Suurstoffi: Setting new Swiss building standards with Holcim inside

Near Holcim’s home in Zug, Switzerland, the Suurstoffi project in Risch-Rotkreuz is redefining how large-scale urban developments can integrate our innovative solutions including ECOPact¹ ReCarb and ECOPlanet² low-carbon cement, as the country’s first urban area to achieve DGNB Platinum status.

Envisioned as a vibrant, mixed-use district combining residential, commercial, and green spaces, Suurstoffi’s ambitious, integrated sustainability strategy combines building materials, renewable energy, and cutting-edge infrastructure.

Achieving DGNB Platinum status 
 

Suurstoffi developer Zug Estates envisioned an entirely car-free neighborhood that prioritizes the wellbeing of residents and employees, through green spaces, biodiversity and social integration. Through an ambitious “Zero-Zero” strategy, Zug Estates targeted strict sustainability measures throughout both the district’s construction process and operational lifecycles.

To meet this commitment, Zug Estates chose Holcim as their partner to supply high-value building materials and solutions during the construction phase, and we ensured that our tailor-made solutions met the project’s highly specific needs.

This enabled Suurstoffi to win recognition as a truly sustainable project during construction, as the first urban area in Switzerland to receive the prestigious DGNB Platinum pre-certification status from the Swiss Sustainable Building Council (SGNI).

This is the Swiss variant of the German award scheme administered by the German Sustainable Building Council, which recognizes buildings, districts and interiors that meet strict environmental, economic and social standards - with DGNB Platinum the highest award possible.

Using ECOPact Recarb to sequester carbon 
 

Holcim supplied the S43 and S45 sub-projects in Suurstoffi with ECOPact and ECOPact Recarb concretes, as well as our low-carbon ECOPlanet cement. These solutions were used to build everything from apartments and commercial spaces, to parking garages and basements.

“Zug Estates is using carbon-reduced concrete for the first time in this project, which has resulted in a significant reduction in emissions during construction,” says Roger Ochsner, Head of Construction Projects for Zug Estates.

“Holcim’s solutions have had a positive impact, in terms of our company’s goal of achieving DGNB Platinum certification for Suurstoffi.” 

6 200 m³ of concrete mixed with ECOPlanet was used for the buildings’ ceilings, lowering carbon emissions by up to 31% while ensuring long-term structural strength and durability.

For interior walls and exposed concrete elements, 2 800 m³ of Holcim’s ECOPact Recarb, an innovative circular concrete, was used. This uses carbonated, recycled concrete aggregates to permanently mineralize and sequester at least 10 kg of carbon per cubic meter of concrete.

To support Zug Estates’ sustainability ambitions, Holcim provided verified product-specific EPDs for all its solutions, as well as carbon-capture certificates for ECOPact Recarb, systematically detailing the sequestration process it provides.

In addition, to close the material loop and reduce use of primary materials, several recycled concrete types were used in the structures as well, including RC-C25, RC-C50 and WD.

Overall, Holcim’s low-carbon solutions reduced the carbon emissions of the Suurstoffi S43 and S45 sub-projects by 34.5% compared to the KBOB benchmark for standard concrete, resulting in an almost 5% emissions reduction across the entire project footprint.

A lighthouse for NextGen living and working 
 

As a lighthouse for the development of NextGen cities, Surstoffi’s innovation extends beyond the building materials and solutions used in its construction, to the smart, energy-saving infrastructure installed in the district and its urban connectivity.

Heating and cooling are powered by a network connected to a local geothermal field, while rooftop and facade photovoltaic systems generate nearly 437 kWp of solar energy. There are EV charging stations and bays, as well as a walkable connection to the local train station.

“With Suurstoffi, Zug Estates has created an integrated, car-free area that combines living, working, and leisure activities. The district sets new standards with its diverse architecture, high-quality landscaping with generous outdoor spaces, and virtually CO₂-free operations,” says Philipp Hodel, Head of Communications for Zug Estates.

Suurstoffi has set a new Swiss DGNB Platinum standard as a place to live, work and thrive - with Holcim’s innovative, low-carbon solutions inside.

¹ECOPact achieves at least 30% lower GWP (kg CO₂e/m³, A1-A3 scope) compared with the applicable Ordinary Portland Cement (CEM I/Type I) concrete reference. 
²ECOPlanet achieves at least 30% lower GWP (kg CO₂e/t, A1-A3 scope) compared with the applicable Ordinary Portland Cement (CEM I/Type I) reference.