In the scope of a pilot project, the Umwelt Arena Spreitenbach is building a solar-powered apartment block together with other partners. “We’re committed to the following principles: collect, store, save and care,” said architect René Schmid. According to a news release, energy will be collected and then stored, making efficient energy consumption especially important. For this reason, the building has to serve as more than just a power plant – it has to be intelligent, too, by helping residents improve their energy efficiency. The apartment block is the first of its kind in the world that does not require an external electricity, oil or natural gas supply. The project partners hope it will demonstrate that it is already today possible to implement Switzerland’s energy strategy.
A 3D model of the building is on display in the Umwelt Arena to provide interested parties with technical information about the project. According to the Umwelt Arena, a number of potential tenants have expressed interest in living in the apartment block. A jury will choose the tenants based on criteria such as energy awareness, environmental concern or openness to experiment.