Buildings case studies
Asbestos survey of Wincasa apartments
The management of the Wincasa project regularly consulted us as part of its rental property management services.
Construction project at MIC, expertise in existing elements
An ambitious construction project of an eco-district is in the process of being carried out on the old paper mill site in Marly.
Geriatric Clinic, St. Gallen,Building inspection with subsequent planning and project management
Between 2017 and 2019, the geriatric clinic underwent renovation and refurbishment. As part of the construction project, a section of the building was demolished in order to extend the building.
Glatt Tower, Wallisellen, Remediation planning and management of asbestos removal project
The high-rise office building at the Glatt Centre in Wallisellen was renovated and refurbished in stages. In the course of the contamination investigation, various construction materials containing asbestos and PAH were identified and remediated prior to the renovation work.
ZKB Building, Neue Hard, Zurich, Remediation planning and management of asbestos removal project
Zurich Cantonal Bank’s main building at Neue Hard in Zurich was renovated and refurbished in stages. In the course of the contamination investigation, various construction materials containing asbestos were identified and remediated prior to the renovation work.
The Reinhard estate, Hausen am Albis, Building inspection with subsequent project management
Redevelopment work was carried out at the Reinhard estate in Hausen am Albis, which is subject to a preservation order. Due to the year of construction and the various renovations undertaken prior to 1990, a survey was carried out prior to redevelopment to identify the presence of any hazardous materials (asbestos, PAH, PCB) in the structure.
Ambient air, indoor toxins, radon case studies:
Testing the indoor air quality of an office space - Smell investigation and health / toxicological assessment of the indoor air
The offices of an authority in Eastern Switzerland are located in a former industrial building that is over 150 years old. Due to the employment of new staff, the authority rented additional office space in this building. However, an unpleasant, solvent-like and unusual smell was detectable in these facilities and made it impossible to remain there for any prolonged time.
Remediation monitoring of mould remediation at a child-care centre
Ecosens AG was tasked by the administration of a municipality in the Canton of Zurich to carry out final monitoring of the remediation of large-scale mould damage at a child-care centre.
Determining the biocide content in animal specimens - Investigating the arsenic and mercury contamination of animal specimens at Dübendorf Primary School
Until the 1980s, animal specimens were treated with arsenic trioxide or compounds containing mercury to protect them from insects. There is therefore a health hazard from arsenic and mercury to teachers and students in schools as a result of touching the specimens or breathing in contaminated dust.
Naphthalene in indoor air - Risk assessment and development of a remediation concept
An old multi-storey building in a major Swiss city was to be repurposed. When planning the renovation work, one of the participants noticed an unpleasant chemical smell. Chemical analysis of the indoor air showed that it was strongly polluted with naphthalene.
Radon measurements in cantonal vocational schools and secondary schools
Radon is a naturally occurring, radioactive ground gas that can penetrate into the building through leaks between building and soil and accumulate, particularly on the lower floors. Radon inhaled in high concentrations over a long time can lead to lung cancer.
Monitoring the formaldehyde remediation of a school building
Increased formaldehyde concentrations in the indoor air were found to be the cause of health problems among teaching staff in a school building in the Canton of Zurich. Formaldehyde is used in the production of synthetic resins, which are in turn used in the production of chipboard and other laminated wood materials.
Study into the contamination of indoor air by emissions from construction materials
When ambient air is tested in new buildings or following renovation works, elevated levels of problematic substances continue to be detected. One of these is the suspected carcinogen methylethyl ketone oxime. Possible sources include construction products such as wooden floor treatments, joint sealants and paint.
Radon testing in schools and childcare settings
After the new Radiological Protection Ordinance came into force on 1 January 2018, radon testing must now be carried out in schools, nurseries and some other childcare settings throughout Switzerland.
Inspection of an apartment affected by mould
The management of an apartment building in the canton of Aargau instructed Ecosens AG to carry out a survey of an apartment affected by mould.
Ambient air testing in accordance with Minergie-ECO at Gönhard School’s new building in Aarau
A new building was added to the existing Gönhard School facility, providing additional space for the primary school, the preschool and the music school.
Extension of Winterthur Remand Centre - Minergie-ECO® standard
The cantonal remand centre in Winterthur is outdated and does not have sufficient cells. It will therefore be replaced with a new building in the coming years.