Spatial development

Would you like to redesign, further develop or convert a site or an entire district in compliance with basic principles of sustainability?

We would be happy to develop and optimise your project, no matter whether you would like to use an international standard as a basis or an evaluation system that is geared to specifications that apply specifically in Switzerland:

• GNB city districts
• LEED for neighbourhood development
• BREEAM communities
• Sustainable districts by Sméo: guideline for sustainable architecture
• 2000 Watt site

We know all of the evaluation methods and can advise you in matters ranging from the selection of a standard to project realisation. With the inclusion of a standardised certification system or guideline, we can work together to identify the important areas to be addressed and enhance the sustainability of your project.

What energy infrastructure and production systems are available? Where in your municipality is the need for energy the greatest and where is it available in surplus amounts? Where is it possible to exploit local sources of renewable energy? How are the various districts and buildings in your municipality expected to meet their energy needs in the future? What will this mean for existing enterprises and local value creation?

We gather and compile all of the necessary information in a geographic information system (GIS) and draw the central conclusions for achieving your energy goals. We help you to gain an overview and we make space-related recommendations concerning the sources of energy that are to be prioritised. Finally, we work together with you to develop specific local measures for direct implementation.

The Energy City certificate

The aim of the Energy City programme is to encourage cities to enact environmentally sustainable policies. All of the cities that have been awarded the Energy City certificate have successfully completed a comprehensive process that leads them to sustainable energy, transport and environmental policies. In the framework of the process, city officials, business leaders and private citizens are encouraged to join forces in the interest of achieving a common Goal.

Energy City consulting

As an accredited Energy City consultant, we help municipalities obtain the Energy City certificate. Around 60 municipalities in the Cantons of St. Gallen, Thurgau, Zurich, Aargau and Graubünden have come to value our goal-oriented and pragmatic approach. We would also be delighted to help you reach your energy management goals. In the framework of implementation, you can profit from our energy and mobility know-how, energy development plans, energy accounting practices for municipal buildings, building standards, procurement guidelines, energy seminars, etc.

A map says more than a thousand tables.

While data are an essential basis for sound decision making, they are often only available in forms that are not directly interpretable (e.g. as extensive tables). Geographic information systems (GISs) can be used to gather, process, analyse and visualise data in map form.

GIS application

Data compilation with the use of a GIS reduces the complexity of the task and yields specific information that can be used to make decisions. Our service encompasses the systematic compilation of raw data, the intuitive spatial illustration and the analysis and interpretation of the results. Examples of spatial analysis with a GIS include energy plans, heating registries and heating needs analyses. GISs are also ideally suited to tasks such as the systematic capture and representation of large building portfolios, including their accompanying parameters such as area calculations, energy data, etc.

Our climate is changing. It is becoming hotter, drier and extreme events more frequent. This places a burden on urban areas. At the same time, the pressure and demands on outdoor spaces are increasing due to high-density construction and legally required retention. Outdoor spaces, green and open spaces and buildings therefore need appropriate design and active management. A natural and climate-adapted environment in the urban area is therefore key for success.

We look beyond the building 

We offer a comprehensive range of services to support customers such as:

• building contractors
• architects, landscape architects, planners, horticulturists 
• cantons, municipalities, schools

in the planning and realisation of green façades, outdoor spaces and green and open spaces.

Our services 

• Development of a mission statement and strategy for green and open space design 
• Outdoor space concepts for new buildings, conversions and redesigns
• Support with regard to certifications for sustainable construction according to SNBS (Flora and Fauna), DGNB, LEED, BREEAM, 2000-Watt Society 
• Consulting and support during the planning and construction process 
• Inventory, site assessment, planning of measures as well as support in the planning and implementation of natural and climate-adapted outdoor spaces 
• Consulting, support and management for roofs and façade greening, also in combination with PV systems
• Consulting and support for water retention systems 
• Presentations, guided tours, workshops, information events, article writing, tips, communication with the public, tenants or employees 
• Building technology concepts in the context of global warming

Municipalities play a key role in the fight against climate change. By planning aspects that are related to land use, biodiversity, mobility, energy and citizen transport, municipalities can mitigate the effects of climate change while helping to reduce its causes. In this way, the quality of life of citizens can be improved.

