is putting more and more strain on the distribution grid. To ensure that consumers continue to be supplied with electricity efficiently and reliably in the future and that the electricity generated can be transported away, it is not only necessary to expand the distribution grids, as dynamic grid tariffs can also make a significant contribution. Their potential can be tapped thanks to "smart meters", which are now widely available. The industry is actively addressing grid tariffs with various approaches. Four projects were awarded the Watt d'Or 2025 in the "Special Jury Prize" category: Genossenschaft Elektra, Jegenstorf (BE), Groupe E (FR), AEM (TI) and EKZ together with ETH Zurich (ZH).

Source: Federal Office of Energy

"It fills me with joy and pride to be the patron of the Prix SVC Central Switzerland. In 2016, I was able to accept this prestigious award myself with Thermoplan - a milestone that recognized our work and our commitment to the economy of Central Switzerland. I have been closely associated with the SVC ever since.

The promotion and appreciation of entrepreneurial achievements is of great importance for Central Switzerland as a business location. I am therefore all the more pleased to help shape the Prix SVC in the future," explains the new SVC patron Adrian Steiner. In this role, he succeeds former FDP President Franz Steinegger and will also become a member of the SVC Honorary Patronage.

Adrian Steiner joined Thermoplan AG in 1998, when the family business in Weggis had just 21 employees, and was subsequently able to develop his career in various positions within the company. Adrian Steiner has been CEO, co-owner and member of the Board of Directors since 2009. Thermoplan AG produces high-quality, fully automatic coffee machines for professional use, which are exported to over 80 countries worldwide. Today, the company employs over 500 people, including 25 % in research and development, making it one of the leading innovators in the region. In 2016, Thermoplan AG won the prestigious Prix SVC Zentralschweiz.

Source: www.svc.swisss