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Strengthening Sino-Swiss Collaboration: Intep Hosts Delegation on Zero Emission Buildings

As part of the Sino-Swiss Zero Emission Building (ZEB) Project, two delegations led by the China Academy of Building Research (CABR) visited Switzerland from April 21 to 24, 2025. The four-day technical program was organized by the Swiss implementation partners intep and Skat, on behalf of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC).

The delegations consisted of high-level representatives from Chinese enterprises, research institutions, universities, and green building associations. The aim of the visit was to deepen bilateral exchange on zero-carbon building technologies, policies, and implementation strategies—and to explore pathways for continued international cooperation.

Intep led site visits and expert discussions at Swiss projects that showcase sustainable construction and district development. Many were certified 2000-Watt Sites—a label co-developed by intep—demonstrating ambitious standards in energy and resource efficiency. The delegation engaged with public and private stakeholders on planning, circularity, building performance, climate adaptation, and beyond.

Highlights of the Visit

Lokstadt Neighborhood, Winterthur

The former industrial site has been transformed into a vibrant low-carbon quarter and is Winterthur’s first 2000-Watt Society demonstration project—certified by intep. Dr. Feng Lu-Pagenkopf, Senior Consultant at intep, explained the site’s integrated approach to energy planning, building efficiency, and sustainable lifestyles.

The delegation poses for a picture at Greencity, Zurich.

Greenity, Zurich

Certified as the first 2000-Watt Site under the Energy City standard, Greencity includes 13 buildings across 8 hectares and is powered entirely by renewables. A smart grid will manage energy flows, with surplus electricity directed to storage or e-mobility. Following an introduction by Dr. Lu-Pagenkopf, Andreas Binkert, Chair of the 2000-Watt Smart Cities Association, led a guided tour of the site.

Dr. Feng Lu-Pagenkopf (2nd from left), Senior Consultant at intep, guided the delegation around the Greencity Campus in Zurich together with Andreas Binkert (4th from right), Chairman of the 2000-Watt Smart Cities Association.

Freilager Campus, Zurich

Another 2000-Watt Site certified by intep, the Freilager district showcases circular urban planning and a low-temperature heating network (AnergieNet). After a welcome by CEO Jean-Claude Maissen, a technical seminar and tour offered practical insights into Minergie standards and the integration of climate-friendly infrastructure.

Technical seminar at the Freilager Campus.

NEST at Empa, Dübendorf

The modular research and innovation building NEST, located at the Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (Empa), served as another program highlight. The delegation explored NEST’s facilities and learned about Empa’s interdisciplinary research efforts. Presentations by Swiss and Chinese partners illustrated the joint progress of the ZEB Project and the importance of real-world testing environments for net-zero solutions.

Die Delegation besuchte das modulare Forschungs- und Innovationsgebäude NEST an der Empa.

Fostering International Collaboration

The visit reaffirmed the value of cross-border knowledge transfer and strengthened momentum for the continued collaboration between China and Switzerland. With over 45 years of experience in consulting for sustainable planning, building, and certification, intep is proud to support this international dialogue and contribute to the development of scalable, climate-neutral solutions in the built environment.