We take into account the urban development objectives for the respective areas and strive to support them in the best possible way. We also consider aspects of urban identity. The central location of our properties in large cities means that a considerable proportion are listed buildings. Such buildings help to shape our identity, and their preservation helps to maintain the intangible value for society. As the owner, we therefore bear a great responsibility, and we take this seriously. Stories from Bern, Zurich and Geneva:
Location attractiveness
Promotion of attractive, future-oriented locations
We create lively areas where people can meet, enjoy spending time and where local jobs are created. As the owner of numerous listed properties, we also bear a special responsibility not only to preserve historical buildings, but also to ensure their attractiveness and functionality for the future. Our properties are accessible with environmentally friendly means of transport thanks to their central location and the infrastructure that we provide.
Key figures
98
% ‘well’ or ‘very well’ connected
Public transport quality class
48
% of the portfolio (market value)
Historic buildings
99
% of the portfolio (rental space)
with RE ESG Plus-Rating
Goals
- Excellent location of the properties
- High product quality through respectful treatment of historic buildings and certification of properties
- Enhancement of the property environment
Strategy
- Investment strategy focused on attractive city-centre locations
- Involvement of local stakeholders
- Close cooperation with historic preservation authorities
- Enhancement of the property environment
RE ESG Plus Rating as an indicator of sustainability
To enable us to make statements about the portfolio in terms of sustainability, we have all properties assessed on the basis of the RE ESG Plus rating. Depending on the purpose, the results of the analysis can be examined at different aggregation levels. The analysis is suitable both as an external communication tool and as a working tool for the continuous optimisation of properties and portfolios. The rating is updated annually and also serves as an important criterion for our sustainable debt financing.
Timeless values
Ecological enhancement
Wherever possible, we enhance the environment around our properties, as well as the terraces, façades and roofs, in an environmentally friendly way, thereby also counteracting unwanted heat islands in the city. As part of the renovation of the large courtyard of the property at Hochstrasse 16 / Pfeffingerstrasse 5, a spacious green area was designed with biodiversity criteria in mind, which will be fully developed in spring 2025. The pre-certificate for natural environment planning has already been issued by ‘Stiftung Natur & Wirtschaft’.
Find out more about our flagship project at Seestrasse 353 in Zurich and about the goals, challenges and solutions relating to greening and biodiversity:
Sustainable mobility
Thanks to their central location and the infrastructure we provide, our properties can be reached using environmentally friendly forms of transport. The public transport (PT) quality categories provide information about the public transport connections in an area. Important criteria included in this figure are the distance to the stop, the type of transport and the frequency of services. In this respect, 98% of our properties are rated as ‘well’ or ‘very well’ connected. Wherever possible, we also support sustainable mobility with bicycle parking, charging stations for electric vehicles and facilities such as changing rooms and showers.
Examples from the portfolio
Transformation of the “Zürcherhof”
The so-called “Zürcherhof” at Limmatquai 4, an iconic Zurich landmark, was renovated in 2023. Great importance was attached to preserving the historically significant features that give the Zürcherhof its unique character. This applies not only to the façade, but also to the internal structure, which was restored to reflect the original architectural concept.
Development of the Grosspeter site in Basel
The Grosspeter site in Basel is being gradually transformed. In doing so, we are taking aspects of urban identity into account. The Grosspeter Tower set a new urban accent in 2017. The Clime hybrid timber construction, which was completed in 2023, further enhances the site.
Promoting ecological mobility
In 2024, the bicycle parking capacity at Westpark (Pfingstweidstrasse 60, 60b) was expanded with 50 additional parking spaces.
Biodiversity project at Seestrasse 353 in Zurich
We redesigned the surroundings of our office in Zurich in 2023. Such ecological enhancement measures not only benefit the flora and fauna, but also offer added value to tenants.
Modernity, energy efficiency and heritage protection at 40 rue du Marché in Geneva
The renovation of the building at Rue du Marché 40 in Geneva, completed in 2020, shows that it is possible to optimally reconcile the objectives of monument protection, energy efficiency and modernity.