Amstein + Walthert has many years of experience in supporting municipalities.

Most journeys begin or end at home. The available infrastructure and the mobility options at home and at work are crucial factors that influence decisions about which form of transport to use. The aim of sustainable mobility management is to offer alternative mobility solutions to the occupants and users of buildings. Thus reaching your daily destinations without having to own a motor vehicle should be made easier.

In order to reach these goals, Amstein + Walthert develops customised solutions for its clients. The basis for the development of these solutions is an analysis of weak spots and points of conflict in connection with slower means of transport, the mobility behaviour of the building's residents and the options for improvement supported by the residents.

Enterprises that are virtually predestined to implement sustainable mobility management include companies, building cooperatives, municipalities and educational institutions.

Do you want to realise your real estate project in conformity with the goals of the 2000 Watt Society? Or are you looking for an accounting methodology that covers all of a building's energy needs over the course of its entire life cycle?

The SIA Energy Efficiency Path guideline (SIA 2040) derives target values from the energy reduction path proposed by the 2000 Watt Society for a building's non-renewable energy needs and greenhouse gas emissions. The guideline also distinguishes itself in terms of the fact that grey energy and local mobility options are included in the evaluations along with operational energy.

We would be delighted to accompany you from the first preliminary study to project planning in order to ensure that your real estate project is compatible with the 2000 Watt Society's objectives for 2050. Using the SIA guideline as a basis, this is an option in various building categories (e.g. homes, offices and schools) both for new buildings and renovations.

At your request, we would also be happy to accompany you after project realisation to monitor compliance with the projected values.

Energy trustee

We are a trustworthy partner in matters of energy policy. When facing technical energy challenges, our competent specialists work together with you to develop optimal solutions that meet the relevant sustainability criteria.

Master planning

From the municipal 2000-watt concept to the energy development plan and the organisation of energy associations and district networks, we offer a comprehensive range of services for municipalities as they draft their master energy plans for the community.

Buildings and sites

We offer comprehensive energy consulting services based on the latest standards, including building analyses, operation optimisation planning and the management of processes relating to statutory audits and sustainability certification programmes.

Energy supply

The Swiss Federal Council's adoption of the Energy Strategy 2050 and the deregulation of the electricity market have introduced significant energy market restructuring. New roles, new business models and new services are in demand. We support your efforts to respond effectively to the changes.

Energy industry

We advise you when it comes to new business models, smart grids, feed-in remuneration arrangements, incentives regulation, efficiency strategies and energy storage solutions.

Feasibility and financing

We help you to plan and finance your energy projects. We work together with you to find an optimal solution, whether via contracting, equity capital, grants and subsidies or cooperative models.

How should you approach the task of developing a site these days so as to ensure its success on the market? And at the same time guarantee that it remains economically and ecologically sustainable in the long term?

The aim of the 2000 Watt site certificate programme is to distinguish large civil engineering projects that can demonstrate a sustainable use of resources, low emissions and low-impact mobility concepts in connection with the construction and operation of buildings. The programme is popular among investors on account of the marketing advantages it introduces and its flexibility compared to other certification programmes. For instance, differences between buildings and between types of energy use can balance one another out in a composite assessment. Public agencies value the certificate as an instrument for establishing energy standards for public and private property. It thereby corresponds to the goals of the 2000 Watt Society and helps to ensure compliance even during the operation phase.

As an accredited 200 Watt site consultant we accompany private developers and investors from the first feasibility study to certification in the development phase and recertification in the operation phase. We also provide public agencies with crucial information for the political process and accompany them as far as the implementation of demanded 2000 Watt sites.