Asbestos and other building pollutants
So that you know where to expect pollutants
Caution with conversions and conversions
In buildings constructed before 1990, pollutants such as asbestos, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and heavy metals are to be expected.
In normal building use, there is generally no health risk from pollutants. However, improper demolition work can endanger people. There is therefore an obligation to investigate building pollutants prior to conversion or demolition work.
We provide you with comprehensive advice on building pollutants and support you in deciding when which investigation makes sense and when remediation measures are required. Our lawyers are at your disposal for legal questions in connection with asbestos and other pollutants.
Our services
Our environmental professionals can assist you with the following services:
- Preparation of expert reports on building pollutants for transactions, condition analyses or as part of feasibility studies (screenings)
- Preparation of expert reports on building pollutants prior to construction measures (building checks, preliminary remediation investigations)
- Creation of project-specific disposal concepts for construction waste, taking into account building pollutants (in accordance with the requirements of Article 16 of the Ordinance on the Prevention and Disposal of Waste VVEA)
- Support in the planning and implementation of asbestos removal (specialist planning and site management)
- Implementation of "private control" of building pollutants in conversion or demolition projects in the canton of Zurich
- Assessing the need for action, clarifying liability issues, assessing obligations under public law, advising on warranty claims in purchase contracts
Building check, specialist planning, Construction management and asbestos measurement
We survey and assess building pollutants as part of building checks or screenings and support building owners and construction managers in the further planning and implementation of pollutant remediation.
Contact
Denise Kull-Portmann
Co-Head of Department, Building Pollutants
Katrin Tanneberger
Co-Head of Building Pollutants
Our references
Glattower, Wallisellen
Geriatric Clinic, St. Gallen
Development of the eco-district, Marly
Residential complex, Lausanne
Glattower, Wallisellen
The high-rise office building at Glattzentrum in Wallisellen was renovated and converted in stages. Various building materials containing asbestos and PAHs were identified in the course of the pollutant investigation, which were remediated prior to the renovation. Various asbestos deposits were found in the façade. The refurbishment was carried out on the basis of a detailed refurbishment concept drawn up by Ecosens. The 12 floors of the Glatt Tower were renovated one after the other. This was followed by the renovation of the façade. The refurbishment was devized and technically supervised by Ecosens. more >>
Geriatric Clinic, St. Gallen
The geriatric clinic was renovated and converted between 2017 and 2019. The construction project also included the demolition of a section of the building to enable the extension of the building. Various components and materials containing asbestos were discovered in the building as part of pollutant investigations. These were professionally removed and remediated in various stages over a period of three years. Part of the clinic was still in operation during the refurbishment. Ecosens AG provided technical and measurement support for the remediation work. more >>
Development of the eco-district, Marly
A challenging construction project is currently underway on the site of the old Marly paper mill with the creation of an eco-district. In addition to its geological and contaminated site services, Ecosens also carried out an asbestos survey of the buildings to be demolished as part of the project and supervised the asbestos removal work.
The rest of the site is also regularly inspected by Ecosens to assess the various elements or buildings still in place as part of their normal use or as the construction work progresses. more >>
Residential complex, Lausanne
We are regularly consulted by Wincasa's management as part of the management of their apartment buildings. Ecosens has already carried out several apartment inspections when tenants move out. In this case, it is important to adapt to regional regulations and to stay up to date in order to anticipate problems that may arise from existing procedures. more >>
