Thu, Jan 11th 2024
Cham ZG Take Leap Towards Sustainable Living Recognized Nationally
In the heart of Cham in Zug, an extraordinary transformation is underway. A new district, designed to be entirely climate-neutral, is setting a benchmark in sustainable living.
This ambitious project, solely reliant on renewable energy sources like hydropower and photovoltaics, has recently been honored with the Watt d’Or 2024. This prestigious award, bestowed by the Swiss Federal Office of Energy (SFOE), celebrates exceptional contributions in the energy sector.
Cham Group AG, along with its partners, has been instrumental in developing this “energy cluster.” Their efforts have culminated in a modern residential and commercial hub, promising around 1000 homes and an equal number of job opportunities. The district’s energy self-sufficiency is a testament to innovative thinking in renewable energy utilization.
The accolades don’t stop with Cham. The Knonau-Maschwanden-Mettmenstetten ZH secondary school, another beacon of climate-neutral architecture, received the Watt d’Or in the “Buildings and Space” category.
With its five buildings and an indoor swimming pool, the school complex is a model of sustainability, harnessing photovoltaics, heat pumps, and a combined heat and power plant.
In the realm of “Energy Technologies,” a pioneering project by AEW Energie AG, in collaboration with ETH Zurich, has also been recognized. Their innovative optimization algorithm allows for a virtual strengthening of AEW’s electricity grid by up to ten percent.
Moreover, the “Energy-efficient mobility” category saw winners in Clemap AG and Otto Fischer AG from Zurich.
Their project, an algorithm for coordinating electric vehicle charging stations, dynamically adjusts charging power in sync with the photovoltaic system’s electricity production.
The 17th Watt d’Or award ceremony, a gala event celebrating these groundbreaking achievements, will see 17 nominees out of 42 applications. This event not only honors the winners but also highlights Switzerland’s commitment to sustainable and innovative energy solutions.
In conclusion, Cham’s climate-neutral district is not just a local achievement but a national inspiration, showcasing the potential of renewable energy in shaping a sustainable future.
Learn more about how Switzerland are fighting climate change here.
©Keystone/SDA
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